Tech / Special Interest → Digital Imaging > [Help] What did I buy?

[Help] What did I buy?

This is perhaps a rhetorical question as it is a camera. At this point I need a bit of guidance.

I stopped at a garage sale and bought an old Olympus
C-4040. No software; no cables; no batteries. I found some rechargeable AA batteries I had that are charging now. I did find an SD 128 card in it.

My thoughts are to put the charged batteries in it and see if it comes to life.

If it does then the next step is to take a picture. If that works then I need to find a cable with a mini connector from camera to computer.

For what I do, it has the potential to take a decent picture.

Thoughts are more than welcome. You guys know everything....
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Mac: No windows, No Gates, Apple inside

I'm just a beginner photographer, but I'll get the ball rolling for ya.
Here's the manual in case you don't have it already: »www.olympusamerica.com/files/oim···nual.pdf

The memory card is actually called SmartMedia, not Secure Digital, but I'll admit they look rather similar. 128 Megs is apparently the largest SmartMedia card available, so you're maxed out. I hope the card still works.

I don't recognize that connector on the USB cable. If you can't find it easily, it might be easier to look at a card reader, instead of searching around too much or paying shipping for the cable. My local dollar store sells 9-in-1 card readers (for $2-3) that might work for that memory card. You might want to look into getting an inexpensive card reader, in case the cable proves difficult to acquire.

I'm assuming the goal here is to get this working for almost nothing. If you're looking for a decent camera for more than the change in your pocket, there are tons of options out there that we could discuss as well.

The batteries can be pretty much any AA's as long as they're not (Zinc-Carbon)/(Manganese), so you shouldn't have any trouble with that.

Good luck and I hope it works!

PS Actually there are more manuals available. If you want more information, check out the others: »www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_secti···p?id=702

Thank you for answering/ links. I have manuals but I can't see to read most print. "Almost nothing" would be a minor miracle. This camera uses special rechargeable batteries at $5.50 each x4.

I recharged my old batteries and inserted them long enough to learn the zoom works before the AAs went dead. The good news is the sound was solid and smooth without hiccups when opening or closing zoom. The various doors open and close properly. I talked to two camera shops that feature Olympus cameras. Both suggested to bring camera; both said cameras made before 2008 would probably not be repairable as parts are out of stock.

This is what I call a 'craps shoot" purchase. If it works I'll have a decent camera for the few pictures I actually take. I can still purchase batteries and an external flash. The SM card may or may not be available. The question is how much do I want to spend? It will depend upon the actual condition of the camera. I'm not much of a camera buff. The camera has five settings: Off, P, A/S/M, Video, and a green symbol that may be voice. It's questionable. At this point I'm pretty sure what OFF means. I have an old AE-1 Canon buried somewhere. I need all the help I can get.
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Mac: No windows, No Gates, Apple inside

According to the manual, the batteries aren't anything special... Any of the following AAs work:

quote:

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... 4 AA (R6) NiMH batteries, NiCd batteries, Alkaline batteries or lithium batteries.

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Before I answer your question the Camera shop said these batteries are specific to the camera. I think he said NiMHL3V5X10; I got lost in numbers. The manual I have specifically warns against using regular AA batteries. It shows pictures and goes on to explain about shields and other stuff I just don't understand.

They said they paid $75 for the SM card; I don't doubt it. I saw one today for $65! I hope it works too.

Depending on the flash and how it is mounted it may be expensive. On the other hand it can be a small fortune. I am thinking of this ONLY if the flash doesn't work which I don't know yet.

Why? I would like to have a decent *simple to use* camera that takes a good picture. Yes I have a nice P&S Nikon I bought last year. It is difficult to use. It is small and I can't see what I need to see to use it. Yes I have a cellphone with a camera. The pictures are not very good quality. It's a Tracfone; sending the pictures is a real challenge for me. If it works, and the cost is minimal, I would like to keep the C-4040.

Right now IF is a very big word.
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Mac: No windows, No Gates, Apple inside