Camera Repair – No Success

I learned that one thing I’m not good at is repairing modern electronics as compact and as complicated as a digital camera.

I could probably handle swapping out the LCD for an equivalent one (but beware that each model uses a slightly different one, even in the same line from the same manufacturer). Unfortunately, my most recent two problems involved the lens. The one that went into the pool a few years ago doesn’t count as a repair candidate (although see my post on waterproof containers here for how to keep your camera safe).

On many (if not most) digital cameras, the lens automatically extends when you turn it on. If that lens gets jammed, the camera is very unhappy.

First repair attempt

A while ago my Canon SD700IS somehow managed to open itself in the camera case, causing it to jam. When powering it on or off, it would try to open or close the lens, but give up after a few moments stating “Lens error, restart camera”. Not too helpful, as restarting repeats the process. I found information online, and thought I could disassemble it and repair the physical problem with the lens. It did NOT go so well. After many steps unwrapping this complicated beast, I realized that I would never get it back together. The lens mechanism was at the very center of the camera, and I couldn’t dissasemble it to fix it. So much for that one.

Here’s an “after” picture. I must have forgotten a piece when reassembling…

The good news is that I salvaged a few micro-screws to repair a Kodak camera that was falling apart with the panels falling off. I also had some neat parts to inspect and play with – reminds me of when I was a kid and dissasembled things (permanently) to see how they worked. Not very practical though.

This seems familiar…

The next problem camera was with the newest camera, the SD780IS. It’s a fantastic camera – compact, very quick to take pictures, very high resolution (photo and video). Everything went great, until a gust of wind blew it over from where it was perched for a timed photo. It landed on the extended lens mechanism… and I got the same lens message. Deja Vu from the first camera. Frustrating, because it won’t let you use it as a media server if the lens doesn’t work (the camera can connect to a TV, even with an HDMI cable, to show pictures and video).

Knowing the low chances of me successfully fixing it, I sent that camera in to Canon. The online repair form quoted zero dollars to fix it (after I selected what was wrong). Worth a shot even if they really don’t think the warranty covers it, as I’d like to have that camera working again. A few days later I got the notice that they received the camera. The revised estimate was $129.88. What? That’s almost the price of a new one (curently $168 on Amazon). For an extra $40, I’d prefer having a new one – with new cables, battery, etc. I think they’re trying to be clear – they don’t want to see these things again after they leave the factory. They’re disposable, and it’s time to buy a new one.

Well yes, I’m going to buy the same one again. It was a pretty sweet little camera, and performs so much better than my SD1200IS (which is still great, except by comparison). I’ve been checking around, and I don’t ususally find it cheaper than on Amazon.  Check here for the latest price on the SD780IS.

It’s sleek, fast, and will soon be mine again.

In summary, while there are thousands of pages with info on fixing various camera models, it might be a better investment to just buy a new one. Cameras are a tool, and tools get damaged when you use them. Better than having a tool in perfect condition because you never used it for the purpose you bought it for, right?

Keeping Your Valuables Dry in the Water – Dry Bags

You may have wondered, “How do you keep stuff dry at the beach/pool/river/lake?”

A waterproof container (a.k.a. waterproof box or dry bag) is an excellent choice, so I’m going to describe the basic types with a few features that will help you decide.

There are a few different options depending on your needs. I use a few of them.

  • Hard cases – latch them shut, and they wont’ get crushed or wet
  • Roll-down dry bags – these range in size and durability, but are rather convenient for larger items
  • Zip-shut bags – these zip shut like sandwich bags but are actually waterproof
  • Latch-shut bags – these may have a quicker access, but are still flexible

Some options that may not be as good

  • Sandwich bags – they seem waterproof but tend not to be. If you’re in a pinch, put one bag inside of another and it will have a better chance. Don’t press your luck, though.

I think having some method of keeping your keys (particularly key fobs), cash, and camera dry are rather important. After enjoying time around the water you still want to drive home and enjoy pictures you took, right?

Hard Cases
I haven’t bought one of these, but the Otter Box products look excellent. Waterproof and crush proof. I’ve seen some competing brands, but the Pelican case I saw in the store, while cheaper, appeared to not offer the same water proof feature – it said something about water resistant that made me shy away from it.

