I hope someone can help me with my camera
By dragon54u
@dragon54u (31636)
United States
December 12, 2009 8:57am CST
I have a Sony Cybershot that's about ten years old. The rechargable batteries were dead so I used regular ones for a few shots. That was a couple of weeks ago and when I turned on the camera the other day it would not work. It is stuck with the lens in position to take pictures, where it usually retracts when the camera is turned off. When I turn it on there is a ticking noise as if it's trying to do something but can't.
Any idea what is wrong with my camera?
1 person likes this
6 responses
@eddify (412)
• Pakistan
14 Dec 09
I am not a tech person but I guess something is broken so u need to tke good care of it. And if u think u cant afford another one for the time being try using this one but when ever u have time go to Ebay and see there are some available on cheaper price as well.
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
14 Dec 09
I don't trust eBay anymore. An acquaintance of mine bought a camera from there and it was obviously broken and had been for some time. She never did get her money back! I've heard quite a few of these stories. Luckily, my camera is now fixed and I hope it will last another decade, at least! 
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
13 Dec 09
Hi dragon. I hate to say it but if your camera is 10 years old and has gotten a lot of use through the years then chances are it's time to chuck it and get a new one. Or you could always take it to a repair shop, but it might cost more to repair than it's worth. And with the price of digital cameras nowadays you'd probably be able to get a better camera for the same price that you paid for this one. 
Happy mylotting!
Happy mylotting!1 person likes this
Hopefully it'll keep going for many more years to come. @dragon54u (31636)
• United States
13 Dec 09
Thanks! I have been doing the reuse, recycle, make it do or do without thing all my life and I was really loath to chuck the thing without trying everything! I'd like to have one of the new, thin cameras but right now, in this economy and these times, I'm holding onto every cent I can.
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
12 Dec 09
Mine have acted up that way when the batteries were low. And as you can tell regular batteries they go thru super fast. I haven't found a good rechargeable like the ones provided with the camera. I had to buy some Litheum (sp? & I think that was the type) batteries and those last quite a bit longer.
As far as the lens sticking out it's probably just a power issue. For me my oldest put my camera on top of the tv to make a movie and she knocked it down and the lens was all jagged up and would never retract or work after that it just kept saying "error" so I had to get a new one 
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
12 Dec 09
I found that by charging the batteries and plugging it into my PC as if I was going to upload, turning it on then off in ten seconds, the lens retracted and everything is fine! How strange...I'm really happy with this camera, had it ten years and even when I dropped it on a concrete floor it just kept on performing like new.
I'd kind of like to get one of the nice thin ones, this one is about the size and shape of a normal Kodak, but as long as it works well I don't want to spend the money!
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
12 Dec 09
I finally plugged it into my computer and turned it on, then off a moment later. That seemed to un-stick it and it's fine now! Try that with yours, maybe it will work!
@pbh1974 (9)
• Australia
13 Dec 09
Sounds like the regular batteries didn't have enough power to drive the zoom motor and the lens was stuck in the extended position. Good for you for on hanging onto it - for the cost of some quality batteries, I'm sure you'll be back in business!
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
14 Dec 09
Yep, I found and recharged the old ones, plugged it in and with a little on/off action the lens unstuck.
I was raised with depression values--use it up, use it again, make it do or do without.
