Camera problems Please Help! Urgent

[save]

I've had my Fuji F10 for a while now and it has being really good for the occasional happy snaps but recently it has being playing up. The recent images I have taken all have lines through them. At first i thought it was because I've been taken photos facing bright objects or using flash so I tried taking some indoor shots with the same result. I can see a slight smudge on the lens but I'm not sure if thats the problem? I'm really hoping its not something internal... hopefully its just a smudge on the lens.

Being a complete noob in photography I was wondering if the wisdom of DCR can come to the rescue. Photos below. Would really appreciate it if someone can give me a quick reply as I'll be needing the camera tomorrow.

[P_Schneider]

Well, did you clean the lens and re-test?

[ktixx]

I know you were trying to hold on to hope - but come on...you don't really think that is caused by a smudge!?
Honestly, Looks like you have a problem with the sensor. Try a few more shots and if it still happens, take out the battery (leave it out for a while). If nothing works try sending it back to the manufacturer (if still under warrenty)
Ken

[sla]

If something is on the lens, it certainly may affect photos. You haven't described what kind of smudge you have. If you want to clean it up, some reading may be helpful. For instance: http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1012&message=19482888&q=cleaning&qf=m
http://www.popphoto.com/popups/560/clean-lenses-step-3.html
And the rule: be extremely careful.
Or maybe visit the nearest photo service, or even photo shop?

[pmhayden]

I have the same problem with my F10. The display shows a venetian blind effect. There is a free fix for some cameras, but mine is outside the range of serial numbers - and it may not even be for this camera.

[save]

Thanks for the replies. I called up Fuji and will send it in for repairs. To pmhayden, I didn't quite understand what your post meant. Yes, my shots also have the venetian blind affect but what do you mean by a free fix and the serial numbers?

[David Metsky]

Yes, my shots also have the venetian blind affect but what do you mean by a free fix and the serial numbers?
I assume he means that Fuji did a recall on this camera for units made during a certain period (having a serial number within a certain range) but not as a general recall for the entire camera line.

-dave-

[pmhayden]

Right. The local authorized repair place said right camera, wrong serial number. The Fuji USA guy said wrong camera - that the CCDs for the free recall were from a different camera and made by a different company than my F10. I should have an estimate tomorrow for the fix. Will post it.

$147.50.