Replacing n900 camera

The n900 camera's sensor is particularly sensitive to harsh light, and can be damaged easy if one is not careful where the camera is pointed.

Here is an example of a picture from a damaged sensor: [1] This one in particular has been sun damaged (dark spot) and UV laser damaged (purple marks). The dark spot was found not to be dust after a thorough disassembly and cleaning of the camera optics.

A suitable camera module replacement (if one cannot find one labeled specifically for the n900) is the camera module from either the N85, N96, or N79. They are all the same.

Here is a N85/96/79 module ordered from ebay: [2]

Once you have determined that your camera sensor is damaged, disassemble your n900 to this point (google n900 service manual for instructions): [3] You can pop out the old camera with a razor blade stuck into the edges: [4]

Notice there is a notch on the camera's edge that designates alignment. [5]

Here is the difference between the N85/96/79 Module (left) and the n900 module (right). As you can see, there are some minute differences (serial/model numbers?), but the pinout is the same. [6]

Replacing the camera is as simple as popping the old module out and putting the new module in.

Success! No more damaged sensor! [7]

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