DIY smartphone camera repair

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home -> Information for thought. In the pathologist's office. Opening the smartphone camera.

In the pathologist's office. Opening (disassembling) the smartphone camera. Smartphone (mobile phone) camera device.

Today our pathologist will open the camera of a Nokia smartphone (one of the older models). Camera - no autofocus (fixed focus). Its resolution was 1.3 megapixels.

The purpose of our "autopsy" is to study how the camera of a mobile phone (smartphone) works. Curious to see what she has inside?

This is what our camera looks like before disassembly:
(enlargement of this and subsequent photos - by clicking on them)

The photo shows the camera itself in a metal holder, as well as a cable for connecting to the phone's motherboard.

This is what the camera looks like on a large scale:

The front window has a bluish tint. This is the effect of an anti-reflective coating applied to it (“anti-reflective coating” of the optics).

Camera without a metal holder (removed, it was just latched on):

Inspection showed that the top of the camera (where the optical system) is simply glued to the bottom (where the matrix is).
Gently pry on the top with a needle and tear it off.

As a result, we see the matrix of the camera of the mobile phone:

The matrix itself is in the center, it is dark gray. Along the edges on a blue background - its electronic "strapping". In the corners, spots from the “legs” of the optical system are visible, with which the latter rested against the matrix. What are these "legs" - look at the next photo.

The next picture shows the optical system of the camera in its body, bottom view (i.e. from the matrix side). The picture shows a ring made of matte plastic with “legs”, with which the system rested against the matrix:

The above image shows a pink tint of the reflection in the lens. This is also the result of the anti-reflective coating.

Now, with the help of a needle and brute physical force, we pry out the block with lenses from the case. And we see this picture:

In the case, we see a spring that pressed the lens unit against the matrix. This is necessary to fix the relative position of the matrix and lenses so that the focusing does not deteriorate.
In the lens unit, the topmost lens in the image is aspherical. Its bulge decreases towards the edges of the lens. These lenses are used to compensate for “spherical aberrations” created by other lenses. “Spherical aberrations” create both geometric distortions (“pillow” or “barrel”), and also lead to a loss of image clarity.

The lens unit consists of several lenses and diaphragms. All lenses and diaphragms in this microscopic unit are glued together and form a single array. But we will try to separate this structure as much as possible.

First, pry out the aspherical lens. A diaphragm with a rectangular window is found under it:

The diaphragm was easy to pick out, it is shown in the next picture. Its purpose is to “cut off” the luminous flux that goes beyond the frame. This luminous flux would only create unnecessary stray illumination without any benefit.

And from the front (facing the subject), the lens looks like this:

In this picture, you can see that the lens “begins” with an annular diaphragm.The purpose of this (and the next) aperture is to sharpen the image and increase the depth of field (which is especially important for cameras with a fixed focus).

Having removed this aperture, we see that there is another aperture in the depth of the lens between the two lenses (see the next image). However, this construction of two lenses and the diaphragm was glued together so firmly that it was impossible to separate them. Therefore, at this stage, we complete the disassembly.

And this is how this non-separable structure looks from the side (next photo). The thick "log" at the bottom left is the sewing needle with which I hold this part of the lens in the tilted position at the time of photographing. This is the same needle that I used to disassemble the camera.

Let's sum up the results of our postmortem autopsy.

An autopsy showed that, despite the miniature dimensions of the “mobile phone” camera, it has a very complex device. The camera lens is not just a “lens”, but a 6-element complex construction. It consists of 3 lenses and 3 apertures. Moreover, one of the lenses is aspherical.

All lenses in the smartphone camera lens are plastic, although they are made, of course, of very high quality optical plastic. If they were glass, the price of the camera would simply go off scale.

If the camera lens is not made like ours, but according to a “simplified” scheme, then a whole bunch of distortions may appear in the images: spherical aberrations, chromatic aberrations, color vignetting, loss of sharpness at the edges of the image and some others.

The device of the camera can be more complex than described in this material if the camera has autofocus or optical zoom.

You can read more about lens building in this detailed and interesting article.

The presence of a camera in modern communication devices is a very common phenomenon that will surprise no one. On the contrary, a phone that does not have photo and video recording capabilities is today considered an absolutely unnecessary device, unable to cope with a number of important tasks. Indeed, the presence of a camera in a smartphone is a very convenient solution that makes our life brighter, more interesting, and more comfortable.

Disassembled iPhone with removed camera module

However, due to its constant demand, the protective glasses of the cameras are covered with scratches, the module itself wears out and stops working normally. The only effective solution in this case is to replace the camera. This is the only way you can return your mobile device to its original parameters.

