HP945.com

[Jack D Davis]

My HP 850 has served me well, but this morning as I was updating the camera software, I noticed it wasn't sitting on the dock quite right. It seems the case broke right at the battery lid hinge. I have the piece, but don't know what type of glue to use on this plastic. Also unsure if glue will hold against the pressure of the batteries.

Any suggestions?

Thanks
_________________
Jack

Camera: HP 850
accessories: Crystalvue LX 8X, Olympus C-180 1.7X teleconverter, Raynox DCR-720 .72X wide angle, +1 +2 +4 +8 closeup lenses.

[jgenemans]

Sorry to hear about your battery door issue. I had a similar issue with a flashlight and used a hose clamp to hold it shut, however, I doubt that will work here.

I've heard of this issue once before a while back, photos of a 'jury rig' can be found here:
http://ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/Photosmart_850/photos/browse/ea8a

Previous discussion can be found starting at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Photosmart_850/message/4026

Messages 4026 to 4044
_________________
Best Regards,
Jan Genemans

Modified HP850s, HP R707, HP M22
& One modified Panasonic FZ30
Underwater capable & many Filters
Sharing same filters, converters, chips, & U/W case

[Jack D Davis]

jgenemans
Thanks for the links....They didn't work, but no matter. I've just purchased a "parts" camera on eBay and I'll change that case part. It's frustrating to have a plastic part just give up for no reason. I suspect the pressure from the battery springs was just too much and the plastic too weak. I'm hoping I can change the camera case back without too much trouble. Who knows....maybe the camera that I have coming can be fixed. They say all that's wrong with it is the lense won't extend anymore. Perhaps it was bumped or????? Anyway it's worth a shot. This 850 doesn't owe me anything, I've taken over 7000 shots with it without any problems, until now.
_________________
Jack

Camera: HP 850
accessories: Crystalvue LX 8X, Olympus C-180 1.7X teleconverter, Raynox DCR-720 .72X wide angle, +1 +2 +4 +8 closeup lenses.

[jgenemans]

For the links to work, you need to sign up for the group at:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Photosmart_850/
_________________
Best Regards,
Jan Genemans

Modified HP850s, HP R707, HP M22
& One modified Panasonic FZ30
Underwater capable & many Filters
Sharing same filters, converters, chips, & U/W case

[Jack D Davis]

Thanks again, Jan. That is exactly what broke on my 850 (a corner of the case). Since it is a common problem, if and when I get mine going again, I will see if I can find a way to reinforce this corner. Perhaps filling that corner inside with epoxy or other material that will strengthen it. Maybe a metal piece that will cover that area on the outside......something to think about.

I'm wonder if the 945 has a similar problem, or if they fixed it in the 945. I've been contemplating aquiring a 945 but if it has the same weak spot, I may think again.

Another thing I'm wondering is...how many parts are interchangeable between the 850 and the 945? Like lens and lens drive system? What I'm thinking is buying a 945 with jammed lens and replacing that lens with my working lens. I'm very good at tinkering with electronic and mechanical things and have made many things work that the "experts" told me were junk. Hmmmmm.
_________________
Jack

Camera: HP 850
accessories: Crystalvue LX 8X, Olympus C-180 1.7X teleconverter, Raynox DCR-720 .72X wide angle, +1 +2 +4 +8 closeup lenses.

[jgenemans]

I don't know the answers to those questions.
_________________
Best Regards,
Jan Genemans

Modified HP850s, HP R707, HP M22
& One modified Panasonic FZ30
Underwater capable & many Filters
Sharing same filters, converters, chips, & U/W case

[Jack D Davis]

Received the "parts camera" yesterday and it took all of about 20 minutes to swap the backs and battery doors. then I put the "parts camera" back on eBay for someone else to use parts from.
_________________
Jack

Camera: HP 850
accessories: Crystalvue LX 8X, Olympus C-180 1.7X teleconverter, Raynox DCR-720 .72X wide angle, +1 +2 +4 +8 closeup lenses.

[mistress_larisa]

I think it would had been fun and useful if you could take some shots with another camera to the replaceing procedure then comment them. And then post them.

Because this types of cameras get older by each passing day, and no support from HP, I think we need more tutorials of how to make such repairs ourselfs.

A "Repair Manual" would be great. I got one for my cellphone, but no luck with 945.
_________________
Monica Larisa

[Jack D Davis]

The job is already done, so pictures can't be taken without doing it all over again. But I can tell you the process was simple and straight forward.

1. Remove two screws (total of four) on each side of the camera. Note that these screws are longer than all other screws you will remove.

2. Remove four screws on bottom and one just to the right of the diopter (eye viewer).

3. Remove rubber ring on diopter by pulling (peeling) it off.

4. Gently pry the back loose with a small flat blade screw driver. Note that the top edge has "snap" connectors and will be a little stubborn. They will unsnap with a little prying.

5. After you have the back off, replace in the opposite order. Make sure the buttons are in place. Replace screws making sure the long ones are in the sides.

6. Glue the diopter rubber ring back on with a very small amount of contact cement or "Goop"
_________________
Jack

Camera: HP 850
accessories: Crystalvue LX 8X, Olympus C-180 1.7X teleconverter, Raynox DCR-720 .72X wide angle, +1 +2 +4 +8 closeup lenses.