The Hamster Clinic (or the Repair Advice Thread)

blockman · 25-03-2015 9:00pm

zerohamster wrote: »

Sounds like the diaphragm has failed.
PM me if you are interested in repair and I can give you details.

Details have been sent by PM

scoobydoo07 · 28-04-2015 10:04am

Hi there
I recently purchased a canon 50d camera at a good price secondhand. I noticed that when you take a picture and review it on the LCD display,the very bright sections of the picture flash black momentarily .
When you press the zoom feature in one click the problem disappears. It isn't a major issue but just distracting .
My question is can this be fixed easily enough ??
Thanks for your advice

zerohamster · 28-04-2015 11:11am

scoobydoo07 wrote: »

Hi there
I recently purchased a canon 50d camera at a good price secondhand. I noticed that when you take a picture and review it on the LCD display,the very bright sections of the picture flash black momentarily .
When you press the zoom feature in one click the problem disappears. It isn't a major issue but just distracting .
My question is can this be fixed easily enough ??
Thanks for your advice

Hi,

I don't believe that is actually a fault. It sounds like you have 'highlight alert' switched on (I believe that is the name). This feature highlights any part of the photo that is blown out and is quite useful as you want to keep that to a minimum.

The option should be accessible in the menu (the 2nd blue menu when the camera mode dial is set to manual, AV or TV).

I hope this helps and enjoy the new camera!

scoobydoo07 · 28-04-2015 11:33am

Fair play to you !!
Thanks very much maybe I should have bought a colouring book !!

zerohamster · 28-04-2015 11:42am

scoobydoo07 wrote: »

Fair play to you !!
Thanks very much maybe I should have bought a colouring book !!

No problem haha

there are lots of tiny settings that when activated unintentionally can appear to hinder usage, the most common is accidentally switching AF modes from 'one shot' to 'AI servo' which let's the camera decides whether to track a subject with continuous AF (moving subjects) or single focus which can sometimes appear as if the AF is misbehaving.

Best of luck!

Sam Russell · 06-05-2015 5:55pm

I have a Nikon F2 film camera that has TTL metering. It shows + for over and - for under exposure. However, it only shows - (under exposure) no matter how much light is there. Either the detector is dead, or is covered. How can I access it to test it?

The camera is more of a museum piece but is working otherwise and I would like it to work fully.

zerohamster · 06-05-2015 6:26pm

Sam Russell wrote: »

I have a Nikon F2 film camera that has TTL metering. It shows + for over and - for under exposure. However, it only shows - (under exposure) no matter how much light is there. Either the detector is dead, or is covered. How can I access it to test it?

The camera is more of a museum piece but is working otherwise and I would like it to work fully.

The meter might just have lost sensitivity with age but there are certainly a few things to try first.

a couple of things to try first though...

The meter will only work with the wind lever in the stand-off position. Set a speed of 1/60 and an aperture of f1.4 and move the camera past a light source - see if the meter moves.
There's a battery check button on the front of the F2 finder - pushing it with the wind lever out should center the needle in the +/- display - both in the finder and on top of the finder as well (which is great for setting up a street shot exposure without having to look through the camera)
The finder is designed to be interchangeable - the silver button which you need to use your nail to depress on the back of the camera and the lever on the front right of the finder (looking from behind the camera) both need to be pressed / turned at the same time and the finder will just lift off (the lever at the front needs to be pushed in before you can turn it)
Give the contacts which pass power up from the camera into the finder a gentle clean.
With the finder off, turn the film speed / shutter speed dial a few times to clean up the track as much as possible.

I hope this helps.

Sam Russell · 06-05-2015 6:50pm

Thanks for that.

The display is just 3 LEDs, one next to +, and one next to - and one in the middle.

The - is continuously lit whatever light enters the lens.

I put new batteries in it, and one LED lights, so that is far as I have got.

Any idea where the sensor is placed in the camera? It could be just crud covering it.

westdub · 08-05-2015 9:25pm

I have a Nikon D7000 with a scratched sensor filter, is it a big job to replace?

zerohamster · 08-05-2015 10:08pm

Sam Russell wrote: »

Thanks for that.

The display is just 3 LEDs, one next to +, and one next to - and one in the middle.

