Battery door problems: Canon Compact

[apocaplops]

I just got a Canon AF35ML for the wife for a nice P&S. It has a couple problems and I wanted to see if they were worth trying to remedy or if I should just take it back to the thrift shop. I paid $25 so not a great deal, but best I've seen locally.

1) it has poor door light seals. No big deal, I can fix that easy.

2) The battery door isn't forcing the batteries all the way to the contacts. It takes 2 AA batteries, but I have to press on the battery door to complete the circuit. I think they aren't quite reaching the contacts at the top of the battery case. Any easy fix for that?

Thanks!

[LarryD]

Sounds like the spring on the contacts are pushed down too far you may try a differant brand of battery first I found some double A's are not as long as others. Also I found new P&S cameras for pretty cheap at this webstore.
http://www.heartlandamerica.com/browse/search.asp?category=film-cameras&CAT=20002002&GUID=9C26E0BB-C961-47D2-98BE-7D07394F7590

Larry

[apocaplops]

I fixed it by putting some aluminum foil against the door contacts to help seat the batteries. Hopefully it doesn't combust on me...

[LarryD]

If it feels warm then I would worry.

I have fixed a few the same way and never had a problem.

As my daughter calls it "Getto Rigging"

Larry

[Justin Smith]

Erich, I have fixed this problems on various electronics by taking a stiff piece of wire and fashioning a small hook on the end with a pair of pliers. Then, using that hook to gently pull up on the spring to stretch its length a bit.

I'm sure a crochet hook would work, too.

[apocaplops]

it's actually the door contacts that aren't seating well, so it's not the springs at the top of the chamber.

Nevertheless, the ghetto-rigged fix seems to be good.