Date sent: Fri, 5 Feb 1999 09:14:22 -0500 (EST)
Send reply to: classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu
From: Ethan Dicks <erd(a)infinet.com>
To: "Discussion re-collecting of classic computers"
<classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu>
Subject: Re: photographing olf computers/parts
Digital
cameras are not cheap enough to be worth buying just to stick
pictures on the web. For the same cost I could probably get a second-hand
'classic' camera, and have a lot of fun restoring it, and then take some
real pictures.
I have been seeing 640x480 cameras for $99 for quite some time. Compare this
with my $79 Connectix Color QuickCam (that needs a nearby computer). Yes,
a used fixed-lens camera is much under that, and an older SLR can be gotten
with that (but not a good lens!), but convenience has its value, too.
To wit, how come we still don't see sub $500 digital cameras in
canada at our local resellers? This is very nice if cost is $200.
Beyond simple things, I wouldn't imagine that one
would _want_ to fix a modern
digital camera. I have enough problems with laptops. The parts for a 2-year-
old camera are undoubtably more expensive than a new camera of the same
resolution.
Ummm... It's no harder than trying to fix SMD devices and small
screws compared to laptops and modern motherboards.
Only needs right stuff:
Bottle of flux, high quality wick braid, fine good solder wire and any
of quality weller solder stations around 100 dollars. Oh, if you need
close up work, eye or clip on loupe can be obtained from your
friendly watch repair store if they are willing to order one for you.
Oh, Sometimes needs to make homemade tools like length of
straightened out fine spring coil from cheapie walkman tape player
clamped in a xacto holder, watchmaker fine treezers.
If you have shaky hands, keep back on that caffine. I can do it with
or without.
Anyone who do watch repair for living make good SMD rework
especially if they're not keeping back the heat fearful of melting or
damaging something. :-( )
Jason D.