What Causes This?

The23rdman

The23rdman

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As mentioned last week my 350D has developed a fault where I cannot take pictures when it gets cold or the air is damp. I'm assuming it's a contact issue?

I rang the local camera shop and they quoted me £90-120 just ot look at it, which can't be worth it for a camera worth £180 ish. Does anyone handy know how to fix this?

p.s. There no need to warn me of the dangers of self repairs. I understand I could fork it up completely, but I'm going to have to get a new body anyway so it's worth a bash.
 
I've no clue what the issue might be.. but have a google for astro modding the camera... most of the tutorials I've seen have dismantlement instructions with piccies in them, which might help in getting to the bottom of it. It might help reduce the risks...

(Astro modding involves changing the filter over the sensor, so pretty much fully takes apart the camera).

http://astro.ai-software.com/articles/mod_350D/mod_350D.html for example.
 
Mmmm, that'll get me so far, but not to the shutter release button dooda. Anyone?
 
I thought of that. I've looked for little duffle coats and mittens and maybe a nice hot water bottle, but there doesn't seem to be anything in it's colour.
 
I guess it's not the shutter button then... :thinking: it might be a ribbon cable got dislodged... (I might be making that up too ;)).
 
If as cable was dislodged it wouldn't work at room temperature, surely? Its a low temperature issue.:thinking:
 
the low temperature causing contraction of the contacts on the end of the cable and then not making a connection... :shrug:
 
Maybe there is some damp in the camera already that plays up when it gets cold. Could try leaving it in the airing cupboard for a day to dry it out to see if that helps.
 
jgs001 said:
the low temperature causing contraction of the contacts on the end of the cable and then not making a connection... :shrug:
Click to expand...
Possible, I guess.
Scarecrow said:
Maybe there is some damp in the camera already that plays up when it gets cold. Could try leaving it in the airing cupboard for a day to dry it out to see if that helps.
Click to expand...

Good idea. All I need now is an airing cupboard. ;):lol:
 
Tape one of those chemical heater pocket warmer sachet things to it.

Try fishing shops for them.
 
If it's moisture just leave with some silica gel, probably find some in your xmas presents
 
Nadeem said:
If it's moisture just leave with some silica gel, probably find some in your xmas presents
Click to expand...

It's worth a bash. Why would this cause the problem at low temps though? Only takes 10 mins for it to happen.
 
The23rdman said:
It's worth a bash. Why would this cause the problem at low temps though? Only takes 10 mins for it to happen.
Click to expand...

My Cooper S did the same last year. Perhaps a call to BMW? :D




Sorry.....

PS - I wonder if you stuck it in the fridge, if you could work out the actual failure temperature ? I have no idea if this could make the problem worse / introduce other issues.

Gary.
 
EdinburghGary said:
My Cooper S did the same last year. Perhaps a call to BMW? :D




Sorry.....

PS - I wonder if you stuck it in the fridge, if you could work out the actual failure temperature ? I have no idea if this could make the problem worse / introduce other issues.

Gary.
Click to expand...

Interesting idea, Gary. I will take a thermometer out with me and see where it fails at. It's take some doing though as we'll need it to warm up a little so I can find a temp it works at first.
 
I think it could be a problem with a 'dry joint' Thats a solder joint on the PC board that has become unsoldered. When indoors, or in warmer climate, the joint expands and makes contact, when in colder climate, or, outdoors, it contracts, thefore causing the problem you describe.
Finding the joint in question is another matter, you usually end up replacing thre pc board. However, if you get another body it MIGHT be worth having a go, but remember, if you c--k it up it will be almost worthless, where-as now you might get a few bob for it as SOP!
Hope you sort it soon mate-good luck.
 
wontolla said:
I think it could be a problem with a 'dry joint' Thats a solder joint on the PC board that has become unsoldered. When indoors, or in warmer climate, the joint expands and makes contact, when in colder climate, or, outdoors, it contracts, thefore causing the problem you describe.
Finding the joint in question is another matter, you usually end up replacing thre pc board. However, if you get another body it MIGHT be worth having a go, but remember, if you c--k it up it will be almost worthless, where-as now you might get a few bob for it as SOP!
Hope you sort it soon mate-good luck.
Click to expand...

Thanks, mate. That makes more sense than anything. :)
 
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