Olympus C-700 "battery emtpy" problem

Page 2 - Seeking answers? Join the Tom's Hardware community: where nearly two million members share solutions and discuss the latest tech.
Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.dcameras (More info?)

Hmmm... sounds like there may be a common problem here. Thx.

"al-Farrob" <al001NOSPAM@al-farrob.com> wrote in message
news:2oa8qqF8e6c5U1@uni-berlin.de...
> Fred wrote:
>
> I have a 730 and have never had that problem, though I have another
Olympus,
> the c-350 which always says battery is empty, but it goes on shooting
> normally.
>
> > Have had this camera a long time but all of a sudden, it started giving
me
> > the "battery empty" message right after I install 4 new batteries. It's
> > not the batteries -- I have tried 4 different NEW packs and same result
> > with
> > each one. Nothing special happened the day it started -- I had taken
> > about 100 photos with no problem, then when the batteries ran out, I put
> > in 4 new ones and got 2 photos before "battery empty" message came up.
> > Same ever since.
> >
> > Wonder if anyone had this problem come up on this or a similar model?
> >
> > Thanks!!
> > Fred
>
> --
> al-Farrob
> --
> "16 photographs by al-Farrob"
> http://www.al-farrob.com
 
Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.dcameras,aus.photo,rec.photo.digital,rec.photo.equipment.35mm,sci.electronics.repair (More info?)

"Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com> wrote in message
news:eURTc.13487$SC1.8077@nwrddc03.gnilink.net...
> Have had this camera a long time but all of a sudden, it started giving me
> the "battery empty" message right after I install 4 new batteries. It's
not
> the batteries -- I have tried 4 different NEW packs and same result with
> each one. Nothing special happened the day it started -- I had taken
about
> 100 photos with no problem, then when the batteries ran out, I put in 4
new
> ones and got 2 photos before "battery empty" message came up. Same ever
> since.
>
> Wonder if anyone had this problem come up on this or a similar model?
>
> Thanks!!
> Fred

assuming they are rechargeables, this is a common sypton when there is short
in the camera.
take it to a tech, they will be able to tell you for sure.

kosh
 
Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.dcameras,aus.photo,rec.photo.digital,rec.photo.equipment.35mm,sci.electronics.repair (More info?)

try using some NiMH rechargable batteries, if problem persists see
manufacturer :)

"Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com> wrote in message
news:qQeUc.9656$Kf4.7562@nwrddc02.gnilink.net...
> No, I'm always using alkaline. Thx though.
>
> "Ken Chandler" <news(at)kenchandler_com> wrote in message
> news:412077e3$0$8211$afc38c87@news.optusnet.com.au...
> > Fred wrote:
> > > Have had this camera a long time but all of a sudden, it started
> > > giving me the "battery empty" message right after I install 4 new
> > > batteries.
> >
> > On the off chance you are not using "Heavy Duty" batteries instead of
> > Alkalines are you?
> >
> > > Wonder if anyone had this problem come up on this or a similar model?
> >
> > Have seen this on many brands/models with "Heavy Duty" batts.
> >
> > Regards, Ken
> >
> >
>
>
 
Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.dcameras,aus.photo,rec.photo.digital,rec.photo.equipment.35mm,sci.electronics.repair (More info?)

"kosh" <spam@bigpond.net.au> wrote in message
news:26DWc.4966$D7.217@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
>
> assuming they are rechargeables, this is a common sypton when there is
> short
> in the camera.
> take it to a tech, they will be able to tell you for sure.

This thread started out in the electronics repair newsgroup. He knows
Olympus can fix it, for a price about equal to a new camera. He's wondering
how an ordinary mortal, skilled in electronics, can fix it.
 
Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.dcameras,aus.photo,rec.photo.digital,rec.photo.equipment.35mm,sci.electronics.repair (More info?)

the answer is NO.
-----------------------


"Michael A. Covington" <look@ai.uga.edu.for.address> wrote in message
news:412b4507$1@mustang.speedfactory.net...
>
> "kosh" <spam@bigpond.net.au> wrote in message
> news:26DWc.4966$D7.217@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
> >
> > assuming they are rechargeables, this is a common sypton when there is
> > short
> > in the camera.
> > take it to a tech, they will be able to tell you for sure.
>
> This thread started out in the electronics repair newsgroup. He knows
> Olympus can fix it, for a price about equal to a new camera. He's
wondering
> how an ordinary mortal, skilled in electronics, can fix it.
>
>
 
Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.dcameras,aus.photo,rec.photo.digital,rec.photo.equipment.35mm,sci.electronics.repair (More info?)

