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Fuji FinePix S5000

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"Fuji S5000"

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Answered!

Rosemary Hinkle (math48ret-teach) 1 pts

March 8, 2009 9:12 PM

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The flash on my S5000 causes white-out pictures.

The flash on my S5000 works properly, but the pictures made with it are white, or nearly white on the auto setting. It started suddenly about 3 weeks ago, but prior to that the flash pictures on "auto" were fine. Now, the only way to prevent the "white-out" flash pictures is to use the manual setting. We bought the camera Dec., 2003; it's out of warranty and wonder if it's worth getting it repaired. I am concerned that the CCD might go bad next. It's been an excellent camera, and it wasn't dropped. Any suggestions? Thank you.

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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58443 pts

March 9, 2009 11:43 PM

First thing I would do is reset the camera. This is a fairly easy procedure which involves either going into your setup menu and choosing "reset" (or intialize), holding down the menu key for 5 seconds, or, removing the batteries for a few minutes. It may be that the firmware loading got corrupted and the camera just needs to be "rebooted," which is something that turning it on/off won't accomplish. But after which, you should have the camera reset to factory default settings.

Another tip is to go to Fuji's website and look for firmware updates. Download and install them. If that doesn't work, check your white balance or try using the presets for available light or portait pictures. Also, you can take a white plastic film canister from a one hour photo shop and cut a channel into it. Then slip it over the flash. The white plastic canister will diffuse the flash and take the hot spot off the subject.

Absent that, if all else fails, you may need to send it in for a repair estimate.

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Rosemary Hinkle (math48ret-teach) 1 pts

March 13, 2009 11:40 PM

Thank you for the info, sorry for the reply delay. Did the reset, no go, couldn't find any update pertaining to the problem. Called Fuji, got through quickly - surprise - the repair on this model runs $70-$150 estimate, plus shipping (paid each way, of course), plus tax. After much deliberation, my husband and I decided to hold off repair since it's only malfunctioning on autofocus w/flash. Manual w/flash seems to do okay at this point, non-flash pictures are also. Am checking other options, read about the CCD replacement (CMOS?), looking at 2-3 lightweight point & shoot for inside shots. Optical zoom is less on this type than the Fuji, but the Fuji still takes great outside distance shots. Not sure we want to put that much $$ into repair when the CCD might crash next, had a camera repaired a few years ago - it lasted 6 months, crashed again. Thank you for your help.

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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58443 pts

March 17, 2009 12:05 AM

I think I would agree with that assessment. The rule of thumb is that if the estimate for repair is north of 50% what you paid for it, you're better off taking that money and buying a newer and upgraded model. Now, at $70, that may not be the case, but at $150 for a repair ($180 being the average) I think it's definitely better to just live with it and get a smaller pocket model for those autofocus low light situations. I rather like the Canon SD990IS at this point.

Then again, you get good at using the manual flash mode it'll almost become automatic to you. You can also try any presets it may have. That could help.

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Rosemary Hinkle (math48ret-teach) 1 pts

March 17, 2009 10:45 PM

Thank you for the follow-up. The Fuji cost around $350 (?) over 5 years ago, and I considered the north of 50% rule, adding the camera's age as a factor. Considering you have to pay return shipping and tax on top of the repair, even at $70 the cost would balloon up.

Thank you for the A990 suggestion, I looked at it a few days ago, considered the price of it as well. We bought our daughter/son-in-law a Canon A610 a couple years ago, they love it. Costco online had an A590, features somewhat comparable with the A990, for an excellent price - ordered it.

As long as the Fuji is still kicking around, per your suggestion, I'll use it where I can, fall back to the Canon for other shots. The manual focus hasn't been that bad so far. Saw an awesome Olympus SP-590UZ just released, will watch this one for a while.
Thank you again,
Rosemary Hinkle

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The flash on my S5000 causes white-out pictures.

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