NEX 5 screen problem or is this normal?

mkvrnn · 08-20-2012

The LCD screen on my NEX 5 looks a bit strange when the camera is switched off. It has a sort of mottled look, as though the outer glass is starting to delaminate or there is some coaing on an inner surface which is breaking down. When it is switched on the image is absolutely fine.

Is this normal or should I be worried about it?

Paddy C · 08-20-2012

That's not normal. Is it:

1. The LCD protector the camera ships with? I assume you pulled that off but I have to ask.

2. Grease/smudges?

mkvrnn · 08-20-2012

Hi Paddy
Thanks for the suggestions.
I have to admit that the effect is exactly like the screen protector still being in place. In fact I didn't buy the camera new so I can't be certain that the protector has been removed, but if it is still on there then it is a very precise fit on the screen and I can't see an edge.
I'm going to pick away at one corner but I'm a bit worried about causing damage in case I'm picking away at the screen itself rather than a protective film!

BobYIL · 08-20-2012

What a nice surprise for you!

I suggest you order asap this glass protector if you want it remain like new. I used this in my former Nex-5 and using on the new Nex-5N too: (It's glass, very difficult to scratch..)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GGS-BF-II-Pr...item2a1d25a61f

clear2000 · 08-20-2012

I don't know if this is normal but it happen to my Nex5. I just removed the outer layer and placed a Giottos glass screen protector on the LCD.
This video may help:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xW724cngWk4

Dante_Stella · 08-20-2012

Delamination of the thick "super black" layer. There is an outfit in Chicago on Ebay that will replace your screen with the original part for $45. You can try to replace this with glass, but you won't get the same contrast out of the screen.

Dante

peterm1 · 08-20-2012

I have had the problem as well - apparently its endemic. I have gone down the route of having a Giotto protector over the top to begin with. I have not removed the plastic "super black" layer yet but may dot hat later.

But its a bloody pain and its a reason why I think I will not upgrade to a 5N or a 7. I dont want to buy a camera that has a liability due to poor design. When Sony fixes the issue permanently I may reconsider.

mkvrnn · 08-22-2012

Thanks to all for the replies. the Youtube videos were especially useful.

I'm not sure what to do now. The screen is still absolutely fine when switched on, so perhaps I should leave it as it is, although I've started lifting the outer layer in one small corner. What if I just peel off the outer layer and leave it like that? Or maybe I'll buy one of those glass screen protectors off fleabay.

Either way, I agree with Peterm1 and I've lost faith in the camera so I've decided to sell it.

Incidentally, I bought both the NEX 5 and an Olympus Pen E-PL1 on the strength of an Olympus Pen S which I bought second hand in 1966 for £12 and which I still have. I was hoping that these cameras might be the modern equivalent. That Pen S was superb, and still is, with a build quality which modern cameras can't match. I bought it for colour slides because it gave me 72 shots on a roll of film rather than 36 so the running costs were halved, but the lens was so good that I found the results were at least as good as my full frame 35mm camera. I've recently bought two Pen FTs as well but haven't tried them yet.