I have had my handycam for almost 5 yrs and only used it 4 times... I had this trouble within 7 mos from purchase and had called sony's techs where he told me that this model suffered from video lockout when the screen was flipped upside down...somehow it locks the iris shut and recorder records sound but no video. He talked me through the rest but when I went to use my handycam again the same thing happened and I can't reset it.... do any of you know about this trouble and have the sequence for the reset? seems a big price to pay for a camera I've only been able to use 4 times! Help!

Kathleen -MI, April 2007

I went tonight to the site and requested the fix even though it has a different model number....... we will see if sony stands behind it.... I will let you know if they fix it.

thanks

Kathleen, August 2007

That sounds very much like a faulty CCD unit - the "part" that transfers the image from the lens to the tape, especially since you say it will record sound! This will be a Sony repair option and, if it is the CCD unit, then the repair will be free - yes, even after 5 years!! Go to this web site

http://esupport.sony.com/perl/news-item.pl?mdl=DSCF717&news_id=118

and carry out the test procedure. It is an American site. If your camcorder DOES show this problem then go to this site (GB- IF you are in UK!!)

http://www.sony.co.uk/view/ShowArticle.action?articlesection=1&article=1144943030573&site=odw_en_GB

and download the "Repair Request Form" - towards the bottom of the page.

The USA site - as is often the case - provides the better troubleshooting info!!!

Ray Peate, April 2007