The Hamster Clinic (or the Repair Advice Thread)

zerohamster · 21-06-2012 2:24pm

ajncam wrote: »

Make: Sony

Item: Compact Camera

Model: DSC-TX10

Fault: The catch which holds the flap covering the charging and hdmi port on the side of the camera closed has broken.. pictures make it a little clearer..!

Below is the catch on the battery/sd card flap, which is what the other one should look like!

When/how it happened: It happened in june 2011 and i have just used a bit of duck tape to keep the flap closed ever since but this obviously wont cut the mustard when i go looking to use it underwater later this summer! nothing specific happened as such, it just popped open one day, the piece that broke off is miniscule so can only presume there was a weakness in the plastic and it just gave up.

It appears a simple enough fix and would be confident I could do it myself, getting a replacement part is where I hit a brick wall, hopefully someone here can help me over it!

Thanks in advance,
Andy

Unfortunately the pictures don't work so I can't see the flap you refer to but you can use http://esupport.sony.com/docs/dvimag/DSCTX10-TX100V_guide/eng/contents/02/02/01/01.html to find the correct part name and number (19?), then contact sony ireland or http://www.repairserv.com/ (sony ASF in Ireland) and ask can they supply you with the part.

Hopefully that helps.

zerohamster · 21-06-2012 2:25pm

Top Dog wrote: »

Zerohamster - your pm box has reached its limit so can't reply to you.

What I was going to send -

Thats perfectly ok

I'm not in a panic about it - just curious to know what went wrong

Thanks

Sorry about that, I thought I had a little space left. It's cleared out now so I have space.
Cheers, sure I'll talk to you later on today about it.

dave66 · 22-06-2012 2:28pm

Make: Sigma
Item: Lens
Model: 70-300 APO Macro
Fault: Focus ring sticks on AF

This is an old (approx 16 years) Sigma lens which had been used with my Minolta bodies. Swapped to digital a number of years ago Sony A100 initially and now A550. When the lens is used in AF, it tends to stick at either of the focusing limits, but switch to MF, turn focus ring and re-engage AF and works fine. Seems like a stop on the focus gear train/screw is not being seen and camera drives focus ring too far. I think it's more prevalent at 300mm end of range. There have been reports (think zerohamster pointed me to posts) of these lenses having issues with handling higher torque of Sony AF motors and focus gears/screw damage. I don't think this is the case, there's so give/slack on the focus ring and I'm wondering if the issue is simply wear due to age. Lens has never been dropped or banged, you'd be hard pressed to tell it's age based on physical condition. Can't decide if it's worth looking at a repair, tempted as money is extremely tight and can afford to replace it.

Any advice/guidance would be much appreciated.

ajncam · 22-06-2012 3:51pm

zerohamster wrote: »

Unfortunately the pictures don't work so I can't see the flap you refer to but you can use http://esupport.sony.com/docs/dvimag/DSCTX10-TX100V_guide/eng/contents/02/02/01/01.html to find the correct part name and number (19?), then contact sony ireland or http://www.repairserv.com/ (sony ASF in Ireland) and ask can they supply you with the part.

Hopefully that helps.

Correct and right, it is number 19! i mailed repairserv there with my query, will let you know how i get on, thanks a million for that!

dinneenp · 29-06-2012 10:46am

Hi,
I have a Tamron 17-50 f2.8 lens. The grip for zooming has become stiff, lens is having trouble zooming and the grip can be rotated past 17 or 50mm setting.

As far as I know I didn't get any material into it, keep it in a camera bag.

thanks in advance,
Pa.

zerohamster · 29-06-2012 5:56pm

dinneenp wrote: »

Hi,
I have a Tamron 17-50 f2.8 lens. The grip for zooming has become stiff, lens is having trouble zooming and the grip can be rotated past 17 or 50mm setting.

As far as I know I didn't get any material into it, keep it in a camera bag.

thanks in advance,
Pa.

Hey Pa,

Sounds like the lug/catch from the zoom ring is either loose or broken hence the difficulty and rotation past the set points. I've seen this happen before with the same lens model.
If you want to give me a PM I can give you more details?

