Sony became aware that some units of the E-mount FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM (SEL1635GM), on sale from 28 July 2017, could cause the attached camera to become inoperable, or affect the function of the camera's rear monitor, when the lens was attached.
Sony offered free inspection and free-of-charge repair for affected lenses, identified by serial number using the validator on the notice page. The serial number is on the model plate at the base of the lens.
Sony noted that the symptom eligible for free repair is caused by the failure of a specific electrical printed circuit board. Where a lens failure was caused by other components, those repairs could carry a cost.
This advisory matters beyond the lens itself: a fault that presents as a dead camera body but originates in a lens is exactly the kind of misattribution that distorts reliability data when reports are not structured.