[Q] Front Camera Replacement for I9505 - Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi ! I`ve dropped my S4 on the floor the other day and since then i noticed that my front camera fails to focus. It`s something like 1/4 of the image is being focused while the rest is blurry. The whole image does become clearer if i put an object in front of the camera at about 2-4cm.
Is there a possibility that the little flex cable jumped out of its socket? Or is the camera broken ?
Either way i`m hoping that someone could PM me with a few links on sites like ebay.com or ebay.co.uk with what i should buy to replace or fix the camera.

Bump !

Anyone ?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/USA-New-Fro...e_Replacement_Parts_Tools&hash=item19e04a4e4c
For a start...

Related

So who wants to dismantle their 8525

A while back there was a rumor that the video camera was still in the 8525 but they just covered it up with the new silver bezel - anybody care to dismantle to prove/disprove this rumor?
Why would they cover it?
Seemed silly to me to but there were rumors 3 or 4 weeks ago that's what they did. I think the basics of it was that their network wasn't up to snuff for the video so they covered the camera (being cheaper then redesign?) so people wouldn't complain about the extra camera which they couldn't use. I think it's bunk but curious - I don't recommend anybody tear apart their 8525 - I doubt it's there but if you're feeling reckless and want to destroy your new $600 toy - let me know if you find the camera!
It is possible.
chymmylt said:
Seemed silly to me to but there were rumors 3 or 4 weeks ago that's what they did. I think the basics of it was that their network wasn't up to snuff for the video so they covered the camera (being cheaper then redesign?) so people wouldn't complain about the extra camera which they couldn't use. I think it's bunk but curious - I don't recommend anybody tear apart their 8525 - I doubt it's there but if you're feeling reckless and want to destroy your new $600 toy - let me know if you find the camera!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now I'm just wondering whether some of the more expert folks here could work this one out without dismantling. The coolcamera programme can utilise the front camera as a webcam. Obviously there would be no picture if the camera is covered but I wonder what the programme will do if the camera is not present. Clearly a message saying camera not present would be handy but if it freezes or behaves strangely (some error message) that might be another bit of evidence suggesting the camera is absent. Perhaps someone with device could try using coolcamera to see what happens on front camera setting?
Just a thought
Mike
That's a great idea.
I just tried what you guys suggested with the coolcamera app and when I switched the sensor from main to front, I got a black screen. Of course this would make sense since it is covered up but I didn't get any error message.
Today while looking at the phone more closely, I noticed there is sort've a "flatness" or outline on the bezel where the front camera would be.
I'm a believer that the camera is still present on the phone...just disabled and covered up by the metal bezel on the 8525. I also agree with the fact it wouldn't make sense to redesign the phone just to remove the camera. Instead they could do it cosmetically, in this case, with the metal bezel that is on the 8525.
Assuming that the camera is still present, I'm hoping that a third party company (or HTC) can make a replacement bezel with the front camera opening.
That is amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Don't break open those 8525s just yet...
Notice that even when you completely cover the main camera lens, you can still see colors when you cycle through the special effects (sepia, cool, negative). When you switch to the front camera and cycle effects, you get nothing (the screen never changes from black). If the front camera were present, the negative effect at least would be dramatic.
-Sar
Good point Sarumiso. I just tried changing the effects and nothing changed. It could mean that the camera is just disabled, though. Won't know for sure until someone opens up their phone.
cellnut said:
Good point Sarumiso. I just tried changing the effects and nothing changed. It could mean that the camera is just disabled, though. Won't know for sure until someone opens up their phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good points being made. An error message might at least have suggested camera is not present, unfortunately no errors does not prove things one way or the other.
Mike
so im an avid 8125 guy with my 8525 on the way, will be here tomorrow... anyway, lets pretend for a moment the cam is there, then its more than likely disabled in the cingular rom... would it be possible to flash an actual tytn rom to get the front camera support, then try the testing with the software and cycling through the colors? just a thought
cellnut said:
I just tried what you guys suggested with the coolcamera app and when I switched the sensor from main to front, I got a black screen. Of course this would make sense since it is covered up but I didn't get any error message.
Today while looking at the phone more closely, I noticed there is sort've a "flatness" or outline on the bezel where the front camera would be.
I'm a believer that the camera is still present on the phone...just disabled and covered up by the metal bezel on the 8525. I also agree with the fact it wouldn't make sense to redesign the phone just to remove the camera. Instead they could do it cosmetically, in this case, with the metal bezel that is on the 8525.
Assuming that the camera is still present, I'm hoping that a third party company (or HTC) can make a replacement bezel with the front camera opening.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or just take a dremel to it.
here is an idea... is the service manual out there? like one specifically for the 8525, it may tell whether it exists or not. or what company actually does the repairs for the 8525, maybe we contact them and find out... or if all else fails then the manual would give instructions on how to take it apart...
"...anyway, lets pretend for a moment the cam is there, then its more than likely disabled in the cingular rom... would it be possible to flash an actual tytn rom to get the front camera support, then try the testing with the software and cycling through the colors?..."
shogunmark---will you be testing this theory of yours? I would try this myself but I'm too much of a nb to even attempt changing the ROM. Have to read up on all the how to threads. =)
well, i probably will, but its gonna a little while before i can do that, i havent even gotten my 8525 yet, fedex says it will be here tomorrow... i have alot more reading to do though... i am very familiar with cooking roms for my 8125, but from what i read so far it seems like the 8525 is a different animal entirely, so with my busy life its gonna take at least a week or 2 of reading before i make the venture
I've removed the two screws from the other side of the screen. Pried open the display case and bottom of it to about 1/8" and I could see that my phone does NOT have the front facing camera. It has the place for it, but definitely no camera. Would be nice to compare the Tytn's ie/mail/led pcb with the 8525s to see how they differ.
already done: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=284384
I've created a full housing swap to include the fron camera on my 8525. Tutorial includes full instructions with pictures included. See link below
http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?t=1152710&page=1&pp=15
so im an avid 8125 guy with my 8525 on the way, will be here tomorrow... anyway, lets pretend for a moment the cam is there, then its more than likely disabled in the cingular rom... would it be possible to flash an actual tytn rom to get the front camera support, then try the testing with the software and cycling through the colors? just a thought
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have everything ready to do this. Camera installed and all. I have unlocked my phone to update to any rom. I'm willing to give this a shot. I just need to know if I where to get the ROm to download. Tis swap is a compete resemblance of the Japanese versionof my 8525, its the htc Z from Japan. http://www.japan.htc.com/product_htcz.htm . I dont know if there is an english versionof this rom to download. I'm ready to do this for everyone I just need direction
It's a shame that those of us that do have the front facing camera that the phone lacks a front facing flash or LED. Would be very handy otherwise those times when the urge comes for yet another self portrait and it happens to be night . . .
(We do not have 3G here in Oman.)

