SS: Broken LCD Screen

[Jah Rulez]

Pales in comparison to DF's ID Theft, but messing around on Sunday and I cracked the LCD screen on my Canon SD550. :angry:

So I guess I gotta search Ebay and for part and replace it. Anyone ever replaced theirs?

[DarkFury]

On a camera? Nah, I've never done that.

Did you call Canon to see how much it would cost to fix it?

[Jah Rulez]

The same thing happend to a friend of mines PSP and I changed the LCD out and it works fine now. I'm kind of guessing that it can't be too hard (the PSP swap was easy)

[Markel]

The same thing happend to a friend of mines PSP and I changed the LCD out and it works fine now. I'm kind of guessing that it can't be too hard (the PSP swap was easy)
I would guess that the difference in "construction" between a PSP and a camera is major. Taking a camera apart can be a complex (and risky, if you don't know what you're doing) process - it's far more than removing 4 screws and lifting removing a circuit board. I am very quick to open things up and work on them, but I would be very wary of trying to repair a camera (unless it was going to be otherwise junked).

[LPMiller]

I would guess that the difference in "construction" between a PSP and a camera is major. Taking a camera apart can be a complex (and risky, if you don't know what you're doing) process - it's far more than removing 4 screws and lifting removing a circuit board. I am very quick to open things up and work on them, but I would be very wary of trying to repair a camera (unless it was going to be otherwise junked).

no, it's about the same. the LCD is usually attached to the back casing, so it's a matter of some screws, popping the case, some more screws, and 1 or 2 ribbon cables. If you've done a PSP, it might even be a little easier, depending on the model.

[redcolours]

theyre relatively EASY to replace.
i did that on an SD200 someone gave me cuz it had a non-working LCD. Pics came out fine, just cant see anything.
i called canon parts and they shipped me a replacement. i think it cost me $60 shipped, i dont remember. Theyre in North Jersey, try calling them at this #: 732-521-7230.
some linkies:
http://www.cl.cam.ac.uk/~jo262/miscellany/broken_lcd_cracked_screen_canon_sd-300_sd-200_ixus-40_ixus-30.html (http://www.cl.cam.ac.uk/%7Ejo262/miscellany/broken_lcd_cracked_screen_canon_sd-300_sd-200_ixus-40_ixus-30.html)
i cant find the one that showed the camera de-construction step by step. maybe google is your friend? :)

when i got it i just needed a small phillips screwdriver and some patience to get to the LCD and its attachment to the camera body.
when taking these screws out, do it on a wide uncluttered desk (preferably a light-colored background. i used a couple of 8x11 paper). easy to see where the parts are.
a screw holder/cup is ok, but i suggest using a double-stick tape taped across your desk to stick the tiny screws you take out. that way you dont lose em, they dont roll or disappear anywhere.
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when you do get it working, do this: make a clear LCD protector. you can buy one, but why spend money when you can customize one yourself? heres what i did:

1) find a CD jewel case with a clear plastic front.
preferably a new one, without any scratches.

2) measure the length and width of your LCD, and add about 1/6th or 1/8th of an inch to extend around it, or as much space as it can cover without hitting the buttons. Like a frame around a picture, this will be wide enough to frame the LCD.

3) use these measurements to cut a rectangular piece from the clear plastic CD jewel case. You can make several of these with one case alone. A small carpenter square and a sharp knife helps a lot. several passes easily scores and cuts through the hard plastic.

4) use a high-grit sandpaper to smooth out the edges and round the corners. theyre sharp after a raw cut.

5) use double stick tape around the frame of the plastic rectangle you just made. i used scotch permanent double-sided tape (u can get em at staples, officemax, tec).
It was easier for me to simply tape over the frame around the LCD FIRST (without cutting strips), place and center the plastic piece over the LCD, and cut out the extending tape around its edges, using a sharp x-acto knife. Be careful NOT to cut too deep - the body easy gets nicked by sharp objects.

6) gently but firmly press around the frame to make sure the tape stick to BOTH the camera body and the plastic piece's underside.

7) enjoy your camera without fear of breaking the LCD again. :)

this works well for me, as i ALWAYS bring my SD200 with me EVERYWHERE (work, concerts, shows, parties, projects, etc). it takes so much abuse in my pocket. The double-stick tape really is permanent enough to stay on (yet still easy to pry out when replacing the plastic piece).

whats great about this setup is that the LCD is completely protected. The plastic piece from the cd case is strong enough to withstand constant dings, pointed bumps and hard taps. Dont get me wrong, the piece CAN still break, but it breaks first before it breaks your LCD. It will get a TON of scratches, but it takes em away from the LCD. Whats more, you can make several of these, and it costs you NOTHING, just elbow grease (maybe a couple of your blank CD jewel case).

Each time i replace mine and see the LCD underneath still in mint condition, its always a joy.

hope this helps!

[_=DeltaForce=_]

Its $35 for the LCD screen, call canon and order it. Should be easy to replace. I broke my sd550 screen and did it myself. I got pics if you want

[Jah Rulez]

Pics are appreciated. :D :happy: :hihi: :shakehand

Send to [email protected] if you please.

[Jah Rulez]

Done. Thanks for the info and pics. Took about 30 minutes or so. Better than spending the $160 w/ Canon or $90 on ebay.