How much does it cost to replace/repair batterie tabs ?
- Thread starter 4mat
- Start date
Contact_Therapy
Well-known member
I'm curious, what did Panasonic do to fix this? Just replace the plastic tab with another?
Reason I ask is I had read that Panasonic US fixed this issue with all their new HVX cameras however I just picked up a new HVX courtesy of Panasonic Canada and it has a flimsy plastic tab on it that looks like it isn't going to last long.
Can anyone post some before and after pics?
TIA
Reason I ask is I had read that Panasonic US fixed this issue with all their new HVX cameras however I just picked up a new HVX courtesy of Panasonic Canada and it has a flimsy plastic tab on it that looks like it isn't going to last long.
Can anyone post some before and after pics?
TIA
The replacement is a newly designed piece and was implemented mid 2006.
I also would like to see before and after photos.
I'd also like to see what broken tabs look like.
I also would like to see before and after photos.
I'd also like to see what broken tabs look like.
Lenilenapi
Carbonite Member
I believe they just replaced a plastic piece with a stronger metal one but I'm not sure. Mine was just done for free as they have extended the warranty on this. Send it in, they were very quick at Panasonic in LA.
puredrifting
Major Contributor
First time, if under warranty period, is free. Second time and after is $300.00 to $400.00. This is from the authorized Panasonic repair facility in Santa Monica.
Dan
Dan
Spec-Comm
DVXuser Sponsor
If you are out of your warranty period, the back panel and the battery compartment are about $80 each. Then you have about three hours of labor on top of that so $415 sounds about right. It's a pretty hefty bill so make sure you get them replaced under warranty if you camera needs them.
This is off subject but before a camera is sent in for repair "under warranty", confirm that your camera is a legitimate USA camera. We have gotten multiple cameras in for repair and they have been turned down because they are gray market and do not apply to the Panasonic USA warranty. To save us all the frustration, check your serial number. If your camera is legit, it will have a letter at the beginning. This represents the month it was born. Then it will have a number and it represents the year it was born (should be either 6 or 7 for an AG-HVX200.) Here is the important part. It should then have a "TC" or a "TD". If it has an NC or anything else, then it's gray market and cannot be covered under USA warranty. Then the last four numbers tell you which camera off the line your were. So if your serial number is A6TC0015 for example, then your camera was the fifteenth camera made in January of 2006 and it was distributed through the USA distribution channels. Another thing to take note of is if you have purchased an extended warranty to cover a gray market camera, then you need to contact your warranty agency to have them recommend a service center unless your contract stipulates that it is your decision to choose a service center. Some do that and they work, but keep in mind that you must pay the bill yourself FIRST and then provide them with the invoice or else you will be waiting a while for your camera.
I'm sorry about the rant and for hijacking the thread. I hope that you can get your tabs changed out 4mat. I know that you're in the UK so some of what I said doesn't apply (serial number letters, country, etc...) Also, if anybody needs me to check your serial number to see if it's a USA model, please e-mail or PM me with your number and I'll give you a pass or fail.
Best regards,
Andrew Hoffman
Senior Operations Manager
Specialized Communications Corp.
20940 Twin Springs Dr.
Smithsburg, MD 21783-1510 USA
800-359-1858
301-790-0103
Fax: 301-790-0173
andrewh@spec-comm.com
www.spec-comm.com
Please visit our new online store at ( http://www.spec-comm.com/store ). New products being added daily!
This is off subject but before a camera is sent in for repair "under warranty", confirm that your camera is a legitimate USA camera. We have gotten multiple cameras in for repair and they have been turned down because they are gray market and do not apply to the Panasonic USA warranty. To save us all the frustration, check your serial number. If your camera is legit, it will have a letter at the beginning. This represents the month it was born. Then it will have a number and it represents the year it was born (should be either 6 or 7 for an AG-HVX200.) Here is the important part. It should then have a "TC" or a "TD". If it has an NC or anything else, then it's gray market and cannot be covered under USA warranty. Then the last four numbers tell you which camera off the line your were. So if your serial number is A6TC0015 for example, then your camera was the fifteenth camera made in January of 2006 and it was distributed through the USA distribution channels. Another thing to take note of is if you have purchased an extended warranty to cover a gray market camera, then you need to contact your warranty agency to have them recommend a service center unless your contract stipulates that it is your decision to choose a service center. Some do that and they work, but keep in mind that you must pay the bill yourself FIRST and then provide them with the invoice or else you will be waiting a while for your camera.
I'm sorry about the rant and for hijacking the thread. I hope that you can get your tabs changed out 4mat. I know that you're in the UK so some of what I said doesn't apply (serial number letters, country, etc...) Also, if anybody needs me to check your serial number to see if it's a USA model, please e-mail or PM me with your number and I'll give you a pass or fail.
Best regards,
Andrew Hoffman
Senior Operations Manager
Specialized Communications Corp.
20940 Twin Springs Dr.
Smithsburg, MD 21783-1510 USA
800-359-1858
301-790-0103
Fax: 301-790-0173
andrewh@spec-comm.com
www.spec-comm.com
Please visit our new online store at ( http://www.spec-comm.com/store ). New products being added daily!
Last edited:
Spec-Comm
DVXuser Sponsor
I'll take some pics as soon as I can.
Best regards,
Andrew Hoffman
Senior Operations Manager
Specialized Communications Corp.
