BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: How Digital Camera Equipment Works

Photography Question 

Celeste McWilliams
 

Damaged/Bent Pin


I was unable to load memory card into my Nikon D70, and discovered that one of the "pins" (in the memory card slot of camera) is bent, so much that loading a memory card is impossible. Help!!! Can it be repaired and, if so, is it worth the expense?


To love this question, log in above
January 06, 2008

 

Tony Sweet
  This is not an uncommon occurrence, Celeste. To answer your two questions:
- Can it be repaired? The answer is "yes." But, you'll have to send it back to Nikon for repair. This could take a while.
- Is it worth the expense? Now, this is only one man's opinion here ... but the D70 is rather old technology and the newer cameras are faster and have larger files/better quality, and are better built. A D200 can be found used (at a good price) and in good condition since the advent of the D300. The D200 and D300 are both quite superior in every way to the D70, and updating your camera is worth considering. This, obviously, depends on your budget and financial priorities. My daughter just had her D70 converted to a dedicated infrared camera (http://lifepixel.com) and got the new D300. The D40x is also an excellent upgrade to your D70.


To love this comment, log in above
January 07, 2008

 

Bonnie Berlin
  i repaired the bent pin in my canon rebel myself.
of course I KNEW the risk I was taking.
it was no longer my primary camera (i upgraded to the 5D) and I figured it would have to have the CF reader replaced anyway!
i broke a pair of tweezers in half and used the "tool" to push the pin back in position. it was completely bent over.
a little flashlight was also helpful.


To love this comment, log in above
January 08, 2008

 

Dennis C. Hirning
  I had the same experience as Bonnie but my Canon Rebel was almost new. I think that I used a mini screwdriver as a tool. I don't remember for sure since it was about 4 years and 30,000 images ago.


To love this comment, log in above
January 08, 2008

 

Daniel O
  If you decide to get it repaired, check with you local camera stores before sending it back to Nikon. My local shop has a 'special' on pin repairs.


To love this comment, log in above
January 08, 2008

 
- Gregory LaGrange

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Gregory LaGrange
Gregory LaGrange's Gallery
  You know, trying to fix a bent pin yourself isn't a bad idea. Because if you send it somewhere, more than likely they would replace it the whole thing.
So even if you break the pin, you're not any worse off.


To love this comment, log in above
January 08, 2008

 

Nobu Nagase
 
".., you're not worse off."...

That's true...
But a bent pin, once bent, it will most likely be bent again. It's the nature of those thin pins. When fixed a few times, or may be the 2nd time, it will break...

So, fix it now, or fix it later...

I would consider Tony's idea of upgrading your equipment, too, depending on your current budget and desire.


To love this comment, log in above
January 08, 2008

 

Berl M. Thomas
  The D70 has some value in and of itself because of its ability to high-sync with the flash. There is certainly a resell market for the D70 amond the Strobist.com community. Have a look at http://strobist.blogspot.com/2008/01/control-your-world-with-ultra-high-sync.html


To love this comment, log in above
January 13, 2008

 
This old forum is now archived. Use improved Forum here

Report this Thread