Scratched N97 Camera Lens | Nokia N97 Fanatics

During the week that this site was down I started noticing small scratches on my camera lens but my picture quality looked fine so I thought nothing of it. Then after a few more days went by the scratches got deeper and my photos began looking washed out or too bright when the flash was on in low light conditions. Needless to say I was bothered by this since the 5mp camera is one of the major selling points. I had no problems like this on my Nokia N95 or N82, only this N97 was giving me these problems. I decided to check out a few Nokia forums around the web and people are having the same problems as me. Sure enough… a scratched N97 camera lens is a widespread problem.

N97 Camera Lens Scratched

That image was posted by a member over at NokiaUsers.net. It’s pretty much what’s happening to mine, except mine had a few more nasty scratches on the lens.

I decided to call Nokia Care to see what they’d say since the phone is obviously still under warranty. I described to them my problem and they put me on hold. A few minutes later I was told they wanted to look at it so send it in for repairs. They paid for 2 day air shipping and I sent it on Friday. It’s Monday now so they should have received it.

Is this happening to your Nokia N97? If so leave a comment below and then click here to add your vote to the NokiaUsers.net poll they have going on.

In the meantime I’ll keep everyone updated with the repair status of my Nokia N97.

Article by Mike Macias

Mike has written 84 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, N97 hardware

hridheek

no they will change the panel on the back.. which comprises of the lens the gps antenna the unlock toggle ..... i just got mine from nokia.. u can see the new lens cover has been raised by some mm from the surface to prevent scratches.. this defect was also prevalent on the n86.....

Dev

I've just sent mine off with the exact same problem, is it likley i'll get a replacement phone then?

bozza86

Happened to mine, thankfully, the phone was within Nokia's ELF period, auto replacement ^_^

Guest

yup, same here, over in australia. plus my camera now wont even turn on using the slide, i have to use the camera application - which is now my right selector key. off to nokia i go..seems every mobile since 6600 needs repaired in first year. But, i always get great service, so im sticking with nokia

hridheek

happened to my n97 also...lots of scratches

LessThanDoug

Just got mine back today! They sent me a letter with my "new" device saying how repair for the device was not possible. I'm pretty ticked off. The one they sent me is refurbished and I could tell because upon close inspection I could see small scuff marks on the top of the chrome rim around the face. Yeah, I don't miss a thing. I give up my perfect looking phone for somebody elses mess? Let's see how long this one lasts before the lens goes. I still have to check everything out to make sure all is well and working properly still.

Mac Morrison

i returned mine in the 7 day period from nokia store, regent street - mainly because of the lens scratches. though i had many issues with the phone.

http://hellon97.tumblr.com
&
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cmmorrison/3757367315/

celios

Lucky you Mike, I guess being a Symbian (and specifically N97) based blogger has worked to your advantage.

But what about the rest of us?

Mike Macias

I wish it did help, but the folks at Nokia Care don't keep track of Nokia bloggers.

Mike Macias

Update:

Nokia is sending me a brand new device. I'm pretty sure this will not fix the camera lens issue though.

noobie83

i think the picture washed out problem is more likely due to the flash is actually located inward from the lens surface, and surrounded with shard edge around the flash.. this caused light dispersion....

scratch is another issue that NOKIA should address...

celios

Hi Mike, I an many other N97 owners with the same problem will be very interested to hear how / if this problem is fixed on your N97. IMHO, Nokia have a huge problem on their hands here and are in denial about it. People do not may $700, etc. for a smartphone and then ignore the fact it has scratched it's own lens within 2 weeks.