20940 Twin Springs Dr.
Smithsburg, MD 21783-1510 USA
800-359-1858
301-790-0103
Fax: 301-790-0173
andrewh@spec-comm.com
www.spec-comm.com
Please visit our new online store at ( http://www.spec-comm.com/store ). New products being added daily!
The cost of repair is about $415.00 as Andrew says.
However, add another $120.00 for shipping and insurance.
That's steep to me and it is my opinion that Panasonic should replace these at its dime BEFORE they break for all pre May06 shipped cams.
However, add another $120.00 for shipping and insurance.
That's steep to me and it is my opinion that Panasonic should replace these at its dime BEFORE they break for all pre May06 shipped cams.
The cost of repair is about $415.00 as Andrew says.
However, add another $120.00 for shipping and insurance.
That's steep to me and it is my opinion that Panasonic should replace these at its dime BEFORE they break for all pre May06 shipped cams.
Absoulutely, although mine was shipped in May 06. You know this puts people in an awkward position. Should we have broken our tabs purposefully so we can get it fixed properly? I have gone to great lengths to protect the tabs, but these little plastic nibs breaking is inevitable.
Shame on Panasonic for not fixing these beyond the warranty!
Who says they don't?
The battery tab problem has been acknowledged as a design flaw, and Panasonic covers it for a period of at least two years.
You're preaching to the choir on this issue.
I've repeatedly approached Panasonic on this issue, and the uniform response has been that they will not cover the expense of repair.
I offered to pay shipping if Panasonic would cover the replacement parts AND labor, and I was told NO.
To me this is an issue of good customer service on a $8000 purchase for us because we bought early.
However, Panasonic doesn't see it that way in my opinion.
I've repeatedly approached Panasonic on this issue, and the uniform response has been that they will not cover the expense of repair.
I offered to pay shipping if Panasonic would cover the replacement parts AND labor, and I was told NO.
To me this is an issue of good customer service on a $8000 purchase for us because we bought early.
However, Panasonic doesn't see it that way in my opinion.
Following advice seen elsewhere I installed velcro pads to help support and stabilize the battery in the camera and haven't had any problems with broken tabs.
I used the stiffer "loop" half of the velcro, not the softer "pile" half.
For anyone needing repairs, I might suggest going through Andrew at Spec-Comm since he has a full understanding of the situation, and knows how to deal with it via Panasonic.
I used the stiffer "loop" half of the velcro, not the softer "pile" half.
For anyone needing repairs, I might suggest going through Andrew at Spec-Comm since he has a full understanding of the situation, and knows how to deal with it via Panasonic.
Quite a few people. If you can show me where it says the tabs are covered for "at least 2 years" I would appreciate it.
I agree. You can't find anything about a two year replacement warranty on battery tabs at any Panasonic site. It doesn't exist.
A Panasonic representative told me that I "didn't know the policy" which I took to mean that the policy is not in writing nor is the warranty necessarily extended to two years.
Another Panasonic representative told me of his frustration is getting a firm statement from Panasonic USA on this issue when i telephoned him.
It's unfortunate, and I have been accused of fomenting trouble whenever I express my disappointment with Panasonic on this issue.
A $6000 cam should not have the potential to lose a shoot and a client because of this design defect in my opinion.
A Panasonic representative told me that I "didn't know the policy" which I took to mean that the policy is not in writing nor is the warranty necessarily extended to two years.
Another Panasonic representative told me of his frustration is getting a firm statement from Panasonic USA on this issue when i telephoned him.
It's unfortunate, and I have been accused of fomenting trouble whenever I express my disappointment with Panasonic on this issue.
A $6000 cam should not have the potential to lose a shoot and a client because of this design defect in my opinion.
Ive' said enough positive things about the HVX and Panasonic, that they are going to have to forgive me for this one criticism. You're right, people that lay out this kind of cash for this camera shouldn't have to worry about a design defect. (an admission made by Panasonic both implictily and explicitly)
I have heard the velcro cause problems with heat displacement, although I know a few people who use this method with good results. I just don't understand why we need to rig the cameras to protect them.
I have heard the velcro cause problems with heat displacement, although I know a few people who use this method with good results. I just don't understand why we need to rig the cameras to protect them.
I hadn't experienced any heat dissipation problems with the velcro fix, and I tend to keep the camera "on" for extended periods of time due to the nature of the subjects I cover.
I consider it on par with putting on a UV filter to protect the front element. It's a feature that wasn't included by Panasonic but it's a good preventive measure.
I bought my camera more than a year ago and so far -- knock wood -- no battery tab problems.
I consider it on par with putting on a UV filter to protect the front element. It's a feature that wasn't included by Panasonic but it's a good preventive measure.
I bought my camera more than a year ago and so far -- knock wood -- no battery tab problems.
It would be a customer relation coup for Panasonic US to provide a low cost program to replace any battery tabs for cams produced before May 2006.
I mean if it can promote 8 GB p2 card rebates and then substitute 16 GB cards, why can't it provide replacement of the battery compartment for those of us who missed those promotions and have to make unnecessary velcro accommodations.
Just doesn't sit well with me.
I mean if it can promote 8 GB p2 card rebates and then substitute 16 GB cards, why can't it provide replacement of the battery compartment for those of us who missed those promotions and have to make unnecessary velcro accommodations.
Just doesn't sit well with me.