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Note: This camera was first sold in Sep 2005. It has been replaced by the Nikon S10.
Nikon Coolpix S4
Nikon Coolpix S4
C
HQ Grade: C
A is outstanding and exceptional, rated in the top 10% of digital cameras.
B means they are good, with some standout features.
C means they are mediocre, and probably more trouble than they are worth.
D & F mean they are absolutely awful or old. Avoid at all costs.
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"good buy"
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Question Possibly Answered (30 points for the best answer)
Guest 4 pts
October 3, 2006 7:00 AM
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Nikon cool pix S4 - No image appearing on the screen.

Dear Friends, Im living in India. I own a Nikon coolpix S4 digital camera purchased six months ago at Indonesia. Now , I m facing a problem: When the camera is switched ON -shooting mode - Auto focus selection, No image is appearing on the screen. I could not able to take snaps. But , the screen displays all photos taken earlier in the play mode. I don't know what is the problem? & how to rectify it. Could you please help me by giving few tips to solve this problem.
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Answers This question has replies but the author has not yet indicated whether it's answered after a long time. Can you answer the question, or post a clarifying follow-up?
Laura 4 pts
October 3, 2006 9:47 PM
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I am having the exact same issue and do not have an answer. Have you been able to resolve your problem?
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Richard Whitmarsh 6 pts
October 5, 2006 4:42 PM
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I have purchased a refurbished S4 with the same problem. I gave the lense a moderate slap, and the camara has worked fine since!! Good luck.
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Guest 5 pts
October 16, 2006 2:47 PM
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i had the same problem just mine turned pink and when i slapped it it turned BLACK please help me!!!
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Charlie Pettersen 1 pts
November 1, 2006 11:19 PM
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I purchased mine new on 6/6/06 and today, 11/1/06, upon turning the camera on, the screen was blank. I followed Richard Whitmarsh's suggestion above and VOILA! with a light tap it is working again. Thanks, Richard!
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Laura 4 pts
November 2, 2006 9:16 AM
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Actually when we took our camera back to the store we purchased it from, we were told that they've had numerous complaints and that they no longer carried the camera. They swapped us for a brand new s10 - works great!
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rack88 0 pts
November 14, 2006 5:12 PM
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I had this same problem with the Nikon S4. I sent it in to Nikon and they fixed it (they said they replaced the shutter mechanism and cleaned the innards). Now two weeks after I got it back it is broken again. Needless to say, I am annoyed and writing a letter to Nikon execs.
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Ben Keough (DeadWolfBones) 10544 pts
November 29, 2006 7:35 PM
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Hi, I noticed that you haven't marked any replies as the "best answer." Are you still looking for an answer? If so, I recommend you re-submit it on http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com so it will have a better chance of being noticed. These days it looks like most questions are being answered within a few days. Good luck!
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Guest 1 pts
May 29, 2007 8:33 AM
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Thanks, Richard. I have the same blank screen problem. First I thought it was a joke, but my camera screen turns on after I tap the lens a few times. But only I have to tap it for every picture. I guess I might have to get it repaired.
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David 1 pts
June 7, 2007 8:42 AM
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Just had the same problem with my S4 - which otherwise has given me no problems in a year. Instant Heartattack! But after "googling" my problem I found this thread and took the advice of tapping the lens. Works now! THANKS
BTW - only other complaint I have with the S4 is the difficulty (sometimes impossibility) of seeing the screen on bright days.

THANKS for the help!
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saurabh 0 pts
June 30, 2007 8:49 AM
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I am also facing the same problem. Nikon S4 is the worst camera. I am facing problems from the time I bought it.
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sanjay usmanpurkar 1 pts
July 2, 2007 4:00 AM
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I am facing the same problem. the screen is totally blank while taking shot. flash operates but again picture taken is also black. please help me. can some body tell me where can this problem be solved in Mumbai (BOMBAY-India) and how much will it cost?? pls mail me on: s_usmanpurkar@rediffmail.com
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Joe P 0 pts
September 8, 2007 2:31 AM
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Well I'll be... had the same problem with a blank screen, gave the lens a good tap and sure enough it's working OK now. Thanks for the tip!
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sanjay usmanpurkar 1 pts
September 10, 2007 2:06 AM
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hi joe, i did that - A very good tap - a little more powerful tap & BIG tap also. Tried everything, but i think its not working with my s4. I guess i have to take it to nikon service centre.
but one thing is for sure, i will not buy nikon again 'cause the revised vertion - S10 has the SAME problem! GUYS DON'T GO FOR IT!!
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Hennesy80 0 pts
September 25, 2007 11:47 AM
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I have the same exact problem. After reading this review I will go home and tap the lens to see if it resolves the issue. What a shame that Nikon did not recall the camera and fix it for free, given this is a common problem.
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Sanjay Usmanpurkar 0 pts
October 30, 2007 8:41 AM
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Its a universal problem with Nikon S4 Model. Its heartening to see that such a great company neglecting the universal fault & doing nothing to recover the damage it's doing on its own.
Guys, after tapping & tapping & tapping moderately on the 10X optical, even then if it doesn't work then just take it to any local camera mechanic, he already knows the fault (since he already had repaired tons of S4 with same problem) with this camera & fix's it.