The - is continuously lit whatever light enters the lens.

I put new batteries in it, and one LED lights, so that is far as I have got.

Any idea where the sensor is placed in the camera? It could be just crud covering it.

I am not familiar with the model much but I believe it is in the viewfinder. You could try cleaning the surface of the cell but most likely you would need to replace it.

zerohamster · 09-05-2015 7:35am

westdub wrote: »

I have a Nikon D7000 with a scratched sensor filter, is it a big job to replace?

Unfortunately it can be quite expensive due to the filter price being around €100-150 depending on the source but I am not sure what Nikon charge in total for the repair. You would need to go to them to get a quote for repair.

Sam Russell · 10-05-2015 3:07pm

zerohamster wrote: »

I am not familiar with the model much but I believe it is in the viewfinder. You could try cleaning the surface of the cell but most likely you would need to replace it.

Thanks for the reply. The camera is very old and the parts may be hard to find so I might just leave it as is because it is still usable - just no TTL metering.

Thedarkb · 19-05-2015 9:06pm

I have a cosina CT1-a SLR body with a slightly tilted mirror, it has a wicked tendency to mess up my horizons. Any idea on how I can fix this?

homerhop · 21-05-2015 10:15pm

Make:Cannon

Item: Bridge Camera

Model: Powershot SX1IS

Fault: will not switch on

When/how it happened: Don't know, other half had it, gave it back saying it wouldn't switch on.

Kevbhoyo · 28-05-2015 8:55pm

Make: Canon

Item: Lens

Model: 16-35mm f2.8L

Fault: Mount of lens broke off

When/how it happened: Camera tipped over while on tripod, breaking lens

shedd7 · 29-05-2015 5:04pm

Make: Canon

Item: Lens

Model: 50mm 1.4

Fault: Not focusing in either AF or Manual

When/ how it happened Don't know, used to work fine but hadn't been used for a few months.

Thedarkb · 29-05-2015 5:09pm

Make: Petri

Item: Lens

Model: 35-70mm f/3.5

Fault: Zoom ring stiff and sticky, can't go wider than 40mm without it sticking

zerohamster · 29-05-2015 6:23pm

Thedarkb wrote: »

I have a cosina CT1-a SLR body with a slightly tilted mirror, it has a wicked tendency to mess up my horizons. Any idea on how I can fix this?

To be honest I am not familiar with this model so I can't really advise much.
Is the mirror bent or loose?

zerohamster · 29-05-2015 6:26pm

homerhop wrote: »

Make:Cannon

Item: Bridge Camera

Model: Powershot SX1IS

Fault: will not switch on

When/how it happened: Don't know, other half had it, gave it back saying it wouldn't switch on.

I'm not sure what could be wrong as there are many causes for a camera to not turn on but primarily make sure the battery is charged and also working. I have had people bring me cameras that have been dead due to the battery failing (not to say that is always or even usually the case however).
Without more details there isn't much I can speculate on. Was it dropped, got wet, didn't turn on one day or suddenly turn off whilst being used?

zerohamster · 29-05-2015 6:27pm

Kevbhoyo wrote: »

Make: Canon

Item: Lens

Model: 16-35mm f2.8L

Fault: Mount of lens broke off

When/how it happened: Camera tipped over while on tripod, breaking lens

Hi Kev,

PM me with your details and I will get back to you.

Did just the mount rip off or did the PCB come with it and rip the cables etc...

zerohamster · 29-05-2015 6:29pm

shedd7 wrote: »

Make: Canon

Item: Lens

Model: 50mm 1.4

Fault: Not focusing in either AF or Manual

When/ how it happened Don't know, used to work fine but hadn't been used for a few months.

This is quite a common fault on this lens and is caused by a barrel bending at a weak point.

PM me if you are interested in getting it repaired.

zerohamster · 29-05-2015 6:36pm

Thedarkb wrote: »

Make: Petri

Item: Lens

Model: 35-70mm f/3.5

Fault: Zoom ring stiff and sticky, can't go wider than 40mm without it sticking

This is probably caused by a deterioration of the lubricant and it drying out to jam the lens and make it stiff.

I don't think the lens is economic to repair as you can get them on ebay in working condition for about €25 shipped.