In Kaliningrad, specialists from the Phone Repair on Zaraiskaya service center replace cameras in any smartphones, including the popular iPhone product of the mobile industry. By the way, these very devices "suffer" from frequent camera breakdowns.

What factors determine the lifespan of a mobile device camera?

• From the user's accuracy in handling the phone. The absence of a cover and the constant throwing of the device onto various rough surfaces does not in the best way affect the service life of the module. In such cases, cameras equipped with autofocus are especially affected.
• From the module manufacturer. Premium branded products have exceptional quality and high reliability, which cannot be said about clandestine products.
• The manner in which the camera is used. Everyone should know and adhere to the rules and regulations for the operation of the device. For example, any instruction says that it is highly undesirable to photograph the sun with a camera, since this is fraught with serious damage to the matrix.

Malfunctions in the smartphone camera may be associated with a software failure or hardware failure. The solution to the problem in our service center will be carried out according to the following scenario:

1. The wizard will diagnose the device, identify the faulty component.
2. The problem of a software nature is solved by setting the software or flashing the device.
3. If the problem lies in the camera module itself, it is repaired or a complete replacement is made.

Replacing the iPhone camera at the "Phone Repair on Zaraiskaya" company is a fairly common service that experienced specialists provide efficiently and quickly. Such measures are resorted to when deep scratches, cracks, chips and other defects appear on the camera lens. In the presence of such malfunctions, it is simply impossible for the user to achieve a decent quality of the captured photo and video materials, so the decision is often made to replace the camera. The operation is carried out using the appropriate equipment. The result of the work is no different from the device that has just gone on sale.

Camera on iPhone 5 under a microscope

Replacing a failed camera of a mobile device with a completely new module will completely solve such a problem as the failure of the camera controller. This is a fairly specific breakdown, which is difficult to diagnose and eliminate. It appears due to mechanical stress or due to corrosive changes in the telephone board. Careful use and careful handling of the device will prevent malfunctions and ensure trouble-free operation of the smartphone camera for a long time.

The employees of our service center perform high-quality repair of mobile devices in Kaliningrad. Replacing the camera of any model of a modern smartphone is done very quickly with the provision of all the necessary guarantees. Numerous positive reviews from grateful clients confirm the high professionalism of our craftsmen. Any repair of smartphones in the "Repair of phones on Zaraiskaya" company is carried out using original components or proven analogs. This is the only way we can gain confidence that the repaired device will work for a long time and stably in the future.

Modern smartphones and tablets on the Android platform can perform a huge number of different functions. The capabilities of these devices are complemented by many useful applications. Thanks to them, you can give a second life to old or even damaged gadgets, for example, when solving the problem of how to make a video surveillance camera from a phone.

If the phone is equipped with a working camera and can work with the necessary applications, then it is quite possible to create a mini-system that allows you to observe an object from a distance. For this, there are special programs with which a smartphone can be easily converted into an IP camera.

CCTV cameras are installed as part of the security system. Apartments, private houses, offices and other objects are under their protection. All information received is collected on various computer devices. However, the use of such systems is not affordable for everyone, and video surveillance is sometimes simply vital.

First of all, this concerns the observation of children in other premises. Often, cameras are installed at the entrance, allowing you to see the visitors in advance. Thus, these devices are used in many places, so most stakeholders seek to keep the surveillance process as cheap as possible, without sacrificing efficiency and quality.

This problem can be easily solved by turning an Android smartphone into an IP camera. Solving the problem of how to make a CCTV camera yourself from a phone, in general terms, it is carried out as follows:

• Special applications are loaded onto the mobile device. After starting, the basic settings are made. Sets the quality of video files, the level of resolution and other parameters that ensure performance.
• Place the smartphone in the most convenient location for observation.
• Next, the future camera is connected to the Internet.We recommend using a wireless Wi-Fi connection, as mobile communications do not always provide sufficient signal speed. Due to this, images in real time will be transmitted without loss of quality.
• If the smartphone is going to be used for a long time, it must be connected to a power source. To avoid unauthorized connections, you should set a unique password and make changes to the default port.

After performing all the above steps correctly, the phone will turn into a full-fledged video camera with the ability to remotely connect. Some applications allow the camera, in addition to broadcasting images, to record the information received and turn on only if there are any movements in the frame.

There are two options for organizing video surveillance systems. In the first case, cable lines are laid, and in the second, a wireless connection is used. A special cable not only transmits the image, but also provides power to the camcorders.

