I've been thinking about this A7II failure thread and Brian Smith's response

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/57255949

"That warning generally comes up after a fall - even if there is no impact - such as dropping a camera and catching it by the strap before impact." (Brian's response)

I have read other stories of woe about issues that seem to suddenly appear on modern cameras. Sony is not alone - I see them on other forums for other cameras as well. You try to turn on your camera one day, and it doesn't. You send it in under warranty, and you are told you did something you can't imagine has rendered your camera needing an uncovered, expensive repair.

Yes, you can argue and come here to lament, and your case can drag on for weeks - even months.

I think we have come to the point where purchasing a modern camera without manufacturer AND "drops and spills" insurance is simply asking for trouble. I'd even go further and say that buying gray market and used "as is" camera bodies is just too risky, unless you can a) use the 31-day Square Trade or other warranty, or b) you like sky diving with a parachute you didn't pack.

I am certifiably neurotic about camera purchases, laptop purchases and external hard drive purchases. I assume inexplicable failures will occur, that repairs if possible will be horribly expensive, and I will regret too late not having purchased extended warranties. Square Trade drops and spills promises to repair and return - or replace with new - your covered gear within 5 days. It's a bit over $200 on an A7II. Given the horror stories here, that sounds like a bargain.

Sony's apparent centralization of US service with Precision Camera, and the service prices they charge, are one consideration. But inherently, the new gear is so sophisticated and compact that even the most minor failure requires major subsystem replacement.

I think we all need to recognize the risk in buying any of this gear from any seller other than one prepared to stand behind the purchase - and then, backstop the purchase with an extended warranty.

When I buy a house, I know I need to factor in insurance, taxes and maintenance. Same with a car. If I can't afford the insurance, taxes and maintenance, I know I can't afford to buy them.

I think we have hit that point with cameras. If you can't afford purchase of the extended warranty, can you afford to pay the $1000 or more to repair your purchase? And perhaps, do that more than once?

I can't.

PS: If you buy an extended warranty on a product, and it's repaired or replaced by the manufacturer, DO NOT ASSUME the remaining warranty will be extended to the replacement device.

I had Seagate Rescue recover files from a failed external drive under extended "rescue and replace" - and assumed the remaining warranty time would transfer to the replacement drive with the recovered files. WRONG - and when that drive failed, I discovered that having failed to purchase and register a new warranty meant I had to pay $599 to re-recover my files. And $14.95 for a new 3-year warranty.