Technical Know How
Posts tagged camera repairs
DIY Camera and Camcorder Repairs – Error Messages
Sep 16th
Why they occur and what you can do to when they come up
It can happen in the middle of a video shoot, or you haven’t used the camera for a while. The camera starts beeping, doesn’t accept tape or disc, or not even ejects the media inside. The use of the camera is very limited. Perhaps just enough to display a message or error code on the LCD screen.
The remedy suggestions from the user manual often don’t work, which means the camera needs to be booked in for a camera repair.
Why does an error message show up?
Cameras and camcorders are fully computer controlled. Sensors and other feedback devices in lens, video circuit and media compartment update the computer constantly. If this feedback is interrupted or the sensor does forwards an error, the computer shuts the camera down completely or just allows very limited use. This prevents any further damage to the camera, media or battery.
That’s the theory anyway.
What does the message mean?
Depending on camera brand or model the displayed error message is a code or even words. The principle is the same; it tells the technician and user in which part of the camera a fault occurred.
Although causes could be different and therefore remedy, parts and camera repair prices to rectify the problem.
Can I do anything about it?
One of couple of things could have happened;
1. A genuine problem in which case the camera needs to be dismantled and repaired.
2. An issue with media or battery, which may have caused an unrelated error message.
What you should do in any case and perhaps avoid a camera repair
- Reset – disconnect and reconnect battery.
- Disconnect battery and work from the AC power adaptor.
- Eject the media and use a different one.
- In case of picture distortion, playback a pre-recorded tape which may wipe off residue from the heads.
- Check tape – open flap and inspect.
- Never open camera and remove tape by hand!
- Do not overuse cleaning tapes.
Only use them when you experience picture and sound distortion in playback. Having said that, use it sparingly (once or twice) and refer to the cleaning tape literature.
Most of these tapes are very abrasive and can cause damage to the video heads if overused.
DIY Camera Repairs; Should I, or Not?
Sep 7th
A must read before you get started
This is a tricky question, even for the technical experienced person.
You may have seen camera repair videos on U-Tube, which make it look so easy and straight forward. But is it really?
Let’s have a closer look and start with common sense. Firstly, an expert in any field of endeavour can make it look so easy, that’s why he/she is an expert. Secondly, most videos are well prepared, rehearsed and edited for best results. Now, let’s have a closer look at the details.
Even during my 25years experience I sometimes have challenges in completing some repairs. This doesn’t have to be a technical or knowledge problem, it could be a general and basic issue like the availability, or over the moon prices for a service manual, spare parts or special service tools and equipment.
Let’s get technical
First of all you may want practice disassembling and assembling a camera, which is written off. So if you can’t pull it apart properly or have problems in putting it back together, it doesn’t matter. Keep in mind that assemble procedures can be unique to every camera model. Screws can be hidden even under stickers and doors. Housing parts are often clipped together. You have to apply the right amount of pressure to pull it apart.
If you are new to this, I strongly suggest you document every step with a camera. This will help, when you put things back together.
Before you get started with a camera repair, be aware, the following things can happen:
- The camera can be worse off as it was before you started to undo the first screw
- You can’t get it back together as it was
- You can’t locate or repair the faulty components
- The camera has multiple faults
- No spare parts available or you can’t buy the parts you need
- The part price is as expensive as a new camera
- You accidently brake something
Preparations before you start working on your camera:
- Make sure you can get parts
- Have the right tools
- Take notes or photos as you disassemble the camera
- Watch screws: length, head, thread and colour
- Obtain service manual and follow procedures, if you can
Summary
If you are new to camera repairs, use the points and steps above as a guide.
Start with a cheap camera you can afford to write off, if things go wrong.
I wish you great success with the camera repair. If you do get stuck or even before you start, take advantage of our ‘Free camera advice‘section on our camcorder blog.
Allcam for fast and efficient camera repairs
Trouble shooting (When things go wrong with your camera)
May 19th
Allcam/eStudy camera courses and film making tips and tricks. The technical aspects of film and television.
Where moving parts are involved, there is always plenty of scope for things to go wrong, particularly for such a mobile and versatile item like a camcorder. In the tropics, the temperature difference between a cool or humid forest, air-conditioned room and the heat of the sun can create everyday condensation problems.
In general, camcorders have a built in safety feature, which shuts down the camera, if there is anything wrong with the camera’s electronics or mechanism. This eliminates further damage such as burn out of components or chewing of tapes by the mechanism.
Summary check list – Error message or doesn’t work at all
- Reset – disconnect and reconnect battery.
- Disconnect battery and work from the AC power adaptor.
- Eject the tape and use a different tape or a brand new tape.
- Check tape – open flap and inspect.
- Never open camera and remove a jammed tape by hand!
- Do not overuse cleaning tapes. Only use them, when you experience picture and sound distortion in playback. Having said that, use it sparingly (once or twice) and refer to the cleaning tape literature. Most of these tapes are very abrasive and can cause damage to the video heads, if overused.
At the repair place
This is related to all faults, whether a genuine fault or a self-induced fault. A self induced fault can be:
Liquid damage, shock damage or sand damage.
1. If it is a self-induced fault, say so.
2. Mention only symptoms like: will not accept tapes, switches off after a few seconds, no playback
picture, no picture in the viewfinder etc.
3. List as many faults as possible, and be as detailed in the description as possible. All this helps to
make an accurate diagnosis and to rectify all faults.
4. Definitely mention any intermittent faults such as problems, which only occur say after 10 minutes
of use or towards the end of the tape etc.
Summary
If you do not mention any of these intermittent problems with your camera, they may neither be noticed nor rectified. To prevent any mishaps or problems with your camera in the first place, watch my video ‘DIY Camera Care and damage Prevention’. Here I show and explain in great detail how to get the most out of your camera, including other bonuses.
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