NEX 5t EVF and Flash not working

[Bryan]

So just out of the blue, my EVF stopped working. Literally, I took a shot with it, checked the image in playback on the large viewfinder, deleted it, went back to take another, and the EVF was out. Not only does it not auto switch, when i push the switch button, the big screen goes out, but nothing shows up in the EVF. Thankfully, when I push again, I can get the big screen back up so I can see menus and stuff. I figured my EVF went bad, but later in investigating,  I discovered that the flash doesn't work either. The camera recognizes it, but the orange charge lamp never stops blinking, and I can't fire the shutter. So I'm thinking something is wrong with the port and/or software. 

 

I take care of my things- -never dropped or abused. The only oddity might be that I use it underwater. I have a high quality housing and never had any leak issues. I don't think it's related, but I thought I'd mention it.

 

I scoured the web for ideas and did all the basic stuff. I replaced batteries, cards, and lenses. . .and I reinitialized. I also upgraded to the latest firmware version. No good. So I contacted Sony but only got the recommendation to send it in. The minimum estimate was $220. As much as I love the 5t, this is where I would normally think of upgrading. The problem is my diving. Housings are very camera specific so. . .new camera = new housing =  >$2k for the housing alone. I can't do it.

 

But, I figured i could get another (used) 5t. Sure enough I was able to find many for sale on eBay for less than that $220 repair price tag AND get a lens I don't currently have. I got it today. It's in great shape, everything works EXCEPT the EVF and flash. So which of these improbabilities am I facing???

 

Both my flash and EVF went out at the same time?  

 

OR

 

I managed to find another 5t with the exact same problem?

 

My next move is to take all four pieces of equipment to a store and try combinations with new stuff to see which ones are not working. But I thought I throw this out there to see if it makes sense to anyone and/or anyone can shed some light on this.

 

Thanks!!