Fixing my Digital Camera

[Fuganater]

This isn't really a mod but it is a worklog. (If its the wrong place just move it.)

This is more like a side project. I would REALLY like to get it fixed because my sisters old one just... doesn't take a great pic. (You can tell in my case mod worklog)

I have recently broke my digital camera. I was fishing and I fell into the water trying to help my dad across a beaver dam. (Yes a real dam) I forgot it was in my jacket pocket or I would have tried to save it. The jacket pocket filled with water and there it sat for a good 5 mins. So I got to shore and pulled it out and almost cried. The camera originally cost me just shy of $600 3 years ago. Its a Casio Exilim 8.1mp Z850. Not top of the line but back then 8.1 was the thing to get.

I took it to the Ritz store that I bought it from and asked them what I could do. (I know the ppl there :D) He told me that it would be cheaper to just buy a new one than get it fixed. :( So I figured, What do I got to lose?, I'll try to fix it myself. I put it in a bowl of rice for about 3 days, lid on, and let the rice pull the moisture out of the camera.

Here is the list of problems with it:
*Lenses do not come all the way out on power on.
*Zoom function does not work.
*The SET/OK button does not work.
*The EX function button does not work.
*The multi shot function button does not work.

So lets have at it!!

Here is just some shots of the camera before I get started.
Front
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a190/Fuganater987/IMG_0122.jpg

Back
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a190/Fuganater987/IMG_0123.jpg

My tools
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a190/Fuganater987/IMG_0124.jpg

Got the screws out. Dude they are freakin small!!
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a190/Fuganater987/IMG_0125.jpg

BUT! I could not successfully get these 2 screws out :mad:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a190/Fuganater987/IMG_0126.jpg

So my dad is gonna take it to work tomorrow and see if he has something small enough to get them out. If not... drill time:banana:. I think I can get them out with a drill. What do I got to lose. After seeing the list of malfunctions up top... its worth it to give it a try. But we will see.

Till then,

-Fuga

[Trace]

Good luck dude. Hope it works!

[Luke122]

Chances are that all the problems are caused by dirt/muck that went in with the water, but didnt come back out. A quick clean should solve all your troubles. :D

I've done successful surgery on a few digicams, and I know what it's like to lose one in the water. :(

The best tip to give you is to be careful taking the housing apart! Take lots of pictures, and if you get stuck, dont force it apart. I learned that one the hard way on the first camera I fixed... never did go back together the same way.

Try googling a service manual for the camera also.. that can be a life saver when you get stuck taking something apart.


Best of luck, I'm sure you'll get this thing going again. :D

[gntlkilr]

Nice camera. I have last years model, the Z1080 and I love it. Best of luck to you, hope you get this thing rolling again!

[FuzzyPlushroom]

Certainly worth a shot. Good luck mate.

[Fuganater]

Here are some pics of me working on the camera. I found the Service Manual so that helped... a little.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a190/Fuganater987/IMG_0127.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a190/Fuganater987/IMG_0128.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a190/Fuganater987/IMG_0129.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a190/Fuganater987/IMG_0130.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a190/Fuganater987/IMG_0131.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a190/Fuganater987/IMG_0132.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a190/Fuganater987/IMG_0133.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a190/Fuganater987/IMG_0134.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a190/Fuganater987/IMG_0135.jpg

And here is how it sits now....
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a190/Fuganater987/IMG_0150.jpg

I pulled out the lens housing and tried to clean them out. Worked except I can't get the lens back in... I have to let it sit a few days so I can work my steam off. I'm just so mad at myself for breaking it in the first place... $600 down the drain... We will see what happens in a few days.

Till then,

-Fuga