Acer spin 3 - integrated camera failing

BlackJack

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Oct 11, 2007
3,456
My son's laptop has recently developed a problem with the camera glitching (see pictures below)

I have tried searching for solutions online but mostly what I've found is solutions for the camera not being found. I did try uninstalling the device to force a re-install of the driver but that did not address the problem.

Anyone have any thoughts? Do I just need to bring it to a repair shop or is there a DIY that someone can point me to?

Thanks in advance

42471
42472
 

Omar's Wacky Neighbor

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Jul 14, 2005
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Leaving in a bit to the studio :)

BlackJack

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Oct 11, 2007
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Not my field, but I'd question whether it's the camera or just a bad connection causing the problem.

This appears to be the camera:

https://exact-parts.com/collections/acer-spin-3-sp315-51-37e7/products/acer-spin-3-sp315-51-37e7-camera-webcam-ks0hd06004

Stupid question, if you shake the Spin, does the pixelation change? That would lead me to think it's the connection.
Not a stupid question at all and I think you're right that it's a connection issue.

Shaking it didn't help (I mean, it's not a baby right?) but pressing the frame of the lid just to the left of the camera did cause it to turn off and turn back on again. I was testing it with Zoom and after the squeeze it was clear for about 10 seconds or so. I closed the zoom meeting and was then unable to get the picture back but it does suggest that the connection is the issue.

I will now look for tutorials on how to crack this open without completely breaking it and see if I can tighten that up.

Thanks!
 

Omar's Wacky Neighbor

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Jul 14, 2005
16,626
Leaving in a bit to the studio :)
If you're willing to share, I'd love to see them - the few that I found only covered opening the main part of the laptop, not the cover.
Ouch, that might have been what I saw as well. I'll take a look. Search for videos on how to replace the screen/digitizer, if you get to it before me.

You may also want to find a replacement cable on line (if it's not already built into the camera), so that you're prepared to order it if that's the issue. It was for one of my son's laptops when he was having display issues; rather, the cable was getting pinched in the hinge. I can't recall if just shifting the cable away from the hinge fixed the issue, or if I put in a replacement cable.

I'd imagine it's close to the same procedure as a Spin 5?

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qnoetC3Haw
 
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