Nikon Coolpix S5
- 3.0 out of 5
- 3.0 out of 5
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Research the Nikon Coolpix S5
Editors' Comments
Nikon's new S5 ultra-compact is a slightly reduced version of the robust and magnificent S6, but even in the shadow of its bigger brother, the S5 can hold its own. It still has all the same great features, like integrated support for Wi-Fi, which allows for instantaneous image transfer to your computer and direct printing (with a printer adapter). The PictMotion functions also allow for in-camera slideshows with custom music, displayed on the large 2.5 inch screen. It's not the luxury model like the S6 (really the main difference is the S6's larger LCD), but it's still loaded with neat features that will get the neighbors talking about your hot new toy.
Specifications
- 6 megapixels
- 3x optical zoom / 4x digital zoom
- auto focus
- auto exposure
- JPEG file format
- movie mode w/sound
- lithium ion battery
- 2.5 inch LCD
- SD card storage (21MB internal)
Comments on the Nikon S5
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Nikon Coolpix S5 Reviews
- 3.05670103092783 out of 5
Nikon Coolpix S5 Reviews by Digital Camera-HQ Users
- 2.0 out of 5
Same issue - black screen with a slight hint of snow - its kind of funny I finally found how to use the time stamp and now i have time stamped black photos
- 1.0 out of 5
can't take pictures after about 50 pix. I hate Nikon now for selling me this expensive "disposable digital camera"!!!
- 3.0 out of 5
I have had the S5 for around 18 months and was quite happy with it until last week when I charged it up and since then it hasnt worked at all it just wont turn on having taken it to a photo specialist who said it must be the camera and not the battery I feel really let down, but whilst trying to trouble shoot I have found sooo many people with the exact same problem surely Nikon have some responsibility to explain this problem. Dont think I will buy Nikon again.
- 1.0 out of 5
The pictures that I take inside always come out dark! I was taking pictures in our church sanctuary at a special event and they all turned out so dark you could hardly see the people in the pictures! I tried adjusting the settings and nothing worked! Even in our fellowship hall where there was lots of light coming in the windows the pictures came out dark. If I took a picture of a person up close you could see them fine but the background would be very dark. Another thing is you have to hold the camera extremely still to take a picture or it is blurred! I would not recommend this camera to anyone! I am so disappointed with it!
- 3.0 out of 5
i have a problem with black screen and lcd monitor.i read that can be a solution from Paul Ng, but i dont know what hatmeans. please if u knowsomething that can help write to this email. thank you everyone
- 4.0 out of 5
I followed the reivew from Paul Ng regarding striking the camera on the coolpix S5 part, now the screen works great, Thank you Paul Ng for the help, hopefully I can get some more pictures before purchasing a new one.
THANK YOU
- 1.0 out of 5
Simply said...turned the camera on and got a black screen. I went on the internet to troubleshoot the problem and found that there are soooooooooooo many customers w/the same problem. Also, I found out that Nikon wants $180 to repair it. Terrible..DON'T BUY NIKON EVER!!!!!
- 4.0 out of 5
I currently send back my defeat Nikon that the screen are black and so is the pictures turns out black too. I contacted the Nikon technical service, and was told to send it back to estimate the damage. I was able to get it fix without a cost even though my 1 year factory warranty has been expired. I urge you (whomever have the same problem) just send it back. The customer service is great from Nikon. I got to speak to a person and they can speak ENGLISH... which most of the company now in a day don't. I should have my camera back within a week or so. I will let you all know how it turns out.
- 1.0 out of 5
I previously owned a Nikon that was very easy to use, so an upgraded one was purchased. It is very hard to use. I agree with all comments regarding the blurred photo. This is a big program. Two months ago I was taking pictures of my neice new baby while in the hospital and I got the black screen of death and have tried everything to recover to no avail. I just gave up until now since I need to take some pictures and decided to look online to find out what to do and to my surprise, this is a common problem. I'm disappointed that Nikon is not stepping up and fixing these cameras or just sending the customers a new one. I only brought this one because I liked my previous one. I will definately do more research next time. I would not recommend Nikon to anyone because of their poor customer satisfaction and inability to stand behind their products. Don't just glow in the good reviews but when their are repeated bad reviews then check it out and make necessary corrections. Don't make the consumer pay for your mistake. To those of us who this happens to, we can pay $181 to get it fixed and hope your camera is return or just go purchase another camera. I would chose the latter, why give Nikon any more money for a known defective product, that would be insane.
- 1.0 out of 5
I would rate this at a zero stars if I could. I had this for under a month and went out to take some photos. I took two pictures then got a black screen. Tried to figure out what happened and went ahead and took more pictures guessing at what I was photographing. Came home and downloaded all black photos and videos. After searching on the web I found out this is a common problem.
DO NOT BUY THIS CAMERA! Save your money and put it towards another brand even! Nikon has broke my heart.
- 1.0 out of 5
I have had the NIKON COOLPIX S5 for about a year now ..
60% of the pictures came out blurred.
Transfers took forever and the pictures had spots on them .
If this was not enough ..
I turned on my camera a few months ago and the screen came out blank/black. It was as if the lens had detached from the rest of the camera. It seemed to me like it was an easily fixable problem.
But Nikon wants that 181$ dollars. Almost just as much as the f****** camera.
DONT BUY IT. DONT EVER BUY A NIKON.
- 2.0 out of 5
I also purchased this camera and I am now experiencing the black screen of death - I like the camera but I paid $195 for it and I do not think I will be mailing $181 to have it fixed. :(
- 1.0 out of 5
I rec'd the Nikon S5 camera for Christmas and used in on Christmas day, it worked fine. I turned it on one week later on New Year's Eve and the screen was blank; the camera only took blank photos. I called Nikon shortly afterwards and was told to send it to their service address along with an explanation of the problem, that it should take 7-10 business days to repair. I was then mailed a confirmation that they had rec'd the camera on 1/12/07 and I have been tracking the status online ever since. Today, 1/29/07, the status changed from "in shop" to "parts hold". I spoke with a representative who told me basically there was nothing he could do. He also said I should have taken it back to the original dealer, which I would have done if the first Nikon rep had recommended it! Too late now. They have had my camera for 17 days and still no word on when I will have it back. Although I was told to call back in 5 days (not very promising). This is a huge disappointment on a camera I owned for 1 week, in my opinion they should have replaced it with a new camera. When I mentioned this to the rep i was met with nothing but sarcasm...
- 4.0 out of 5
I am Dr. Pairoj Ruktanonchai I just own the Nijon digital camera colorpix S5 , I had it for several months now and I use for several occations and am please with it i use to own Nikon SR series the big one then I use Cannon digital careras all along for 4-5 years I am also like them , I just want to try the Nikon because my friend recomend it ,so I would like to try it and I am very satisfy with it
truely yours
Pairoj Ruktanonchai, MD FAAp
- 4.0 out of 5
I don't know about quality picture when printed
- 2.0 out of 5
i bought it 6 months bak,initially i was veryimpressed by the design...but later the big problem ...u need to b very still if u wan a quality picture..if the object or the camera is slightly shaken(slightly means u need to hold even ur breath)then the pic r blurred..on average..only 2 out of 5 pic r qoulity pic...id rather use a sony than this camera...i wud suggest u not to go for this camera ...n still if u want u can buy it frm me..not every body can use this camera,bt only the 1 who no how to use it....the pic r damn bluurred....may b the new s9 which they say is shake free shud b correctin it...but all in all ...A BAD BAD CAMERA...don go for it guys...
- 1.0 out of 5
I got my coolpix s5 August 5, 2006 and thought it was great. Then at the first opportunity I took it out for some shots at the park. The screen went blank once. I turned it off/on and it was fine. I then took it to Las Vegas on vacation for a week. It worked fine. On October 20, 2006 the screen went blank again, this time it did not come back. My wife took it back to Wal Mart and was promptly told that it was a Nikon issue now. Tried Nikon and was told to send it in and for $181 they would look at it. Well folks I only paid $235 for the thing to begin with! I would NOT recommend this thing to ANYBODY!
- 4.0 out of 5
Very convenient size, just put it in your pocket and take off. I like the lens cover feature for protection. Point and shoot or fuss with the controls for max. results. The movie picture feature is great for S5's size and picture quality for this small digital camera. Over all satisfaction, very good. If I wanted a perfect picture of professional quality I'd spend more$$$ but for the money,size,ease-of-use I can highly recommend it. And I can always have it with me for those unexpected picture taking moment's. Lots of fun and good quality at a reasonable price. Nikon again lives up to its reputation. I've had Nikons for many,many years. You get what you pay for. ddd
- 3.0 out of 5
I'd opted for the S5 over a Canon IXY 700 due to the smaller size and the easy-to-navigate jog dial menu. Having used it for a few weeks, I'm not overly impressed. It's a nice camera, don't get me wrong. However, since I've owned 3 Sony Cybershots previously, I've got them to compare it against. And in the time that I've had it, I haven't found anything that awed me, really.