Aisling_Dublin · 05-07-2012 3:22pm

Make: Canon

Item: Battery/Charger

Model: Legria HF M306

Fault: It's Canon Legria, 9 months old, never had any problems, a few days ago I gave it to a friend for a day, I think what happened was that he used it until the very last drop of charge, which I never do, whenever there's 5 minutes left, I turn off until I can plug it in again. So the camera must have gone off on him.

Now whenever I try to charge it:

- the red flash comes on for a few minutes and then goes off forever;

- yesterday the red flash came on for half an hour, but the battery isn't getting any power because when I try to turn the camera on nothing happens;

- today there is no red flash at all whatever I do;

- when I try to just use the camera without the battery but just with the direct electricity supply (plugged in), no flash, nothing happens.

My charger looks like this: plug into wall end - black box part - plug into camera end. I do not take out the battery out of the camcorder, the battery stays inside and charges while plugged in into the wall.

Somehow I have a feeling that the charger only uses up the accumulated energy to charge and not the direct electricity... Is there a way to see whether it's a faulty charger or a faulty battery in my camera?

I have found both chargers and batteries online, but have no idea what it is that I need. Many thanks in advance!

cnocbui · 06-07-2012 7:51am

If it's 9 months old, I would look at making a warranty claim.

SeanDeng · 09-07-2012 7:41pm

Make: Canon EFS 18-135mm Lens for 7D

Problems: Lens broken on the camera in camera bag. The lens is broken in to two pieces with the break just in front of the image stabilisation switch

Where is the best place to get this fixed - if fixing is an option. New lens is approx 400 stg

I can post some pics if required

Regards
Sean

zerohamster · 09-07-2012 7:52pm

cnocbui wrote: »

If it's 9 months old, I would look at making a warranty claim.

This is good advice, shouldn't be failing on you this soon.

zerohamster · 09-07-2012 7:52pm

SeanDeng wrote: »

Make: Canon EFS 18-135mm Lens for 7D

Problems: Lens broken on the camera in camera bag. The lens is broken in to two pieces with the break just in front of the image stabilisation switch

Where is the best place to get this fixed - if fixing is an option. New lens is approx 400 stg

I can post some pics if required

Regards
Sean

Replied to your PM there.

birdlake · 09-07-2012 8:55pm

Make/ Model; Sony cybershot DSC T77
Problem; Big mystery scratch on the lens. Camera cannot focus because of it.

I've checked ebay/ amazon for parts but they only seem to sell the zoom mechanism with lens attached as a unit. I only need the glass part. Does anyone know if it is possible to get this on its own? Or anywhere that could sort me out (south east area if poss). The Sony shop said they've a E180 flat repair rate no matter what the issue is so I'm hoping to do a bit better than that! Thanks in advance for your help.

LK10 · 09-07-2012 9:04pm

Make: Canon

Item: Lens

Model: 17-85 USM

Fault: Err 01 message

It started happening today, I tried cleaning the contacts but it's still happening. Could you please pm me with how much it would cost to repair? How long it might take & where you are based?
Thanks in advance

zerohamster · 10-07-2012 1:05pm

birdlake wrote: »

Make/ Model; Sony cybershot DSC T77
Problem; Big mystery scratch on the lens. Camera cannot focus because of it.

I've checked ebay/ amazon for parts but they only seem to sell the zoom mechanism with lens attached as a unit. I only need the glass part. Does anyone know if it is possible to get this on its own? Or anywhere that could sort me out (south east area if poss). The Sony shop said they've a E180 flat repair rate no matter what the issue is so I'm hoping to do a bit better than that! Thanks in advance for your help.

Heya,

Pretty much the only available part will be the lens assembly as a whole apart from the fact that it will also save you a lot of time disassembling the existing lens assembly trying to get the front element/barrel out.

