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The camera fails to turn on, even after the battery is determined to function properly.
It is possible that the camera’s battery was not charged. To remedy this, plug the camera’s battery into the charger, and ensure that the plug is securely and entirely plugged into an outlet.
If the camera does not turn on, even after an attempt to charge the battery, it is more than likely possible that the battery has completely failed and will require replacement. To replace the battery, remove the battery block from its housing, and insert a replacement battery into the old battery’s location. Attempt to power on the camera. For further reference, please see our replacement guide on how to replace a faulty battery.
The Sony a7 is equipped with a central motherboard that controls most of the camera processes. The motherboard is located inside the camera housing. A more comprehensive teardown will be necessary to address any issues with the motherboard itself. For further reference, please see our replacement guide on how to address a faulty motherboard.
The camera’s rear display fails to light up, display pictures, or allow interaction with the menu.
Ensure that the rear-facing camera screen is clear of all foreign objects by using an approved cleaning solution and cloth to clean off the surface. Contaminants and debris may have hindered the ability to view the Liquid Crystal Display screen (LCD) fully.
Once it has been determined that the screen had not been obscured by any vision obstructing objects, it is possible that the Liquid Crystal Display Screen (LCD) has failed, which will require further action as the screen will need to be replaced. For further reference, please see our replacement guide on how to replace a faulty LCD screen.
The camera battery door assembly does not move or is jammed in a manner to prevent movement.
Once determined that the battery is not the source of the issue, analyze the battery door assembly. Disassemble, and ensure that the joints are properly lubricated, and there are no obstructions that could prevent the smooth flow of the opening and closing motion.
The camera is unable to show a proper connection when plugged into a computer, and it cannot download photos.
Try unplugging the USB prong from the camera and checking to make sure that the right plug is being used to connect to the computer. Once verified, check the computer’s external device settings to ensure that no security restrictions are blocking the port from being read. Restart the computer and refresh all relevant data and folders about the camera’s files.
If all other options fail to yield an effective result, it may be possible that the camera’s AV port itself has failed. This would require a full-scale breakdown of the camera to access the part and the repairing or replacement of the part with another. For further reference, please see our replacement guide on how to repair the AV port.
The camera’s shutter door fails to deploy in an open or closed position on a proper cycle.
Using an approved cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth, ensure that the lens and housing section that surrounds and protects the lens is fully cleaned off, and free of any debris. Foreign contaminant buildup in the area could cause the shutter door to fail, and improperly follow the programmed cycle.
If the shutter problem persists, the next course of action would be to replace the lens assembly. Other attempts to fix the shutter door unit would be tedious, costly, and could void any warranty. The shutter door failure is a common enough occurrence that the lens assembly can be acquired and replaced. For further reference, please see our replacement guide on how to replace the lens assembly.