The big screen is very nice and every single person that sees my camera oogles at the screen real estate. Personally, it doesn't make so much difference to me. I'd rather have battery life than a huge screen. And one more w/ the screen is that to change the display info, one has to fiddle around in the menu to change that (whereas it was a single button operation on my previous Sony P-8). Not a deal-killer, but something to take into consideration if you're wanting to check out grayscale often.
The heart of my dissatisfaction with this camera is what I consider to be a design flaw. Using the red-eye reduction in a low-light situation results in spots in my pictures. At first, I thought it was a problem w/ the camera and got a replacement unit. The replacement does the same thing. Turning off the red-eye reduction seems to eliminate the problem.
Seeing as the majority of the spots appear on the right side of the photos, my conjecture is that the flash is too close to the lens. I never had this situation with any of my previous Cybershots. However, they all had lenses that protrude from the body. Therefore, I feel it's an issue with the recessed lens + the close proximity of the flash to the lens.
Contact with Nikon has not yielded me very much satisfaction. Apparently they feel that the dust in the air that is being captured is normal for this sort of model. To me, that is an unacceptable cop-out as it renders the red-eye reduction function useless. Perhaps Nikon would submit to photoshopping every single one of my photos that emerges with this problem. Needless to say, I'm not impressed with Nikon's response to the issue.
Looking at other reviews, I found a review on the Sony T9 that speaks of the same exact issue. Looking at the picture, the flash to lens placement is the exact same. This backs up my theory of design flaw.
Perhaps I'm wrong, but a better explanation has not been given to me by Nikon, the reseller that I bought from or anyone else that's heard of the problem.
This is a nice camera, but due to what I feel is unacceptable performance, I would not recommend it (or any similarly built) models to anyone. I will most likely go back to my initial choice and try a Canon IXY 700. At least the lens extends from the body, so that should hopefully eliminate this issue if I'm correct in what causes it.
- 3.0 out of 5
GREAT camera, except............ no optical viewfinder. I narrowed my choices down to this camera and the Canon Powershot SD550 Digital ELPH. I bought the Nikon and it worked great...indoors. I went to the beach at lunchtime (yeah I can do that) to test it out in bright sunlight and could barely see anything in the LCD, even after adjusting brightness. I returned it and got the Canon, that has an optical viewfinder, and I am very happy with it. Too bad because the Nikon is a great camera. If the Nikon had an optical viewfinder, I would have kept it. The rotary control is also very cool.
Nikon Coolpix S5 Comments & Questions (write your own!)
Hope it helps.
The main differences between the Coolpix S5 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) and S6 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) are as follows:
-S6 has a larger LCD (3 inch) while the S5 has 2.5 inches. However both LCDs have the same pixel resolution so you could argue that the smaller screen on the S5 will be sharper.
-S6 has WIFI capability.
And that's about it. So basically if you want a camera with WIFI the S6 is worth the extra cost; if not, the S5 is more or less the exact same camera.
COOLPIX NIKON S5
BOUGHT OVER SEAS HAS ONLY JAPANESE INSTRUCTION MANUAL
COOLPIX NIKON P5000
Asian cameras will not be accepted for registration and downloading. Bought mine in Hong Kong and am looking for answer myself.
hxxp://wxw.nikonusa.com/software/P2/PP175WinEN.zip
I know im the best!
Enjoy
I had some hard time finding this software!
Camera manufacturers don't generally advertise the upper limit of memory their cameras will handle. I'm not sure why, but that's just the way it is. Generally, they're built to handle anything you can throw at them, but the standard these days is either 2 or 4gb. Some cameras act up above 2, some handle 4gb just fine. Personally, I'd contact Nikon customer support before jumping for a 4gb or higher card. Their support page is here ( nikonusa.com/template.php?g... ). Good luck!
A picture will be blurry due to camera movement if 1) the camera is moving such that direction of the lens motion is not aligned with the motion of the subject , and 2) the shutter speed is slow. Remember that even a "slow" shutter speed is 1/15th or 1/30th of a second; generally a shutter speed of 1/60th second or faster is considered fast enough to avoid significant blurring.
When you say you can't take photos, do you mean that the photos come out black like the screen, or do you mean that pressing the shutter release does nothing?
Can you see status icons on the LCD, or are they gone too?
A little more detailed description would go a long way toward helping you here. As it stands, you've probably either got a problem with your CCD (imaging sensor) or your LCD screen. I'm leaning toward the former, since you say you can't take pictures.
Let me know!
I've been having the same problem with my Nikon CoolPix S5 as well...this isn't the first time either. Although, in previous times, my camera returned to normal. This time, my camera still hasn't returned to normal yet, I'm a little worried. I can still see the menus and everything, it's just that when I go to 'image taking mode', the screen is black, and any picture/video I take comes out black. Also, I can still see my pictures in playback mode.
Is there anything I can do about this? I can't really bring it back to the place I bought it from...I bought it in Japan last summer, and I live pretty far from Japan. (laugh)
Thanks in advance!
I went to the local dealership and asked them how much it'd be to fix the camera. To fix the it, they had to charge me around $200-300 (which fluctuates according to parts needed) and an extra n% (Sorry @_@ I forgot what the rate was...) on top of the $200-300 because mine was an international model @_@ They suggested that I get a new one, which I strongly agreed with, since $200-300 could get me a newer model.
I also took my camera to a camera store, to ask if they could fix it, and they gave this reply, "It would cost more to take it apart and to fix it, then it would to buy another one." (laugh)
Last week was viewing the pics in playback mode during a train ride, turned it back to cam mode and screen went blank..
Can we all take this up collectively with Nikon company, if this is a defect with COOLPIX S5 then maybe NIKON should do something about it for all of us ???
Anyone wants to comment, or can help get a fair deal of getting it repaired from the Company ???
Thanks,
Parag
: )
And I agree with Parag. Canon is the way to go. I've recently looked at their SD1000 model and have fallen in love with it! I might just buy that one.
All i can find on the recall lists are batteries, where on the website did you find a recall on the "black screen" delama? That would be really amazing if they were to fix this problem.
Thnx Lianna for your thoughts on Canon, have you picked up one ? Do share your reviews on the same..
Have a good week friends..
I am currently carrying the Canon S3 IS. It's a little bit on the bulky side, it's frame is like a mini-DSLR type. So if you don't mind carrying something a bit big, then it's a good choice. There are many ways to customize the settings on the camera, and is 6 MP.
I have not yet picked up any of the slim models, but have had some interest in them.
Still haven't heard from Nikon. I'm praying they send me SOMETHING or ANYTHING about my camera...
PS. Nikon sucks ass!
...lemme know how that goes for ya
I was so in love with Nikon too.
A few days after the "bill" came, I got my camera back and it's been working fine since then.
My job here is done. Good luck to everyone!
does anyone know how to fix this problem?
i have never dropped my camera before... and i don't know why it is not functioning well..... --;;;;;;;;
This is a common problem with Nikon. My Coolpix S4 went bust after less than 1000 pictures. I replaced the CCD in India, and travelled to the UK - it went blank again (in less than 3 months). The guys here are asking for 150 quid to repair it .. thats more than the cost at which i bought the baby 1 year back! .. am dumping it, and buying another one ..
"Service Advisory - Nikon D2H, D70, N55 and Coolpix 3100, 3500, 4500, 5000, 5400, 5700, SQ
It has come to our attention that in a limited number of COOLPIX 3100, 3500, 4500, 5000, 5400, 5700 and SQ digital cameras, an electronic component may, in some instances, fail affecting your camera's performance and/or operability.
While only a limited number of COOLPIX 3100, 3500, 4500, 5000, 5400, 5700 and SQ digital cameras are affected by this advisory, if your camera presents symptoms that can include (1) images with a strong color tint, (2) images that are totally black and/or (3) images with visible defects, Nikon will, upon confirmation that the problem is associated to this Service Advisory, service your camera free of charge.
To obtain complimentary service for cameras affected by this advisory, please click the link below to download and print the Service Return Form. The Service Return Form provides detailed return instructions."
I then sent an e-mail stating that my Coolpix S5 was displaying the same fault in the electrical component cited here, what actions are to be taken next to have my Nikon repaired free of charge.
I tried calling Nikon Service Relations toll-free at 800-645-6678 but because today is a holiday they are closed. I will call tomorrow.
I like James advice above - let's all call and get our cameras on the same advisory and fixed for free.
(only for the local Tokyo people as this is related to the Nikon service center here only)..
(1)Turn on the camera to camera/video mode.
(2) Half press shutter release button to focus.
(3) Flip the W/T switch to the right (?) a couple times while the 'AF' still flashing on screen.
At this point, you might be able to get an error message: INITIALIZING LENS CANNOT FOCUS (red text on white background).
If you don't see message, try again all steps until you see the message coming up on screen.
With the above findings, I guess there is a misalignment in the lens focus system which fails the lens component(s) to return to it's starting point, i.e. the maximum wide-angle setting.
