Related
I'm not sure about your EVOs, but if I press in on my lens, slowly and evenly, I can feel it flex in and out, which leads me to believe it's made of plexi-glass. Thus, making the lens weak, and easier to scratch and crack. Seems like HTC went ****ty on this part too.
I love Android, and I don't really know why. I almost want an iPhone 4, but I enjoy my 23% Sprint discount.
Mine isn't scratched or cracked, yet, and I don't use any sort of case, but the photos and video quality still stucks ass. This is just my observation. I have H0003, btw.
Do what I did, just cut a perfectly round piece of clear scotch tape and put over it. Instant and free lens protector. Took me a couple of tries to get it perfectly round, but you can't even tell it's there. Problem solved
Android has nothing to do with the camera lens.
Similarly, hardware issues with one phone have nothing to do with switching OSes entirely.
It's like non sequitur-ville around here. Just teasing, but yes, I suspected the same, especially if you look at how easily it picks up small scratches. It's not glass, I'd guess it's the same plastic that old phones used to have as their screens. But at least the whole back panel can be replaced fairly easily if needed (if you can find a replacement).
zeuzinn said:
Do what I did, just cut a perfectly round piece of clear scotch tape and put over it. Instant and free lens protector. Took me a couple of tries to get it perfectly round, but you can't even tell it's there. Problem solved
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Easy for you to say, Giotto.
Yep...it's plastic. No case on my phone and no screen protector. Looks just like it did when I bought in Jun 4th. YMMV
I haven't had any issues with pics looking bad, i think it does amazing actually. I don't use a case either and I haven't noticed any marks on mine. That piece of plastic you are talking about is not the lens though, it is a lens protector. The lens is the small bluish/black part inside. It is pretty common for those to be plastic. I break them all the time at work (people aren't allowed to bring in cameras, even on a phone, so they break them) and I think all the phone cameras i have seen were plastic protectors.
Edit: I just found this in another thread: http://www.lensrentals.com/news/2008.10.30/front-element-scratches
SilverZero said:
Easy for you to say, Giotto.
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I'm surprised no one has gotten this reference, or made a mention of it.
I'm guessing you're thinking of the Giotto that drew a perfect circle for the Pope when the Pope asked him, "now what can you do to show me your badass artistic skills?"
Only reason I know him? That was referenced on my application to Rice a while back (it's been 4.5 years since I graduated).
What's the problem? You question HTC's build quality?
Enjoy the EVO for 2 years or 1 and then get an EVO 2.
MMMMMM EVO 2 WILL have gingerbread!!!!!
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
pekosROB said:
I'm surprised no one has gotten this reference, or made a mention of it.
I'm guessing you're thinking of the Giotto that drew a perfect circle for the Pope when the Pope asked him, "now what can you do to show me your badass artistic skills?"
Only reason I know him? That was referenced on my application to Rice a while back (it's been 4.5 years since I graduated).
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Click to collapse
You get the cookie!
novanosis85 said:
What's the problem? You question HTC's build quality?
Enjoy the EVO for 2 years or 1 and then get an EVO 2.
MMMMMM EVO 2 WILL have gingerbread!!!!!
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wasn't this whole Evo 2 / Sabor thing pretty much accepted as a fabrication?
I was wondering, do people go out of their way to make their camera's last? I was hoping to keep my vibrant for at least 5-6 years and use it as my primary camera on the occasions that I have a need for one.
I was wondering if you guys had any tips or suggestions for keeping the camera relatively clean and scratch free?
Maybe cutting out a small plastic screen protector to place on the inside of my gel case to keep my finger from hitting it would help, and then I could just take the case off when snapping pictures....
5-6 years O_O
Did I read that correctly? In a year the vibrant is going to be nothing more than an outdated phone.
SquareBare said:
I was wondering, do people go out of their way to make their camera's last? I was hoping to keep my vibrant for at least 5-6 years and use it as my primary camera on the occasions that I have a need for one.
I was wondering if you guys had any tips or suggestions for keeping the camera relatively clean and scratch free?
Maybe cutting out a small plastic screen protector to place on the inside of my gel case to keep my finger from hitting it would help, and then I could just take the case off when snapping pictures....
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Click to collapse
You should not have any issues with the camera by just leaving it alone. I'n all my years owning phones with cameras, I've never cracked, scratched, or anything else and I just left it alone.
Don't even bother putting a screen protector. I'll start to haze up with time, and the images would not look crisp. I think you'll be fine.
SquareBare said:
I was wondering, do people go out of their way to make their camera's last? I was hoping to keep my vibrant for at least 5-6 years and use it as my primary camera on the occasions that I have a need for one.
