We have a Minolta Dimage A1 the CCD is broken and we want to get it replaced, a website said that we could do it for free but that was in 2005 and now we dont know what to do.

I have sent my A1 to Sony Canada on Sept 24 and on Oct 28 Purolator ring at the door with my A1 repaired like a new one. Anybody with an A1 with the CCD problem have tell Sony that they know a guy that had a free repair and as I am concern they will do it for free. Thank's Sony Canada

Hello gdeep, I have called Sony this morming for the same issue and they told me that the free repair is finished since last year. Did you sent your camera to 211 Placercourt, Toronto? Have you any document that I can use to have a free repair to. You can contatc me at [email protected], thank's

I am in Canada. I got my Dimage in 2004. Last month, I had CCD problem. Called Sony Service in Toronto. Recall on CCD is still valid. Sent my camera to Sony and they fixed it under warrenty no charge!. I just paid the one way shipping only.

Thanks to Sony Service Toronto !!!!!!

It's a faulty 5MP Sony CCD and there was a massive problem with them failing due to a manufacturing defect. Sony issued a "soft recall" on their own cameras whereby customers complaining of the fault outside of the warranty were being told to return the camera to Sony for a free repair. I sent two back last year which I'd bought in 2004 and they still repaired them free (it would have been cheaper for them to send me newer, later models in exchange!)

Minolta (later Konica Minolta) had a similar arrangement but have now been taken over by Sony, they are honouring some claims for Konica Minolta branded products, but not for Minolta products. I understand that this is both for practical purposes as the additional spare parts needed when the sensor is replaced are not readily available and also because the Minolta products affected have all now reached the end of their original design lifespan.

In short, you've left it too late and should have pursued the problem at the time it occurred.

Good, used A1's typically sell for £40-£50 in the UK but unless they've had a replacement sensor fitted under warranty are a big risk. Don't accept the seller's assurance that the sensor has been replaced unless they can show the sales docket. A2's have the 8MP sensor which did not have the same problem and have a far better viewfinder go for around £80-£100. Prices are somewhat lower in North America so repairs are clearly not cost effective.