There is something strange that I noticed too to support my guess. When I started the camera mode, I tried to see if zoom switch could work. Before I pushed the switch to the right (T), I noticed that the zoom indicator on the bar was already out a little bit. As this was not a normal starting point of an indicator as compared with any other makes. I have over 50 digital cameras, none of them starts like this one, not unless the camera itself has a memory setting put to 'ON' and is effective for the zoom as well.
Well, thanks for reading about my findings but not a solution of a self fix to the camera. Yet, I'm going to open up the camera to see how much I can play around inside to correct the lens component. I ain't technician, but I like trouble-shooting.
Will post updates regarding this 'trouble' camera.
I just got the camera defective like conditions of yours. Tried to find help on the web and came across this site while testing on the black screen camera for not more than 45 minutes.
I have the instruction manual, but never flipped a page on it yet. So how the heck do I know about that 5 times things on focus as mentioned above. BECAUSE I got the stupid camera working right now with the real time image on the screen.
If you want to follow my way to try fixing it yourself, keep reading and do it at your own risk. You paid several hundread dollars for the camera and I just paid $20 for it. Therefore, I tried everything I can to make it work, even if I had to open the camera body to play with the inside. Fortunately, it was not neccessary to take it apart.
Once again, AT YOUR OWN RISK to follow my way to get back your real time image screen.
Read the following steps once and make sure you understand before action.
(1) Load your camera with a freashly recharged battery.
(2) Switch on to see if it's working and still without the real time screen.
(3) Switch it off, and hold it tight in you palm with the LCD facing inward.
(4) Now, with you palm up, you should be able to see the model name 'CoolPix S6' under the lens and the flash.
(5) While holding the camera and aiming at the 'CoolPix S6', raise your other hand with the fist next to your ear.
(6) Match the aim as describe in(4) to the aim of your elbow 's protruded part and make pratice moves. Yes, you'are going to smack it
to your elbow.
(7) When you are ready, try first not to hit your elbow too hard once.
(8) Switch the camera on to check. If you have the 'Screen' now, congratulation! If not, repeat (4) to (8) but with a stronger impact
Force. You might have to try more times until your elbow could not take the sore.
I got mine fixed by performing the above steps just once, but I started at a medium impact force. Before this fix, I tried to whack it on both sides, the top and the bottom to my knee cap.
Why I chose knee cap and elbow? They hurt if you strike too hard. The target is to apply enough impact force to shake but not break the parts inside the camera.
Good Luck!!
I tried your elbow solution and it worked on my S3. I am still laughing but very happy to have a "working" for now camera.
I'm glad to hear from others who got their cameras back to working conditons without paying a dime!
Will try the elbow/ knee and may possibly follow with a fist or a foot.
Well I will not be buying nikon again. Good luck all.
I had given up on asking Nikon to fix my camera and laughed at your solution to fix the problem. But having no where else to turn, i gave the elbow trick a try. Now my camera works and it didnt cost me $250! Thanks Paul, you saved me alot of money!!!
If I were you, I would have tried that without hesitation. Even if the camera had costed me over three hundred dollars to buy, I would not just keep it as a removeable drive device or digital picture frame under that blank screen condition. Now those Nikon tech. probably can follow my elbow trick to fix the camera in no time and still charge victims out there big bucks.
Bottom line, most of these compact cameras are designed not to last too long, that's all makers' marketing strategy. Some cases, a slight bump on the lens can cause one or more springs inside the lens barrel to pop off the hook. This happens in cameras with extend/retract lens and the lens can never be retracted totally inside the body, because the loosen spring is blocking the track. Why can't makers secure these springs well enough not to pop? There are lens jammed conditions that is caused by dirt or slight misalignment. If that is the case, tap the bottom part of the camera to a hard surface covered with a folded towel.
I believe the problem of these S5/S6 blank screens is caused by lens misalignment, which results with the power contact plates, along side the lens glider frame and the inner walls of the lens housing, are not properly in contact to give the correct functionings of the camera in related with the lens. Some other function of the lens are controlled by the correct contacts of these power plates. For example, the zoom in/out need the adjustment of apertures.
Okay, as I said before, I'm not a technician. The above is based on my limited knomledge on the builds of digital cameras and to make a wild guess. Anyway, my guess helped me to make suck a 'elbow trick' move. Good to have results. Congratulations to those who followed the trick and had the cameras back to working condition----------without paying a dime.
Try my second response to this Question how to get it fixed. Read first before you follow to action.
Many thanks Paul NG for you solution.
Glad to hear another successful story. But I suggest the others not to have the camera switched on when doing the tapping. If you do so, you are taking a risk of short circuit in the case of the impact force might shake the electronics inside and cause some metal parts to get in contact, resulting in other form(s) of malfunction.
Don't give up hope. With the camera 'OFF', try use a cotton swab to slightly press against the cover and do circular movements along the rim several times. Then switch on to check if cover opens. If not, still with camera 'OFF' use your knuckles to tap around the outer rim of the lens cover. Then switch on to check. You might need to perform this kind of tricks a couple more time with slightly heavier contact. Hope to hear good news from you soon.
Paul Ng
No stretch of the truth, Paul's trick worked. I'm a slim guy but it does take some force. Just to be clear, I was aiming right on the 'Coolpix' label and it worked.
Nikon, you're lame
If you had beaten a few dents on the camera front, then the force that you used was way too strong. You must have skipped reading the last 2 lines following the steps. The force applied shoud just be good to shake the parts inside the lens. The aim should be the CoolPix word at the front of the camera.
Now, where exactly are those dents at the front. You might have hit it too hard and close to the lens area that cause the lens cap error. Under such condition, I suggest you to try use a cotton swab to slightly press against the cover and do circular movements along the rim several times. Then switch on to check if cover opens. If not, still with camera 'OFF' use the swab to slightly press the lens cap at 12 o'clock point and switch on the camera. Not open, switch off camera, try 3 o'clock point, then switch on. Not okay, try 6 o'clock. Still not okay, try 9 o'clock.
Hopefully, the above treatment can solve the existing problem. Let me know if it won't work. let me know as well where those dents are at the front.
S3 has the same kind of built-in lens. You may try the elbow trick, at your own risk, to get back the 'Live view' screen. But the aim to hit on the body of the camera is different to the above mentioned steps. Your aim on the camera should go by right after the 'S3', about 1/2 an inch. Or use you imagination of 2 straight lines, one drawn from the 'S3' and meets the other line drawn down from the center of the lens. The meeting point of these 2 imaginary lines will be the aim to hit. Apply low impact force first, then turn on camera to check. If not okay, you should still try the same impact force one more time before moving to a slightly greater force in the event that the same force won't work. As I said before, the target is to shake the parts inside, hit it too hard might develope another problem, viz, 'lens error' message or 'lens cap error' message.
Good luck!
I'm not standing on the side of camera makers. With the number of cameras sold vs the number of cameras with the blank screen problem developed, I figured the % of such symtom is less than 2% with the same camera model. And within these 2% cameras, I do believe symtom developed due to mis-handling in some cases. If not, as you said, having bad luck getting a lemon.
Camer owners should read the 'Camera Care' pages on the manual book. There are quite a few 'avoid' things to follow in order to keep you camera at peak performance and trouble free.
I noticed one thing that camera owners might harm their cameras unintentionally, and most camera makers mention without on the 'Camera care' pages, by placing the camera beside the battery charger which has a AC/DC adapter while recharging in progress. Some adapters are not magnetic-shielded and may cause interference to some electronic devices. Another bad place to put your camera close by is the speaker which most people have them around their computers.
I'm quite sure, Nikon hasn't figured it out what caused the problem, as you can see the 3 year time span making all those 'S' series models wih no improvement. Or, they simply think it as a result of mis-handling, and the % of occurance is acceptable at manufacturer point of view.
With the convience of internet nowadays, it still needs quite some time to draw a global attention and get more victims together to launch complaint in large scale----with the aid of legal advisors.
Bottom line, if we are not those consumers who can throw thousands of dollars to play the top-of-the-line cameras without knowing the good or bad of them, give some time, do some research first before picking the one that fits your needs. There are lots of camera makers, they all have good and bad ones.
I have more than fifty digital cameras, and none of them has problem yet, as I handle them really carefully. You know what, some of them were bought with lens error which I got them fixed myself, and they work great thereafter.
Congratulations! Well done with the tricks, especially for the lens cap to clear the lens cap error.
These tricks can be applied to the other 'S' series cameras with built-in lenses. For the elbow trick, simply mark the aim at about one inch below the lens.
Jessica,
I just want to give my personal comments on the Canon model SD1000 vs your S3. The former has a better effective flash range, which is 11 ft for wide-angle and 6.6 ft for tele. The latter being capable of 8.2 ft for wide-angle and 4.6 for tele. If you are quite often taking indoor shots with a bigger crowd, the SD1000 will do a better job. Anyway, almost all compact cameras fall short on the flash range for indoor shots with bigger crowd. Now, if your budget for a new camera is still of a compact design, pick whatever you like with the features equipped. Then invest a little money to buy a slave flash to help getting better indoor shots if you feel needed.
i laughed when i read your post....laughed out louder when i read other responses saying it works....and bloody hell fell off my chair when i tried the same thing and got a "WORKING NIKON S3"...