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Camera-lens-for-PENTAX-SLR-35-70mm-f-1-3-5-4-5-PROMURA-PETRI-CHINON-RICOH-K38-/360891155661

Thedarkb · 29-05-2015 6:47pm

zerohamster wrote: »

To be honest I am not familiar with this model so I can't really advise much.
Is the mirror bent or loose?

No it's just tilted slightly, you may also know this camera as the Nikon FM10, vivitar V3800n and the voigtlander bessaflex(all the same camera with different skin)

Thedarkb · 29-05-2015 6:48pm

zerohamster wrote: »

This is probably caused by a deterioration of the lubricant and it drying out to jam the lens and make it stiff.

I don't think the lens is economic to repair as you can get them on ebay in working condition for about €25 shipped.

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Camera-lens-for-PENTAX-SLR-35-70mm-f-1-3-5-4-5-PROMURA-PETRI-CHINON-RICOH-K38-/360891155661

I'm wondering how to dismantle it and clean it

zerohamster · 29-05-2015 7:04pm

Thedarkb wrote: »

No it's just tilted slightly, you may also know this camera as the Nikon FM10, vivitar V3800n and the voigtlander bessaflex(all the same camera with different skin)

I don't really deal with film camera repairs myself so I'm not familiar with the internals of this model but if the mirror arm is metal and bent it could be possible to bend it back ever so slightly but you would have to be very carefull not to break the mirror.

I am thinking it's either the mirror arm bent or the axle inside is twisted ever so slightly causing a raise on one side.

zerohamster · 29-05-2015 7:28pm

Thedarkb wrote: »

I'm wondering how to dismantle it and clean it

I've never had one in for repair so I can't tell you the exact proceedure but from photos it looks like it takes down from the back as is normal with most lenses.
The aperture ring will most likely have a spring arm or ball bearing so be carefull of that when taking it off.
From the mount you will likely be also taking the aperture level and mechanism out and rebuild the lens you may need a probe to move the aperture to a position that allows you to assemble with a working aperture ring.
Take photos on the way down at every step as some parts may attach in multiple different rotations but only one will allow correct operation.

The zoom could operate in many different ways so I can't help you there but look for loose parts or obstructions when disassembling.
If the Lubricant is dry and gummy, clean (isopropyl alcohol helps) and relube with a synthetic grease (just a small warning but don't put WD40 anywhere near a lens, just in case it isn't obvious).

The correct tools are very important, make sure you have flathead screwdrivers of different sizes (or philips if that's what it takes) and also you may need a lens spanner which will cost more than the lens if you don't have it or a similar tool already.

Nothing should require force to take off, if it isn't moving, check around for something that still needs to be removed before proceeding to the next "level" of the disassembly.

Lastly, patience and a steady hand helps.

Thedarkb · 29-05-2015 7:33pm

zerohamster wrote: »

I've never had one in for repair so I can't tell you the exact proceedure but from photos it looks like it takes down from the back as is normal with most lenses.
The aperture ring will most likely have a spring arm or ball bearing so be carefull of that when taking it off.
From the mount you will likely be also taking the aperture level and mechanism out and rebuild the lens you may need a probe to move the aperture to a position that allows you to assemble with a working aperture ring.
Take photos on the way down at every step as some parts may attach in multiple different rotations but only one will allow correct operation.

The zoom could operate in many different ways so I can't help you there but look for loose parts or obstructions when disassembling.
If the Lubricant is dry and gummy, clean (isopropyl alcohol helps) and relube with a synthetic grease (just a small warning but don't put WD40 anywhere near a lens, just in case it isn't obvious).

The correct tools are very important, make sure you have flathead screwdrivers of different sizes (or philips if that's what it takes) and also you may need a lens spanner which will cost more than the lens if you don't have it or a similar tool already.

Nothing should require force to take off, if it isn't moving, check around for something that still needs to be removed before proceeding to the next "level" of the disassembly.

Lastly, patience and a steady hand helps.

I've made the WD40 mistake before, but only as a last resort on my only k mount prime. I'm a bit uncomfortable as i've never disassembled a zoom before.

zerohamster · 29-05-2015 7:43pm

Thedarkb wrote: »

I've made the WD40 mistake before, but only as a last resort on my only k mount prime. I'm a bit uncomfortable as i've never disassembled a zoom before.

