Sony a6000 Eyepiece Cup

[timeasley]

Bought my a6000 soon after release, but one of the things that annoys me hugely is how easily the eyepiece cup falls off. After about a month of using the camera and having a few "close calls", I finally lost this piece.

Since my camera was still under warranty I contacted Sony to ask about a replacement, who told me they don't help with "accidental damage", and gave me the URL of an "official supplier", who wanted £27 for one including their cheapest postage option. Ridiculous.

I contacted Sony customer support and their answer was essentially "tough, it's your fault and not our problem". After explaining that £27 for a small piece of plastic that shouldn't fall off so easily in the first place was ludicrously high, and e-mailing a few more times their answer is still the same. Really not happy with Sony's customer service. They told me if I didn't want to pay £27 to get it, I could send my camera in for repair (what on earth?) but that it would cost "much more".

Anyway, I ended up buying the piece from Japan via eBay, which was only £10. I say "only" but £10 is still a lot for a small piece of plastic. I talked to their Twitter team, who didn't seem to understand the issue, and told me to try here, at the Sony community pages. No idea why, but here I am!

Has anyone else had this issue and attempted to get Sony to sort it out with any success?

[RonanCantwell]

I've had my a6000 for less than two weeks and today noticed that the eyepiece has fallen off. This must have happened yesterday while out and about. It's ridiculously bad design for this part to detach so easily. Looking through the other "community" posts about this camera this seems to be a universal problem with this model and Sony should at least acknowledge this. They should at least include a spare with the camera since it's a known issue. I've had to order a cheap replacement from China on eBay - certainly won't be putting any more money Sony's way!

[ctindill]

My eyecup also had a couple of close escapes before finally dissapearing. Also lost the unattached lens cover although it turned up in my Son's girlfriend's pocket! Haven't got it back though because she is now an ex! For an excellent fair priced camera Sony really let themselves down with bits that cost them pence.

[effluxion]

I lost mine within days of buying the camera. Then I find the actual part number is totally unavailable. The part is fda-ep16. Part fda-ep10 can be bought and fits, apparently but I'm not sure if this is exactly the same part. Maybe it's exactly the same.

This is a very poor show and a really stupid way to turn customers off. Sony needs to remember that their competitors cameras are mostly built like tanks even if they are falling behind in other areas. I used Canons for twenty years and never lost any part ever. The eyecup on these Sony cameras is utterly flawed design. It simply falls off. Any new user needs to be made aware of this because they will lose the eyecup eventually, guaranteed.

[ctindill]

Totally agree. I have lost 2 to date!!

[effluxion]

Does anybody know if part code FDA-EP10 is the same as FDA-EP16 which is the actual part number for the A6000 eyecup? I can't get anywhere with Sony support. Waste of time. In fact the A6000 will probably be my first and last Sony product. it's a great camera for the money and I was looking at a portable Sony recorder for audio tracks but I'm looking elsewhere now. Sony = zero support. Their app store is a joke as well. Apps are not updated to take advantage of new features in the A6000 firmware update. These are functions supplied for free in other cameras.

[timeasley]

The FDA-EP10 is the one I use on my A6000, so yeah exactly the same part. Not sure why they have different part numbers. I couldn't see any difference whatsoever.

You can buy them for like £2 on eBay now including postage, or even less if you buy a pack, so it's not too bad. Sony should be selling them for that price. I agree their customer service is terrible.

[effluxion]

OK thanks. I actually bought one from ebay but the seller accidentally sent the wrong eyecup (not for the A6000 at all) and I had to return it. Now that I know they are the same I might get him to send me two of the FDA-EP10s.

I'm actually not sure why this eyecup falls off so easily but when I get a new one I'll look at it to see why. it's obviously flawed. I'm also left handed which means the eyecup is more important because I use my left eye through the viewer meaning my nose is against the screen.

[timeasley]

If you get two, try making a tiny hole in the side of one of them with a hot pin, then you can thread a small string through it and tie it around one of the metal strap things on the side of the camera, that way if it falls off it stays with it.

[ctindill]

Now that is a good idea and as I have ordered three I can give it a try. I
is a pity that we have to go to such lengths due to a design fault on Sony's
part.