God bless you paul........
Nikon sucks
You're welcome! I believe more people need this trick to fix their cameras. I'm trying to post a link to the other forum sites to get more desperate victims to have their cameras fixed without paying a nickel.
paul ng. it really worked!!!!!
i mean i saw your advice posting a few month ago and (i am sorry... ^^) i didn't take it seriously.
and i tried it for the last time before buying one tomorrow ... i mean i thought i got nothing to lose....
oh.... my .... god.. i just can't believe this working again~!
you've got my appreciation. paul ng!!!
lol
Hey, a little sore saved you $200 to get it repaired. I didn't hurt myself, how many times did you hit?
Owners of CoolPix 'S' series cameras with built-in lens who are looking for 'Tricks' to get the camera fixed.
For your easy reference:
**Black screen ---- elbow trick >>>> see instruction posted on Sept. 9, 2007
**Lens Cap Error >>>> see instruction posted on Oct. 23, 2007
I have same black screen problem but with Coolpix S4. Tried taping, shaking but won't work, it has this squivel lense, any suggestions??
The S4 has a different kind of lens design which is housed in a swivel lens body. The similar cameras that I have are CoolPix 900 and CoolPix SQ, The former is working fine but the latter has an lens error. I found out the SQ lens mechanism had a hair-thin spring popped off, and I lost it when trying to attach it back. Since I don't have the similar black screen problem with the Nikon swivel lens cameras, I really don't want to give suggestions as to how to fix it.
By experience, I have a Sony DSC P51 which, not too sure, has a similar zoom (only 2X) lens design; except that it is not swiveling type. It went 'black' a couple of times, I managed to get back the live-view screen by tapping on the side of the camera where the lens located next to. It took at least above medium impact force on the 'smacks'.
Another black screen experience happened on a Fujifilm A200 which equipped with a fix focus lens. No matter how I smacked it, still black screen. I tried open up the body to check on the CCD, nothing seemed wrong. I removed the CCD and re-attached it to the lens, still black screen.
I was just lucky to find out ways to fix some camera problems myself and willing to share it to others who might want to try. I always believe that something shifted position due to impact force, then apply certain amount of impact force, after examination, may shift it back in place. I did it on a Canon SD-630 which was dropped by its owner on a carpet floor, resulting an inner lens component shifted a little bit. It could tell by looking at the LCD with just half live-view shown. The half black screen had a circular line seperating to the live-view. I remember looking at that circular line and the black screen on the left of the LCD, I told the owner that the left side of the camera hit the floor first. After confirming the owner that he would not bring the camera to service because of too expensive to repair and he agreed to let me try fixing it. I said that I need thirty seconds to try my first trick, and walked into the next room with carpeted floor. I held the camera on the left side and hit it with the right side on to the floor two times with medium force. Turned on the camera, checked the LCD. My theory was right, I got the lens back to normal position and the LCD could tell by showing the full live-view. I walked back to the other room and handed the camera back to the owner who started screaming "How did you do that?", " Is this my camera?".
Well, as I said before, there is nothing to lose. Before buying a new camera instead of paying high service charge to get it fixed, why not trying something to get it fixed by yourself. You don't want it to be a removeable drive or picture viewer without the camera function.
Finally, I'm sharing my experience of how I fixed some cameras. Those who are willing to give it a try should consider that I should not be held responsible under whatever circumstances.
Owners of CoolPix 'S' series cameras with built-in lens who are looking for 'Tricks' to get the camera fixed.
For your easy reference:
**Black screen ---- elbow trick >>>> see instruction posted on Sept. 9, 2007
**Lens Cap Error >>>> see instruction posted on Oct. 23, 2007
Good Luck!
Owners of CoolPix 'S' series cameras with built-in lens who are looking for 'Tricks' to get the camera fixed.
For your easy reference:
**Black screen ---- elbow trick >>>> see instruction posted on Sept. 9, 2007--------21 successful reports.
**Lens Cap Error >>>> see instruction posted on Oct. 23, 2007--------1 successful report, see response dated Nov.4/07
Good Luck!
Another S-3 success story. Loved Heidi's post. Oh.................. my God!
Definitely agree about the exact spot for the S-3 - tried to hit the "Coolpix S3" label many times to no avail, then tried this new spot (below the lens) and after a good solid elbow whack, voila!
I am curious if the newer S50 and S51 models have this issue - I haven't seen any posts about it here or on the other site (fixya.com). I was considering replacing this with one of those...
Thanks again Paul.
Dan
Glad to hear another fix. You don't want to go through the same trouble with the exact built of lens, though the elbow trick might work. Keep the S3 and shop for another style of camera. S50 just got a larger LCD (3"), higher ISO sensibility Up to 1600 and VR for more steady shots. The performance of S50 is not worth its price range. It does produce sharp images, but the speed of the camera is just average. Start up time is slow, between shots time with flash measures about 4-5 secs. and there is a shutter lag too. You will find losing shooting opportunities because of the average speed performance.
One other good thing about this kind of built-in lens is no damage to the zoom lens if camera is accidentally switched on inside a fitted camera case/bag. I always keep my cameras in the bag with the mode set at 'play', a good habit for keeping other kind of zoom lens cameras which extends when power up.
If you still want to stick to Nikon cameras, take a look at S200 or S500. They're way better speedy cameras.
If you had tried the elbow trick, I assumed the problem was black screen. The aim to tap should be about an inch below the lens. were you working on the right spot? Have you tried different impact forces, like from low to medium forces. Give it another shot, if nothing happens, let me know.
Okay as i told you before, i did the elbow thing and it worked. but now it says the lends cover thing.
and i have no idea what to do.
ive tried the cotton swab and everything..
ive lost hope.
:(
ideass??
Please give more specific details as to the lens cap error that you're having with the camera. Pick one of the following if matched.
1. error message on screen, lens cap actually open fully but can't take pics.
2. error message on screen, lens cap partially open but can't take pics.
3. error message on screen, lens cap won't open and can't take pics.
Have you read one of the response dated Oct. 23rd and followed the tricks to see if the lens cap problem could be fixed?
Did the black screen re-occurred after the first fix that you did the elbow trick again? Tell me the model of your camera and which part below the lens that you hit to your elbow.
I need these information to see if I can further help you out.
i tried the elbow trick about 20 times now and still nothing. there's no lens cap error. i did it right on the wording "coolpix s6" :(
just wondering though, how long do you think this will be working for? do you think it will last for a while longer?
The elbow trick actually didnt work the first few times, i slammed it on the carpeted floor a couple of times too and it still didnt seem to work. then i turned it off and got distracted with something else and when i came back it worked.
I answered your question on Dec. 29, I even checked the page that was updated with my answer. Somehow, something happened and had my response removed. Now that I knew, if this response disappeared again, I'm going to report to the site administrator.
I was wondering if you hit the right spot. For S6, you should be hitting the S6 or somewhere about 2/3 to 1 inch below the lens. It is because the built-in zoom lens is a tube located vertically right below the lens. Try again, and make sure you increase a bit the impact force after unsuccessful attempts.
I can not tell how long a camera will function normally. Every camera owner handles the camera differently. Rough handling will certainly trigger the same problem easier, as my conclusion of the cause was due to misalignment of internal zoom lens components. I always handle my S6 with care. I got it 2nd hand with the black screen issue. It's been working great after I fixed it in Sept'07. But I don't use it too often, as I have over 55 digital cameras.
So far, I only heard one owner with the same problem happened again one month after the fix. She (Alexandra.=]) hasn't provided updates after her second post of the problem. You may refer response dated Dec.23rd to check it out.
Owners of CoolPix 'S' series cameras with built-in lens who are looking for 'Tricks' to get the camera fixed.
For your easy reference:
**Black screen ---- elbow trick >>>> see instruction posted on Sept. 9, 2007--------21 successful reports.
**Lens Cap Error >>>> see instruction posted on Oct. 23, 2007--------1 successful report, see response dated Nov.4/07
Good Luck!
Paul, thanks so much for the "Elbow Trick." My wife and I are leaving for trip to Montana tomorrow and were facing the unfortunate situation of taking our 3.1 MP camera we bought in the year 2000 (you know, the one with the .34 inch screen). Well, I tried the trick and it worked!!! I cannot wait to begin taking pics again with my S6 and spreading the gospel according to Paul.
Why has no one started a Wikipedia page on "the Elbow Trick?'' Thanks again Paul.
I've tried different impact forces from low to medium forces, nothing happened.
What I need to do now??
like Paul NG I bought intentionally a Coolpix S3 with the sickness of black display (no image but all data menu).
I bought it because I have another one that was drown during a scuba diving, so with the part of one I try to repair the other.
I'm a service enginner so I want understand the origin of the defect, and finally I found the solution (for me but I think also for other)!