Now my S4 is working fine atleast for now.

Best of luck!
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Dejanm 5 pts
December 3, 2007 3:07 PM
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I yust repaired one nikon coolpix s4, but you help me to realise what i the realy problem when you must tapp your lens to work...

It is fabric error is a device called shooter..
You will notice when you take a picture and display become black that when you look in the middle of the lens yo will see that it is closed-blac, the light cannot go to the ccd...

The error when you have blac picture is in the optica. You must open camera carefylu!!!
When you remove lens away from camera lens have conectet all motors with folia.
Then you relese turns that have conection with folia and resolders two solders...
When you remove that carefuly take folia whit all the reas away from lens..
You will se that there is one device like cube and there is black thin filia that move..
You must relese that folia and clean it with alcohol... that is the problem!
The black folia, i meen two of them is oiled and they cannot move..
My advice is that you don't do this if you are not an expert!! You may deamge your camera!!
But you can show this to an expert to help him repair your camera!!
My price to do thids is 50e but I live in MONTENEGRO... nice sea and chicks..!
See yaa..
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sanjay usmanpurkar 1 pts
December 4, 2007 2:03 AM
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Thanks Dejanm for answering my query!,
i'am not a techno guy, but before throwing my camera in dustbin, i will definetly try your solution myself, here it takes some 40 dollars to repair this problem in india.
If i use camera on daily basis, i think this problem will not happen!

one more thing Dejanm, I will definetly visit MONTENEGRO... NOT for camer repair BUT for nice chicks 'n sea...! u r lucky to have them both ;)

Thanks
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Parione 0 pts
December 11, 2007 12:25 AM
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My Nikon coolpix s4 got same problem half year ago. Friend told me about this common CCD problem. So bad that Nikon does not recall it. I will not buy Nikon anymore and hold this one untill someday make nikon pay for it! I paid $300 and used it just about 1 year(not use very much).
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Vic 0 pts
December 18, 2007 12:09 PM
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Yes tapping helps, but i really had to tap many times to get it slight working. From black, its blurred now - So what the hell is this.. Can someone from Nikon respond and help us (provide free service or replace the camera). Mine is just 7 months old and i spent $299 on it.. Shame I opted Nikon to Sony- very unhappy customer of Nikon Coolpix S4
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Francisco 0 pts
January 27, 2008 10:16 PM
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Hi, i had the same problem in my Nikon Coolpix S4, but i gave it the little knock in the base and re-works again, that was lucky or not, i dont know but its working now, try softly, maybe that works again.
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TinafromKeshena 0 pts
January 31, 2008 12:55 PM
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Same problem with the Nikon I am using. Thank goodness my work bought it. I have had it for 2years and was able to take about 2000 pictures. I did the tapping thing and is working again but the picture is dark. Will still need to get a new camera. Why wouldn't Nikon help with the problem?
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Glad 0 pts
April 5, 2008 11:37 PM
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One more with the same error. Will try tapping the lens to see if it works fine again. I used it already for two yeats with no problems, was very happy with it, grat pics, very portable. Will miss 10X zoom in pocket size camera.
I live in Montevideo, Uruguay, i will see if the Nikon Service fixes this problem and how much it costs, and I'll post the info.
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Alan 0 pts
April 15, 2008 12:18 PM
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Ok...now my S4 is doing the same thing. It's worked well for quite a while and I just downloaded some pics from the camera. A few days later I went to take pics but no video on the screen. Just black. I do see some video noise (sparkles) when I operate the zoom but still no video. Tapping the lens has yielded no results. Just thought I'd add my woes to those already posted. I'm very disappointed in this camera right now.
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Glad 0 pts
April 15, 2008 3:33 PM
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Hi again,
I did the test, I tapped the lens a few times on the bottom (opposite side to lens) and it started working. I guess the problem will come back any time soon, and I hope I'll be able to do do the same again and fix the problem once more.

