Digital Camera Zoom/Card Error - Repair or replace

humfer

Have a Fuji 6800 which Ive had for the last 4 years with no problems. However in the last couple of months have noticed that it tends to having problems reading the memory card (various) or the lens failing to come out. A couple of off/on and replacing the card, etc. makes the thing work again eventually, but just wondering - is this the slow decline until it finally packs up? Off on holiday at the end of the year and I won't be best pleased if it decides to pack up for good

Malestrom

Could perhaps be battery related if its 4 years old....does it still work perfectly when you actually manage to get it working? Worth cleaning the card contacts with a rubber too I suppose. Intermittent faults are the worst on any equipment.

humfer

Once its 'working' its fine. It just seems to be when I go to switch it on every now and again. Some times it will have problems reading the card, so taking it out and cleaning it normally does the trick, but not always. And then off late sometimes when I switch it on the lens cover slides out of the way but the lens fails to come out. Eventually after switching it off and on again a few times it will sort itself out. Just wish it would pack up completely so I can buy a new camera (have my eye of a Fuji S9500). But at the moment, if its working I cannot really justify buying a new camera...

humfer

.....bump....I guess I'm sort of hoping (although not very MSE style) that someone is going to post something along the lines of 'humfer, that cameras knackered and will only get worst - go out and treat yourself to a nice new camera....':rotfl:

albertross_2

Why don't you wait for your holiday, and take enough money with you to buy a new one if it fails.. probably cheaper overseas..

humfer

albertross wrote:

Why don't you wait for your holiday, and take enough money with you to buy a new one if it fails.. probably cheaper overseas..

Now thats an idea I like. Not sure what prces are like in New Zealand but woudn't mind betting there going to be cheaper than the UK

Hintza

Humfer, it will cost somewhere over £50 to fix (possibly a lot higher). If I were you I would be doing my research for the day it annoys you so much that you chuck it...:)

humfer

Hintza wrote:

Humfer, it will cost somewhere over £50 to fix (possibly a lot higher). If I were you I would be doing my research for the day it annoys you so much that you chuck it...:)

Spoke to the bloke at Jessops this afternoon and he said basically along the same line. It would probably cost me £50 just to get someone to look at it, and then whatever else to fix it. Also because the problems are only occasional I could pay the £50 and they could just return it saying its not broken

humfer

Have also arranged to lend it out to a few friends who are going on a few weekend holidays over the next month - hopefully they can test it properly and if theres a problem will finally stire me into buying a replacement