I try to explain :
All the digital camera are made in this sequence : Lens, shutter, CCD (sensor), microchip who acquire image and a SD for storage.
On my camera the lens assembly work (I can listen the motor who drive it and the image on dispaly with snow change when I zoom),
So I can see image, fully black but something is there, and I can store it.
But if the shutter is not controlled or is blocked closed no light (image) can arrive to the ccd sensor.
The Kung Fu strike, who give the solution at a lot of people, just unlock the shutter.
But for my camera this tecnique have no effect.
Then I try to open the camera with the experience of the drawn one, and I have found a small flat cable (the one who control the shutter) unplugged !!!
Then I have reconnect the small flat cable (is like a thin orange film) and close the camera.....
Now I have a Coolpix S3 who work again.
I'm thinking to make a movie for youtube, just to show how to disassemble a coolpix and where is the cable.
Ciao
davide
Workig like new...for now, anyway. Thanks, Paul.
Thanks for any help you can give me!
S500 is extend lens type design. I only tried on Sony cameras with black screen problem. I tried smacking the bottom of the camera to my palm with the camera power on and lens extended. If don't work. Try to flick the lens barrels on the side with your index finger with camera power on. This trick is to hopefully release a stuck shutter, if that was the cause of the black screen. The worse case was identified by Davide ( scroll up this page & see response dated Feb 09 6:39 am ).
Hope this can help.
Owners of CoolPix 'S' series cameras with built-in lens who are looking for 'Tricks' to get the camera fixed.
For your easy reference:
**Black screen ---- elbow trick >>>> see instruction posted on Sept. 9, 2007--------21 successful reports.
**Lens Cap Error >>>> see instruction posted on Oct. 23, 2007--------1 successful report, see response dated Nov.4/07
***Other than the above, another finding might help someone who would take the challenge to disassemble the problem camera to get it fixed. Please refer to response dated Feb 09 6:39 am, a more complicated fix identified by Davide . Keep track on his updates too, he plans to make a video (Youtube) to show the fix.
Good Luck!
=]
Owners of CoolPix 'S' series cameras with built-in lens who are looking for 'Tricks' to get the camera fixed.
For your easy reference:
**Black screen ---- elbow trick >>>> see instruction posted on Sept. 9, 2007--------29 successful reports.
**Lens Cap Error >>>> see instruction posted on Oct. 23, 2007--------1 successful report, see response dated Nov.4/07
***Other than the above, another finding might help someone who would take the challenge to disassemble the problem camera to get it fixed. Please refer to response dated Feb 09 6:39 am, a more complicated fix identified by Davide . Keep track on his updates too, he plans to make a video (Youtube) to show the fix.
Good Luck!
You are a champion, Paul.
Antipodes
Owners of CoolPix 'S' series cameras with built-in lens who are looking for 'Tricks' to get the camera fixed.
For your easy reference:
**Black screen ---- elbow trick >>>> see instruction posted on Sept. 9, 2007--------31 successful reports.
**Lens Cap Error >>>> see instruction posted on Oct. 23, 2007--------1 successful report, see response dated Nov.4/07
***Other than the above, another finding might help someone who would take the challenge to disassemble the problem camera to get it fixed. Please refer to response dated Feb 09 6:39 am, a more complicated fix identified by Davide . Keep track on his updates too, he plans to make a video (Youtube) to show the fix.
Good Luck!
I love your trick
I must say it sound really stupid at the start but i thought it was worth a try
So my dad tried and tried and then at the end he tried twice then turned it on and it worked perfectly
I'm still gobsmacked that it worked cause it stopped working when i fell over in Rome, Italy
last week
thanks heaps
Thank you for the simple yet highly effective remedy
I gave my S5 two gentle elbow's, then 2 harder ones, and bling, it worked!
The camera was a gift and has sentimental values for me. Your help has meant that i didn't have to go through the lengthy and costly process of getting Nikon to fix it for me :) :)
You've made my day! Thank you very much!!
Owners of CoolPix 'S' series cameras with built-in lens who are looking for 'Tricks' to get the camera fixed.
For your easy reference:
**Black screen ---- elbow trick >>>> see instruction posted on Sept. 9, 2007--------34 successful reports.
**Lens Cap Error >>>> see instruction posted on Oct. 23, 2007--------1 successful report, see response dated Nov.4/07
***Other than the above, another finding might help someone who would take the challenge to disassemble the problem camera to get it fixed. Please refer to response dated Feb 09 6:39 am, a more complicated fix identified by Davide . Keep track on his updates too, he plans to make a video (Youtube) to show the fix.
Good Luck!
Thanks for your advise an recommendation for the solution of the Black Screen/Shot. At first I laugh a lot, then I try the elbow technique and my Nikon Coolpix S6 start to work fine again. Thank you very much!!!!!!
please help!
E5700 belongs to a different series camera with a lens design that extend and retract. The elbow trick is for those built-in type zoom lens. Anyways, you may try to tap slightly on the side of the lens barrel when the camera is switched on and at shooting mode. Make sure to give a few taps (or flick it with your index finger) each time and watch the screen, starting with low impact force. Tap a little bit harder the next time. Don't tap too hard, as this kind of lens could be very delicate with the zoom mechanism inside.
Second thought, you may want to do some research about the Sony's bad CCD sensor which unfortunately was used on this E5700 model. Your screen problem could be of that issue. Instead of recall, manufacturers are offering FREE fix, including shipping cost both ways. Initially, I suggest you to click here ( imaging-resource.com/badccd... ) to go to a web page with informations about this bad CCD problem from a third party. After you diagnose the symptom of your camera with further knowledge obtained, then it is the right time to consider to try tapping or send it in to fix (if the Service Advisory is still valid from Nikon website).
If you require further assistance, post you email address here for me to contact you.
Owners of CoolPix 'S' series cameras with built-in lens who are looking for 'Tricks' to get the camera fixed.
For your easy reference:
**Black screen ---- elbow trick >>>> see instruction posted on Sept. 9, 2007--------36 successful reports.
**Lens Cap Error >>>> see instruction posted on Oct. 23, 2007--------1 successful report, see response dated Nov.4/07
***Other than the above, another finding might help someone who would take the challenge to disassemble the problem camera to get it fixed. Please refer to response dated Feb 09 6:39 am, a more complicated fix identified by Davide . Keep track on his updates too, he plans to make a video (Youtube) to show the fix.
Good Luck!
the tapping is not working. i don't seem to see any change on the screen. Hopefully its not because of the elbow trick i tried on it the day before.
thanks again. i was glad to see that you replied in less than a days worth of time.
The blinking image of a small clock is the icon to indicate that the time is not set yet. You may still access the menu to set the time and it will be gone.
You haven't done your home work (research) yet. Click here ( nikonusa.com/Service-And-Su... ) and find 'Service Advisories' of your camera E5700 by clicking link below the camera on the page and read carefully the pop-up screen. Black image is also classified as one of the results of the problem CCD turned bad. I think that web page is for America. So if you reside in other part of the world, you should go to your region site to check the service advisories. Need further help, let me know.
I am ready to send in my camera for repairs but do not know what I am supposed to put on the serial number part of the form.
my email is dahjoo92@gmail.com
Check your email for my response. Off this thread we go.
Owners of CoolPix 'S' series cameras with built-in lens who are looking for 'Tricks' to get the camera fixed.
For your easy reference:
**Black screen ---- elbow trick >>>> see instruction posted on Sept. 9, 2007--------36 successful reports.
**Lens Cap Error >>>> see instruction posted on Oct. 23, 2007--------1 successful report, see response dated Nov.4/07
***Other than the above, another finding might help someone who would take the challenge to disassemble the problem camera to get it fixed. Please refer to response dated Feb 09 6:39 am, a more complicated fix identified by Davide . Keep track on his updates too, he plans to make a video (Youtube) to show the fix.
Good Luck!
i tried everything that u have said but dint work ..i have nikon coolpix S5 ...the problem is black screen ...even the menu dosnt appear...lense dznt open ...plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz do smthin...!
thanx .
Vid.
12 and 1
appear on my lcd everytime i open....
plz help paul
If the lens cap doesn't open, how could you classify it as black screen symptom? Have you tried the Lens Cap Error procedures? Refer instruction posted on Sept. 9, 2007.
Your camera may have some other kind of fault since you mentioned no menu shown as well. Anyway, you have to free the lens cap to open position first before going on any further. Have you read the other post by Davide dated Feb 09 at 6:39 am?
Can you further provide information about the numbers you see on screen every time you switch it on. Like, where are they on the screen? Scattered or in sequence?
i tried both the methods dat u have mentioned but dint work for me...do u think i shud open d camera my self and chk d connrctions myself...do u think dat wont harm my camera..?
regarding the numbers when i turn on my cam it show a 1 on top and 0 right below it.....and den i hear some sound like a motor inside and then the figure turns into a 12 and and 0 right below it..cant understand wats wrong...
waiting for your reply.....!
love .
vid.
plz reply soon.
vid
I really have no clue yet what's wrong with your cam. It's not advisable to open up the camera and check the connection inside. Davide is service engineer and thus could perform the job with confidence. I have over fifty cameras, that's why I can fool around with them. It's not time yet for you to disassemble a camera, may be not until you couldn't find any more help. If I were you, I will do some more search to look for people having the same fault (strange numbers on screen) with their cameras. Please post your email address here, I'll reply for furture communications.
thanx for ur time paul.
m sad.
vid.
