Nokia Addresses N97 Scratched Camera Lens Issue

Some of the early N97 owners have noticed their camera lens is scratched slightly and in some cases causes deep scratches that affect the picture quality. I had this exact problem and ended up sending mine in for repairs. This was back in July and within 10 days they replaced the phone (I had other problems besides the scratched lens). The camera lens on my new N97 has yet to scratch after 3 months and nearly 500 photos. Occasionally I get a dust buildup and wipe it with a soft cloth.

Here is what Nokia has to say about the issue…

If you’re an N97 user and you’ve noticed the image quality on your device is affected by this, then this is what you should do:

1. Take a soft cloth and clean the lens.
2. If that doesn’t work, get in touch with your nearest Nokia Care Point where the Nokia Care Point staff can then determine whether or not the lens and or the lens cover mechanism needs replacing under the device warranty.

You can get a complete list of Nokia care points from the Nokia website.

In some instances (it seems to be pretty rare, despite the volume of N97s out there) the lens cover may have been mounted a little bit too close to the lens glass. Where this is the case it’s possible for particles of dust or grit to get stuck under the cover, which in turn could affect the lens.

Link

How about you? Is your camera lens scratched and affecting your picture quality?

For more information on this issue check out this great writeup by the folks at All About Symbian. Photo by allaboutsymbian.com

Article by Mike Macias

Mike has written 77 articles for your enjoyment.

On The Web: http://twitter.com/mikemacias

About: Mike is the editor-in-chief of N97fanatics.com and a huge mobile fanatic. He also runs MaemoFanatics.com and the popular E71fanatics.com. Contact him via email at contact@n97fanatics.com or at his Twitter page.

Latest by Mike Macias

Tagged as: n97 camera lens scratched

Rich C

Mike do you (or anyone here) know how much of a hassle Nokia gives you for replacing this part? I called Nokia earlier and they require you to send it in before they tell you whether or not it will be replaced under warranty. The deepest scratches on mine are not over the camera eye, but there's a very faint scratch across the sensor which I worry might be too faint for them to qualify for warranty work. I'd rather not go without my phone for a week or more only to find out it won't be covered, when it looks like I can just order the replacement part myself for $60:

http://www.cellulardr.com/0254250.htm

I did call that company and they cannot say whether or not it's the one with the new scratch-resistant slider mechanism. Though, I have a feeling if I send it to Nokia and they deny coverage, who knows how much they could charge me.

Truth be told, if the scratch does affect the image quality, I haven't noticed, so I suppose this isn't at all necessary, at least right now.

Also, I had the phone out of it's hard shell over the weekend, so naturally I dropped it on the pavement and dinged the corner by the power button. It's very minor damage but the damaged area is part of the same black housing of the replacement part.

With your replacement, can you tell if they replaced the whole black assembly in the picture I linked above or just the actual glass/slider of the camera? I guess it would be difficult to notice. They probably replaced the same assembly as in the picture, but if I sent it in, I'd just want to make sure I was killing 2 with 1.

Thanks.

peekeje

Thanks NOKIA CARE - (WTC-SURABAYA-INDONESIA)

I just got the Camer Lens replacement.. (they replace the full cover) - IN JUST 1 HOUR... THEY REPLACE MY BACK COVER.

I also complained for the GPS, but they said, they dont know about this problem.

Anyways, can someone tell me, that GPS Anteena also got repaired...if they replace the Back-cover ??

audioxbliss

Called Nokia Care (US) yesterday and they confirmed that they are switching out the lenses. However, a friend called this morning and the representative was unsure. Apparently, it depends who you've talked to and if they have experience regarding the issue. The rep had to talk to his manager to verify that it's a noted problem.

turk

I bought my phone from saudi arabia, but i live in the US
How can i get my phone repaired?
I have all the legal papers with me.

Kaspal

so, i bought this 2 months ago, havent have any issues with the camera so far, but i'd like to know.... i dont have a legal receipt for the phone, can i still apply for the world wide warranty?

Rahul Ojha

I bought the N97 on 9th. had these scratches on 12th. Gave it to Nokia Care who said they would not be able to replace the lens. I have clearly told them that I won't take delivery until the scratched lens is replaced. They have sent it to the Nokia HW in Bangalore..

My question is, is Nokia Care in other countries of the world changing the lens cover in handsets covered under warranty or not?

selvavm

Ya It is under warranty in all countries.... see your warranty book it is stated that they will take care of defect issues.
And Did nokia care accepted this issue? whenever i ask them they say there is no such problem?

Gamil

Thanks for the news.
I got the same problem + écrazy GPS" issue. I phoned my Loacal Nokia Care shop (I am in France) and they mentioned that they will order the upgrade kits for both issues and phone me back when they will be ready for the upgrade. They said that the upgrade should not take too long. Wait and see.

DrydenMaker

yup, I have had the same problem. I havent followed up with Nokia care yet, but I will now. Thanks for the writeup!

DrydenMaker

I sent mine in just after this post and got it back on the sixth day. The camera works beautifully. It even seems to have fixed an issue I had with the flash in very low light. The accelerometer seems to be working better too. All around I am very pleased.

Rupert

My Local Nokia Care center refused to do anything about it. Wanted to see something official from Nokia about this issue.
Is there any statement issued by Nokia that I can take in as a proof?

buddymunster

go to the nokia conversation website. there's a statement there and the website is managed by nokia

daClaus

As far as I've read this shouldn't be a problem.

jonjuk

I have the issue but am just wondering whether Nokia will still replace the lens cover if I have debranded my phone??

Timi

Wow, I dont have a lens issue like that. The only problem I have is with the flash!

daClaus

Yesterday I saw the first small scratch on the lens after having taken maybe... 10 photos?

Talked to an Care Point next (live in Austria) to me and they said it will be replaced on warranty and that it's done in the shop within 1 hour. The only drawback is that they still get the "old faulty" modules and that the new modules can't be ordered at the moment.

Mathias

Yes, my lens is scratched and has been for a while, so this is good news. But I'm going on a couple of trips where I need it so I'll have to wait and send it in when they're done.