Olympus will not sell repair parts for digital cameras to non-authorized
service shops.

"Sofie" <sofie@olypen.com> wrote in message
news:10in0pabfeh6d0c@corp.supernews.com...
> the answer is NO.
> -----------------------
>
>
> "Michael A. Covington" <look@ai.uga.edu.for.address> wrote in message
> news:412b4507$1@mustang.speedfactory.net...
> >
> > "kosh" <spam@bigpond.net.au> wrote in message
> > news:26DWc.4966$D7.217@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
> > >
> > > assuming they are rechargeables, this is a common sypton when there is
> > > short
> > > in the camera.
> > > take it to a tech, they will be able to tell you for sure.
> >
> > This thread started out in the electronics repair newsgroup. He knows
> > Olympus can fix it, for a price about equal to a new camera. He's
> wondering
> > how an ordinary mortal, skilled in electronics, can fix it.
> >
> >
>
>
 
Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.dcameras,aus.photo,rec.photo.digital,rec.photo.equipment.35mm,sci.electronics.repair (More info?)

Darrell Larose wrote:

> Olympus will not sell repair parts for digital cameras to non-authorized
> service shops.

Hi...

With all due respect Darrell; yes they will. Or they
will to me anyways.

That's assuming you're prepared and willing to pay
absolutely unbelievable prices for them.

Ken
 
Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.dcameras,aus.photo,rec.photo.digital,rec.photo.equipment.35mm,sci.electronics.repair (More info?)

I'm still looking for a way to repair my Olympus C-700 digital camera
without having to send it to Olympus with a check for $150. (Power
problem -- NOT battery related.)

So I'm keeping the posting going - hoping the right person will eventually
stumble into it.

Over the past few days, I have called 20+ shops in the LA area and none work
on Olympus digital cameras.

Fred
 
Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.dcameras,aus.photo,rec.photo.digital,rec.photo.equipment.35mm,sci.electronics.repair (More info?)

Ken is right. I had to buy replacement battery doors for s 340L. Seems like
they were $5 or so each and got them right away. The hinge posts on this
door are weak and easy to break off. I bought a couple of doors.

"Ken Weitzel" <kweitzel@shaw.ca> wrote in message
news:gXLWc.198326$M95.2897@pd7tw1no...
>
>
> Darrell Larose wrote:
>
> > Olympus will not sell repair parts for digital cameras to non-authorized
> > service shops.
>
> Hi...
>
> With all due respect Darrell; yes they will. Or they
> will to me anyways.
>
> That's assuming you're prepared and willing to pay
> absolutely unbelievable prices for them.
>
> Ken
>
 
Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.dcameras,aus.photo,rec.photo.digital,rec.photo.equipment.35mm,sci.electronics.repair (More info?)

Have had this camera a long time but all of a sudden, it started giving me
the "battery empty" message right after I install 4 new batteries.

IT'S NOT THE BATTERIES OR THE BATTERY CONNECTIONS.

Nothing special happened the day it started -- I had taken about
100 photos with no problem, then when the batteries ran out, I put in 4 new
ones and got 2 photos before "battery empty" message came up. Same ever
since.

Wonder if anyone had this problem come up on this or a similar model?

Thanks!!
Fred
 
Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.dcameras,aus.photo,rec.photo.digital,rec.photo.equipment.35mm,sci.electronics.repair (More info?)

Fred wrote:

>Have had this camera a long time but all of a sudden, it started giving me
>the "battery empty" message right after I install 4 new batteries.
>
>IT'S NOT THE BATTERIES OR THE BATTERY CONNECTIONS.
>
>Nothing special happened the day it started -- I had taken about
>100 photos with no problem, then when the batteries ran out, I put in 4 new
>ones and got 2 photos before "battery empty" message came up. Same ever
>since.
>
>Wonder if anyone had this problem come up on this or a similar model?
>
>Thanks!!
>Fred
>


In my experience, they're very sensitive to battery voltage. Even one
soft cell among "new" batteries will trigger that message. I've even
seen it happen with lithium cells. Suggest you switch out cells, and
see if you can identify the bad one.
 
Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.dcameras,aus.photo,rec.photo.digital,rec.photo.equipment.35mm,sci.electronics.repair (More info?)

IT'S NOT THE BATTERIES!!! IT'S NOT THE BATTERIES!!!
IT'S NOT THE BATTERIES!!! IT'S NOT THE BATTERIES!!!

Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

"RWM" <RWM@RWMann.com> wrote in message news:419742D5.1010905@RWMann.com...
>
>
> Fred wrote:
>
> >Have had this camera a long time but all of a sudden, it started giving
me
> >the "battery empty" message right after I install 4 new batteries.
> >
> >IT'S NOT THE BATTERIES OR THE BATTERY CONNECTIONS.
> >
> >Nothing special happened the day it started -- I had taken about
> >100 photos with no problem, then when the batteries ran out, I put in 4
new
> >ones and got 2 photos before "battery empty" message came up. Same ever
> >since.
> >
> >Wonder if anyone had this problem come up on this or a similar model?
> >
> >Thanks!!
> >Fred
> >
>
>
> In my experience, they're very sensitive to battery voltage. Even one
> soft cell among "new" batteries will trigger that message. I've even
> seen it happen with lithium cells. Suggest you switch out cells, and
> see if you can identify the bad one.
 
Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.dcameras,aus.photo,rec.photo.digital,rec.photo.equipment.35mm,sci.electronics.repair (More info?)

One other thing...












the batteries and battery contacts have ALREADY BEEN THOROUGHLY CHECKED
OUT!! So we can pretty much discount the "PROBLEM WITH THE BATTERIES" line
of troubleshooting.

Thanks just the same.

B^)

"Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com> wrote in message
news:LXKld.4359$GV5.3522@trnddc04...
> IT'S NOT THE BATTERIES!!! IT'S NOT THE BATTERIES!!!
> IT'S NOT THE BATTERIES!!! IT'S NOT THE BATTERIES!!!
>
> Any other suggestions would be appreciated.
>
> "RWM" <RWM@RWMann.com> wrote in message
news:419742D5.1010905@RWMann.com...
> >
> >
> > Fred wrote:
> >
> > >Have had this camera a long time but all of a sudden, it started giving
> me
> > >the "battery empty" message right after I install 4 new batteries.
> > >
> > >IT'S NOT THE BATTERIES OR THE BATTERY CONNECTIONS.
> > >
> > >Nothing special happened the day it started -- I had taken about
> > >100 photos with no problem, then when the batteries ran out, I put in 4
> new
> > >ones and got 2 photos before "battery empty" message came up. Same ever
> > >since.
> > >
> > >Wonder if anyone had this problem come up on this or a similar model?
> > >
> > >Thanks!!
> > >Fred
> > >
> >
> >
> > In my experience, they're very sensitive to battery voltage. Even one
> > soft cell among "new" batteries will trigger that message. I've even
> > seen it happen with lithium cells. Suggest you switch out cells, and
> > see if you can identify the bad one.
>
>
 
Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.dcameras,aus.photo,rec.photo.digital,rec.photo.equipment.35mm,sci.electronics.repair (More info?)

On Sun, 14 Nov 2004 05:42:26 GMT, "Fred"
<testing@testing1212mouse.com> wrote:

>Have had this camera a long time but all of a sudden, it started giving me
>the "battery empty" message right after I install 4 new batteries.
>
>IT'S NOT THE BATTERIES OR THE BATTERY CONNECTIONS.
>
>Nothing special happened the day it started -- I had taken about
>100 photos with no problem, then when the batteries ran out, I put in 4 new
>ones and got 2 photos before "battery empty" message came up. Same ever
>since.
>
>Wonder if anyone had this problem come up on this or a similar model?
>
>Thanks!!
>Fred
>
>
Fred, I've worked as a mechanic,and now I work on computers.
POne thing I've learned doing this is to ask: "How do you KNOW it's
not the batteries?"
The reason I ask is this: when experience says *this* is the problem,
and customer says *this* isn't the problem, *this* is the first thing
I check. And guess what? *This* is usually the problem.
So when you're asked, "How do you know it's not the batteries", you're
being asked because bad or marginal batteries cause exactly the
problems you present.
Yes, there are other things that can cause this. And Oly cameras in
particular seem to have a problem with their power systems on their
PCBs. But still, even on Olys, it *usually* the batteries, and unless
you can assure us that you've actually done some tests that will
remove batteries as the problem, that question will still be asked.
If you were to take the camera to an Oly service center, and assure
them that IT'S NOT THE BATTERIES, the first thing they will do is
insert known good batteries. It's the way troubleshooting goes. First,
you eliminate the obvious. Second, never listen to the customer when
he insists the obvious isn't the problem, *especially* when it's so
trivial to check anyway.
Hope this helps!