My nikon s3 fell down one week ago, and I got the black screen thing..
so I tried the elbow trick, it finally worked after 6 or 7 tries, I had to hit it a little hard.
Now I get the lens cover error, the cover doesnt copmletely open when I turn the camera on, I have to return it off, fully open the lens cover with a screwdriver or anything small enough.. then I turn it on again and it works perfectly until I turn it off making the lens cover to close.. I then have to redo the above steps to make it work again.
I noticed that the area where I applied the hits with my elbow was now "domed" a little bit to the inside.
Do you think there's a logical way to reget it to almost its initial state?
I tried to open the camera and get to that area from the inside, but I got stuck in the middle and prefered to reassamble it..
The follow is a part of my previous response to another person, check it out if it'll work.
(Original message dated Oct 23 2007)
"Now, where exactly are those dents at the front. You might have hit it too hard and close to the lens area that cause the lens cap error. Under such condition, I suggest you to try use a cotton swab to slightly press against the cover and do circular movements along the rim several times. Then switch on to check if cover opens. If not, still with camera 'OFF' use the swab to slightly press the lens cap at 12 o'clock point and switch on the camera. Not open, switch off camera, try 3 o'clock point, then switch on. Not okay, try 6 o'clock. Still not okay, try 9 o'cl."
You hit it too hard, good luck!
I posted a response after succeeding in resurrecting my S5.
However, the problem returned today after taking many photos. It just went to sleep and is not waking up.
I tried hitting it, and this time, it gave me the lens error msg.
After I got home, I tried the cotton swab movement trick (using finger pressure and tissue) and it cured the lens error. So I tried the elbow trick again, and guess what? The lens msg came back.
In fact, this time, the lens cover doesn't close everytime i switch the camera off. Is my camera really doomed now?
It sounds like you applied the elbow trick when the camera was powered on. What exactly was the error message, lens error or lens cap error. They are different.
I was convinced that maybe all of these posts were just you going undercover to trick people into messing up their expensive digital cameras.
But I decided to take a whack at it..literally.
And holy jesus christ....it worked. I was skeptical at first, having brought my elbow down on it a good 15 times, and felt tired.
And, right before giving up, I gave it two good thumps with the ol' elbow, and turned it on..
Wow. How silly. Do you think they charge $200 to just hit our cameras with their elbows?
Thanks, Paul. You truly are a practical genius. :)
Thanks!
Your S4 has a different lens design from the cameras that I suggested elbow trick. Please (scroll up the page) refer to response dated November 22, 2007 and February 15,2008 . Similar taps might help to solve your problem, remember on the side of the lens housing.
Owners of CoolPix 'S' series cameras with built-in lens who are looking for 'Tricks' to get the camera fixed.
For your easy reference:
**Black screen ---- elbow trick >>>> see instruction posted on Sept. 9, 2007--------39 successful reports.
**Lens Cap Error >>>> see instruction posted on Oct. 23, 2007--------1 successful report, see response dated Nov.4/07
***Other than the above, another finding might help someone who would take the challenge to disassemble the problem camera to get it fixed. Please refer to response dated Feb 09 6:39 am, a more complicated fix identified by Davide . Keep track on his updates too, he plans to make a video (Youtube) to show the fix.
Good Luck!
If you are ever in the Kansas Ciy area drop me an email because you sir deserve a free night of drinks on me!!!
The "People's Elbow" has spoken and it belongs to Paul NG.
Scott in KC
Cheers! Congradulation to your son's graduation. I'm happy too to at least hearing someone admitted black screen caused by rough handling. That proved my assumption before was right.
Pass your offer to your son, legal age yet or not to drink. Bottoms up!
>hi Paul,
I posted a response after succeeding in resurrecting my S5.
However, the problem returned today after taking many photos. It just went to sleep and is not waking up.
I tried hitting it, and this time, it gave me the lens error msg.
After I got home, I tried the cotton swab movement trick (using finger pressure and tissue) and it cured the lens error. So I tried the elbow trick again, and guess what? The lens msg came back.
In fact, this time, the lens cover doesn't close everytime i switch the camera off. Is my camera really doomed now?
You got to take care of the lens cap error first before trying the elbow again. do you see any dent at the front body case of the camera?
There was another good suggestion from Jessie dated May 7, 2008. Take a look and see if worth trying by your own judgement.
Thanks Paul!
Owners of CoolPix 'S' series cameras with built-in lens who are looking for 'Tricks' to get the camera fixed.
For your easy reference:
**Black screen ---- elbow trick >>>> see instruction posted on Sept. 9, 2007--------42 successful reports.
**Lens Cap Error >>>> see instruction posted on Oct. 23, 2007--------1 successful report, see response dated Nov.4/07
***Other than the above, another finding might help someone who would take the challenge to disassemble the problem camera to get it fixed. Please refer to response dated Feb 09 6:39 am, a more complicated fix identified by Davide . Keep track on his updates too, he plans to make a video (Youtube) to show the fix.
Good Luck!
Thank you.
Owners of CoolPix 'S' series cameras with built-in lens who are looking for 'Tricks' to get the camera fixed.
For your easy reference:
**Black screen ---- elbow trick >>>> see instruction posted on Sept. 9, 2007--------46 successful reports.
**Lens Cap Error >>>> see instruction posted on Oct. 23, 2007--------1 successful report, see response dated Nov.4/07
***Other than the above, another finding might help someone who would take the challenge to disassemble the problem camera to get it fixed. Please refer to response dated Feb 09 6:39 am, a more complicated fix identified by Davide . Keep track on his updates too, he plans to make a video (Youtube) to show the fix.
Good Luck!
There is a dent, and i cured the lens cap problem by using the screwdriver-lifting trick. however, the black screen problem remains. When i hit the camera harder, the lens cap problem comes back..
Many thanks!
>Anna,
You got to take care of the lens cap error first before trying the elbow again. do you see any dent at the front body case of the camera?
There was another good suggestion from Jessie dated May 7, 2008. Take a look and see if worth trying by your own judgement.
Btw Paul. . .. why on earth do you have 30 digital cameras??? Do you collect them or are you a tech journalist?
It sounds crazy, but the trick works!
I'm a collector, shop on ebay and kill time to buy mostly older models. To be closer to the figure, I probably have over 60 digital cameras now.
Thanks for your tips! My Nikon S4 had the black screen problem, and I was losing hope rapidly after reading all the posts and trying your elbow technique without success. Then I started tapping and smacking (though with controlled force) around the barrel. I had actually given up, only to see my screen come back to life!!!!
I'm so relieved, because I'm off to the Azores for a vacation in two weeks and didn't feel like throwing my beloved S4 away and buying a new camera. Looks like I might be able to make some great pics with the camera that I'm familiar with.
I must say though, I'm quite disapointed to find out that this has been a common problem with Nikons for over three years now! Too bad true quality is a rare thing these days, even for the brands with good reputations. I bought a Nikon in the first place because Cannon had an ongoing stuck lens problem at the time...
Good luck everyone, I hope your cameras will come back to life too or that you'll get your money back.
So I am happy to say that the trick also works in Quebec !
Regards,
Stephane Simard
mine still remains problematic (curing one problem calls back the other) :(
oh well.. thanks still :)
You're the number 50th on the success count -----this thread ONLY.
Other threads are not as many as this.
Owners of CoolPix 'S' series cameras with built-in lens who are looking for 'Tricks' to get the camera fixed.
For your easy reference:
**Black screen ---- elbow trick >>>> see instruction posted on Sept. 9, 2007--------50 successful reports.
**Lens Cap Error >>>> see instruction posted on Oct. 23, 2007--------1 successful report, see response dated Nov.4/07
***Other than the above, another finding might help someone who would take the challenge to disassemble the problem camera to get it fixed. Please refer to response dated Feb 09 6:39 am, a more complicated fix identified by Davide . Keep track on his updates too, he plans to make a video (Youtube) to show the fix.
Good Luck!
Another great success of the elbow trick with Nikon S6 :-) ! You're a genius :-) !
Congratulations !
Lionel.
Yet another satisfied customer of the elbow trick with Coolpix s6. Nice one pal!
Rick
Wow! it did work. I created my own problem when I fell and my hand hit the camera right on the S5 emblem so it made sense when I read your posts that if I hit it again it would again light up. Well I did about 4 elbow hits then decided I could smack it better on my knee and I'm back in business.
Thanks!
Bob
People, dont give up on Paul's trick, especially if you are just gonna have to throw your camera out anyway. I whacked the hell outta that S6 for 3 days with no luck. Bought a new camera and just for the heck of it turned the old Nikon on to make sure, and it was back, baby!! The camera has a few dents, but otherwise is working fine again!
