NikonWeb.com

I got my Fujix DS505 Yesterday, came with the Fujix AC Power adaptor AC-D5, two Nikon EN-1 batteries and a Fuji battery.
Its a user camera, but fully functional Serial number 5200022, the charger has a serial number as well 5200010.
Kiu

Thanks Kiu,

I've added the number to the serial number thread.

Jarle

I was checking out the 505 closely, found a 1"(2.5cm) crack in front of the shutter release button . While checking the shutter speeds the rear command dial clicked a few times and then felt like it was unscrewing and now its loose So half the camera functions is inop
Basicaly its good for either a display camera, repair parts or a boat anchor.
Bi**ed and moaned to the seller and he emailed back that he either buys it back(I'm paying shipping both ways),or gives me $50.00 back.
They shipped it to me USPS priority and since the package was so heavy it cost nearly $25.00 even if I send it back UPS ground it still be $15.00 so if I send it back I'll only get $150 back if that
What do you all think
I figured I'll keep the package and take the $50.00 keep the two EN-1's
and sell the rest.
So Gentlemen,
I have for sale an earliest recorded(the only one for that fact) Fujix DS-505 with the earliest serial number we have ever recorded in fair condition, half working, supplied with OEM charger and original battery
All for only $125.00 USD plus shipping.
ANY TAKERS?
KIU

Hi,

My E2 has a crack in the same place, just in front of the shutter button / power switch. It follows a mold line, right on the compound curve of the plastic housing.

My DS-565 has one in the same place, only it isn't nearly as long as the one on the E2. This is why the 565 was missing it's power switch / shutter button assembly.

It's also why I had such an easy time pulling the switch out of the E2 and sticking into the 565 to see if it (the 565) worked or not. Actually, I have to be careful with the E2 when using it, as the switch likes to come out on its own, since the crack is fairly long.....

Both my cameras appear to have suffered a slight impact on that corner. There are little dents in the plastic, which is what makes me think they got bumped. I feel that the crack developed from the impact.

So, now we have three like this. I feel that this is a design fault in the mechanics of the E series cameras. I'll bet you a box of donuts that the plastic runs thin in the area of the compound curve when molded. This it quite usual with compound curves in plastic. Lord knows, I've seen plenty of products that suffered from this particular problem......

The command dial, I don't know about, never having pulled either of my units apart. From the sound of things, it should be repairable, but, then, who knows how to fix an E2 these days? I could give it a shot, but only give myself a 50% chance of figuring out how to pull the thing apart without breaking something else because I don't know the correct sequence required to get it apart. Oh, I know that I can get it back together OK once it's apart, but it's that first-time-blind disassembly what bites me half the time. :p

OTOH, I *could* use a power switch. But, then, this 505 sounds like it works for the most part. I'd probably fix the thing and then *still* need a power switch, seeing as how I'm one short. :p

So, I could just take the stance that this one is a parts donor, given that the command dial is Casters Up as well. I had thoght that about the 565 until I got it working and realized that, as a shooting camera, the 565 is much better than the E2. So, the E2 is a shelf sitter at this point.

The issue with relagating this 505 to the parts pile is that this one is a low serial number. If these things ever do become sought after, perhaps killing off a low serial number unit isn't such a good idea......

Well, maybe I'll buy it anyway and at least give fixing the command dial a try. I already know how to deal with the power switch change-out.

Later!

Stan

_________________
Amateur Photographer
Professional Electronics Development Engineer

I am going to e mail Jarle a couple of pictures of the crack, Could the webmaster post them up on this thread?
Kiu

Sure, no problem. You'll find the photos here: http://www.nikonweb.com/photos/kiu/

(Nothing fancy, just click on the links to see each image, and then use your browser's back button)

Jarle

So Stan,
sounds like your crack is bigger than mine! May be the E2 is to be the parts donor!!

Kiu

Hi,

Looks like your 505 crack and my E2 crack are pretty much the same length, in the same place, and follow the same path. So, this does support my SWAG that there is a design issue with the plastic mold right at this spot.

My 565's crack is not that long yet. It's only about 1/3 as long. Perhaps these cracks grow like the ones in car windshields only stopping when they finally hit a thicker area.

