sp 350/pt 30 housing problem

[shil]

HI all ,

especially the SP-350/PT 30 users,


I am having problems with my system, and hoping to hear from others for remedial actions , if any ,for the following problem-

SP -350 hangs while trying to transfer pictures to my computer . (so am downloading from card reader externally)

and

Pt 30 controls, become non operative underwater, intermittantly, usually the on /off button control and the menu ok button.

On the surface everything is fine. but underwater they cease to activate these camera buttons, though the button/ piston seems to be moving normally in its range. I usually dive max 30 m depth, but problems have been noticed at 1 m and 22 m also. I keep on pressing these buttons to no effect. then all of a sudden they work.

any help appreciated !!!



Shil

 

[slowhands]

When you have multiple problems like this, it makes me think of impact or spill damage to the camera, just a wild guess. That can cause multiple intermittent problems. But here are some things you can try.

When you can't download photos, something is wrong with the USB port or cable. The easy thing to test is the cable; buy a new one and try it. If that does not help, it is often the USB connector. This is soldered directly to the main board and can break a solder joint due to stress from the cable. That is common. Either live with it, by using a card reader, or have a tech fix it. Olympus will service the camera for a flat $110.
Customer Service & Repair Center

As for the buttons not working, do they not work sometimes out of the housing? If so, that could mean liquid dribbled down the inside in back. If it works outside the housing, the actuators may be too short, possibly due to wear on the housing or the button soft tips, or the camera buttons could be marginal, due to extensive use or age. I think you will have to investigate that yourself, since it's hard to tell exactly without the camera and housing in hand.

 

[LLKZ16]

Shil,

I am having the same problems that you are describing. Basically in order to fix the issue, I hold the camera and put my finger under the cord at the connection and slightly apply pressure so it kind of forces the connection to one side. Try this on the top and bottom to see if one works better then the other. This has been the only way to get my pictures from my camera to my computer. I think it might have something to do with either the cord or the connection in the camera.

Because of this and the limitations of the camera, I have just ordered a new E-PL2 rig. I got the camera first and I would have to say that this is a HUGE step up from my SP-350.

Good Luck!

Best Regards,
Lee

 

[shil]

HI . all,


Thanks for the thought full replies . Lee and Slowhands,

I believe there was a shock to the housing when it first started giving these button problems. It fell a foot or two on to the deck of the dive boat, but it was loosely wrapped in a towel , more so around the 105 Inon lens area,

Two, it did come to my mind the rubber tips on the inside of the buttons might have worn out a bit. I am remediating that by sliding right lengths of plastic tubing over t he rubber ends. (camera works fine outside the housing)


And the usb connnection to the board I will check out by fiddling with the cable. otherwise card reader here I come.

Shil

 

[anenomefishman]

HI all ,

especially the SP-350/PT 30 users,


I am having problems with my system, and hoping to hear from others for remedial actions , if any ,for the following problem-

SP -350 hangs while trying to transfer pictures to my computer . (so am downloading from card reader externally)

and

Pt 30 controls, become non operative underwater, intermittantly, usually the on /off button control and the menu ok button.

On the surface everything is fine. but underwater they cease to activate these camera buttons, though the button/ piston seems to be moving normally in its range. I usually dive max 30 m depth, but problems have been noticed at 1 m and 22 m also. I keep on pressing these buttons to no effect. then all of a sudden they work.

any help appreciated !!!



Shil

I would agree with Slowhands. Likely impact to camera/UW housing. My SP-350/PT-030 has over 200 dives on it and still going strong. Works fine uploading pics from my two SP-350s. I have two SP-350's I use, one is my spare. I have flooded it before.

Bruce

 

[shil]

HI all,

I got my SP-350 to download, by gently moving the cable connection on the camera end, had to hold it steady in the right position and it worked.
As for the buttons , I just cut a bit of tubing which fits snugly over the culprit buttons and projects out by 2 mm or so, and got the controls working. ( it 's bit of aquarium airline tubing !) No chance of damaging any thing on the camera as the tubing is softish.

Shil

 

[CheddarChick]

I took the inside button covers off and put a tiny piece of tissue inside the cover and re-installed it. Worked great......

 

[LLKZ16]

I would also suggest getting a new USB/Camera connector cord. I tried the one that came with my E-PL2 and it worked perfectly.

 

[slw105]

I too have a SP-350 and knock on wood I have not had any problems downloading or taking pictures. Even down to 120 feet. I would suggest you either get the camera fixed or buy another.
Cathy Church in Grand Cayman sells refurbished ones or you can get one on e-bay. Cathy even has new housings. I have not seen a point and shot camera that has all the functionality the sp-350 has. Such as shoting in raw, manual focus, TTL capable, total manual modes. All the new bridge cameras don't have full manual capability and don't support TTL flash operation
Stephen

 

[anenomefishman]

I too have a SP-350 and knock on wood I have not had any problems downloading or taking pictures. Even down to 120 feet. I would suggest you either get the camera fixed or buy another.
Cathy Church in Grand Cayman sells refurbished ones or you can get one on e-bay. Cathy even has new housings. I have not seen a point and shot camera that has all the functionality the sp-350 has. Such as shoting in raw, manual focus, TTL capable, total manual modes. All the new bridge cameras don't have full manual capability and don't support TTL flash operation
Stephen

as someone who is a big SP-350 fan (I have running one now for ~5 years), I think the XZ-1 has the potential to take it's place. I have bought an XZ-1/PT-050 about a week ago. I am looking forward to getting her under the water

Bruce