I have a Sony HVR-V1U that’s getting close to 5 years old. It’s developed a problem with back-focus, which I have recently learned is a common problem with that particular model of camera. From what I’ve found so far, it doesn’t look like something I can – or should – attempt to fix myself. So, I suppose I’ll have to send it in to be repaired.

My question is if I should send it back to Sony or if I should find someone else, preferably in the Pacific Northwest area. Is there any benefit or drawback to one or another? Does anyone have any recommendations for a technician I can give some money to?

I’m in Alaska, so I’m already prepared to ship it down via UPS Overnight or some other obscenely expensive method with insurance and all that good stuff. If anyone has had any similar work done like this and can fill me on a ballpark range of how much this repair will set me back, that would be appreciated too. I’m thinking it couldn’t be more than $500-$600 excluding shipping. The camera itself is barely $3k new, so I can’t imagine a back-focus adjustment being all that intense/expensive for someone who knows what they’re doing. Then again, I’ve been mistaken before…