problem with zoom on a compact

Alligator Wine

Hey,

my Da is having a few problems with his compact, it's a Nikon coolpix P2. Basically when he goes to zoom in the photo turns out like you're looking through a telescope (there's a black circular boundary around the photo). I was wondering if anyone could tell me if there's a setting I need to change or is there something faulty with the lens?

Thanks

melekalikimaka

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vignetting

this?

Alligator Wine

That's exactly it mate, any idea how to fix it?

melekalikimaka

don't think so, can be reduced in ps but its the construction of the lens causing it. light doesnt reach the corners of the sensor in the cam due to the zoom reducing the available light coming it...

i think, corrections welcomed

Fajitas!

Can you post an example from the camera?

Alligator Wine

http://members.upc.ie/j.armstrong/DSCN0556.JPG there you go

melekalikimaka

wow thats bad, thats shocking, i think thats more than Vignetting

Alun

Hmmm ... that's a bit more than just 'vignetting' I'd say !!! Usually it's just a bit of darkening in the extreme corners of the photo, not as bad as that.

Fajitas!

Very odd indeed.

This might sound silly, but is all the glass inside the lens moving when you zoom out?

Does the image actually zoom out, or does the black circle just come around the image?

Regardless, it's a factory repair for it, but I'm just asking out of morbid curiosity!

Alligator Wine

Yeah it's pretty bad alright. The camera's only been used a few times too. Anyway, to answer your questions... the photo I uploaded is of when the camera is zoomed in fully. The black ring disappears gradually as you zoom back out. And the glass doesn't seem to be moving. So you guys reckon it's a factory repair? Thanks

Fajitas!

Aye, I thought as much, without seeing it, I can't say for sure, but it sounds like the body of the lens is moving forward, and the glass just ain't going with it to zoom in. It really does sound like a factory repair. Is it old?