Ther part you need is here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/SONY-DSC-T77-Replacement-LENS-ZOOM-UNIT-ASSEMBLY-/330498333012?pt=Digital_Camera_Accessories&hash=item4cf33c5954

I am based in Co. Wicklow if you want I could have a look at the lens.
I don't know the size of the scratch but it shouldn't affect the focus of the camera unless it is very wide. Are you sure the whole lens assembly isn't damaged as a result of the bang that caused the scratch?

birdlake · 10-07-2012 4:55pm

zerohamster wrote: »

Heya,

Pretty much the only available part will be the lens assembly as a whole apart from the fact that it will also save you a lot of time disassembling the existing lens assembly trying to get the front element/barrel out.

Ther part you need is here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/SONY-DSC-T77-Replacement-LENS-ZOOM-UNIT-ASSEMBLY-/330498333012?pt=Digital_Camera_Accessories&hash=item4cf33c5954

I am based in Co. Wicklow if you want I could have a look at the lens.
I don't know the size of the scratch but it shouldn't affect the focus of the camera unless it is very wide. Are you sure the whole lens assembly isn't damaged as a result of the bang that caused the scratch?

Thanks so much, that makes things a bit clearer. The scratch is quite large, going horizontally across the surface of the lens. This is odd because the slide cover on this model would make a vertical scratch if something got caught under it. The camera didn't get any bang or fall that i am aware of ( I don't bring it out socialising so no chance of a drunken mishap!) so really can't figure out how it happened. I'm willing to travel to Wicklow if you think you could sort it, could you pm me an estimate for the part and repair?

gsxr1 · 10-07-2012 5:01pm

The USB connection on my 1000d has broke.

I left a short lead in it and it fell onto the carpet. I think the solder has broken where it connected to the board.

How much would a repair shop expect for this type of repair? I might just buy a card reader instead.

zerohamster · 12-07-2012 11:53am

gsxr1 wrote: »

The USB connection on my 1000d has broke.

I left a short lead in it and it fell onto the carpet. I think the solder has broken where it connected to the board.

How much would a repair shop expect for this type of repair? I might just buy a card reader instead.

The usb port is on the main pcb so if it has ripped off the board fully and damaged the lands then that would require a new main PCB in which case you would be better off with a card reader. I would be happy to take a look for you and see if it can be soldered back on though (if it hasn't damaged the lands).

pansyflower · 20-07-2012 10:03am

Panasonic TZ7
Re circular menu selector switch, the section at 3 o'clock (for flash etc) doesn't work. It depresses like the other sections but doesnt function.
Any ideas?

zerohamster · 20-07-2012 10:30am

pansyflower wrote: »

Panasonic TZ7
Re circular menu selector switch, the section at 3 o'clock (for flash etc) doesn't work. It depresses like the other sections but doesnt function.
Any ideas?

The button contacts could be damaged is my best guess, if you would like I could have a look and see?
PM me for details.

pansyflower · 21-07-2012 10:48pm

Pm sent

22-07-2012 10:28pm

Not quite a repair, but I've lost the battery door off my Canon 40d. Where would I manage to pick one up?

uvox · 23-07-2012 8:00am

Make: Canon T90 SLR
Item: Top Plate LED showing exposure, film, other settings.
Model: 70-300 APO Macro
Fault: LED not showing

The LED display on the top plate of the body is no longer working. Seems to have failed/expired, etc. Haven't used the camera for a while, but it was stored correctly. Next time out the LEDs didn't show. No fading, no bright light issue, just gone.

Is this possible to have repaired or replaced?

Any advice/guidance would be much appreciated. I suspect this is not something that can be rectified, but live in hope.

Gregor Samsa · 23-07-2012 10:51am

11811 wrote: »

Not quite a repair, but I've lost the battery door off my Canon 40d. Where would I manage to pick one up?

Here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Genuine-Battery-Cover-Canon-Camera/dp/B0064ANTOE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1343040592&sr=8-1

or here: http://www.ebay.ie/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570&_nkw=Canon+40d+battery+door

Lgray · 23-07-2012 12:27pm

Make: Canon
Item: Flash
Model: 400D
Fault: flash not working, doesn't work with external flash either.