Thanks Paul...think you should be nominated for sainthood...
now what do we do? we tired the elbow banging and it hasn't worked for us.
What model is your camera? I was wondering if your hit the correct spot.
My camera will not turn on, period. So I am wondering is my battery is pooched.
I have recharged the battery overnight. Tried the erase on the contacts trick. nothing yet. Any suggestions anyone?
Owners of CoolPix 'S' series cameras with built-in lens who are looking for 'Tricks' to get the camera fixed.
For your easy reference:
**Black screen ---- elbow trick >>>> see instruction posted on Sept. 9, 2007--------57 successful reports.
**Lens Cap Error >>>> see instruction posted on Oct. 23, 2007--------1 successful report, see response dated Nov.4/07
***Other than the above, another finding might help someone who would take the challenge to disassemble the problem camera to get it fixed. Please refer to response dated Feb 09 6:39 am, a more complicated fix identified by Davide . Keep track on his updates too, he plans to make a video (Youtube) to show the fix.
Good Luck!
Thankyou..!
elbow, knee, table you name it
and nothing has worked
help?
Im thinking of just buying a new camera today since I had this same exact problem last year (same camera) took it to the store, got it fixed for $300, and low and behold, same problem a year later :/
Thanks!!
Sam S.
Owners of CoolPix 'S' series cameras with built-in lens who are looking for 'Tricks' to get the camera fixed.
For your easy reference:
**Black screen ---- elbow trick >>>> see instruction posted on Sept. 9, 2007--------65 successful reports.
**Lens Cap Error >>>> see instruction posted on Oct. 23, 2007--------1 successful report, see response dated Nov.4/07
***Other than the above, another finding might help someone who would take the challenge to disassemble the problem camera to get it fixed. Please refer to response dated Feb 09 6:39 am, a more complicated fix identified by Davide . Keep track on his updates too, he plans to make a video (Youtube) to show the fix.
Good Luck!
I know this is old to you, but your advice just keeps on giving! My S6 at work had been mildly dropped and all we could get was this "black screen of death" everyone keeps talking about (and I was sweating balls big time worrying that I was going to have to pay for it). BUT THIS TECHNIQUE WORKED!!! It took like 30 tries... but it worked.
For those that are having trouble with the elbow technique... don't wear a long sleeved shirt over your elbow (as I was doing most of the time). Also, hit it with enough force to where your elbow hurts (lol - I know!) but NOT enough to where you could dent/damage the camera. It's a fine line, but you can find it.
Paul I'm tempted to give you my first born now.
OK, I purchased one very cheap Coolpix S6, defective, with the black screen (no live picture) problem.
I took the challenge to disassemble it and I also was able to put it back with no spare parts left. (I used to work in service some years before, today I am an electronics engineer...)
Please refer to the post dated Feb 09 6:39 am by Davide. He is right with all he did, with one difference. The problem I had was not with the 4 wire cable making bad contact, but with the shutter itself that is driven by the 4-wire cable. This is the real problem. What is the shutter: it is very fine micromechanics part that has two coils (electromagnets) that are used to actuate two levers which in turn move some very thin plastic foils. There are several of them with different levels of transparency from clear to fully opaque.
Here is what really happens: mechanics inside this shutter get stuck to one side and they will cause the opaque foil to stay stuck in front of the sensor, so you have no light, and the screen goes black.
How I fixed this: applied an increasing variable DC voltage from 1.5 to 9V (manually, pulsating, like 1 per second), changed the polarity and got the actuators unstuck. Do NOT touch the foils with anything becuase you will damage them. I put all back together and the camera worked fine for about two weeks. Now it shows the same problem again.
Note: the camera is quite difficult to disassemble and put back. You need to know what you do. You need to unsolder some wires and put them back (they are not using connectors!). Many screws are of different type, so you must know which one goes where. You must NOT disassemble the sensor side of the unit, just get access to the 4 wire cable.
Conclusion: the shutter is a faulty design, and probably got ported over several models. Nikon engineers failed on this particular part of the system. I emailed them to get a source for replacement shutters, but I have little hopes that I can buy the actual replacement shutter. This is a classic example of how one single bad part can make a whole nice product go bad. My only dilemma is how that Nikon got this bad shutter design running over several years and models? Why they did not figure this out earlier?
P.S. One other solution would be to get the shutter unstuck (all foils are out of the shutter's window), and disconnect the 4-wire cable! For sure it will not get stuck again, but the camera will only work in lower to medium light conditions -- forget about taking pics in the bright sun, they will be overexposed.
Would like to hear from you guys, or maybe from Nikon?!
My first Nikon 5700 had to repaired by them for a factory defect. Now the S6 has a factory defect. The S5 I gave my girlfriend will probably have the same problem soon. Surely I cannot expect better things from the $4000 Nikon D300 DSLR set up she got me for my birthday since I see some D-series DSLRs also mentioned as having blank screen issues online.
Imran
imran.com/media/blog/
Paul's tips worked for the S1.
The good old Mechanical Tap!!!!
Thanks to amazing Paul!
i am a student and i have i read all your posts and about all those great things that happened to the cameras
i have camera coolpix s200 experiecing the same problem of having a black screen with a vertical white line in the middle when i switch the camera on. i can still take photos cos i heard the shutter sound, but all i could see in the screen is blackness and that white line. so i want to ask you whether your elbow trick could be applied to my camera? thanx a million!
i appreciate help from the others too (:
thaxnx!!!!!
Called Nikon filled the papers for shipping and just as i was about to send it searched and found this forum.
I did not really understood what Paul Ng procedure was of fixing it, but I got the camera in my palm and in despair hit a book on the desk each time harder. It worked. Paul Ng thanks. Well Nikon if this is the way to fix it you better make a recall.
Owners of CoolPix 'S' series cameras with built-in lens who are looking for 'Tricks' to get the camera fixed.
For your easy reference:
**Black screen ---- elbow trick >>>> see instruction posted on Sept. 9, 2007--------83 successful reports.
**Lens Cap Error >>>> see instruction posted on Oct. 23, 2007--------1 successful report, see response dated Nov.4/07
***Other than the above, another finding might help someone who would take the challenge to disassemble the problem camera to get it fixed. Please refer to response dated Feb 09 6:39 am, a more complicated fix identified by Davide . Keep track on his updates too, he plans to make a video (Youtube) to show the fix.
Good Luck!
imran.com/media/blog/2008/1...
Please add comments.
Thanks.
Imran
"Live, Forever" neternity.org
I am told consumer protection laws apply in this case. I am taking a printout of these discussions and from other sites and sending to the State Attorney General in NY (where Nikon is based and I also live). This office is very aggressive with holding companies' feet to the fire. If your Nikon camera has the same problem and you a) can't fix it or b) don't want to knock it around and c) don't like to pay them to fix a manufacturing defect, please also write about this Nikon problem to:
New York State Attorney General
Consumer Protection Division
300 Motor Parkway - Suite 205
Hauppauge NY 11788
If you do that, do let others know here so others also take action and get Nikon to fix their defective camera free. If you do not have time to do that I will be happy to include your name and info in the letter and printouts I am sending. Please email this temporary address I am setting up: NikonDefect2008 attt imran dottt com (sorry to write it this way to keep it from being filled by spammers. Hope that helps you get a resolution also.
Thanks.
Imran
imran.com/media/blog/
PEOPLE THIS WORKS.....
HELP PLEASE
See >>>digitalcamera-hq.com/digita...
Not an easy fix. Required complete camera disasembly. It took me 3+ hours but it is up and going again!!
Owners of CoolPix 'S' series cameras with built-in lens who are looking for 'Tricks' to get the camera fixed.
For your easy reference:
**Black screen ---- elbow trick >>>> see instruction posted on Sept. 9, 2007-------- 91 successful reports.
**Lens Cap Error >>>> see instruction posted on Oct. 23, 2007--------1 successful report, see response dated Nov.4/07
***Other than the above, another finding might help someone who would take the challenge to disassemble the problem camera to get it fixed. Please refer to response dated Feb 09 6:39 am, a more complicated fix identified by Davide . Keep track on his updates too, he plans to make a video (Youtube) to show the fix.
Good Luck!
Is it critical the battery be fully charged? Mine is mostly charged. The elbow trick didn't work (yet?). I have like a 4 year old Coolpix S1. Tried 20-30 elbow whacks, super gentle up to alarmingly solid. Only got the Lens Cap error once and I swirled my finger tip and the error gone. Throughout using the Ng Method, the LCD screen has never has been anything other than black (and yes, I have the right error, LCD works to see old pictures, but in picture taking mode, it's just black with the icons visible).
This camera has been super for past few years. I just bought speakers for the desk and for the last 4 weeks have had external computer speakers on my desk, one is 10 inches from the Coolpix charger stand where the camera sits. This must be what queered the camera for this first time ever. When my cell phone is too close to the speakers they start squeaking.