Alan : try tapping the bottom 3 or 4 times. Quick and shorts "Taps". Not too strong, just firm. :)

Good luck to the rest of you.
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Alan 0 pts
April 16, 2008 12:35 PM
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Hi....I tried tapping the lens but nothing happened. Oh, well. I found my paperwork from when I bought the camera and found out that I had the extended warranty which happened to expire yesterday. So, before they closed last night I ran up to Circuit City (which is where I bought it 2 years ago) and turned the camera in for repair. It will be interesting to see if they actually fix it or whether they will offer me something towards a new camera. I'll let you know what happens. Anyone find it interesting that the camera lasted exactly 2 years to the day???
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LB 0 pts
April 17, 2008 7:58 PM
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Thanks so much! I tapped the lense and worked. at least for now.

:)
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Dejanm 5 pts
April 18, 2008 2:59 AM
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It will happend soon again!
You must repair your camera.
problem is in device called shotter.
Canot move becose there is oill on it!
It is error when they made it in factory!
So it must be repaired in warantly period for free!
Only needs to saparate whole lens mehanisam and clead shooter!

Don't try if you are not an axpert!
Best regards!
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SB 0 pts
May 8, 2008 10:01 PM
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Same deal here. S4 camera stopped working after 2 years. I tapped the back of the lens on my desk and now the screen shows an image again.
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Glad 0 pts
May 9, 2008 10:51 AM
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:(
Hi again, in my case tapping the lens helped to recover the image on the screen, but after a couple of times using the camera outdoors, I realized the Shutter has problems to open and close while you are taking the picture. I think it must adjust the amount of light that comes into the camera, and the mechanism is not responding quick enough, so my pictures in the sun are too exposed and the light spots become white in the picture. I will have to take the camera to the service in Uruguay, let's see if they can fix it and how much it costs.
May be I take "dejanm" instructions to the Nikon Service, to guide them ... :)
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Alan 0 pts
May 9, 2008 10:56 AM
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Hi all...just wanted to report that my S4 is working again. It was sent out for repair under the extended warranty. I managed to get it up to Circuit City on the last day of the warranty. Anyway, the store promised 1 week but it took 2 weeks to get it back. The slip that came back with the camera didn't say exactly what part was not working only that they repaired a lens problem. They also reloaded software and made various tests. At least it's working again...for now. Thanks to all of you for your suggestions. Alan
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Darlene 0 pts
May 29, 2008 12:33 PM
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My coolpix has a pink screen and I cant get it removed?
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sanjay usmanpurkar 1 pts
May 30, 2008 2:28 AM
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Hi all, i had same problem, got it repaired from one camera mechanic. if you stay in india it takes Rs. 1800 (approx. 43 $) to get it work again. because in some cases tapping helps 'n some cases don't, but in my case tapping was giving horizontol white lines on pic. if you stay in india theres this mechanic who is good at repairing. 'cause Nikon service center charges u exorbitant sum (better to buy new one)
anyways, the problen RE-occures, in my case i repaired it twice but won't 3rd time. I just parked my s4 in my cupbord as i love this camera, i will keep it, i will not exchange it.
I have bought this CYBERSHOT, and its working fantabulously. 'will never ever go for nikon in my lifetime again!
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mikeH 0 pts
June 4, 2008 6:09 PM
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I have 2 s4 cameras in the family. Both are more than 2 years old and both have experienced the black screen. I tapped them both. The camera that failed last week is now working. The other camera that failed 6 months ago did not respond to tapping. Maybe I will look for a small screwdriver...
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rk 0 pts
June 7, 2008 8:33 PM
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just had this same issue today and was able "tap" it out after several, pretty good taps. i first tried tapping the actual lens, and then tapped the opposite (bottom) of the lens. seems fine now.