I've seen a few people do it out of frustration/last resort so I thought it may be worth a mention, definitely a mistake only made oncem that's for sure.

Older zooms tend to be less finicky than modern zooms as there is no AF mechanisms or electronics to worry about which takes the difficulty down a notch.
Be cautious and take your time. Worst comes to worst you can get a replacement for about €25 and will have learnt a lot. Photos will help as well as seperating screws and writing where they came from as it is a lot easier to disassemble than to reassemble and have a lens work. That's where the patience comes in. If you get stuck and don't see any way to go farther other than to pry, just stop and reassemble as nothing good ever comes from that.

Let me know how you get on and best of luck!

itheemperor · 04-06-2015 1:44am

Item: Lens

Model: sigma 50mm f1.4 EX DG

Fault: very bad focus issue, tried in camera AF micro adjustment, slight improvement at +20 which is the max limit, using canon 5d mark iii, no other lens have this problem,

When/how it happened:

bought this lens from a online seller and he is refusing to take any responsiblity,

Fleagle · 10-06-2015 11:53am

Make: Canon 400D

Item: Canon EFS 17-85mm

Fault: Getting the following error message - "Err99 Shooting is not possible. Turn the power switch to <OFF> and <ON> again or re-install the battery"

It only happens in daylight - it works as usual indoors. I have tried another lens and that works fine.

When/how it happened: It just happened - there was no fall or damage to the camera/lens.

noisenotmusic · 19-06-2015 3:53am

Make: Canon

Item: DSLR Body

Model: T3i/650D

Fault: Camera fails to turn on.

When/how it happened:

No idea, I used the camera to shoot a talk a few months back and it never switched on after that. It wasn't dropped and it isn't the battery (I have several batteries that all worked fine). It was kept in a camera backpack when not in use.

Bruno Victorino · 22-06-2015 1:47pm

Are you working reparing Canon Lens yet?

Make: Canon

Item: Lens

Model: 70-200L f/2.8

Fault: Fungos

When/how it happened: My Lens Got a Fungos on the last Glass, I have been at Conns ( dublin) to repair, but they want to replace the Glass and Charged me a lot money. I think is possible to clean, because the fungos is not too big.

Do you do this Job?

zerohamster · 22-06-2015 2:07pm

Bruno Victorino wrote: »

Are you working reparing Canon Lens yet?

Make: Canon

Item: Lens

Model: 70-200L f/2.8

Fault: Fungos

When/how it happened: My Lens Got a Fungos on the last Glass, I have been at Conns ( dublin) to repair, but they want to replace the Glass and Charged me a lot money. I think is possible to clean, because the fungos is not too big.

Do you do this Job?

Hi Bruno,

I do clean fungus yes.
Send me a PM with your details and I will give you a call/email/text

Cheers

zerohamster · 22-06-2015 2:09pm

noisenotmusic wrote: »

Make: Canon

Item: DSLR Body

Model: T3i/650D

Fault: Camera fails to turn on.

When/how it happened:

No idea, I used the camera to shoot a talk a few months back and it never switched on after that. It wasn't dropped and it isn't the battery (I have several batteries that all worked fine). It was kept in a camera backpack when not in use.

Sounds like an odd one but most likely caused by a blown dc/dc board for whatever reason (liquid, short circuit, corrosion), PM me if you would like me to have a look.

zerohamster · 22-06-2015 2:12pm

Fleagle wrote: »

Make: Canon 400D

Item: Canon EFS 17-85mm

Fault: Getting the following error message - "Err99 Shooting is not possible. Turn the power switch to <OFF> and <ON> again or re-install the battery"

It only happens in daylight - it works as usual indoors. I have tried another lens and that works fine.

When/how it happened: It just happened - there was no fall or damage to the camera/lens.

Sorry for the late reply.
I am guessing you are using the camera on one of the auto modes and the diaphragm has failed on the lens which means that in the dark it will be shooting wide open (simply remains open) where as when it needs to create a smaller aperture due to brighter conditions it fails and gives the error.

PM me if you are interested in repair.