--
Bill Funk
Change "g" to "a"
 
Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.dcameras,aus.photo,rec.photo.digital,rec.photo.equipment.35mm,sci.electronics.repair (More info?)

"Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com> wrote in message
news:LXKld.4359$GV5.3522@trnddc04...
> IT'S NOT THE BATTERIES!!! IT'S NOT THE BATTERIES!!!
> IT'S NOT THE BATTERIES!!! IT'S NOT THE BATTERIES!!!
>
> Any other suggestions would be appreciated.
>

How about a faulty camera then?
 
Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.dcameras,aus.photo,rec.photo.digital,rec.photo.equipment.35mm,sci.electronics.repair (More info?)

LOL! I know I'm probably asking the same thing over and over, but I have
gotten much good info by posting. Although I'd still like to find some kind
of service documentation, schematics, etc., that choice is probably not
going to happen. But that doesn't stop me from trying. If I can actually
troubleshoot to the component, there are boxes full of C700's and others in
that same series out there that could be fixed and save the user $150. I
plan to create a site and post the how-to-fix-it info I get -- if I ever get
anything usable.

Nothing irks me more than these big companies selling expensive items and
then not making service documentation available to the purchaser. Smacks of
monopoly to me.

And, no, I'm not running for office. B^)

Fred

"Harvey" <harvey@not.ntlworld.com> wrote in message
news:qhLld.106$2O5.83@newsfe5-win.ntli.net...
>
> "Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com> wrote in message
> news:LXKld.4359$GV5.3522@trnddc04...
> > IT'S NOT THE BATTERIES!!! IT'S NOT THE BATTERIES!!!
> > IT'S NOT THE BATTERIES!!! IT'S NOT THE BATTERIES!!!
> >
> > Any other suggestions would be appreciated.
> >
>
> How about a faulty camera then?
>
>
 
Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.dcameras,aus.photo,rec.photo.digital,rec.photo.equipment.35mm,sci.electronics.repair (More info?)

"Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com> wrote in message
news:w0Lld.4363$GV5.3244@trnddc04...
| One other thing...
| the batteries and battery contacts have ALREADY BEEN THOROUGHLY CHECKED
| OUT!! So we can pretty much discount the "PROBLEM WITH THE BATTERIES"
line
| of troubleshooting.

Unless you hook it up to a good power supply and test to see what voltage it
cuts out at, you haven't truly checked this out IMO.

N
 
Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.dcameras,aus.photo,rec.photo.digital,rec.photo.equipment.35mm,sci.electronics.repair (More info?)

NSM wrote:

>"Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com> wrote in message
>news:w0Lld.4363$GV5.3244@trnddc04...
>| One other thing...
>| the batteries and battery contacts have ALREADY BEEN THOROUGHLY CHECKED
>| OUT!! So we can pretty much discount the "PROBLEM WITH THE BATTERIES"
>line
>| of troubleshooting.
>
>Unless you hook it up to a good power supply and test to see what voltage it
>cuts out at, you haven't truly checked this out IMO.
>
>N
>
>
>
>
No kidding, but hey, he's made up his mind, LIT UP THE CAPS and moved on...
 
Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.dcameras,aus.photo,rec.photo.digital,rec.photo.equipment.35mm,sci.electronics.repair (More info?)

"Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com> wrote in message
news:_pLld.3970$N_5.1750@trnddc03...
....
| Nothing irks me more than these big companies selling expensive items and
| then not making service documentation available to the purchaser. Smacks
of
| monopoly to me.
....

It's possibly a violation of law, depending on the country/state you are in.
Some have consumer protection laws or court decisions about such matters
requiring them to deliver the info to you.

I know that Radio Shack produced such manuals even for the most trivial
items and for those so unusual that few would tackle them.

N
 
Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.dcameras,aus.photo,rec.photo.digital,rec.photo.equipment.35mm,sci.electronics.repair (More info?)

"Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com> wrote in message
news:LXKld.4359$GV5.3522@trnddc04...
> IT'S NOT THE BATTERIES!!! IT'S NOT THE BATTERIES!!!
> IT'S NOT THE BATTERIES!!! IT'S NOT THE BATTERIES!!!
>
> Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

Well, if the camera works otherwise OK, then you have two choices. Either
live with the problem, or send it off to the Olympus repair facility, and
have them fix it. I would probably live with the problem unless and until
the camera failed in some other way, and then, when it was due for a Cal
and/or other service anyway, I would get the battery checking circuit
repaired along with.....I know that I never use the battery test circuit on
my camera, so I could care less if it works....I just carry spare batteries
around with me in case I should ever need them.
 
Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.dcameras,aus.photo,rec.photo.digital,rec.photo.equipment.35mm,sci.electronics.repair (More info?)

"NSM" <nowrite@to.me> wrote in message news:5uNld.85524$E93.5211@clgrps12...
>
> "Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com> wrote in message
> news:_pLld.3970$N_5.1750@trnddc03...
> ...
> | Nothing irks me more than these big companies selling expensive items
> and
> | then not making service documentation available to the purchaser.
> Smacks
> of
> | monopoly to me.

I agree, and that's why I usually require the salesman to dig one up for
me.....The last new car I bought came with a complete factory service manual
because I did that, by the way.........
 
Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.dcameras,aus.photo,rec.photo.digital,rec.photo.equipment.35mm,sci.electronics.repair (More info?)

In article <ZZTld.40579$5K2.35694@attbi_s03>, weg9@comcast.net says...
>
> "NSM" <nowrite@to.me> wrote in message news:5uNld.85524$E93.5211@clgrps12...
> >
> > "Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com> wrote in message
> > news:_pLld.3970$N_5.1750@trnddc03...
> > ...
> > | Nothing irks me more than these big companies selling expensive items
> > and
> > | then not making service documentation available to the purchaser.
> > Smacks
> > of
> > | monopoly to me.
>
> I agree, and that's why I usually require the salesman to dig one up for
> me.....The last new car I bought came with a complete factory service manual
> because I did that, by the way.........
>
>
about a $500 extra if bought after the sale for my fairly ordinary wagon.
 
Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.dcameras,aus.photo,rec.photo.digital,rec.photo.equipment.35mm,sci.electronics.repair (More info?)

Good point. Will try to find an adapter.

"NSM" <nowrite@to.me> wrote in message
news:brNld.85523$E93.57387@clgrps12...
>
> "Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com> wrote in message
> news:w0Lld.4363$GV5.3244@trnddc04...
> | One other thing...
> | the batteries and battery contacts have ALREADY BEEN THOROUGHLY CHECKED
> | OUT!! So we can pretty much discount the "PROBLEM WITH THE BATTERIES"
> line
> | of troubleshooting.
>
> Unless you hook it up to a good power supply and test to see what voltage
it
> cuts out at, you haven't truly checked this out IMO.
>
> N
>
>
 
Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.dcameras,aus.photo,rec.photo.digital,rec.photo.equipment.35mm,sci.electronics.repair (More info?)

Good for you! I also try to get service docs when I buy something, but
unfortunately Olympus doesn't make them available to anyone outside the
company.

"William Graham" <weg9@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:ZZTld.40579$5K2.35694@attbi_s03...
>
> "NSM" <nowrite@to.me> wrote in message
news:5uNld.85524$E93.5211@clgrps12...
> >
> > "Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com> wrote in message
> > news:_pLld.3970$N_5.1750@trnddc03...
> > ...
> > | Nothing irks me more than these big companies selling expensive items
> > and
> > | then not making service documentation available to the purchaser.
> > Smacks
> > of
> > | monopoly to me.
>
> I agree, and that's why I usually require the salesman to dig one up for
> me.....The last new car I bought came with a complete factory service
manual
> because I did that, by the way.........
>
>
 
Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.dcameras,aus.photo,rec.photo.digital,rec.photo.equipment.35mm,sci.electronics.repair (More info?)

"William Graham" <weg9@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:iUTld.40543$5K2.14161@attbi_s03...
>
> "Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com> wrote in message
> news:LXKld.4359$GV5.3522@trnddc04...
> > IT'S NOT THE BATTERIES!!! IT'S NOT THE BATTERIES!!!
> > IT'S NOT THE BATTERIES!!! IT'S NOT THE BATTERIES!!!
> >
> > Any other suggestions would be appreciated.
>
> Well, if the camera works otherwise OK, then you have two choices. Either
> live with the problem, or send it off to the Olympus repair facility, and
> have them fix it. I would probably live with the problem unless and until
> the camera failed in some other way, and then, when it was due for a Cal
> and/or other service anyway, I would get the battery checking circuit
> repaired along with.....I know that I never use the battery test circuit
on
> my camera, so I could care less if it works....I just carry spare
batteries
> around with me in case I should ever need them.

Yes, but in this case, I can't live with the problem - the camera is not
usable as is. And can't send to Olympus because I'm sure this problem will
come up again in a year or so - based on email and postings from others.
This is a common problem. Yet, I don't want to throw about the $$ I spent
on it, so I'll keep trying to find out a method of troubleshooting it
myself.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom