Sony CCD-TR81 Lens Assembly Replacement

Written By: Andrew

Comments: 4

Difficulty

Difficult

Steps

Time Required

50 minutes - 1 hour

Introduction

If the lens of the Sony CCD-TR81 video camera cracks or becomes cloudy, replacing it can be costly and confusing. This guide shows how you can easily access the lens assembly to make a quick replacement. You must remove the battery and the outer casing to get to the lens assembly for proper replacement or repair.

Tools

Step 1

Lift viewfinder to access battery pack.

Step 2

Press the battery release button.
While pushing the battery button, slide the battery to the left.

Step 3

Pull the battery pack out of the video camera.

Step 4

Open the cassette cover.
Unscrew 14 screws located on the outer casing. Three are located on the top face 2x6.8mm and 1X4.54mm, three on the left face 1x4.54mm,1x5.3mm and seven on the bottom face 5x4.54mm and 2x6.77mm.

Note: left side third screw is behind eyepiece.

carl -

Step 5

Remove five screws from the right side, from bottom to top, 3x4.54mm 2x5.70mm.
Remove the single 4.5 mm screw from the backside.

Step 6

Pull off the plastic tape cover by lifting it up and out of the camera base.

Step 7

Disconnect the mic assembly by pulling it away from the camera base.
Do not pull too hard as the wires are still connected.

Step 8

Pull the bottom part of the case away from the camera.

Step 9

Remove the three 4.5 mm screws from the right face of the video camera.

Step 10

Remove the single 3.6 mm screw at the front of the video camera on the circuit board.

Step 11

Pull the audio/video inputs underneath the microphone assembly. The inputs should still be connected to the circuit board.

Step 12

Remove two remaining 3.6 mm case screws from the front of the camera.

Note, one screw is at right-angle to other screw.

carl -

Step 13

Using metal tweezers, pull out the plastic connector box on the front side.
Again use metal tweezers to pull out the connection box on the bottom of the camera. The right side of the case can now be removed by pulling it to the right.

Note: If you are trying run the tape loading motor to get a tape out, the 2-pin red connector (visible in the round hole next to the connection box) can be gently disconnected. This connector is labeled as CN603 on the board and in the service manual. Applying 4v to 5V on the 2 wires of this connector will move the motor for loading or unloading depending on polarity.

carl -

Step 14

Remove the three screws from the circuit board.

When you remove the top-right screw, a steel bracket will be free. Lift it out and save it before it gets lost.

carl -

Step 15

Using metal tweezers, pull out the plastic connector box located in the center area.
Pull up the circuit board.
Be careful; it should still be connected to a band wire.