I was wondering if you guys had any tips or suggestions for keeping the camera relatively clean and scratch free?
Maybe cutting out a small plastic screen protector to place on the inside of my gel case to keep my finger from hitting it would help, and then I could just take the case off when snapping pictures....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
actually I have had a problem (not recently but WAY WAY back on one of the first HTC phones the lens cover got scratched while it was in the case and it took bad pics after that) ever since then I keep a small square of blue painters tape over the lens it protects it from scratches and it comes off quick and easy if you need to take pics but as too the 5-6 year thing man WOW I am lucky if I keep a phone 5-6 months good luck.
I'm in the same boat as SquareBare. I'm interested in buying myself a lens protector as well. As I have noticed fine scratches already, albeit I do take care of my phone religiously. And I do plan on keeping this phone for many years to come as I do not renew my contract. Though searching around has led me to believe I have to purchase the screen protector again to get the lens protector. It comes in a package. The only company that offers it, is realook. I looked into SGP as well, but they do not offer it for the Vibrant. Before you say that they do offer it, I have personally emailed them regards to the installation video that was posted on their website, and they confirmed with me the product is not available. Here is their email.
Dear Our Valued Customer,
Thank you for contacting SGPstore.com Customer Service Department.
I do understand your question and would like to explain it to you.
The video might show Galaxy S Anti Fingerprint has camera lens protector.
Please note that merchandises out in the US market do not include the camera lens protector.
And you will see features on our website and the back of our product box do not have camera lens protector.
If you have more questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
I apologize for the inconvenience.
Best Regards,
===========================================================================
SGP - Stylish People's Good Partner
===========================================================================
> Customer Service Representative,
Lynn Kim
[email protected]
www.SGPstore.com
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You do know that the camera is available for purchase separate, right? If your camera does get scratched (or the lens) wouldn't replacing it solve the problem? They only cost about 30 bucks
Actually the camera is pretty strong i guess, because after all i've been through on my past vibrant no scratches on the camera at all.
I dropped it from a 2 story house ( i was working on cleaning gutters bcz my dad was like pissed at me haha) Grass got into the bezel but thats it. i cleaned it a little bcz of grass stains and besides that no scratches no bumps etc. ( it dropped flat not top or bottom first)
The camera lens protector/plastic piece that shields the actual camera is only $3.48 with a minimum purchase of 5. So for less than $20 you can have 5 accidents and make it like new again everytime.
http://www.globaldirectparts.com/Samsung-T959-Camera-Lens-p/smsng6085865.htm
PathogenX said:
5-6 years O_O
Did I read that correctly? In a year the vibrant is going to be nothing more than an outdated phone.
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Regardless of the phone not being up to par in a couple of years, it'll still make calls. I have backup phones that are 4 years old. They work, and are nice to bring along on roadtrips just in case I can't get to a charger and my phone dies.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Tamborine said:
I'm in the same boat as SquareBare. I'm interested in buying myself a lens protector as well. As I have noticed fine scratches already, albeit I do take care of my phone religiously. And I do plan on keeping this phone for many years to come as I do not renew my contract. Though searching around has led me to believe I have to purchase the screen protector again to get the lens protector. It comes in a package. The only company that offers it, is realook. I looked into SGP as well, but they do not offer it for the Vibrant. Before you say that they do offer it, I have personally emailed them regards to the installation video that was posted on their website, and they confirmed with me the product is not available. Here is their email.
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I don't think they do that anymore. Or at least I didn't get a camera protector when I ordered my new set of protectors this past January.
checktheemails said:
You do know that the camera is available for purchase separate, right? If your camera does get scratched (or the lens) wouldn't replacing it solve the problem? They only cost about 30 bucks
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Yeah, I could go through that route, but why spend 30 bucks of having it to take it apart and replacing it, while you can just buy a piece of plastic that cost no less then a few dollars to replace it. I can't see a good reasoning for having to buy a new camera. Makes no sense.
That's actually just a piece of glass that covers the actual camera lens, mine is pretty scratched but it doesn't seem to affect pictures any. I haven't seen any one selling that little piece of glass, but I'm assuming it wouldn't be too hard to replace.
Just thought id let you know i somehow got 3 cracks on my camera lens. It indeed is vulnerable. Time to get a replacement..
Yea I really wish the battery cover covered the camera like on the TP2 and most other phones for that matter. It is definitely prone to sratching too. My is still fine but I am SUPER careful with the lens..
I found cracks on mine today as well, and it had none last night. Thing is I baby this thing like no other, and it hasn't seen anything since last night either so I'm really curious how it happened. I even leave it sitting up on the kickstand through the night. But the cracks aren't in the center of it so they don't effect the pictures taken what so ever. And I don't want a replacement phone until they figure out how to root 2.2.