When/Where: discovered in February when trying to mount external flash whilst on safari. The hotshoe had been bent in so the flash wouldn't slide on. bent it back out but still wouldn't work, have since followed an online tutorial to check that it's tight, and that the connector isn't stuck or had fallen in (it hadn't before I touched it but did when I was 'fixing' it. have put in a new pin etc. It still won't work. not normally an issue as I don't use a flash that often but I will need it in September for newborn photos.
Any Ideas?
Thanks

zerohamster · 23-07-2012 12:45pm

Lgray wrote: »

Make: Canon
Item: Flash
Model: 400D
Fault: flash not working, doesn't work with external flash either.

When/Where: discovered in February when trying to mount external flash whilst on safari. The hotshoe had been bent in so the flash wouldn't slide on. bent it back out but still wouldn't work, have since followed an online tutorial to check that it's tight, and that the connector isn't stuck or had fallen in (it hadn't before I touched it but did when I was 'fixing' it. have put in a new pin etc. It still won't work. not normally an issue as I don't use a flash that often but I will need it in September for newborn photos.
Any Ideas?
Thanks

The hot shoe could be shorting out the flash circuit or whatever caused the hot shoe to be bend also damaged connections underneath?
I'd really have to have a look at it to see what is wrong with it as there is a number of different things that could have caused it or could be wrong with it to hazard a guess.
PM me for details if you'd like me to have a look?

Just a quick little test, pop the in built flash up and press the exposure lock button where you're right hand thumb would rest (the asterisk on the left hand button, top right hand back side of the camera). Does the in built flash fire when you do this?

pixelscribe_8 · 24-07-2012 9:30pm

Make: Nikon
Item: DSLR
Model: D70s
Fault: On/Off Switch won't switch off.

Have a D70s - working fine except it won't switch off. To do this I remove the battery. Found out about the repair centre, but they won't give a quote over the phone and won't accept a call in with the camera.

Would anyone have any idea how much such a repair might cost?

Many thanks.

deegs · 27-07-2012 9:23am

Make: Canon,
Item: power
Model: 400d
Fault: Fails to turn on with either off my known good batteries.

When/how it happened:
On holidays 2 weeks ago my wife was taking photo's by the pool, she put the camera in the her hand bag and when we got back to the room it would not work.

4 years ago I sent it to the UK to get a focusing problem fixed.

I've had the camera for bout 7 years and am wondering if it can be fixed or I'm better off buying a new body?

Thanks

vicM · 27-07-2012 4:38pm

Zerohamster PM sent

zerohamster · 28-07-2012 12:06pm

pixelscribe_8 wrote: »

Make: Nikon
Item: DSLR
Model: D70s
Fault: On/Off Switch won't switch off.

Have a D70s - working fine except it won't switch off. To do this I remove the battery. Found out about the repair centre, but they won't give a quote over the phone and won't accept a call in with the camera.

Would anyone have any idea how much such a repair might cost?

Many thanks.

Hi,

Cheers for posting.

The fault you have could be software (the firmware) or hardware based so it would be very difficulto to even give a round figure without seeing the camera and being able to test it's behaviour.

First of all however I would suggest a few things to try before sending it off for repair.
1. Reset to factory or similar option and see if that helps.
2. Update the firmware as a firmware error could be causing this behaviour.

On another note I would suggest looking up Nikon parts policy before you invest more in your camera system or look for a repair shop.

zerohamster · 28-07-2012 12:09pm

deegs wrote: »

Make: Canon,
Item: power
Model: 400d
Fault: Fails to turn on with either off my known good batteries.

When/how it happened:
On holidays 2 weeks ago my wife was taking photo's by the pool, she put the camera in the her hand bag and when we got back to the room it would not work.

4 years ago I sent it to the UK to get a focusing problem fixed.

I've had the camera for bout 7 years and am wondering if it can be fixed or I'm better off buying a new body?

Thanks

I am guessing that water may have splashed into the bag or was already on the bag when the camera was put into it and may have blown a fuse on the camera.
Usually in that case it would need the power board checked out.
If the damage extended to the main board it may be better to get a new body but in most cases the camera acts as it should and blows the powerboard to save the rest of the camera from being damaged.

PM me for more details if you would like?

dinneenp · 30-07-2012 1:01pm

Hi,
Pentax K-7- SD card slot problems.
At first a card wouldn't pop out properly.
I'd push it in (& expect it to pop out) and it'd pop 1/2 out.
I'd push it in again and after a few pushes it'd pop out.

today putting a card in it didn't stay in.
I pushed (not forced) it in again & it stayed in.
Now it won't come out....I haven't tried a lot to get it out yet.

I'm guessing a spring is broken?
cheers,
Pa.

zerohamster · 31-07-2012 10:19pm

dinneenp wrote: »

Hi,
Pentax K-7- SD card slot problems.
At first a card wouldn't pop out properly.
I'd push it in (& expect it to pop out) and it'd pop 1/2 out.
I'd push it in again and after a few pushes it'd pop out.

today putting a card in it didn't stay in.
I pushed (not forced) it in again & it stayed in.
Now it won't come out....I haven't tried a lot to get it out yet.

I'm guessing a spring is broken?
cheers,
Pa.

Hi Pa,

Does the card recognise in camera?
I'm just trying to figure out if it could be caused by a bent contact in the card slot or the eject mechanism itself.

pansyflower · 31-07-2012 10:57pm

Any update on this, or is it a lost cause?

"Panasonic TZ7
Re circular menu selector switch, the section at 3 o'clock (for flash etc) doesn't work. It depresses like the other sections but doesnt function."

Any ideas?

dinneenp · 01-08-2012 9:12am

zerohamster wrote: »

Hi Pa,

Does the card recognise in camera?
I'm just trying to figure out if it could be caused by a bent contact in the card slot or the eject mechanism itself.

Hi,
yes, it recognises it and still works.
Pa.

popsicklegirl · 08-08-2012 7:22pm

Make: Canon

Item: DSLR Body

Model: 40D

Fault: Damaged Circuit Board

I accidentally pulled the cable out of my 40D and damaged the usp connection and this has apparently damaged the circuit board.
Is there anywhere in Dublin that can fit a new circuit board relatively quickly.
The camera has already been in a repair center for the past 6 weeks and it looks as if it will be another six to eight weeks before it's fixed s they now want to send it to the UK. Can anybody help please?????

zerohamster · 10-08-2012 12:47pm

dinneenp wrote: »

Hi,
yes, it recognises it and still works.
Pa.

Hi Pa,
It could be a tiny piece of debris blocking the mechanism or the actual mechanism is damaged but in either case you should still be able to remove the card without the eject mechanism. Just be careful not to apply too much force as you don't want to damage the card or camera.
When the card is out you should have a clear view into the slot and if you see anything oddly bent or a piece of debris that will be the culprit.
Either way, if you get the card out let me knoe what you can see inside and if not I can try to get it out for you and have a look.

zerohamster · 10-08-2012 12:57pm

popsicklegirl wrote: »

Make: Canon

Item: DSLR Body

Model: 40D

Fault: Damaged Circuit Board

I accidentally pulled the cable out of my 40D and damaged the usp connection and this has apparently damaged the circuit board.
Is there anywhere in Dublin that can fit a new circuit board relatively quickly.
The camera has already been in a repair center for the past 6 weeks and it looks as if it will be another six to eight weeks before it's fixed s they now want to send it to the UK. Can anybody help please?????

Hey,

What I would do if you needed it as quick as possible is to just either let it run it's course or send it to the UK yourself.

Basically the USB connector is attached to the main PCB and if that is damaged and needs replacing then they need to replace the entire main PCB which requires service software and not all places will have this let alone have access to it.
If speed is your main concern then either post it to the UK yourself or let the current place do the same but either way you will be waiting a similar amount of time (provided the current place have already sent it).

If you can do without using the usb slot on the camera then just use it as you would as it is expensive to have the mainboard replaced due to the part being pricey and the software needed to do the repair also being pricey. There is also one other factor, some service software connects through the usb slot so if that is damaged then you have to recalibrate the camera from scratch rather than just copy the calibration data over to the new board.

Calvin001 · 13-08-2012 8:10pm

Make: Panasonic
Model: Lumix DMC-TZ5

Item: Focus

Fault: when i turn on the Camera, a message comes up on the screen telling me to "Please turn camers off and then on again". No matter how many time i tried this the answer is the same. aslso, when i turn it off, the lens doesn't reteact, and there is a slight "grinding" sound from it...

