Problematic Mode Dial - Workaround for modded cameras

Beware - currently for those who know their way around linux shell and fell comfortable modding their camera. Some form of installer will follow in time.

Beware 2 - this is a work in progress that works on my NX500. No other guarantees.

Beware 4 - I don't have an NX1 so this will require some minor adjustments in order to work on NX1. I hope they are minor.

Beware 5 - Wait, what happened to 3? See? That's how "work in progress" this is. You have been warned.

https://github.com/ottokiksmaler/nx500_nx1_modding/blob/master/doc/Problematic%20Mode%20Dial%20Workaround.md

It works by killing the mode dial (making the camera ignore it for a while - not actually killing it) and overriding it's functionality by an ugly on-screen menu. Not suitable for quick switching between the modes, but there's nothing stopping the enterprising hacker from using the same principle but assigning, for example, EV+AEL to switch between A and M modes quickly or something similar.

Very ingenious, and well done.

I have fixed several flaky mode dials on NX cameras. It is a two step process and has always worked. First clean the contacts with aerosol electronics cleaner. Spray under the dial and let it fully evaporate. Next use a high quality, brand name dialectic grease. And work it under the dial. Once completed it has fixed every NX dial I’ve had issues with and it has lasted.

Which products have you used?

Do you have recommendations what to look for in the products or warnings of some ingredients?

xorgh wrote:

Which products have you used?

Do you have recommendations what to look for in the products or warnings of some ingredients?

I like CRC products, but I think any electronics grade product will do. It is safe on plastics and rubber gaskets too.  The basic principle with this is that it insulates the connection. So as to not give an improper signal.

I am not an electrical engineer, so I will say to do your own research and use at your own risk. But like I said, this has always worked for me.

Thank you!

What you have pictured will clean the contacts. This will usually clear up the issue for the very short term. That type of product is what I started with on my first dial issue. It would make it better for a day or two tops. I suspect oxidation then occurred and I was back to a non working dial. That’s when I gave dialectic grease a shot. I am familiar with using it in marine electrical connections where corrosion is a real problem.

I stress to do your own homework though. I have had great success, but you will find other forum posts from camera repair forums that say not to do this because the dialectic grease could creep to undesirable places. Instead they say take it to a repair shop and have it fixed the right way. In our case, these cameras are not really serviceable any more, so I am willing to take that risk. So far, no issues.

Kinger wrote:

I am not an electrical engineer, so I will say to do your own research and use at your own risk. But like I said, this has always worked for me.

I know this thread is old, but I'm now facing the same problem and would like to try it out. I'm wondering: How do you get this grease under the dial? You say "work it under the dial". Trying to squeeze something between dial and casing and then constantly moving the dial?

Many thanks!

Andre

(NX500)