A9III EVF Problem
p.1 #1A9III EVF Problem
EDIT: Received call advising camera repaired.
Timeline of repair process:
Thursday June 25 - Fault Logged
Wednesday July 1 - Sony booked job with repairer
Thursday July 2 - Camera delivered to repairer
Monday July 6 - Advised repair complete
So not too bad.
Not over the moon with Sony's response.
As long as repair centre have put my camera back together again, no complaints with them.
I'll pick it up tomorrow morning.
---------------------------------------------------
It seems almost certain this will have to go to Sony.
A few weeks since purchase of A9III.
Maybe someone has seen a similar problem....
When looking through viewfinder, I see multiple blue vertical lines.
Evenly spaced, about 8 of them.
In a dark environment, they are still there but rather than the usual very noisy display, I get a lot of blue noise.
On playback, the lines change to seeming random artifacts.
The rear LCD is normal.
Permanent issue, ie always when shooting, for playback of every image.
Image Playback:
Same Image on Rear LCD
Processed Image
Edited on Jul 13, 2026 at 05:26 AM · View previous versions
Timeline of repair process:
Thursday June 25 - Fault Logged
Wednesday July 1 - Sony booked job with repairer
Thursday July 2 - Camera delivered to repairer
Monday July 6 - Advised repair complete
So not too bad.
Not over the moon with Sony's response.
As long as repair centre have put my camera back together again, no complaints with them.
I'll pick it up tomorrow morning.
---------------------------------------------------
It seems almost certain this will have to go to Sony.
A few weeks since purchase of A9III.
Maybe someone has seen a similar problem....
When looking through viewfinder, I see multiple blue vertical lines.
Evenly spaced, about 8 of them.
In a dark environment, they are still there but rather than the usual very noisy display, I get a lot of blue noise.
On playback, the lines change to seeming random artifacts.
The rear LCD is normal.
Permanent issue, ie always when shooting, for playback of every image.
Image Playback:
Same Image on Rear LCD
Processed Image
Edited on Jul 13, 2026 at 05:26 AM · View previous versions
Jun 24, 2026 at 04:55 AM
p.1 #2A9III EVF Problem
With the LCD and actual photos being fine that pretty much points to a viewfinder issue. Sounds like a trip back to Sony is in order. bummer.... ☹️
Jun 24, 2026 at 06:48 AM
p.1 #3A9III EVF Problem
Must just be a faulty EVF....off to Sony it goes.
If this was purchased new I'd just return it and buy another. I don't think this is a common problem so I wouldn't worry about it happening on a second copy. If returnable I'd certainly go that route over dealing with Sony service.
If this was purchased new I'd just return it and buy another. I don't think this is a common problem so I wouldn't worry about it happening on a second copy. If returnable I'd certainly go that route over dealing with Sony service.
Jun 24, 2026 at 07:26 AM
p.1 #4A9III EVF Problem
I'm in Australia.
Consumer law regarding replacement depends on whether fault is classed as minor or major.
I believe this will be considered minor.
I think I will be stuck with the less desirable option, Sony repair.
There is a major failure with a product when it:
is unsafe.
has either one serious problem or several smaller problems that would’ve stopped you from buying the product if you had known beforehand.
is very different from the description, sample or demonstration you received.
can’t be used for its expected purpose and can’t easily be fixed within a reasonable time.
If a product has a major fault, you are entitled to your choice of a replacement product or a full refund.
Minor failures include smaller problems that don’t fit into the major failure categories, for example, loose threads on clothing or a broken remote for an electronic device.
If your product has a minor issue, the business is only obligated to repair it free of charge – it doesn’t have to offer you a replacement or refund.
Although, who'd buy a camera with this EVF fault?
"that would’ve stopped you from buying the product if you had known beforehand."
Then again, who'd buy an electronic device if they knew the remote was broken?
Consumer law regarding replacement depends on whether fault is classed as minor or major.
I believe this will be considered minor.
I think I will be stuck with the less desirable option, Sony repair.
There is a major failure with a product when it:
is unsafe.
has either one serious problem or several smaller problems that would’ve stopped you from buying the product if you had known beforehand.
is very different from the description, sample or demonstration you received.
can’t be used for its expected purpose and can’t easily be fixed within a reasonable time.
If a product has a major fault, you are entitled to your choice of a replacement product or a full refund.
