I broke my 400D

[splobber]

Not sure what I have done, but iwhile trying to clean the sensor or whatever the hell that thing is at the front (you can see I'm an expert), but the small spring that connects the mirror to the lens in front has come off and now it won't focus automatically.

Rough cost of repairing? Is it a case of repairing the spring or does the whole lot have to be replaced?

The worst thing is that it is still dirty. :nuts:

[Fozzybear]

Man that sucks! :(

Sorry, can't give any advice, but commiserations Splobbs.

[Bish]

Oops that does indeed suck :(

I was "playing" with mine the other day but avoided touching the mirror, I had a dust speck on the viewfinder that my blower wouldn't removed and tried using a very small soft unused painting brush. I removed it but added a further two in the process, any tips for cleaning the damn thing (viewfinder).

[photek]

For a brush based system try an arctic butterfly from Warehouse Express (http://www.warehouseexpress.com/?/PHOTO/cleaning/visibledust.html).

For a fluid based system try Eclipse Fluid and Pec Pads, again available from Warehouse Express (http://www.warehouseexpress.com/?photo/cleaning/digipad.html#PC304695) - NB other stockists are available so shop about.

Or for contactless cleaning try something like the Kenair Dust Vac Kit; oddly enough also at Warehouse Express (http://www.warehouseexpress.com/?/photo/cleaning/kenro.html).


Personally I've used the Eclipse Fluid and Pec Pad combo; but would caution that any cleaning method that actually involves contact should only be undertaken with extreme care and ensuring absolutely minimum pressure is used.

[splobber]

The annoying thing about these cameras is that they are just dust magnets and whatever you do to improve the situation, more often then not you end up making it worse so it is sometimes best just to live with it unless it degrades the quality of the photos.

I'll pop into town tomorrow to get a guesstimate on how much it will cost. The annoying this is that I was prepping the camera for my weekend at the coast. I have a point and shoot so not all is lost, but really wanted some decent photos.

Tempted to go out and buy a 30D as I can't be arsed waiting around for repairs that will cost half the price of the camera, but the missus is vetoing that idea.

[Bish]

I wonder if someone can sort it out locally while you wait, is the mirror back in place? doesn't it move out of the way when you take a photo? :shrug:

Unless anything shows up on my pics I'm going to leave mine well alone now. Althought the two specks currently in my viewfinder are well annoying.

[PaulDCocker]

"It happened in the floods your honour" - not that in any way I would suggest anyone to take a dishonest course of action, I am just roleplaying.

[splobber]

I wonder if someone can sort it out locally while you wait, is the mirror back in place? doesn't it move out of the way when you take a photo? :shrug:

Unless anything shows up on my pics I'm going to leave mine well alone now. Althought the two specks currently in my viewfinder are well annoying.

It all looks OK, it's just the little diddy spring that holds the lens onto the mirror looks like it is knackered, although the mechanism itself seems like it is working as it should be whenever you depress the shutter button.

The local store near me is Photo Optix, which is where I will be headed in the morning. Chances are they will send it off as they don't have the know how so no doubt I will be without the camera for yonks.

As for the sensor cleaning function....what a load of arse that is.

[splobber]

I just had another look at it and that spring is definitely instrumental in the auto focusing as it is no longer locking on and I can only take snaps in manual focus. Balls.

[Dan]

Tempted to go out and buy a 30D as I can't be arsed waiting around for repairs that will cost half the price of the camera, but the missus is vetoing that idea.

Just go out and buy it, she won't notice the difference.

[Dno]

If she does, say it was 370 D's cheaper.

[wseed]

It sounds like the focus screen clip gone. Can you take a snap of it. I wouldn't take any pics using the camera even in manual focus mode. If you've potentially got loose parts inside the camera you may find one scrapes your sensor or just breaks it further.

I would have thought if it;s just a mechanical part broken it would be an easyish cheap fix, if taken to the right place. As far as cleaning the focus screen. just don't ever try it. I made my first SLR much worse doing this and that was lesson learnt.

[Boink!]

:lol: she might believe that, though Splobber probably won't be able to have any more children.

[splobber]

It sounds like the focus screen clip gone. Can you take a snap of it. I wouldn't take any pics using the camera even in manual focus mode. If you've potentially got loose parts inside the camera you may find one scrapes your sensor or just breaks it further.

I would have thought if it;s just a mechanical part broken it would be an easyish cheap fix, if taken to the right place. As far as cleaning the focus screen. just don't ever try it. I made my first SLR much worse doing this and that was lesson learnt.

