Important Warning: Camera Flash Capacitor Shock!

Any repair that requires opening up the camera case requires some electrical background and knowledge, and should not be conducted by anyone unfamiliar with basic electrical components and safety precautions. If you must open up your camera in an attempt to repair it, it is very important that you understand that there is some risk of SEVERE electrical shock. All digital cameras contain a flash capacitor. This device stores quite a bit of electrical energy from the camera's batteries. This energy is utilized to power the camera's flash. The device itself looks a little like a battery, and in turn draws its power from the camera's batteries. In order to work on your camera, it will be necessary to safely drain the capacitor of any residual charge it may have.

Flash Capacitor

The following link is downloadable procedures for safely discharging the flash capacitor to greatly reduce the risk of electrical shock. Before downloading, the usual warning of “Follow these procedures at your own risk. These procedures should only be considered as a last resort on a broken camera with an expired warranty. I take no responsibility should you damage your camera in following these steps. Also note that there is some danger of electrical shock. I also take no responsibility if you accidentally zap yourself while following these procedures.

A few things to know before you start taking your laptop apart

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) can kill your computer

ESD can permanently damage your laptop. Always ware ESD wrist strap when you work with internal computer components.

How notebook screws are marked

For example In Toshiba notebooks most screws are marked. Here are some examples:

F4 - flat-head screw 4mm long

B6 - button-head screw 6mm long

F16 - flat-head screw 16mm long

B8 - button-head screw 8mm long

When you are taking apart a laptop you'll have to deal with lots of screws. Keep everything organized.