Fozzydog3 · 08-08-2015 4:07pm

westdub wrote: »

I have a Nikon D7000 with a scratched sensor filter, is it a big job to replace?

Hmm is it the infrared filter ? I don't know too much about digitals but a lot of astrophotography guys get theirs removed intentionally maybe that could be cheaper and you could stick a filter on your lens ?

DonalB · 31-08-2015 8:50am

Make : Canon

Item: DSLR (body)

Model: 60D

Fault: Won't Power On. Three weeks ago during a Sunday afternoon walkabout, the camera wouldn't switch on. I switched lens and card to no effect and then I pulled out the battery and left it out for 5 minutes, then the 60D powered on, though with a couple of random errors (couldn't change ISO, stuck on 2 Sec timer). These were rectified by once again pulling the battery. Camera worked fine afterwards.

Then yesterday after using the camera for the afternoon, I had switched off the camera for a while, when it wouldn't switch back on. I pulled the battery again for 5 mins but this time it didn't work. Only after having the battery out for 30 mins did it switch back on when I got home. I fully charged the Canon battery afterwards.

I went back out yesterday evening to shoot before sunset, but camera would not switch on again after I got to my location. Taking out the battery had no effect. I left the battery out all night but the camera did not switch on this morning (though I did get intermittent activity on the SD card Write light). I removed the lens and the SD card to no effect.

It seems unlikely there is anything I can do further, I'm inquiring about Canon camera repair in Ireland or UK (or any other advice).

zerohamster · 31-08-2015 10:26am

DonalB wrote: »

Make : Canon

Item: DSLR (body)

Model: 60D

Fault: Won't Power On. Three weeks ago during a Sunday afternoon walkabout, the camera wouldn't switch on. I switched lens and card to no effect and then I pulled out the battery and left it out for 5 minutes, then the 60D powered on, though with a couple of random errors (couldn't change ISO, stuck on 2 Sec timer). These were rectified by once again pulling the battery. Camera worked fine afterwards.

Then yesterday after using the camera for the afternoon, I had switched off the camera for a while, when it wouldn't switch back on. I pulled the battery again for 5 mins but this time it didn't work. Only after having the battery out for 30 mins did it switch back on when I got home. I fully charged the Canon battery afterwards.

I went back out yesterday evening to shoot before sunset, but camera would not switch on again after I got to my location. Taking out the battery had no effect. I left the battery out all night but the camera did not switch on this morning (though I did get intermittent activity on the SD card Write light). I removed the lens and the SD card to no effect.

It seems unlikely there is anything I can do further, I'm inquiring about Canon camera repair in Ireland or UK (or any other advice).

Hi,

It sounds like from the behaviour that the dc/dc board or main pcb may be faulty in the camera. The erratic behaviour seems similar to cases of liquid damage I have seen (especially the part with some buttons not functioning although also if you are using third party batteries they can cause damage sometimes to the camera.

PM me if you are interested in repair.

Cheers.

Whools · 02-09-2015 8:04pm

Make: Nikon

Item: DSLR + Lens

Model: D7000 + 35mm 1.8 DX

Fault: Sand in the focus ring (and possibly in the camera body too?). Rough, scrapey movements when turned.

When/how it happened: Just finished my Sahara trip. Was caught in a sandstorm with camera tucked in my shirt as makeshift shield.

The camera works, no visible sand in lens elements. Left the lens attached as is, took out the battery. My question is, is there any place I can send to get the camera and lens cleaned? Would it void my lens warranty to have it cleaned?

Thanks a million.

breadbin · 09-09-2015 6:23pm

Make: Pentax

Item: Lens

Model: 43mm Limited

Fault: Very hard to turn focus ring, very very stiff. will free up if played with but then stiffens up again.

When/How it happened: Not sure how or when, camera wasn't used in a while, lens is permanently on camera body. noticed the auto focus took a long long time to focus on things. seen moisture on lens barrel but not sure how it got there. wiped it off as much as i could. body is k-50. tried other lenses but they work fine. maybe needs a clean and regrease?

Mycroft H · 24-09-2015 11:56pm

The other half tried to insert the memory card backwards into my Fuji X20. It won't click into place now, just wants to spring out. If I hold it in place it will read and write otherwise it won't catch and hold in place.