In any case, I am sitting here with a sore elbow and ever so slightly dented camera, almost not visible dent. Having whacked the Coolpix logo, S1 logo, intersection of S1 and Lens....Should I just keep escalating strength of hit? If I escalate I guarantee I will dent it, which I don't mind if the screen comes back.
Thank you so much!
You are the 100th person, after reading the 'elbow trick' from this tread, to get your camera fixed.
Owners of CoolPix 'S' series cameras with built-in lens who are looking for 'Tricks' to get the camera fixed.
For your easy reference:
**Black screen ---- elbow trick >>>> see instruction posted on Sept. 9, 2007-------- 100 successful reports.
**Lens Cap Error >>>> see instruction posted on Oct. 23, 2007--------1 successful report, see response dated Nov.4/07
Good Luck!
MY SUCCESS: I have the S5 and hit it right on the "pictmotion" sticker. and woo hoo! screen works!
thanks a bunch! told my hubby how i fixed it and he laughed! Thanks!
AMAZING! ELBOW TECHNIQUE REALLY REALLY WORKS!!!!
Was in despair, when my trusty S3 did the black screen thing last week, just when I really needed it.
Laughed and laughed when I read your elbow cure, then decided to have a go, when I realised it wasn't worth the cost of repairing.
Not being of violent nature, it took me several bangs of increasing strength, checking in between each.
CAMERA NOW WORKING LIKE A DREAM!! - ANY SOLUTION FOR A VERY SORE ELBOW???!!
Wonder if Paul (elbow man) can help on this one.
Could you start a new thread?
Good luck!
Owners of CoolPix 'S' series cameras with built-in lens who are looking for 'Tricks' to get the camera fixed.
For your easy reference:
**Black screen ---- elbow trick >>>> see instruction posted on Sept. 9, 2007-------- 107successful reports.
**Lens Cap Error >>>> see instruction posted on Oct. 23, 2007--------1 successful report, see response dated Nov.4/07
Good Luck!
thanks a lot Paul
Andreu from Barcelona, Spain
THANKS PAUL NG!
My Coolpix S6 had the same problem. I tried the elbow trick and it didn't work. Perhaps I didn't hit it hard enough.
I also tried putting a pink eraser under the lens and whacking it with a mallet, but not too hard. Still didn't work.
But I was sure the concept was right, I just had to find the right way to whack it.
So, I held it about 10" above the desk, with the LCD screen facing up so it would not be damaged and dropped it flat on the desk onto a thick sheet of cardboard, so there was a bit of cushioning, but still a fairly hard landing. I did this three times (not sure whether it worked the first time) and then it worked!
I am so appreciative. Thank you for saving my camera from the dust heap.
Owners of CoolPix 'S' series cameras with built-in lens who are looking for 'Tricks' to get the camera fixed.
For your easy reference:
**Black screen ---- elbow trick >>>> see instruction posted on Sept. 9, 2007-------- 115 successful reports.
**Lens Cap Error >>>> see instruction posted on Oct. 23, 2007--------1 successful report, see response dated Nov.4/07
Good Luck!
I followed the elbow trick and it worked.
Thanks Paul . God bless.
Which model of the 'S' series are you trying to fix? Any other fault beside black screen?
Paul Ng
The elbow trick applies to 'built-in' lens ONLY. That means the lens components moves inside the body of the camera but not the traditional lens barrels that extend and protrude out of the camera body.
Just try to tap the lens barrel slightly with your finger(s) after turning the camera on at shooting mode. Be gentle and patient!
Paul Ng
Good job! It's pretty hard to apply elbow trick on the S2. I restored service of one S2 myself not long ago. It took me ten minutes and numerous hits. The slide cover is blocking the 'Spot' and was thick enough to absorb the 'shakes'. I rather hit the bottom part to a towel covered hard surface.
However, I ended up turning it off and dropping it face first on the hardwood dinning room floor. I did this from about 3ft up the height of my 3 yr old son. On the third attempt it started working again. there's definitely no science to fixing these. I don't know if I'd recommend anyone purposely throw their camera on the hardwood but I figured it was already broke and probably cheaper to buy a new camera then get it fixed.
I think this is known as percussive engineering - the application of a short sharp shock....
Please disregard the W___l___T indictcator thing. I just realized later that some cameras show one step ahead from W when at full wide angle, which is normal.
Don't give up trying the 'trick'. Whack the bottom part of the camera to a towel-covered hard surface, then try the elbow trick.
My secret formula? A thick piece of mail (checking acct. statement) and a piece of thin cardboard (not corrugated) on the glass top of the computer desk. I held it with wrist strap near the heel of my hand and focused the whack energy on the corner (but flat) where the lens and orange led are. First hit!! Thanks a million.
FYI... The "I" in W___I___T indicates the transition between optical zoom (good) and digital zoom (avoid). Maybe the I goes away if digital zoom is disabled, Ellen.
Owners of CoolPix 'S' series cameras with built-in lens who are looking for 'Tricks' to get the camera fixed.
For your easy reference:
**Black screen ---- elbow trick >>>> see instruction posted on Sept. 9, 2007-------- 124 successful reports.
**Lens Cap Error >>>> see instruction posted on Oct. 23, 2007--------1 successful report, see response dated Nov.4/07
Good Luck!
S4 has a different kind of zoom lens mechanism to the one that I suggest to try with elbow trick. I mentioned that before in one of the posts above. Now that you've got something loosen inside, it's time to bring it to service people to get it fixed. But, with today's high rate service and parts charge, I recommend you to go buy a new camera than to pay someone to fix the camera.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU.
it works Paul !!! thanks..
i hit it about 11 times, gradually harder, but before the battery fully charged, it won't work. So charge the battery first as Paul said !!!
Owners of CoolPix 'S' series cameras with built-in lens who are looking for 'Tricks' to get the camera fixed.
For your easy reference:
**Black screen ---- elbow trick >>>> see instruction posted on Sept. 9, 2007-------- 133 successful reports.
**Lens Cap Error >>>> see instruction posted on Oct. 23, 2007--------1 successful report, see response dated Nov.4/07
Good Luck!
My elbow flung, my screen then sung, "I can see even though I'm an S7!"
Amen.
digitalcamera-hq.com/digita...
Another tip is to go to Nikon's website ( support.nikontech.com/cgi-b... ) and look for firmware updates. Download and install them.
I'd also check and see if the Multi shot 16/continuous mode is engaged. If it is, you may not be able to get all the MP you're looking for.
There's a huge diff between megapixels (the number of color dots in the photo) and megabytes/kilobytes (the file size). In fact, 900KB isn't a bad size for your basic JPEG.
However, check page 61 of the manual and you will see where going into image mode, you can set your still quality to it's best setting, which is 2,816 × 2,112.
Larry
Take out the SD card, turn the camera on. If it turns on, chances are it was just having a boot problem. You should be able to put the card back in and continue with normal operation.
if it doen't turn on, your camera is jacked.
My Mother has a s3 - which we put her battery in my son's. It did not work. So we put son's battery in hers, it worked. So, process of elimination - battery is good.
Next, we took my son's memory card out, and put in Mom's. It worked. So, then we put Mom's in his. Did not work. Again, elimination - memory card is good.
The fact is - my son just one day tried to turn his camera on - and it stopped working.
I visited a camera place and they wanted $175.00 to send it off to fix. He also suggested that we contact Nikon to get an estimate. I was about to, until I found this site. I see the other person contacted,shipped and estimate was $146.00.
I was told by the camera person - probably best to buy another. Anytime a small camera breaks, just not worth the money to fix it - since the technology changes.
Please let me know if this doesn't solve your problem. We really don't want you going mad. :)
Check your user manual on this, but most cameras I've seen on Face Detect mode are automatically put on continuous focus. The Face Detect setting overrides the instant focus setting.
Another tip is to go to Nikon's website and look for firmware updates. Download and install them.
Aside from that, check out this thread ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) which has some similar, though worse off, issues.
If you want to charge EN-EL8 separately then you need to buy a charger from <a href="www0.dealtime.com/xPO-Nikon... this page </a>.
Alternatively you can use the Duracell lithium ion battery as shown on <a href="ebatts.com/nikon_coolpix-s5... this page </a>.
Lithium ion batteries need not be left on the camera until it is ' exhausted ' . Make it a habit to charge it before going out for a photographic session and, if you can, carry a spare battery because it only has a small capacity of 730 mAh.
Has there been any problems such as battery swelling to the point
where it can't be removed from the camera?
I paid over $370.00 for a camera that won't power up.
Is this only a battery problem or an issue with the S5?
Better yet, I'd suggest you take it back. It's probably just a lemon. If the camera store balks, get your credit card company involved.
But if there isn't one, since your camera is out of warranty, it's probably just cheaper to get a new camera.
Took about five tries, but, I'll be damn, it worked!
I would have beat on the camera just for the aggravation, but it got it working.
Now I'm holding out for EVIL cameras to lower their prices. Look forward to their quirks.