It just sucks because I'm so finicky about the condition of my electronics that it's like that itch you can't scratch!!!
Pao23 said:
I found cracks on mine today as well, and it had none last night. Thing is I baby this thing like no other, and it hasn't seen anything since last night either so I'm really curious how it happened. I even leave it sitting up on the kickstand through the night. But the cracks aren't in the center of it so they don't effect the pictures taken what so ever. And I don't want a replacement phone until they figure out how to root 2.2.
It just sucks because I'm so finicky about the condition of my electronics that it's like that itch you can't scratch!!!
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thats really weird cuz i had no idea about the night before.. though I was a little under the i.. anyways that might be why but when I woke up they were there, and right through the middle. except it seems to not noticeably affect the pictures
Fortunately I just have some edge scratches. I have a slim case on which slightly raises the screen so I place the phone face down to protect the lens. Do any of your kickstands have a wobble side to side?
Sent from my PC36100
The clear piece over the camera lens is plastic. The lens is under that.
chazglenn3 said:
The clear piece over the camera lens is plastic. The lens is under that.
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This. Not a fan of the design of the whole deal. Protect that clear plastic lens cover!
rafroehlich2 said:
Do any of your kickstands have a wobble side to side?
Sent from my PC36100
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yeah mine does
I think we all knew that the piece cracked wasn't actually the lens. But typing "lens" is a whole lot easier the typing "plastic protector piece that sits right over the lens."
I have, I think, 2 tiny specs of dust on under my screen. They can only be seen in direction, bright sunlight. I dont think I care. Anyone else?
Yes, I do care about the dust under your screen.
...If it's true, then I'll be worried. That kind of thing irritates the hell outta me. My Droid is in pristine condition after 15 months, but the one tiny spec under it's screen still catches my eye.
Are you sure its under the screen and not under a your protector? (If you have one.) I think I would feel all kinds of skeeved if I saw dust. But that probably comes from my photography background. Lens with dust in it? Eeeew. I dont see dust under mine. But then again there are so, so, so many finger prints.
(Goes back to munching peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and Xooming. )
I just noticed dust under my screen as well. Very not cool. Come on Motorola, how lame of you to not seal up the screen. I have not even had mine for a week and I notice three pieces of dust under there. They are really not noticeable unless I get that morning slanted sun light to hit the screen. I do however shudder to think of how dusty it will be in a year if I already have this much in a week.
Just noticed a dust spec under my screen as well. Had the XOOM for over a month now. It's highly noticeable when I'm using an app with a white-lit screen background. (Like Gmail). This is so not cool. Not to mention, I can't open it up to clean it because it will probably void my warranty.
Yea I have one little spec. Not sure what it is because its white so I'm assuming its dust and not a pixel/screen quality problem.
Its situated right underneath the back button placement in landscape so its super irritating. I might exchange.
martonikaj said:
Yea I have one little spec. Not sure what it is because its white so I'm assuming its dust and not a pixel/screen quality problem.
Its situated right underneath the back button placement in landscape so its super irritating. I might exchange.
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Click to collapse
Not sure how coincidental this is, but it have the same spec in the same spot.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App
Yup!! I also have dust under my screen. One little spec of dust. It really does bother me too, I kept not even thinking it was under the screen so I kept using a cloth on it and it just wouldn't rub off. Then I finally took a closer look at it, ahh it's under the screen, how Nice that is Moto!!!
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
I had one in the center of screen, returned my xoom over it. My new xoom has one near a corner, but it is much smaller than the last spec.
OK. That's weird. I have the dust spec in the exact same spot others do.... opposite of the power button.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App
really wow, i am freaking out.. i guess i shouldnt get this xoom.. could it be dead pixels?? man my galaxy tab didnt have as many issues
I just exchanged mine for having one right by the back button. so far so good on my new one. Wifi only model.
you could always take it apart and clean the screen. here are the instructions to do so. It is the same for wifi xoom as well.
http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Motorola-Xoom-Teardown/4989/1
OMG, I hope this is only for a very small few because I plan on getting a Xoom next month and this thread is starting to freak me out a bit.
znfrazier said:
you could always take it apart and clean the screen. here are the instructions to do so. It is the same for wifi xoom as well.
http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Motorola-Xoom-Teardown/4989/1
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I wouldn't advise anyone to take it apart. Cuz you might add more dust to it. Just by opening it you will be exposing it to alot more dust around the house or wherever you are, even from your own skin. Plus it void you warranty am uncle motor will not exchange it for you. The best option if still under warranty is to exchange it ASAP. I too have notice a little spec near my back button, but am way past warranty so I don't have that choice. But it's a shame that Motorola miss this potential issue. Now I know the screen is somehow expose, I can only imagine what will happen in years to com. That why I can't wait for the Outterbox Defender Series Xoom Case.