If you plan to make video surveillance via a phone or smartphone, you will additionally need a registrar that records incoming information and a router to access the Internet. It is best to purchase a set of equipment completely ready for installation and assemble it yourself. Usually it includes several color video cameras, a recorder and connecting wires. To view images, you need a smartphone, iPhone, iPad or other similar device.

If the smartphone itself is used as a video camera, then in the wireless version you only need a receiving device, that is, another phone, tablet or computer.

An Android smartphone can be easily turned into a webcam using various applications. Among them, the most popular free program is IP Webcam, which is downloaded from the app store. It has a simple interface and perfectly fulfills its function. Broadcasting images starts with a simple click of the "Start" button located at the very bottom of the list of options.

Before receiving images on another mobile device or computer, the address displayed on the screen of the receiver is entered into the browser line. In this case, both devices must be in the same Wi-Fi network, otherwise this method will not work.

After the connection is established, the camera starts transmitting to the open browser page, all incoming information - images and sounds - will be displayed.

In addition, the browser allows you to do the following:

• Switch from front to rear camera so that video surveillance from a smartphone and viewing are carried out in a wider range.
• Images can be zoomed in or out, video quality can be adjusted downward or upward.
• Focus, flash and night vision functions.
• Taking photos and recording videos with setting all the necessary options - color effects, modes, and others.

Broadcasting outside the local network can be done using a VPN connection. In addition to the main functions, the IP Webcam application, due to additional options, collects data from various sensors. Sounds, movement, temperature and battery voltmeter, gyroscope, accelerometer, illumination and others come under control.

In addition to the program, scripts are installed that perform actions such as mail messages about movement, saving photos while in motion, taking pictures at certain time intervals, etc. This program does not require high performance, all options are displayed in the menu in Russian.

There is another program that turns any smartphone into an IP camera. This application Manything, which although not Russified, but nevertheless has its own positive qualities and characteristics.Its main difference is the ability to permanently synchronize the smartphone with the so-called cloud storage. In these, the IP camera continuously transmits the recorded images. In the event of a smartphone breakdown, all data will be completely saved.

Working with Manything is as easy as IP Webcam. Before starting work, you must register for free, after which all the functions of the program will become available. Optionally, you can subscribe to a paid subscription that provides simultaneous access to multiple cameras.

After registration, the initial screen will appear with two wide buttons "Viewer" and "Camera". After clicking on "Viewer", a selection of broadcast cameras connected to the account will appear. By pressing the "Camera" button, the device with the running program can be switched to the IP-camera mode.

Before starting the broadcast, the application is configured for specific video surveillance conditions:

• The shooting mode can be constant or only when the subject appears in the frame. The frame motion alert is configurable for other devices that are signed in to the account.
• If you plan to take photos instead of video, you need to set the frame rate interval.
• Setting the maximum amount of allocated traffic and other options that are used if necessary.

This type of service is not suitable in its parameters for many mobile devices. It is mainly used with laptops and desktops. First of all, this is due to the low screen resolutions of old mobile phones. Some cloud service applications themselves have low functionality. In the case of using multiple cameras, this becomes a serious problem. In addition, not all applications are compatible with the operating systems of smartphones and phones.

All these difficulties can be easily overcome with the help of Internet resources designed specifically for working with cameras of mobile devices. Among them, an application that can be configured in a few steps is very popular:

• The digital camera is assigned its own IP address, after which port forwarding is performed on the router.
• Next, an account is registered on the service. After that, in the "Add IP-camera" section, find the required device.
• In the "View" section, make sure there are images.
• A special version of the program, downloaded from the official website, opens on the mobile phone.

Few people guess about this, but you can come to a service center for repairing smartphones with your own spare parts. True, this is not always welcome: check before contacting.

Why carry your own parts? They are more expensive in the workshop. Why? Because the service takes care of the time costs associated with delivery, is responsible for possible defects, gives a guarantee for spare parts and stores components in stock in our own warehouse, for which you also need to pay.

Components are different:

1. Original new parts from a smartphone manufacturer. Usually they are delivered to official service centers, but you can get them privately with some extra charge. The most reliable and expensive option.

2. "Donor" spare parts... These are components that were removed from the "dead" devices. For example, some smartphone's motherboard burned out, but the screen remained completely intact. Why not use it a second time? Such parts are cheaper, but you need to diligently look for them at online flea markets.

3. Third Party Parts... Chinese friends are always ready to help in someone else's trouble. On the same Aliexpress you can find thousands of items of components for a variety of smartphones.