I will think twice about buying nikon again. i've had canon before and also had a lens issue.
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rk 0 pts
June 7, 2008 8:34 PM
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forgot to add 1 thing - my camera is about 3 years old, but lightly used. seems to be a common problem for this camera at 2 to 3 years of use.
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britt 0 pts
June 19, 2008 8:27 PM
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:/
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courtney 0 pts
August 18, 2008 6:34 PM
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i recently got a s4 and i am have the same problem as those that has posted there concern, how can i solve this apart from hitting the camera?
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Glad 0 pts
August 18, 2008 10:25 PM
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Hi again, after tapping a while it stopped working, so I sent it to the official NIKON Service in Uruguay. They told me they could repair the Shutter for 80 USD o change the Shutter for 110 USD. Obviously I chose the second option. 110 + tax = 135 USD. Now it has been working for 1 month aprox. took already over 300 pics, works fine. I let you know if it begins failing again.
I still like the versatility of teh S4, able to take pictures in any direction. Good luck for the rest of us !
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courtney 0 pts
August 19, 2008 9:58 AM
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Thanks Glad for your reply, the thing is that i'm living in jamaica and i don't have the resource to send mine to any service center outside of ja, is there any way the company can be held responsible for the faulty lens of the camera, because everyone seems to be having the same problem with the camera, i strongly believe that the company has hustle there customers in give us a product that is faulty, and then charge the customersto fix the problem.
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C.Rapcamera 0 pts
September 12, 2008 7:59 PM
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Ye same thing here. Seemed to be good camera then this happens. Can,t NIKON do something about this, i won,t buy another one.
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F De Clippeleer 0 pts
September 13, 2008 4:24 PM
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Nicon uses ccd components from sony for the 5700 they use the ICX282AK
can someone tell me the type of ccd used in an s4
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courtney 0 pts
September 16, 2008 11:35 AM
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i recently took mine to the repair shop and got it fix, the repair man said it is a shooter problem, and even when fix, it may stop working again after a time. but it's a pretty good camera.
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Micky 0 pts
November 30, 2008 2:42 PM
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Hi guys. I´m from Spain and I have the same problem with the shutter. I had dissassemble de lens and the shutter is closed avery time.
Wher can I buy a new shutter ????????????????
Can I repair this by clean it ?????
Thanks
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KIXX 1 pts
December 18, 2008 4:56 AM
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Hi guys,

I performed today that procecudure described above. Dissassemled the lense case (previously disassembled the whole case of camera), then I've found the shutter, removed it from the lenses, then opened the shutter cover, and cleaned every thin plastic thing inside the shutter (let's call them 'shutter lips'). The trouble was that shutter lips were stuck together because of oil spot between them. I've cleaned them with soft wipe and alcohol.


After that I''ve assembled all back and voila!!! it works!!!
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Dean 3 pts
January 16, 2009 12:10 AM
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I fixed the black screen in the S4 by taking it completely apart (something like 40 small screws). Here is a link to a exploded view of the camera that was helpful.

http://www.nodevice.es/images/sm/big/2008_08_13_05_44_49/33116_2.jpg

Once you have the body apart you can take the lens cover apart. You then open the lenz (two screws one on either side) and the the top comes off. IN the center there is a small black flat piece that has two "doors" one slides up and the other slides down. These were stuck. Cleaned with Isopropyl alcohol and a Q-tip and careful moved them up and down with my VERY small screwdriver. Cleaned again and then reassembled, tested and it works. I am getting a little bit of lines in my photos I think I need to take it apart again and look at the routing of the wires from the lens to the body as it looks like interference from another electrical component is causing a problem. Anyway the whole procedure took 3 hours+ I have some experience taking cameras and electronics apart. This is not a job of a novice. I completely understand why the 2-3 hundred quoted cost to get it repaired. It is all labor. Sorry but there does not look to be a quick fix for this one. The good thing is it does not require the purchase of any new parts.
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Dean 3 pts
January 17, 2009 11:39 AM
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First of all I have not tried what I am about to propose. This is based upon me taking my camera apart. IF YOU BRAKE YOUR CAMERA DONT BLAME ME. THIS IS UN TESTED THEORY ONLY!

After thinking about this further I would try the tap it method but I would only do it on the side of the lens. I would hold the camera in my hand so the LCD is facing the palm of my hand. The lens should be on your fingers. I would then support the lens with the two center fingers and use the other two to hold the lens firmly so it will not twist. (you need a rather large hand) I would then rap the lens against my elbow as described above being careful to hit it only on the center of the lens assembly on the opposite side from the LCD.

The reason for this is two fold.

1. On the other side of the lens (the LCD Side) there are alot of electronics as well as a ribbon cable. There are also electronics on the back of it. Obviously you dont want to hit it on the glass.

2. The stuck "lips" as they have been called is an iris that has two doors that open up and down by rapping on this side you are exerting inertia on these doors in the direction of there movement. In other words by tapping on this side of the lens housing you are exerting force in the direction that it opens. If this does not work you would try tapping it on the other side (next to the LCD with the unit folded closed. BUT AGAIN there are electronics under this side of the case as well as a ribbon cable SO BE CARFUL. DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!

I am going to take my camera apart again to see if I can cure the lines across the photos by relocating some of the wires and I will post up some photos of this to my web site. It is hard to describe but with photos it would make alot more sense.
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Sebi 2 pts
February 9, 2009 5:28 PM
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Took mine apart and made some pictures... http://sebischraubt.blogspot.com/2009/02/nikon-coolpix-s4.html
(sorry, it's in German but the pictures shoud help... if you need help email me!)
Its not too complicate
Hope it will help People
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Jon 0 pts
May 9, 2009 10:34 AM
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I have an s4 which recently had this issue with the black screen and no picture but the lcd is fine and menu works just fine. I called nikon after searching online for posts about this issue and finding ones like this, and asked if they had known problems with this camera or others like it with this problem. They informed me that they didn't know of any problems like this even more so no problems like this with my model. That didn't settle too well with me considering all the posts i found about people contacting nikon with their problem with no such luck on a cheap fix. So after I spoke with nikon and had them tell me to send it in and they'll look at it then notify me of the problem when found, I decided the hell with it, being a fix it guy I tore it apart to find the problem. This took a while with all the damn little screws and hidden screws. If you attempt this, do yourself a favor and label where they each go in some way cause there is about 5 or 6 different screws (in the s4 anyway). I figured the problem was with the shudder not opening but after tearing it apart then hooking up power and seeing the shudder opens correctly, i knew this wasn't the case. I was about to give up and give in to sending it to nikon for them to charge the hell out of me when i found the problem. At the base of the lens there is a cable that plugs into a circuit board, this cable comes right back out after plugging it in, apparently its either cheap or defective since it should stay when plugged in. I couldn't find any way to tape it in so i put it together and back in the shell then stuffed two little pieces of cardboard in there to keep it heald tight in place. Works great again.. Hope this helps someone else!
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Claude from France 0 pts
June 11, 2009 11:49 AM
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for me I 1st tried the tap at back of lens and it was ok... but only for few pictures as problem appeared again very quickly.

So I decided to dismantle the S4. I carefully follow the Dean process description and I succeed. Thanks to Dean.
Nevertheless I confirm that it's not easy and need to be very carefull and meticulous. I suggest to engage such process only if you have already admited that your camera is dead and that it's your last chance. It takes me 3 to 4 hours to complete the job.
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lls from ssi 0 pts
June 19, 2009 1:27 AM
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I went throgh the process of openning the camera up and dismantling the lens shell and cleaning it all, but it was a dead shutter, and this is past fixing by me. It would slide open and closed but not respond to any electrical attempt with the shutter button. The hardest decide was figuring out that the lens shell was pried out after the casing was off.
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Elizabeth 0 pts
October 9, 2009 7:01 PM
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A couple of light taps on the lens did not work. I hit the lens a couple of times and then really hit the lens very hard. Now I can see an image in the screen! Magic!
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Guido 0 pts
November 4, 2009 6:39 PM
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This is for Sebi: The pictures are great. Is there anyway to translate into English?. Nykon Canada will repair it but its costly. Thank you Sebi.
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elaine 0 pts
November 5, 2009 3:15 PM
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I have the same problem with my husband's S4 and it is at Nikon right now. I got their bid today for $83 to repair it. Of course, I will not be paying $83. We had this camera for at least 3 years with no problems and that is my husband's job site camera so it has not been treated especially well (though not dropped or broken). Now I hear that people have been having this problem a few months after buying it... I will contact Nikon today and give them the option of fixing it for 75% off because it's their mistake or sending it back and loosing a customer for life. I would rather bring hit home and beat on it or preform the surgery myself as suggested here than pay Nikon.
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danielle.bouyahia@yahoo.fr 0 pts
November 18, 2009 10:09 AM
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bonjour

je suis en France et j'ai deux Coolpix S4 qui sont en panne tous les deux
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