As far as I know, the display is not glued to the screen glass. Unfortunately, this means that always some percentage of xooms and even after some time using it, some dust will filter in between. However, I prefer to have a little dust on my screen than having to pay 400$ to change the screen in case it gets scratch or broken, which is what would happen having an iPad.
supremecream06 said:
I wouldn't advise anyone to take it apart. Cuz you might add more dust to it. Just by opening it you will be exposing it to alot more dust around the house or wherever you are, even from your own skin. Plus it void you warranty am uncle motor will not exchange it for you. The best option if still under warranty is to exchange it ASAP. I too have notice a little spec near my back button, but am way past warranty so I don't have that choice. But it's a shame that Motorola miss this potential issue. Now I know the screen is somehow expose, I can only imagine what will happen in years to com. That why I can't wait for the Outterbox Defender Series Xoom Case.
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yeah true i mean i took mine apart because its easier to just wipe the dust away but scratch that this will void your warranty, only do if you know what you are doing and have the right tools. if not you risk damaging your device.
I have what looks like a piece of red lint under the screen it is not a dead pixel(you can see it under strong light with the screen off), it is in the center and bothering me. I called up Moto and they are having me send it in for repair. I am wondering if they are going to even try to clean the screen or send it back and say sorry only cosmetic and not a warranty issue.
I have two Xooms, one is Verizon's 3G and another is Wi-Fi version. Both are perfect with no dust under the screen on neither one.
Both tables spend quite a bit of time outside in a dusty area here in AZ. So far so good, no problems at all.
Another idea... How about original poster would make a poll? This way everyone can vote and we will have a better idea of what situation is.
Beware: the camera lens on the back of our SGS II is made of cheap plastic. I learned the hard way.
Yesterday I was using the camera and all was really good. Today all photos were blurred. I checked and noticed a small bend, yes a bend, right in the middle of the camera lens. It is not a scratch, which has been my concern since buying the SGS2, it was a bend. I may be wrong, but glass should not bend, it scratches. Now I don't have a lens anymore, I have a prism.
The phone did not fall, or was treated badly. Most probably, I put it in my pants' front pockets, as I have done for years with my HTC phones (horrible cameras btw, compared to the sgs2), there may have been a contact with a harder surface (a key, maybe, but I don't suppose so), and the lens bended. It's a real pity. I'm considering now removing the "lens" as it is not the actual lens, just a cover I guess, and see if this works.
This may be the best and most expensive cell phone right now, why couldn't Samsung put a real glass (like apple does, btw) to protect the camera?
I hope this warning helps others not to get into the same problem. Maybe using a leather pouch can prevent this from happening (I was using the mesh cover case).
A previously super happy owner, now a very desolate one...
what did you do to your phone? Don't blame samsung for something you physically you did.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
thats strange? a bit of plastic with those dimensions shouldn't bend at all, unless put under direct heat and pressure? :S
can you post pictures taken and a picture of the lens?
I don't have another camera with me to photograph the lens. Besides, it is hard to see the bend, you need the correct angle for the light to hit it and be able to see. But attached is a picture I took with the cell. Kind of artsy...
I would have thought that if it did actually have a bend in it (which seems like an awfully difficult thing to have done), that it would cause a distortion and not just producing a blurry pic like that.
Looks more like something has been smeared across the lens cover.
It's not the lens that bended, it's the protective screen on top of the lense. Looks like glass to me, but it's possible to be plastic. Any way, i doubt it could bend unless you put a lot of pressure on it.
As I said, it was in the front pocket of a not so tight pants, so there might be little pressure, normal pressure as every cell phone suffers in this situation, but nothing exceptional, not much. Nobody sat on my lap as well... That would be a worthy reason at least.
I've had smartphones for the last 6 years, done the same thing since. I'm not asking for a replacement or whatever, so I have no reason to minimize my responsibility.
My point in posting is that it happened. Just trying let others know to not make the same mistake. It is not as solid a construction as, say, the HTC HD2. It needs more care.
Just beware, hope it does not happen to others.
PS: And no heat also, not a teenager anymore to have so much heat near the crotch area...
PPS: Yes, it is the protective screen. My hope is I can get rid of it, and have my camera back. Unprotected, but taking photos, with lots of care from now on...