When/how it happened: were just back from a weeks staycation, and it may have gottin sand into it on the beach... I bought it off e-bay c.5 years ago.

Not sure whether i should get a good set of screwdrivers and open it for a good cleaning, or send to the professionals???

moknowsphoto · 15-08-2012 9:20pm

Sigma lens for Sigma camera. I'm looking to convert a Sigma fitting to a Canon fitting so this lens fits my Canon Eos. There doesn't seem to be any conversion kits online so can anyone tell me if this is hard to do and if there might be someone that could do this? Thanks

zerohamster · 16-08-2012 1:35pm

Calvin001 wrote: »

Make: Panasonic
Model: Lumix DMC-TZ5

Item: Focus

Fault: when i turn on the Camera, a message comes up on the screen telling me to "Please turn camers off and then on again". No matter how many time i tried this the answer is the same. aslso, when i turn it off, the lens doesn't reteact, and there is a slight "grinding" sound from it...

When/how it happened: were just back from a weeks staycation, and it may have gottin sand into it on the beach... I bought it off e-bay c.5 years ago.

Not sure whether i should get a good set of screwdrivers and open it for a good cleaning, or send to the professionals???

Sounds like it needs a new lens assembly or at least something in the lens has failed/jammed.

Judging by the second hand prices of ~€130 and the part costing about €50 upward on ebay (used mostly) you may as well give it a go yourself as if you send it off for repair it would be costing you nearly the same as buying a second hand model (not that that can't fail too of course).
Other than that perhaps just sell the broken model on ebay with faults clearly stated, auction starting very low and knock the sale value off the price of a new model.
If you decide to go the repair route but not opening it up yourself PM me.

zerohamster · 16-08-2012 1:55pm

moknowsphoto wrote: »

Sigma lens for Sigma camera. I'm looking to convert a Sigma fitting to a Canon fitting so this lens fits my Canon Eos. There doesn't seem to be any conversion kits online so can anyone tell me if this is hard to do and if there might be someone that could do this? Thanks

So in theory this can work and people have done it but it isn't easy by the sounds of it.

For starters the Sigma lenses use EF protocol for focus so that is a start.
The mount is obviously different as are the contacts on the lens.
Using a canon ef mount won't line up screw wise so ideally you would need a sigma made canon mount specific to that lens (sigma may sell you one but they are hard to get parts from).
A canon mount would require modification (read accurate lathework, drilling, countersinking/milling and filing).
You would need an EF mount contact and wires to solder to the lens PCB and although a sigma made contact strip and mount would be ideal you probably won't be able to get one so you will need to make your own from wires/ribbon cable from a pc.

There are a good few factors that may not make this possible like if the mount is a different thickness you will have messed up focus and will need shims or if you can't work the new mount then you will be stopped dead in your tracks.
If the lens is a wide angle then it will be more forgiving of small inaccuracies with the flange distance.

In short you need:
-Soldering skills
-Accurate measuring
-Lathework/filing
-Accurate drilling
-A bit of logic to figure it out

Upon a short google search I came across something which may help you:

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1027&message=37857279

Note that the canon EF mounts are different for most lenses (screw position usually remains consistant but thickness varies as does the back of the mount shape)

dinneenp · 27-08-2012 9:37am

zerohamster wrote: »

Hi Pa,
It could be a tiny piece of debris blocking the mechanism or the actual mechanism is damaged but in either case you should still be able to remove the card without the eject mechanism. Just be careful not to apply too much force as you don't want to damage the card or camera.
When the card is out you should have a clear view into the slot and if you see anything oddly bent or a piece of debris that will be the culprit.
Either way, if you get the card out let me knoe what you can see inside and if not I can try to get it out for you and have a look.

Hi,
I can't manage to get the card out, I've tried with tweezers but to no joy.

Cheers,
Pa.

Monkey Sampan · 27-08-2012 10:39pm

Make: Canon

Item: Lens

Model: EF 50mm 1.8

Fault: Broke into two pieces

When/how it happened: Fell out of a bag, front side impact to the cap and focus ring, from a height of about 1m onto decking

From the first attached pic, is it repairable?
I think 3 of the clips have snapped off (top left, top right, bottom left)

second pic is just the impact to the front of the lens cap and focus ring

Is there anywhere in Cork City who repair lenses?

Could I do it myself?

I've seen this brief repair guide: http://www.flickr.com/photos/yospiff/3950553307/

But the angle of the photo and his broken English don't inspire confidence to attempt it as I hate working on delicate electronic devices

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated, Thanks

zerohamster · 29-08-2012 4:44pm

dinneenp wrote: »

zerohamster wrote: »

Hi Pa,
It could be a tiny piece of debris blocking the mechanism or the actual mechanism is damaged but in either case you should still be able to remove the card without the eject mechanism. Just be careful not to apply too much force as you don't want to damage the card or camera.
When the card is out you should have a clear view into the slot and if you see anything oddly bent or a piece of debris that will be the culprit.
Either way, if you get the card out let me knoe what you can see inside and if not I can try to get it out for you and have a look.

Hi,
I can't manage to get the card out, I've tried with tweezers but to no joy.

Cheers,
Pa.

Hi Pa,

If you would like I could have a go at it?

zerohamster · 29-08-2012 4:54pm

Monkey Sampan wrote: »

Make: Canon

Item: Lens

Model: EF 50mm 1.8

Fault: Broke into two pieces

When/how it happened: Fell out of a bag, front side impact to the cap and focus ring, from a height of about 1m onto decking

From the first attached pic, is it repairable?
I think 3 of the clips have snapped off (top left, top right, bottom left)

second pic is just the impact to the front of the lens cap and focus ring

Is there anywhere in Cork City who repair lenses?

Could I do it myself?

I've seen this brief repair guide: http://www.flickr.com/photos/yospiff/3950553307/

But the angle of the photo and his broken English don't inspire confidence to attempt it as I hate working on delicate electronic devices

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated, Thanks

First of all try the lens on the body and is the motor functioning?

If it is and the gears don't look chipped you can fix it albeit in a DIY fashion.

If 3 clips are broken it is pretty unlucky but you can still repair it to a functional state.
You will need epoxy resin (small amounts) and some very thin strips of metal or plastic.

Basically there is a notch on one side of the lens and the opposing gap on the main part of the lens that you will be lining up.

Make sure the focus ring is rotated so that the guides are at the top of the ramp (as if the front element would be flush with the focus ring).
Aplly small amounts of glue to the thin strips of metal and place them so that they bridge the outer part of the broken clip to the main body (where the clip would sit over). This will act as a permenant fix to the problem however be very careful not to get glue on the ramp and not to bridge the gap where the ramp is as this is where the mechanism will need freedom from obstruction or it won't focus.

Other than that if you don't feel confident drop me a PM.

kupus · 01-09-2012 3:09pm

Make: Canon

Item: Powershot

Model: Powershot SX40HS

Fault: The flash does not work

When/how it happened:

This is my oh camera and she bought in USA about 4 months ago. Now flash worked perfectly for 3 months and in the last month just did not work. It did not fall or was abused in any way. She tried resetting to the default mode but still nothing.
She still gets the message to raise flash when needed but when she does it refuses to take the photo until she puts the flash down. Otherwise the camera is working perfectly.

Does anybody have any ideas.
Thanks.

grapefruitmoon · 10-09-2012 10:37pm

Make: Minolta

Item: SLR Body

Model: X300s

Fault: Worn out/blown capacitor

When/how it happened: the camera is quite old; it could have happened anytime in the last 10 years.

I initially thought that it just needed a new battery but when I got one for it, the camera still wouldn't power on. I have read that the capacitor blowing/wearing out is a common problem with the X300s. I have never used it before however, it was passed down to me recently.

I am seeking advice on how/where to get a new capacitor for it and if there is somewhere/someone in Dublin who might be able to solder it.

Doing a bit of traveling on September 21st for a few weeks and was hoping to bring the camera along. Any additional advice on length of time it might take to fix or price would be greatly appreciated.