It's that small it is hard to make out, even with macro on but here it is.

http://aycu12.webshots.com/image/22491/2001420705636002997_rs.jpg

[wseed]

That looks like quite an easy repair. I bet you could get the sort of place that does watch and clock repairs to do that for you if you're not confident yourself.
As far as getting Canon to do it my old Ixus lost a small screw out of the side. I called up for a part and "they don't sell parts to the general public" they wanted £50 to have a look at the repair and give me an estimate. What for I even told them the part number I needed over the phone.

[splobber]

Whilst I see what you are saying, if I took this into a watch shop then they would think I was on crack the minute I whipped this out.

[PaulDCocker]

Whilst I see what you are saying, if I took this into a watch shop then they would think I was on crack the minute I whipped this out.

Maybe you should show them the camera instead then? :n0rty:

[the highlander]

i was going to have a look inside mine tonight , but after seeing your effort mate I'm staying well away :wave:, i hope you get it fixed OK . looks as simple as just paring the clip on the retaining holder . very small pair of long-nose pliers should do the job :doh:

[wseed]

You might be surprised I had a bust old film camera and it had had a bash on the shutter mechanism. A watch repairer sorted it out for me. Of course you need an actual repairer and not a place that sells them and changes batteries, that'd be just the same as asking Jessops to fix it.

[still average joe]

This should be covered if you have AD cover on home contents insurance.

[Andrew70]

very small pair of long-nose pliers should do the job :doh:
[Operation, from MB Games]"You'll need a very steady hand...."[/Operation, from MB Games]

[pkr]

I'm not sure why, but I seem to recall you're based in the Beds/Herts/Bucks area. If so, there's a camera repair shop in Luton ( behind the Arndale ) that's been around for years and is supposed to be quite good. They may be able to do an on the spot repair.

EDIT : http://www.lutcamre.demon.co.uk/

[PaulDCocker]

I'm not sure why, but I seem to recall you're based in the Beds/Herts/Bucks area...

EDIT : http://www.lutcamre.demon.co.uk/

BEWARE!!! - He is obviously a stalker and he also owns a Nikon so it may be an attempt to sabotage you! :lol: ;)

[splobber]

They may be able to do an on the spot repair.

EDIT : http://www.lutcamre.demon.co.uk/

I just called them and they can do on the spot repairs :clap:, but they take between 7-10 days. :dork:

[still average joe]

I just called them and they can do on the spot repairs :clap:, but they take between 7-10 days. :dork:

Better take a sleeping bag, flask of soup and good book for the wait.

[pkr]

Weird definition of 'on the spot'.

[still average joe]

Weird definition of 'on the spot'.

There must be a spot on the floor where the technician stands to carry out "on the spot repairs".

[Roy]

Tempted to go out and buy a 30D as I can't be arsed waiting around for repairs that will cost half the price of the camera, but the missus is vetoing that idea.

Have you considered headbutting her?

[splobber]

I tried that once, but then didn't get some that night as she had a headache.

I went into Photo Optix who suddenly said that despite the fact the lady on the phone this morning said they do a repair service, they don't have a repair service and get some other lackey to do it for them (but no doubt add on their markup).

So I contacted Dixons who I bought it from and they routed through to a very nice man at Canon who is sending out a UPS label and packaging and has said that they will look at it and let me know whether they will fix it gratis or will charge me for a repair. Can't really say fairer then that really.

[Boink!]

Well that's good news at least.

[Roy]

I tried that once, but then didn't get some that night as she had a headache.



Did you try giving her a back-hander?

By the way :lol: at the "on the spot" repair.

Hope you get it sorted out, positive step from Canon.

[splobber]

Canon sent nice UPS man last Monday to take it back to their workshop and it was returned today all clean and shiny and fixed. There's a slight bit of fluff on the viewfinder, but as they did the repair FOC then I'll forgive them for that. :D

Top marks Canon. :clap:

[PaulDCocker]

I hope your going to use it now - and get me added on PES6 so I can whoop you on it!

[splobber]

I'll just stick in back in the cupboard again soon as I simply don't get the time to roam streets and fields with a camera.

You can add me to your friends list if you like. I'll let you guess what my gamertag is. :nuts:

As for PES6, I haven't even fired it up on my console since buying it. I had a quick blast round a mates and then remembered why I don't buy football games. :D

[Dan]

You can add me to your friends list if you like. I'll let you guess what my gamertag is. :nuts:

manboobs?

[raymondlin]

Congrats :)

[Boink!]

Good news, Splobs. Now don't do it again.