In most cases, these are non-original spare parts, with which you may or may not be lucky. The sudden death of a new Chinese screen a week after purchase and installation is a very real scenario. And, of course, the quality of third-party components from the original will also differ markedly.Not to mention the fact that they can simply be smashed in the mail during delivery.

Spare parts from disassembled smartphones. Left - the speakers of the iPhone 6S and Samsung Galaxy S7 edge. Right - S7 edge cameras.

The second way to save money on repairs is to do it yourself. YouTube is full of videos that show you step-by-step how to fix various faults.

There is absolutely nothing terrible inside a smartphone: in fact, it is the same computer with a central board, to which various modules are connected using loops or directly - buttons, screen, cameras, speakers, etc.

However, the individual characteristics of specific models cannot be discounted. For example, the Samsung Galaxy S7 / S7 edge / Note 7 has a glass back cover: it may crack during disassembly. Plus, removing it, you automatically lose moisture protection. However, in the unofficial service, you will not be given a guarantee that after the repair the smartphone can be bathed again.

Some devices are disassembled from the side of the screen. Not even all service centers undertake their repair, because in attempts to get to a cheap speaker it is as easy as shelling pears to damage an expensive matrix for tens of thousands of rubles. So be sure to check out at least a few good video guides before climbing inside!

Only the simplest type of renovation can be done at home: modular. That is, replace the defective component with a serviceable one. It is unlikely that you can cope with complex tasks involving soldering and knowledge of electrical fundamentals. In addition, few people in the apartment accidentally have a soldering iron with special equipment, power supplies for determining the current consumption and a microscope. "Recessed" phones at home can only be dried, and there are only services for cleaning and soldering.

Any savings in repairs are an opportunity cost:

• You waste time looking for spare parts
• You run the risk of buying defective or unsuitable components
• It also takes time to view instructions for assembling and disassembling gadgets.
• You do the job longer than a foreman in a service center
• You risk breaking something out of inexperience
• Nobody gives a guarantee for work and purchased spare parts in case of self-repair

There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but the general advice is this. If you want to quickly, but reliably and with a guarantee, then the way lies to the service center. You need a little savings - you can look for spare parts, having previously found out their price in the selected service. The option with self-replacement of modules is for the most experienced and self-confident.

Good day, dear pikabushniki! This post will tell you one of the ways to fix the camera on your phone.

Sent, our dear pikabushnik, straight from the capital of Siberia, right from Novosibirsk itself.

I sent it back in the twentieth of January, I received the parcel and only now (today, at the time of the publication of this post) I fixed it, but more on that later. I asked to replace the glass and "pick" the camera.

They sent me these sweets.

Glass is lined, and since the sensor is “sprayed” on the glass, then it stopped working in the lower corner.

We use the device and separate the glass from the screen.

We apply glue. We apply the glass "tightly". We bake under a UV lamp.

But. But the fact is that the glass shifted a little and did not fit into the frame, I had to re-glue it. When the glass was separated from the screen again, the wire got under the polarizer, I separated it and broke it. Screen for replacement. Because This is my jamb, then I had to buy a new screen at my own expense. Expensive infection came out, about 7 tyrov, with a phone price of 12. Like any hobby requires investment, sometimes you screw it up. It didn't hit my pocket too much, so it scratched me.

And now, after a month and a half, he continued.

The naked eye shows that they tried to solder the camera.

View of the camera connector on the phone's motherboard.

First, let's remove the Hovna from the connector on the camera itself, soldering it as needed.

Then we will remove the broken contacts on the motherboard connector. Cut off the melted plastic.Let's take the contacts from our beloved nokia-drowned donor and solder them like this.

In order to represent the size of the contacts, here is another photo for you.

Above is a grain of "finely ground" sugar, below is a contact.

Everything works, everything rustles, pokes and takes pictures.

Let me remind you, dear pikabushniks, that I do not work in the Service Center (SC). This is my hobby, to repair various electronic things.

The author, can you fill the bootloader with the asus a626 via JTAG? The PDA lies with a lifeless body for a long time, I wanted to restore it, I will, as you say 🙂

Unfortunately, no: (((if I found it from someone, then in my city I would find a craftsman, but if I would try it myself.

Skillful fingers! If I were in the place of the one who gave you this miracle for repair, on my own initiative I would give you money for such a first-class work. The phone was essentially a corpse.

@moderator, give the guy some sort of "Pick-up repairman" badge. I think he deserves it.

@gepka, congratulations!) Good hands, good badges. Good luck in the future.

Thanks, only the badge does not give anything from the buns. eh, it would be better if they gave kg of sweets. And you can sell / exchange this badge for candy 🙂

Need help with the camera too.

I have an HTC one X, the camera does not work, it allegedly turns on, the buttons are on, but the screen is black and after a few seconds it throws it out of the application. sometimes gives a message and asks to send a bug report to HTC.

I tried to clear the cache, install another camera application, reset to factory settings, the result is one - it did not help.

it was decided to gut the phone and check the cables - it did not help.

bought a camera from an HTC donor - it didn't help.

after which the acquaintance twisted the giblets, clicked, and accidentally the camera began to work. but after 20 minutes, when it was finally assembled, the camera turned off again, when it was connected again, the black screen was turned off and it was thrown out of the application.

it was also noticed that the board gets very hot, especially near the camera.

And now, experts, attention is the question! what happens to the camera and how to bring it back to life?

in gratitude for the hint in solving the problem, I will send sweets from Novosibirsk by mail 🙂

The touch screen of a modern smartphone is a fragile and very important thing. You can say in the style of "Captain Obvious" that if it is damaged, the phone becomes impossible to use, but people are more interested in something else: is it possible to replace the screen on the phone by yourself? Considering that the service center usually charges at least 1000 hryvnia for this procedure (even for a budget device) - the issue of savings becomes acute. We will try to find out about the intricacies of the replacement below.

Any material should start with theory. If you came here from a search engine by entering the query "how to replace the screen on a phone with your own hands" - new knowledge will definitely not hurt. If the purpose of reading the material is to obtain some new information, in addition to those learned earlier, this subheading need not be studied.

The touchscreen display of a modern smartphone is a complex device consisting of several functional elements. The main ones are the matrix and the touchscreen; frames, keys, backlighting elements and, of course, loops, in the amount of 1 to 3-4 pieces, can also be present.

Matrix - a liquid crystal or light-emitting diode panel, which contains an array of pixels that form an image. On the front side it is covered with a very thin layer of glass, on the back it has a stainless steel case. It is also equipped with a ribbon cable for connection to the board, it may have other small elements on it.

Touchscreen (sensor) - a transparent glass touch panel that covers the entire front of the smartphone. It is a thin sheet of glass (less often - plastic), on which a transparent layer of conductive material is applied on the inside, and oleophobic spraying on the outside (optional).

In some cases (recently - more and more often), the touchscreen and the matrix of the smartphone represent one whole.They are delivered as a single module and change together. This design is called OGS.

OGS screen (from the English one glass solution - a solution with one glass) - a type of smartphone screen, in which the sensor and the matrix are connected together in the form of a "sandwich". A distinctive feature of OGS-matrices is a very thin layer of coating that protects pixels, since the main element of their protection is the sensor.

Whether it is possible to replace the phone screen on your own depends on the reader's ability to work with tools and the type of matrix. Some smartphones lend themselves very well to home repair, while with others, not even every SC master can handle it. We will discuss below which screens can be replaced even without experience, and which ones should be entrusted to a specialist.

The touchscreen of a smartphone is the first to take a hit when dropped, so it suffers more often than a matrix. Therefore, the number of calls to the SC caused by glass damage is greater than the number of cases of a broken matrix. However, this is not always encouraging, since replacing one touchscreen sometimes costs more than a complete module. This situation is caused precisely by the use of OGS-screens.

To divide the OGS-display into a touchscreen and a matrix, to replace a damaged sensor, you will not be able to do with simple tools (suction cup, screwdrivers, knife, pick). Replacing the sensor on the OGS screen in the SC conditions occurs in approximately the following order:

1. Disassembly of the phone.
2. Removing the module from the smartphone case.
3. Fixing and warming up the screen on a special stand.
4. Separation of the matrix and the touchscreen with a special thin nylon thread.
5. Cleaning the matrix from glue.
6. Placement of the matrix in a special stencil, application of photopolymer transparent glue.
7. Installing a touch screen into a stencil, removing excess glue between it and the matrix.
8. Irradiation of the gluing with a UV lamp to polymerize the glue.
9. Installing the module into the case.
10. Assembling a smartphone.

As you can see, without special equipment (a heating stand, stencils, a transparent photopolymer and a UV lamp), it will not be possible to replace glass on an OGS screen on your own. Unfortunately, now such screens are installed in most smartphones Samsung, LG, Sony, Xiaomi, Meizu and, in general, almost all devices, more expensive than 3000 UAH. Apple has been using OGS displays since the iPhone 4S. Therefore, independent attempts to change the sensor (without a matrix) on these devices are justified only if there is a lot of time, a desire to study and if the phone is not a pity.

The video shows how a person with experience changes the sensor on the OGS display using a minimum of tools: