Sony has issued a recall and free repair for a small number of affected Sony FE 16-35 F2.8 GM lenses.
Sony has found that for a small number of the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM “SEL1635GM” lens, the camera may not operate correctly when the lens is attached .
If you have one or more of the lenses and they are subject to this rare phenomenon (described below in more detail), you will be eligible for Sony’s free check & repair program. Sony will repair the affected lens, free of charge, until the 31st March 2023.
Phenomenon:
The camera may not operate correctly when the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM lens is attached.
The display on the rear monitor of the camera may not work correctly when the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM lens is attached.
How to proceed:
Only a limited quantity of the produced units are susceptible of being affected by this rare phenomenon. Please validate that your specific unit might indeed be affected using our Serial Number Checker (UK) or Serial Number Checker (US).
If you are experiencing these symptoms, and your Serial Number is validated, please go to a nearby Authorised Service Centre to proceed to the free repair (you will be redirected to an Authorised Service Centre locator if your Serial Number is validated)
For more information, please see this support article on Sony UK or this one on the Sony US site.
Where can I find my serial number?
The production serial number is inscribed on the plate located on the side of the lens.
I have used the lens a lot over the past years and never had issue with it until now. I thought it was a camera body issue (Sony A7RIII) which I had tested and came back no fault. So the lens was put in for repair, I got it back worse than when I sent it in. It now knocks when starting up and the motor is making a lot of noise. It also shifts exposure once the focus is locked. Not really impressed that for a top of line expensive lens the replacement is as faulty as the original recall. Surely they should replace the lens
I’m in the same boat as you Tim – the checker says my lens is affected however I can’t recall ever experiencing the ‘Phenomenon’ whereby the display on the rear monitor of the camera may not work correctly. I bought the lens in NYC when I was on holiday there in August 2017 very soon after it was released. Really unsure as to what to do for the best?! The free repair is valid until 31st March 2023 so will monitor how the lens operates and drop it into Fixation in London (Sony Authorised Service Centre) if needs be.
I will probably keep an eye on mine as well, although I was thinking to sell it as I’m not using it a great deal but I’ll have to send it in before selling it. Luckily there is a repair shop in my town otherwise I guess I would have been paying for the postage.
Tim
I too do not want to send mine in, although it’s serial no. Shows affected. I’ve had no issues with it, and do t want anyone tinkering with it. Wondering if I should just wait as long as I can…
Nelson
Hello Tim
I never sent my 1635GM out to Sony as it’s not showing any issues whatsoever. I think I won’t bother as I don’t need someone messing with it. Did you end up sending yours out? Thanks
Nelson
Hey Nelson. I’ve not noticed any issues with mine so like you decided not to send it in for someone to mess around with. Cheers, Tim
Thanks and be safe out there
Checked serial number and mine says it’s affected however it just gives me locations in the UK. Switched location to USA and I get lost in the matrix. How would I proceed?
Try this one Derek: http://support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/csinfo/?CASE_ID=L1GNZ8SL – Otherwise just give Sony Support a call and they should be able to help.
Interesting to see. Sent mine in twice for repair. On the 2nd occurrence Sony sent me a new lens.
Mine is affected as well but I haven’t had any issues with it yet (touch wood) so not sure if I want to send it off.