FOR SALE: SX66 with camera! BlueAngel

I've posted this on GENERAL but I think it makes more sense here.
I have a second BlueAngel which I'm selling:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250190007066
I also have spare parts, PM me for more info.
Thanks!
Wow, how did you manage to put a camera on SX66?
Wouldn't mind to put one on mine too.
simple. order a camera for 9090, open teh pda, plug the camera in teh place, and order one dirrefent back cover, with the camera hole for the lens.
SandStorm said:
simple. order a camera for 9090, open teh pda, plug the camera in teh place, and order one dirrefent back cover, with the camera hole for the lens.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What he said
SandStorm said:
simple. order a camera for 9090, open teh pda, plug the camera in teh place, and order one dirrefent back cover, with the camera hole for the lens.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? It's that easy? No soldering? So what about exchanging it for that 1.3 Megapixel model? I'd even consider buying a second BA just to try it ...
(I remember there was a thread about that here a few months ago ... I just tried to search for it but the forum's search function seems to be broken)
But probably, when you say "plug it in place", you are talking about a daugthercard module that is BA-specific?
Typing 'qtek 9090 camera' yields no result on ebay.
Is there some other camera either better or more powerful but compatible camera available?
I tried the 1.3mp but the connectors don't match.
So... anyone interested on the BA I'm selling?
LGSilva said:
I tried the 1.3mp but the connectors don't match.
So... anyone interested on the BA I'm selling?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am looking for a motherboard or an entire unit for parts, to include a usable motherboard. Let me know what you want and if we can use paypal.
Thanks,
[email protected]
Camera, Camera, whos got the Camera?
I have several Camera units for the SX-66 available. Each comes with the torx driver required, the board standoff and the camera unit. Let me know if your interested. The sale would need to be done through paypal.
LuciousNipps said:
I have several Camera units for the SX-66 available. Each comes with the torx driver required, the board standoff and the camera unit. Let me know if your interested. The sale would need to be done through paypal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would be interested if the price is right. Do you also have the back case cover with the hole in it for the lens? Also, how do I know that my SX66 is compatible with this camera? I have no problems opening it up to check part #'s, but I don't want to buy if it can't connect.
Adding Camera modules to SX66
I've done this mod to two units with parts from the cheaper CDMA Blue Angels.
On one rebuild, I used the back plate from the CDMA phone as it had the camera lens hole, and just had to cut out an opening for the sim card. I didn't really bother making the cut very pretty, as you can't see the mod when the battery is in place.
On the second one, I drilled a 1/8th inch hole the back of the original SX66 cover, Location for the hole being the only tricky part.
Added bonus to this second aproach,, twice I have taken it to shows where cameras were strickly prohibited, and security personal inspected my phone, and let me into the venues.
Camera modules are a snap to install, but be aware the camera's flash module is not supported on the SX66 motherboard (someone correct me if I am wrong)
When shopping or scrounging for parts, don't overlook the the poor, retarded CDMA's. They just want to be loved, too.
It's Camera time!
Moti; all,
These units are compatable with, and designed to fit the connector and ribbon layout for, the Siemans SX66 model and the below listed as well.
Dopod 700
Verizon XV6600
O2 Xda IIs
Qtek 9090
T-Mobile MDA III
i-Mate PDA2k
Orange SPV M2000
Sprint PPC-6601 PPC-6600
If you are replaceing a camera on one of those listed above remember that these units are the camera only and have no flash module. For the SX66 that is what you want as the board makes no provision for flash at all.
I do have some flash capable units from the PPC6600 available for anyone who needs those, let me know.
The eBay item for these is 170218372271. There are 3 available on that item, but if you needed more we can work that out off auction. Paypal is a must though, sorry. The item comes with general instructions, a torx, and the template for the camera hole placement.
I also have complete upgraded SX66 units available (170216839140), I usually post only one at a time on eBay as they sell pretty well here at home!
Moti, as far as finding the elusive GSM prepped rear cover with camera hole, I gave up on that early in the SX66 camera upgrade project. It is much simpler for me to create the camera hole myself using a heated philips driver of the right diameter for the lens exposure.
I developed a template that allows me to tape it on and make the starter hole, then run the heated driver through, making a perfect opening. A picture of the result is shown in the eBay item 170216839140, and below, which shows how well this method works and looks.
Lucious

Battery Cover for No Camera Model

I am thinking of giving my Tilt, with camera, to a friend when I upgrade.
His work doesn't allow camera phones so I need a battery cover for the non camera model to cover the camera.
Does anyone have one for sale or know where to buy one?
Thanks
You might have trouble finding those--the non camera phones are rare enough, let alone extra backplates. You could always cut out/patch/tape over the camera area, although that would not look too attractive I have an extra regular one, but no plain one, sorry
Thanks for the reply.
My friend found a used no camera model (8900).
The only problem is that it came with the normal camera back cover so it still looks like it has a camera.

[Q] Hardware question: front mini speaker replacement

Hey guys,
I recently bought a GT-I9505 and I'm very happy with the device. However, today I noticed that there's a design/hardware issue with the front speaker (correct me on the proper name of the component, please).
One side of the front speaker is higher up compared to the other side. Please check the attached pictures, which I've taken, to see for youself.
I know, this might sound stupid to you, but since the device is in top notch condition, I'm a bit annoyed by this.
I've checked a few videos on how to disassemble the device, but it seems like this component is connected to the main frame which is hard to replace?
At my SGS4 is looks exactly the same. Nevermind.

Aftermarket Front-Camera?

Hey,
Just wondered what your thoughts on aftermarket front camera's are. My front camera has just started playing up in the last week or so, a couple of little artefacts which are captured by the sensor. I'm guessing the sensor is perhaps damaged, although it could just be dust I guess? Maybe I'll take it apart and have a look today.
Anyway,
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-FRONT...550323?hash=item3aafccfdf3:g:2XoAAOxy69JTFJm9
99p for a front sensor, anyone got any experience with these?
Doesn't matter, found a place selling second hand original ones for £1.99. Worth paying the extra pound for guaranteed quality.
That link says "Front Facing Camera Flex Cable". By my understanding that means it's just the cable, not the camera itself.
Be careful with the phrasing.
GDReaper said:
That link says "Front Facing Camera Flex Cable". By my understanding that means it's just the cable, not the camera itself.
Be careful with the phrasing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would expect the whole lot to be there, especially as it's photographed. It's become the thing to call everything that requires a flex cable, a 'flex cable' even though it's more than that. Plus, you can't really replace the flex. It's sort of glued to the base camera, as I found out today when I removed mine and it fell apart.

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