OP, stupid question: that lens glass out of the box was protected with a transparent plastic film I think, just like the screen. Did you remove it?
Can you make a shot of the lens using a bathroom mirror perhaps, in macro mode?
mbernstein said:
I've had smartphones for the last 6 years, done the same thing since. I'm not asking for a replacement or whatever, so I have no reason to minimize my responsibility.
My point in posting is that it happened. Just trying let others know to not make the same mistake. It is not as solid a construction as, say, the HTC HD2. It needs more care.
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Click to collapse
I agree with your here. The way Samsung designed the back of the phone makes it very easy to scratch/ even bend (like it happened to you) the protective screen. I had a HTC Touch HD before and the back of the camera could never touch the surface where the phone was put. With Samsung if you put your phone on a rugged area you might end up damaging the protective screen easily.
Have you been using the LED as a torch or anything like that? Perhaps the heat could have warped the plastic?
kreoXDA said:
OP, stupid question: that lens glass out of the box was protected with a transparent plastic film I think, just like the screen. Did you remove it?
Can you make a shot of the lens using a bathroom mirror perhaps, in macro mode?
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Click to collapse
Sure, I took the plastic out. I saw no point in having a very good phone camera weakened by the plastic.
I tried to take the photo you asked, but was not successful. But as I said it was a very small bend, which makes the light enter the lens like a prism. Very difficult to photograph with a normal camera.
Actually, there was a power outage in the area I'm in now, but I don't recollect to use torch that much... I remember I used it for a while, the used some screen light, then on to Kindle. Id on't suppose it was torch, but could it really be so silly like this?!
mbernstein said:
Sure, I took the plastic out. I saw no point in having a very good phone camera weakened by the plastic.
I tried to take the photo you asked, but was not successful. But as I said it was a very small bend, which makes the light enter the lens like a prism. Very difficult to photograph with a normal camera.
Actually, there was a power outage in the area I'm in now, but I don't recollect to use torch that much... I remember I used it for a while, the used some screen light, then on to Kindle. Id on't suppose it was torch, but could it really be so silly like this?!
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Click to collapse
Wow, I just tried pushing on mine with my nail, it moves a teeny tiny bit, but it springs right back up Maybe something in your pocket just happened to touch the middle of that little piece of plastic, and just managed to apply enough force to bend it beyond the recovery point, so your plastic piece did not spring back up.
I fully understand what you mean now. But not sure what your options are. It is clearly a physical damage. I would not advise trying to take that piece out and bend it straight, you will mess up the actual lens.
mbernstein said:
A previously super happy owner, now a very desolate one...
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flash back stock firmware, reset custom download counter with jig, return under warranty saying the camera takes blurry pictures
godutch said:
flash back stock firmware, reset custom download counter with jig, return under warranty saying the camera takes blurry pictures
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Click to collapse
I believe warranty doesn't cover physical damage though.
Ingvarr said:
I believe warranty doesn't cover physical damage though.
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they wont know if you dont tell them plus they wont inspect the phone in that detail closely at the camera, worth a try. IF you bough it from a store, bring it back there and get a replacement.
Hi,
I have the same issue as yours.
Where is your SGS2 made in when you take out the battery and look at the back sticker?
Mine says "Made in China"
Wonder if yours is made in Korea or China.
Please share~
I would send it in too, your chances are good to get it repaired!
Mine is made in: Korea
I would try to replace it if I had bought it in my country. I bought it through a friend from Xpansys US (a UK phone), and I'm now in Brazil. I guess I would have so many troubles with customs here to send it out and back with no guarantee to have it replaced...
My idea is not to take the plastic out, and try to fix it. It is to just take out. I will have a hole there, but there will be nothing distorting light that comes into the lens. I will have to be extra careful, but considering how easy the plastic which was supposed to protect the camera was damaged, extra care is the name of this phone for me.
And I'm not complaining about SGS2's plastic finish as opposed to the metal/glass ones of iPhone or HTC. I actually like this, including the back cover. After you get used to it, it is kind of cool. And it is light. I just wished there was a cover or that Samsung used a hard glass on the camera, or perhaps that the plastic was so tiny and receeded that nothing could reach it. I always like the way Sony and Nokia used to put a sliding cover over the camera lens in their phones. With such a thin phone as ours, I wouldn't mind the extra thickness. Or like my HTC Kaiser, where the plastic was actually on the cover. If it was scratched or broken you could replace the back cover... Sorry, just venting my frustration.
Don't leave that hole uncovered. Your lens will get dirty in no time. Pocket lint , dust and dirt will accumulate in there and break the lens autofocus mechanism. Just don't even think about leaving that hole uncovered.