Minor failures include smaller problems that don’t fit into the major failure categories, for example, loose threads on clothing or a broken remote for an electronic device.
If your product has a minor issue, the business is only obligated to repair it free of charge – it doesn’t have to offer you a replacement or refund.
Although, who'd buy a camera with this EVF fault?
"that would’ve stopped you from buying the product if you had known beforehand."
Then again, who'd buy an electronic device if they knew the remote was broken?
Jun 24, 2026 at 07:43 AM
p.1 #5A9III EVF Problem
I own one. Unfortunately, this is definitely not normal
Under Australian law, who decides whether something is minor or major? Can you contact the dealer you bought it from and ask for an exchange?
I imagine that would be the most expeditious route. And the most desirable one. No matter how expertly something is repaired, I would always prefer one that has never been taken apart and put back together
Under Australian law, who decides whether something is minor or major? Can you contact the dealer you bought it from and ask for an exchange?
I imagine that would be the most expeditious route. And the most desirable one. No matter how expertly something is repaired, I would always prefer one that has never been taken apart and put back together
Jun 24, 2026 at 09:14 AM
p.1 #6A9III EVF Problem
Just another data point for you - I have had my A9iii for about a year and a half and this is definitely not nm normal. Good luck with getting this resolved!
Jun 24, 2026 at 09:18 AM
p.1 #7A9III EVF Problem
Choderboy wrote:
I'm in Australia.
Consumer law regarding replacement depends on whether fault is classed as minor or major.
I believe this will be considered minor.
I think I will be stuck with the less desirable option, Sony repair.
There is a major failure with a product when it:
is unsafe.
has either one serious problem or several smaller problems that would’ve stopped you from buying the product if you had known beforehand.
is very different from the description, sample or demonstration you received.
can’t be used for its expected purpose and can’t easily be fixed within a reasonable time.
If a product has a major fault, you are entitled to
Although, who'd buy a camera with this EVF fault?
"that would’ve stopped you from buying the product if you had known beforehand."
Then again, who'd buy an electronic device if they knew the remote was broken?...Show more →
I don't know how they will see it but to me a wonky EVF is a critical fail for a camera. I'd call that a major fault even though you can continue to take photos. But the EVF being your main window to the world is not a minor issue.
I'm in Australia.
Consumer law regarding replacement depends on whether fault is classed as minor or major.
I believe this will be considered minor.
I think I will be stuck with the less desirable option, Sony repair.
There is a major failure with a product when it:
is unsafe.
has either one serious problem or several smaller problems that would’ve stopped you from buying the product if you had known beforehand.
is very different from the description, sample or demonstration you received.
can’t be used for its expected purpose and can’t easily be fixed within a reasonable time.
If a product has a major fault, you are entitled to
Although, who'd buy a camera with this EVF fault?
"that would’ve stopped you from buying the product if you had known beforehand."
Then again, who'd buy an electronic device if they knew the remote was broken?...Show more →
I don't know how they will see it but to me a wonky EVF is a critical fail for a camera. I'd call that a major fault even though you can continue to take photos. But the EVF being your main window to the world is not a minor issue.
Jun 24, 2026 at 09:55 AM
p.1 #8A9III EVF Problem
Choderboy wrote:
I'm in Australia.
Consumer law regarding replacement depends on whether fault is classed as minor or major.
I believe this will be considered minor.
I think I will be stuck with the less desirable option, Sony repair.
There is a major failure with a product when it:
is unsafe.
has either one serious problem or several smaller problems that would’ve stopped you from buying the product if you had known beforehand.
is very different from the description, sample or demonstration you received.
can’t be used for its expected purpose and can’t easily be fixed within a reasonable time.
If a product has a major fault, you are entitled to
Although, who'd buy a camera with this EVF fault?
"that would’ve stopped you from buying the product if you had known beforehand."
Then again, who'd buy an electronic device if they knew the remote was broken?...Show more →
That's definitely not normal. I hope you have a contact at your retailer who can get you a replacement rather than a repair.
I will be interested to know what the outcome is - being in AU myself !
I'm in Australia.
Consumer law regarding replacement depends on whether fault is classed as minor or major.
I believe this will be considered minor.
I think I will be stuck with the less desirable option, Sony repair.
There is a major failure with a product when it:
is unsafe.
has either one serious problem or several smaller problems that would’ve stopped you from buying the product if you had known beforehand.
is very different from the description, sample or demonstration you received.
can’t be used for its expected purpose and can’t easily be fixed within a reasonable time.
If a product has a major fault, you are entitled to
Although, who'd buy a camera with this EVF fault?
"that would’ve stopped you from buying the product if you had known beforehand."
Then again, who'd buy an electronic device if they knew the remote was broken?...Show more →
That's definitely not normal. I hope you have a contact at your retailer who can get you a replacement rather than a repair.
I will be interested to know what the outcome is - being in AU myself !
Jun 25, 2026 at 02:11 AM
p.1 #9A9III EVF Problem
Just a thought is peaking engaged? Maybe toggle it off.
Jun 25, 2026 at 05:19 AM
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p.1 #10A9III EVF Problem
macwest wrote:
Just a thought is peaking engaged? Maybe toggle it off.
Good suggestion, it was off.
I tried changing display settings High, Standard, also Refresh Rate, Peaking On/Off.
Just a thought is peaking engaged? Maybe toggle it off.
Good suggestion, it was off.
I tried changing display settings High, Standard, also Refresh Rate, Peaking On/Off.
Jun 25, 2026 at 05:42 AM
p.1 #11A9III EVF Problem
macwest wrote:
Just a thought is peaking engaged? Maybe toggle it off.
Good suggestion, it was off.
I tried changing display settings High, Standard, also Refresh Rate, Peaking On/Off.
Just a thought is peaking engaged? Maybe toggle it off.
Good suggestion, it was off.
I tried changing display settings High, Standard, also Refresh Rate, Peaking On/Off.
Jun 25, 2026 at 05:42 AM
p.1 #12A9III EVF Problem
No joy with Digidirect regards replacement.
Thankyou for contacting Sony. Your query will be processed shortly our support team will contact you soon to assist.
Only other experience with Sony was 2019. Mode dial fell off 4 week old A9.
Clunky process.
No choice but to arrange pickup by courier even though it went to Sony place 10 minute drive away.
I was told it would have to go to DigiCam in Adelaide, no repairs done at that Sony place.
Advised an update likely in about 1 week.
A couple of days later I was notified that camera had been shipped. I assumed that meant it had been shipped to Adelaide.
Then the camera arrived, fixed! So good outcome, poor communication.
Found the Mode dial on the floor of my car 2 years later.
So where did the place that does no repairs get a Mode dial from and wouldn't fitting a new one be a repair?
Concerning that they warned me if any signs of mishandling were found it would void warranty.
I told them I had taken many photos of every side of the camera with a macro lens and I had handled camera carefully so there would be no evidence of mishandling. In hindsight maybe just a standard disclaimer, but rubbed me the wrong way.
Thankyou for contacting Sony. Your query will be processed shortly our support team will contact you soon to assist.
Only other experience with Sony was 2019. Mode dial fell off 4 week old A9.
Clunky process.
No choice but to arrange pickup by courier even though it went to Sony place 10 minute drive away.
I was told it would have to go to DigiCam in Adelaide, no repairs done at that Sony place.
Advised an update likely in about 1 week.
A couple of days later I was notified that camera had been shipped. I assumed that meant it had been shipped to Adelaide.
Then the camera arrived, fixed! So good outcome, poor communication.
Found the Mode dial on the floor of my car 2 years later.
So where did the place that does no repairs get a Mode dial from and wouldn't fitting a new one be a repair?
Concerning that they warned me if any signs of mishandling were found it would void warranty.
I told them I had taken many photos of every side of the camera with a macro lens and I had handled camera carefully so there would be no evidence of mishandling. In hindsight maybe just a standard disclaimer, but rubbed me the wrong way.
Jun 25, 2026 at 05:51 AM
p.1 #13A9III EVF Problem
Response received:
Thank you for your recent enquiry to the Sony Support team.
We received a report regarding the EVF display related issue you have on the unit below:
ILCE-9M3
I am here to help you out in this case.
To help us diagnose the issue effectively, please provide the following information:
*Have you dropped the unit?
*Are there any visible damage, scratches, or signs of liquid damage on the unit?
Please provide pictures of the camera as well for verification.
I have not got the macro lens out yet, but I knew I would be doing that.
I think it's only left home three times in the 5 weeks of ownership.
Sorry Sony, you're not getting out of this one without a fight.
Thank you for your recent enquiry to the Sony Support team.
We received a report regarding the EVF display related issue you have on the unit below:
ILCE-9M3
I am here to help you out in this case.
To help us diagnose the issue effectively, please provide the following information:
*Have you dropped the unit?
*Are there any visible damage, scratches, or signs of liquid damage on the unit?
Please provide pictures of the camera as well for verification.
I have not got the macro lens out yet, but I knew I would be doing that.
I think it's only left home three times in the 5 weeks of ownership.
Sorry Sony, you're not getting out of this one without a fight.
Jun 27, 2026 at 03:12 AM
p.1 #14A9III EVF Problem
4 days after contacting Sony.
I suppose you could call this progress:
(I followed process, fault remains)
Please try the following triage so we can fully isolate and verify the issue:
Power reset:
1. Remove all external accessories connected to the camera (e.g., flash, rig, etc).
2. Remove the SD card and battery of the camera.
3. Leave the camera off for 2 minutes.
4. Re-insert the battery and turn on the unit.
Initialise:
1. Press the MENU button
2. Highlight the TOOLBOX/BRIEFCASE icon (otherwise known as SETUP).
3. Locate and Select SETTING RESET (Format).
4. Select INITIALIZE (Format) and select OK to proceed with the reset.
5. Wait for the camera to finish rebooting.
6. Complete the initial set up of the camera.
Please reply here to let me know the result of the triage.
I suppose you could call this progress:
(I followed process, fault remains)
Please try the following triage so we can fully isolate and verify the issue:
Power reset:
1. Remove all external accessories connected to the camera (e.g., flash, rig, etc).
2. Remove the SD card and battery of the camera.
3. Leave the camera off for 2 minutes.
4. Re-insert the battery and turn on the unit.
Initialise:
1. Press the MENU button
2. Highlight the TOOLBOX/BRIEFCASE icon (otherwise known as SETUP).
3. Locate and Select SETTING RESET (Format).
4. Select INITIALIZE (Format) and select OK to proceed with the reset.
5. Wait for the camera to finish rebooting.
6. Complete the initial set up of the camera.
Please reply here to let me know the result of the triage.
Jun 29, 2026 at 05:48 AM
p.1 #15A9III EVF Problem
My Reply:
Done.
Followed above instructions (battery removed for over 5 minutes).
Lens removed, both storage cards removed.
On power up, without a lens attached, fault still remains.
Looking through viewfinder shows very noisy blue.
Same test using A7RVI shows almost perfect black.
Lens re attached (Sony GM 35 1.4) and cards reinserted.
Now, in lounge room, ISO 500, f1.4, 1/30 sec exposure shows fault: 8 vertical, evenly spaced blue lines.
These lines continue to text on bottom of EVF (ie, Shutter speed etc)
Took photo of TV.
Image Playback on EVF shows same seemingly random blue lines.
Areas of image away from TV show blue noise.
When Playback this image on Rear LCD, image appears normal, (no blue).
Photo attached showing camera with battery, lens and cards removed.
Done.
Followed above instructions (battery removed for over 5 minutes).
Lens removed, both storage cards removed.
On power up, without a lens attached, fault still remains.
Looking through viewfinder shows very noisy blue.
Same test using A7RVI shows almost perfect black.
Lens re attached (Sony GM 35 1.4) and cards reinserted.
Now, in lounge room, ISO 500, f1.4, 1/30 sec exposure shows fault: 8 vertical, evenly spaced blue lines.
These lines continue to text on bottom of EVF (ie, Shutter speed etc)
Took photo of TV.
Image Playback on EVF shows same seemingly random blue lines.
Areas of image away from TV show blue noise.
When Playback this image on Rear LCD, image appears normal, (no blue).
Photo attached showing camera with battery, lens and cards removed.
Jun 29, 2026 at 05:49 AM
p.1 #16A9III EVF Problem
Finally, received notification that Sony accepts my camera does need a repair and can now be sent to authorised repair centre. (I will take it there myself).
Fault logged Thursday June 25, acceptance of fault needing repair Wednesday July 1.
Definitely not record breaking time.
Fault logged Thursday June 25, acceptance of fault needing repair Wednesday July 1.
Definitely not record breaking time.
Jul 01, 2026 at 04:13 PM
p.1 #17A9III EVF Problem
Received a call this afternoon: Camera ready for Pickup!
Jul 13, 2026 at 05:22 AM