P.S. I found some information on the problem here http://www.twid.de/x700/#fixc (see X300 info) but am not particularly savvy when it comes to capacitor values etc.

Thanks very much.

zerohamster · 12-09-2012 11:44am

kupus wrote: »

Make: Canon

Item: Powershot

Model: Powershot SX40HS

Fault: The flash does not work

When/how it happened:

This is my oh camera and she bought in USA about 4 months ago. Now flash worked perfectly for 3 months and in the last month just did not work. It did not fall or was abused in any way. She tried resetting to the default mode but still nothing.
She still gets the message to raise flash when needed but when she does it refuses to take the photo until she puts the flash down. Otherwise the camera is working perfectly.

Does anybody have any ideas.
Thanks.

Heya, sorry for the late reply on this. I keep not getting notifications randomly for Pms and threads.
Sounds like the bulb had blown or possibly the capacitor. Either way some part of the flash circuit is malfunctioning.
does the flash prefire to focus at all or can you get the flash in any mode to physically give out light (if you could then it may point to a switch in the flash or a firmware issue).
Have you updated to the latest firmware if available for that model?

If none of that gives any results then I presume you have a US Canon warranty. Although I don't think you can send it for warranty repair here you can always ring Canon and enquire as to whether you can or if you would have to send it to Canon USA (I think they require a US address to post back to though).

zerohamster · 12-09-2012 11:56am

grapefruitmoon wrote: »

Make: Minolta

Item: SLR Body

Model: X300s

Fault: Worn out/blown capacitor

When/how it happened: the camera is quite old; it could have happened anytime in the last 10 years.

I initially thought that it just needed a new battery but when I got one for it, the camera still wouldn't power on. I have read that the capacitor blowing/wearing out is a common problem with the X300s. I have never used it before however, it was passed down to me recently.

I am seeking advice on how/where to get a new capacitor for it and if there is somewhere/someone in Dublin who might be able to solder it.

Doing a bit of traveling on September 21st for a few weeks and was hoping to bring the camera along. Any additional advice on length of time it might take to fix or price would be greatly appreciated.

P.S. I found some information on the problem here http://www.twid.de/x700/#fixc (see X300 info) but am not particularly savvy when it comes to capacitor values etc.

Thanks very much.

Having looked at the link you provided it gives some helpful information and if you have any soldering experience yourself this would be a very easy job to do.

Ebay would be a good be a good bet for the capacitor (here) and the seller may be able to get it to you in that time frame. If you did get it in time I would be happy to help you out (I'm in Greystones) as most likely you wouldn't have it in time otherwise.

Alternatively if you don't want to travel that far a mobile phone repair/electronics repair store would definitely be able to do it if you had the link you posted here for them although they might not the able to do it short notice (considering the cap might take a while to arrive and only leave you a few days). Considering that though they might also have one of the same rating/size in shop and be able to do it. (the rating of the cap is important in this regard that a similar one might not be suitable).

Either way, if you want more details PM me and I'll see what I can do to help.

kupus · 14-09-2012 4:45pm

zerohamster wrote: »

Heya, sorry for the late reply on this. I keep not getting notifications randomly for Pms and threads.
Sounds like the bulb had blown or possibly the capacitor. Either way some part of the flash circuit is malfunctioning.
does the flash prefire to focus at all or can you get the flash in any mode to physically give out light (if you could then it may point to a switch in the flash or a firmware issue).
Have you updated to the latest firmware if available for that model?

If none of that gives any results then I presume you have a US Canon warranty. Although I don't think you can send it for warranty repair here you can always ring Canon and enquire as to whether you can or if you would have to send it to Canon USA (I think they require a US address to post back to though).

Thanks ZH for the reply

THe flash does not work in any mode whatsoever. All combinations on the camera was tried and each result was the same no flash.....

Updating to new firmware, I wouldn't have a clue where to begin to do that, I'm afraid email is as techie as I get. But since it is basically brand new, it shouldnt need to be updated, right?

Sending it back to Canon USA, lol, I live in the balkans it wouldnt pass the post office before it will be swiped.

So maybe the bulb is broken in that case is that a big job?

The Hamster Clinic (or the Repair Advice Thread)

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