S3 should have been good news

[br32124]

Last week wasn't my best. Death in the family, got rear-ended and wrote off my car and I bought a "excellent condition" S3 on Ebay. Camera looks great, but when powered on, the viewfinder goes dark on the first shot. Pressing the shutter again clears it and it seems to work fine. Anyone else have this issue? When it happened on my S2, it was usually the batteries, but I tried it with the AC adapter and it still does it.

I bought the S3 to replace my D100-- The mirror flopped up and it quit. $510 to repair it. So I thought I would buy the S3--love the DR.

Attached is last summer's S2 shot. Love the green foilage

[after]

Yikes... I don't know... I would check all the settings, and if everything looked right, I would reset to factory default. If you don't know how to do that, download the manual and it tells you... Or let me know and I'll be more specific.

I had that problem with S2 too... and like you it was a battery low issue (CR123's). But my S2 finally kinda died recently when I was rear ended in a car accident. DANG PEOPLE - Don't they know to not hit you - you are carrying a camera Anyway... Camera was in padded case, but apparently it still got jostled around. It worked fine for about 50 frames, then it started giving black frames (which I never had before). IF I shut it off for a while, and turned it back on it'd work for a few frames, then back to black... If I changed settings, or went to manual, it would work for a few then to black, then I could switch to AP, shoot off a few, etc.... Slowly over the course of 2 days, it went totally blah... Then it worked again after setting off for a few days, etc. I'm still trying to save up the money to send it back into fuji for repair... if they will even still repair the S2's. I LOVED that camera so I'm praying!!!

I bought the S5 in essence to replace my dying S2... So... We will see if it was a smart move or not

Umm... What I am thinking though is that it is set to a very slow shutter speed...

I'm hoping that's all it is

I am thinking with the S3, it works differently than the S2 did for shutter lock up (like for cleaning CCD)... if I remember right.

If all else fails, you can send it to fuji, and they will tell you the cost BEFORE they repair it, and they charge a flat rate to just look at it (off hand I'm thinking somewhere around $50, but I could be wrong on that too)...

Anyway, I have S2 (which is dying), S3, & S5, so let me know if I can try and help you more.

And the more I think about it, the more I think you should claim it damaged... Did they send it UPS or fedex with insurance?! Yikes, I'd hate to be in that mess.

Also... you know... you should have considered just diving into the S5, they are low priced right now... I think I got mine for like $1500...And if you love the DR on S3... Look out the S5 offers ISO 3200... which is too cool. In P mode, I was able to take a well exposed shot in almost complete dark without flash (and the lens on it was a 3.5-6.5)... I can't wait to try it out at a wedding.

[badpickev]

try doing a a two button reset. mine locked up once, took out the batteries and put them back in and it seems to work fine after that.

[br32124]

Tried 2 button reset. It didn't work. On other forums a search says sticky mirror--send in for repair. I think I will try it on an extended shoot--non critical. I might just put up with it.

My D100 mirror seemed to just be detached inside and they wanted $500 to fix the camera. I imagine the Fuji would be the same. Lovee the feel of the camera. I hope it works out. I will likely buy another nikon down the line. I like shooting RAW. For the time being I will settle with what I have. Business is dead. Every one with a digital Rebel is now in the wedding business. Not complaining--just stating a fact. In my area, quantity counts more than quality.

[after]

You know what br... come to think of it, I did have the mirror on my s2 lock up one time, and I stuck my finger in it, and basically flipped it loose... I don't think you shoudl try that though! Seriously I wish you were closer to me, I'd try and help you figure it out! I know what you mean about the digital rebel statement... UNFORTUNATELY

In fact, I've seen a post about fujis in that same regard

I hope you get it resolved. I still think even just calling Fuji and see what they have to say... the guy that I went through with the repairs on my S3 (I forgot to mention I sent it in still under warantee 'cause the color was off - and they did an excellent job upgrading other things at the same time at no additional charge) is Dan Scarola, if you want his direct information feel free to PM me or e-mail me, and I'll giv e you that info too.

[badpickev]

it soulds like it might just be a sticky mirror

[br32124]

That's what I am thinking. I have read the N80 nikon had that issue and that's what the S3 is based on. It scares me that my D100 had a mirror issue and they wanted $500 to repair it. I might send the S3 in for an estimate or just live with it. It does annoy me that the camera was listed in excellent operating condition.
When I questioned the seller I got this reply--"ya. As far as I know, this is simply a result of the camera needing time to start up once it's been turned on. The Fuji S series has a very slow start up time and if the shutter is fired too soon, it locks on the first shot. This is the only time it ever locks, after that it always fires as it should. This can be a little annoying, I know, but the S3 was never known for it's handling, just it's great image quality. A friend of mine has the same camera and found that it does the same thing when first turned on, but only ever on the first fame; you just have to press the shutter again to release it. "
I won't turn the thread into an EBay rant. I agree with the sticky mirror theory. I will call Fuji and ask for a ballpark estimate. maybe they can give one.

Meanwhile my S2 trundles along, taking fine images.

[badpickev]

Originally Posted by br32124

When I questioned the seller I got this reply--"ya. As far as I know, this is simply a result of the camera needing time to start up once it's been turned on. The Fuji S series has a very slow start up time and if the shutter is fired too soon, it locks on the first shot. This is the only time it ever locks, after that it always fires as it should.

wow first time i have ever head of that. my s3 i turn it on and then use it. i guess it takes me like 2-3 seconds to get it to my face and focus and shoot.

seems like a blow of to me. if you have a camera service center, they might take a look as it uses the n80 body.

[Imagesgranted]

i had a problem with an old fuji almost identical to this one, turned out it was a sticky mirror. Fuji where extraordinarily helpful in the u.k.

[br32124]

Fuji Canada was no help. They told me to send it in. I might if I get that annoyed , but for now I will put up with it. I bought an XD type M card for it and the performance increased. Is the type H card that much faster? I have been shooting hockey teams in rinks. QWhen I get time to shoot something interesting I will post. Thanks for the help as always. As per the original post, my D100 was DOA. The plastic arm that flips the mirror broke in half. $500 to fix. Fuji uses the same arm--hence my concern over the sticky mirror. I hope I have better luck with the S3

[badpickev]

type H is the speed card. its way faster than M or CF cards

[br32124]

Last comment from me on this post.

I shot a dance school over the weekend. The S3 still sticks on the first shot, but 1400+ shots later without a hitch, I was done. Colors were spot on and little post work was necessary. I won't bother having it repaired.

Thanks to all for your advice.

[badpickev]

post some pics...

[Gary Mayo]

Send it in for a two hundred dollar repair? After it really breaks, it will might be a eight hundred dollar repair.

If it were mine, I would get serviced before it costs you a bundle. The New Jersey guys are pretty fair and they do good work.

If you beg the right guy, maybe he can work in a buffer upgrade (which is supposed to be out and long past). Money talks.

[deluco]

It's extemely difficult to diagnose camera problems in a forum like this. If this problem is easily recreated I would take it to a local camera shop (one that has serious technicians) for a look-see.
If it's not too late to get your money back, then you may need to send this out for repair. I've NEVER heard of the symptom you describe and I own four Fuji SLR's, S1, S2 and S3.