Sony has been aware of the shutter failure on the a7iii since shortly after its releaseĤ1.

Sony has also denied coverage to those who experienced shutter failure when their claims were submitted outside of the limited warranty period.Ĥ0. In fact, Sony has denied warranty coverage to numerous a7iii users on these grounds. Additionally, the problem is likely to reoccur, and the user will have any warranty claim denied for having caused “physical damage” in attempting to fix the shutter failure.ģ8. Though users and do-it-yourself repair enthusiasts have offered ways to unbind the shutter, these can cause damage to the shutter.ģ7. The cause is the failure of the rear curtain to clear properly.ģ6. For users whose shutters do not fail completely, they nonetheless experience abnormal banding that is evident only when using the mechanical shutter.ģ5. However, the EFCS is one of the main reasons for purchasing the a7iii and having to refrain from using it diminishes the camera’s utility and value.ģ4. When the EFCS is on, it “shortens the time lag between shutter releases and helps reduce shutter noise when taking pictures.”6ģ3. Many users, out of caution, have resorted to using the camera with the electronic front curtain shutter (“EFCS”) off, which may decrease the chance of a shutter malfunction.ģ2. Additionally, the shutter is unusually susceptible to disruption by small particles, even dust, which can cause the blades out of alignment. Moreover, the front curtain shutter material is of limited strength, causing it to break.ģ0. This is because the blades are positioned farther forward, so they “catch” and fail to fully clear.Ģ9. These include the observation that the shutter blade catches on the front edge as it moves down in taking a picture.Ģ8. Several explanations have been advanced for why the a7iii shutters fail relatively frequently and before the expected number of actuations.Ģ7.

In most instances, the shutter has become detached, as shown through the numerous a7iii users who shared pictures of their broken shutters on the internet.Ģ6.

When a user removes the lens, the shutter is closed and stuck.Ģ5. Users who experience the shutter failure have resorted to removing and reinserting the camera’s battery, but this is also ineffective.Ģ4. However, following these instructions often will not solve the problem.Ģ3. Prior to shutter failure, users report hearing an atypical shutter sound, followed by the screen turning black and displaying the following message: “Camera Error. The shutter failure manifests in a consistent way.Ģ1. The result is that purchasers must pay approximately $500-$650 for repair and replacement of the shutter mechanism.Ģ0. While the a7iii is generally sold with a one-year warranty, shutter failure occurs randomly, often outside of the warranty period.ġ9. However, numerous users report shutter failures far below 200,000 but between 10,000 and 50,000 for most of the users who experienced this.5ġ8. The shutter life expectancy on the a7iii is 200,000 actuations.ġ7. Photos from Sony A7 III users who have suffered the shutter failure, as cited by the lawsuit (Image credit: United States District Court for the Southern District of New York)

Sony nex replacing shutter counter