Black dots on digital pictures

[u03ekw]

Hi there!
I've got a Fujifilm S602 Zoom that I've been using for about 2 years now, but recently a few black dots have appeared on screen - it's not the exterior lens because I've cleaned that thoroughly.

I'm not sure if it's the inside of the lens because it is not exposed to the environment. Not sure if I should open it up. I've put the pic online:
http://pic14.picturetrail.com/VOL512/3061234/6210827/79739117.jpg

I would really value some advice from you more experienced users! Thanks! :)

Eugene.

[John_Reed]

Hi there!
I've got a Fujifilm S602 Zoom that I've been using for about 2 years now, but recently a few black dots have appeared on screen - it's not the exterior lens because I've cleaned that thoroughly.

I'm not sure if it's the inside of the lens because it is not exposed to the environment. Not sure if I should open it up. I've put the pic online:
http://pic14.picturetrail.com/VOL512/3061234/6210827/79739117.jpg

I would really value some advice from you more experienced users! Thanks! :)

Eugene.It really looks like dust on the CCD sensor, not dead pixels. (To me, it doesn't seem like the back of the lens, as such spots wouldn't be in focus) That's something that's not supposed to be possible with a sealed system. I'm assuming that the dots show up on every picture in the same spots? Of course, you could heal them out with Photoshop, but this sounds like a question for Fuji customer service/technical support, to me. It might cost you a few bucks and some time to have it fixed, but it's worth finding out what the damages might be, I'd think.

[u03ekw]

hmm... the Fuji customer base is pretty far away from where i am atm (i'm currently in Scotland, and it's in England!!). I've browsed through various sites about ccd cleaning - i wonder if that would be easier and more cost effective. Is it a risky process? My warranty has run out anyway, and Fujifilm UK says that I have to mail my camera over for an estimation of how much they'd charge (probably more than £50 not including postage risks and costs).
Is it worth giving it a go myself?

Thanks :)

[D70FAN]

hmm... the Fuji customer base is pretty far away from where i am atm (i'm currently in Scotland, and it's in England!!). I've browsed through various sites about ccd cleaning - i wonder if that would be easier and more cost effective. Is it a risky process? My warranty has run out anyway, and Fujifilm UK says that I have to mail my camera over for an estimation of how much they'd charge (probably more than £50 not including postage risks and costs).
Is it worth giving it a go myself?

Thanks :)

I guess, if you are willing to throw the camera away, or pay more to have it fixed if you fail, then it may be a learning experiece if nothing else.

But, if you really like the camera (and the 602 is a good one) and it is probably due for a maintainance cycle anyway, then it is probably worth sending in for cleaning (this is not a repair) and at least have it done right.

They will generally run the camera through some tests, and warrantee the work. For $100 to $200 it may be worth it, unless you are looking for an excuse to buy a new camera. ;)

[John_Reed]

And I also have a plastic box full of the parts of my old FZ1, which I "had a go at" myself to try to tighten the lens assembly. I took it apart OK, but with all the tiny ribbon cables I had to remove and replace, somehow I severed at least one connection in the process, and never did get it working again. Unless you have the patience, the tools, and the steady hands of a jeweler, believe me, taking one of these complex instruments apart is a risky business! I'd take the "postage" risk over the "dismantling" risk any day! :(