How costly is this going to be to fix? It's a gorgeous little compact which cranks out great photos, I use it a lot.

dd2283 · 20-10-2015 11:13am

hi, i have a sony alpha 3000 with a sony sel1855 lens, long story short someone dropped it on a tiled floor and the zoom on the lens has not worked since. i was just wondering if anyone could give some advice. i know its probably hard to know what it would cost to fix it without opening it or am i better to just buy a new one. thanks

sligojoek · 21-10-2015 11:13pm

Canon

350 D EOS
DSLR
Bought new in 2009

I was given this camera by my sister in law who hasn't used it for three years. When I turn it on nothing happens. The battery is reading 8.5 volts on a multimeter. I got a loan of an identical battery from a camcorder and it won't work either. So I'm gessig it's not a battery problem.

I know it's a bit vague without error messages or a physical fault. Is it worth repairing or should I get something newer second hand?

Thanks in advance.

Edit: It was working fine the last time she used it

The_fever · 25-10-2015 6:07pm

Hi I am having problems with a lens

Camera: canon EOS20D

Lens: canon ultra sonic Efs 17-85 mm, macro 0.35m/1.2ft

The lens only seems to work indoors, when I try to shoot outside when bright I get an error message of Err99 on the camera.

Can anyone shed some light!

Would really like to get this fixed

Thanks

gerdalt · 01-11-2015 1:25am

Make: Panasonic
Item: Point and Shoot Digital Camera
Model: TZ40
Fault: I notice recently that the lens cover does not fully close (photo attached).
The camera still works fine.
When I do a web search I see that this is a very common problem.
But I also read many many different solutions, from hair dryers to hammers.
An 'expert' told me not to touch or fiddle with the mechanism but to take it immediately to a good camera store.
They will have a 'magic' spray that will clear/clean away any dirt or grit that is jamming the mechanism.
Is that possible?
Else, best approach?
Or just leave it alone?
G.

TermoFix · 05-11-2015 12:34am

gerdalt wrote: »

Make: Panasonic
Item: Point and Shoot Digital Camera
Model: TZ40
Fault: I notice recently that the lens cover does not fully close (photo attached).
The camera still works fine.
When I do a web search I see that this is a very common problem.
But I also read many many different solutions, from hair dryers to hammers.
An 'expert' told me not to touch or fiddle with the mechanism but to take it immediately to a good camera store.
They will have a 'magic' spray that will clear/clean away any dirt or grit that is jamming the mechanism.
Is that possible?
Else, best approach?
Or just leave it alone?
G.

Forget about hair dryers, hammers, 'magic' sprays... You have to disassemble that built-in lens cover and you will see what is wrong. Maybe it's just some dirt, maybe something is bended, maybe springs are damaged, maybe spring holders are cracked. In most models it's easy to remove that cover and harder to assemble. Sometimes you have completely disassemble lens to reach built-in lens cover.

vulcan57 · 05-11-2015 3:00pm

I have noticed in the past few months that, at times i'm getting dark diagonal 'shadows' on some pictures. I find that if I take the lens off and replace it, or attach another lens it seems to rectify itself. For that reason I'm pretty sure that its not the lenses. I've noticed it most with my Canon 28-300mm and 16-35mm lenses. I'm using a Canon 5D III. Like I say it doesn't happen all the time, but is a little annoying and I'm hoping its nothing too serious so any info would be much appreciated.

E48E1915F5084580A002C6BD00FADB7C-0000324460-0003813598-00800L-2E9280CD289B4588B1A7CB43ACAB2C37.jpg

siobh123 · 06-11-2015 11:42am

Maybe the shutter getting stuck or not opening properly.

vulcan57 · 06-11-2015 3:22pm

siobh123 wrote: »

Maybe the shutter getting stuck or not opening properly.

I was thinking along those lines myself but wasn't sure. Thanks for the reply.

CianRyan · 07-11-2015 11:54am

Went to use my 550D today and it didn't turn on, charged the battery, still nothing.

Anyone have any experience with this? I've had a quick look at the micro switches but to be honest I barely know what I'm looking at.

Can anyone recommend a repair shop? It looks a little dusty inside anyway so it could do with a service really.

The Hamster Clinic (or the Repair Advice Thread)

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