Roll-down dry bags
These dry bags roll down from the top and then clip together to hold the water out and be easily tied down or hauled around.
I use several – my Seal Line roll-down Dry Bag (see here)is very durable, and I use it to store my permanent emergency kit – compact and lightweight, it is waterproof so it will be safe in an emergency! There’s also a window so you can see the contents.

I also have an ultra-compact Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Sack (see here). It’s so compact it folds down to a size you could fit in your pocket, but is still waterproof. I use this for larger items that I want to make waterproof for a while and jam it in a bag or secure it in a boat.


Zip-shut dry bags
The simplest of the options, I use these the most frequently. The primary reason is that they are really small, and are perfect for what I need most – storing cash, credit cards, and car keys. I was excited when I found these, as they are quite like sandwich bags but actually waterproof! The aLokSak bags come in various sizes, and the smallest is perfect for ID and cash (which folds completely flat) and fits in my board shorts. I also use it for car keys so I don’t leave anything critical on the beach – I take this into the surf and the river with no problems. While the plastic stretches pretty well and mine have held up to repeated key jabs, be careful not to puncture your bag with your keys or other sharp objects.

Latch-shut dry bags
I’m sure there are more types of these, but two have caught my eye: neck pouch (for your keys when you don’t have pockets in the water) and camera bags. I bought the latter, and got some great results with snorkeling (much better than the disposable camera, but it made me a little more nervous because I didn’t want to smash it against the rocks). I was using a subcompact camera – my Canon SD 1200 IS is a good camera, but Canon has newer models out now.

I use this camera dry bag by Kwik Tek, the Dry Pak Camera Case. It works great, as long as you position it correctly (buttons on the bottom so you can reach them, strap not in front of the lens) and you leave air in the bag so the lens can extend. If you remove the air, your lens will bounce off of the bag and could get damaged – be careful! The thumb latches lock the bag shut and make it easy to add/remove items (except that the opening and bag are small, which makes it difficult to reposition or remove the camera when you’re out at the water). This also would have been great to bring on a recent hike that had heavy rain, but I forgot it.

The pictures look good, and this option was better for me than the other options such as hard cases (expensive) and shaped bags (generic shape meant poor placement and obstructed lens). Unless the case is meant for ONLY your model of camera, the fit won’t be perfect.

Other notes
Obviously, you may have other electronics such as GPS, an iPod or other MP3 player, or a mobile phone (smart phones are quite expensive!) that you wish to keep safe. They make waterproof containers in all sorts of sizes, and have many specialized products. These are just the basic types!

Disclaimer – I have only used these products in rain and light submersion – never more than 5 feet underwater. Scuba divers should do more research (although I suspect that hard cases will fare better).

Summary
I own several dry bags for various purposes. I think everyone who is cautious (but still enjoys the outdoors) should own a dry bag/case of one variety or another. While many are comfortable leaving their valuables alone on the beach, I feel better having my car keys with me. Peace of mind is valuable. I enjoy being prepared in case I need to make something waterproof while I’m on an adventure – some things are hard to improvise when you’re out and about!

Have fun on the beach, at the river, around the pool, or on the lake. And now, don’t worry about getting your valuables wet!

First Post!

Welcome to my blog. I started it to begin sharing the knowledge I’ve gained through all of the projects I do. I’ve certainly benefited from the knowledge that others have shared, and perhaps I can help others in the same way.

I tend to have a lot of projects open at once, and I always have a lot of ideas in the queue. It will take a while to get everything up here.

I’m a software engineer, but not all of my projects are purely technical. There are so many places in life that you can apply a focused mindset, and I enjoy any project that adds something positive to my life or removes something undesirable.

Some of this information will be instructional, some may be entertaining, and some may not be of interest. I suppose that’s what the comments feature is for.

While not all projects are successful, I intend to share info on projects that:

  • Were successful
  • I abandoned
  • I didn’t succeed at
  • Are in progress
  • I want or intend to do

I’ll also work on some resources:

  • Tools
  • Links
  • Books
  • Gear I use