Also looks like the main function knob has been knocked as well. I suspect that the internal retention 'whatevers' (tabs? screws? pins?) have failed from an impact.

Prudence would suggest that this unit be a part doner, since it's hurt in two places already. However, the serial number might suggest otherwise. Personally, I think I'd pull the switch from the 505 and put in onto the known-working E2 for now. That surgery is easily reversed, especially since the crack makes it pretty easy to pop the switch in and out.

However, what in heck am I going to use more than one of these things to shoot, anyway? I'm stretching it by using one to shoot products for a web store as it is. They're all old stuff on a shelf until such time as they become true collectors' items!

I think more is cracked here than a couple plastic housings!

Stan

_________________
Amateur Photographer
Professional Electronics Development Engineer

The main control dial was working, I was turning it to check the lower shutter speeds and look at the sensor and like I said it clicked a few times and then it felt like it was unscrewing!
It does sit ok, but you can pull it up with your finger as I demonstrated, it turns but doesn't click and doesn't change the settings.
Kiu

Hi,

Oh, so the crazy angle of the dial in the pix wasn't that way at first, while it was working.

Yes, it does sound like something disconnected in there. The knob is probably screwed onto a shaft. I bet there's a flat on the shaft that one uses a thin wrench to hold, then screw the dial knob tightly into place with a little Loctite on the threads. I've seen many a control shaft made that way.

If so, it'll be harder to open the unit up than it will be to tighen the knob back down.......

You into the repair side of these things, or are you still looking to unload this one?

Stan

_________________
Amateur Photographer
Professional Electronics Development Engineer

I like to sell it if I could, but would entertain the idea of getting it working again also.
Thats why the topic was "Dilemma"
Kiu

Hi,

Well, I could try fixing it for you, but I'll make no promises that I can pull it off. I never took one apart before. I did manage to perform the power switch transplant from my E2 to my 565, but dismally failed trying to make an F4 part work.

Actually, my troubles started while I was attempting to get the switch *out* of the F4 - as in a couple of 'oopses'. Not that it mattered, since the thing isn't close enough to work out even if I hadn't 'oopsed' at all.....

BTW, the main issue with the F4 switch is that it works opposite from the E series switch, so nothing would line up right anyway.

So you see, my concern is intial disassembly. Not knowing what hooks to what ahead of time sometimes leads to 'oops', which is not good when it comes to putting the thing back together again - and having it work......

If you want to just sell it, then I'm up for buying it to either fix (see above) or swipe the power switch from to make my E2 whole again - in the event I make an 'oops'......

On the positive side, after performing 'oopses' on the first unit, I usually figure out how to do this, and future repair attempts tend to be oops-free. So, perhaps this thing could be useful a training tool for a future E-series repairman?

I sort of hate to do this with a low serial number unit, though.....

Stan

_________________
Amateur Photographer
Professional Electronics Development Engineer

If someone decides to disassemble one of these things, I'd be very interested in some details and photos. Just send everything to me (text and photos - not the camera) and I'll set up a web page for future reference.

Regarding the low serial number, I wouldn't worry about it. As far as I'm concerned, all e-series serial numbers are low

Jarle

Hi,

That might be a winter-time project. I can slowly take it apart on some cold, rainy day and photo document the process.

I'm going to get the poor, busted thing and put the power switch into my E2 for now. I figure I'll try and fix it anyway. I just can't relegate it to the junk heap without trying to fix it.

The way my luck goes, I'll wind up fixing it and then have to search for *another* busted one to swipe a power switch from!

Stan

_________________
Amateur Photographer
Professional Electronics Development Engineer

Thanks for taking it off my hands Stan.
I tried Nikon Service on the West coast to see if they have parts available, Phone number in the USA is (310)414-8107, asked them about the command dial and the Shutter release, after having to give my phone number for a call back(glimmer of hope) they called back and said they didn't have anything available, I think its worth another call, Couple of years ago Looking for a Rubber grip for the E2 I was Directed there and after a couple of calls I was finally able to get a replacement grip and the Owners manual!
As a matter of fact when I ordered the manual they said it was only available as a CD but they shipped me a print Version with the E2S appendix.
Its worth a try from Fuji as well....




Kiu