Olympus mju (stylus) 1 - self-timer problem

Hello!
It's not the first time I encounter this kind of problem: the self-timer on my Olympus mju/stylus 1 does not work. When I push the self-timer button nothing happens. I think it's a common problem on this camera since I met more than five Olympus mju 1 with this problem.
Has this happened to you before? Do you know how can I repair it?

I would think it is not repairable. Easier and less expensive to buy another.

I would open it and check that switch. If that does not turn up the problem, I would leave it as it is and go for another sample.

(Which reminds me to check that feature at my samples...)

The ST switch is a conductive pad that provide a connection across two contacts. It's probably
dirty or tarnished.
I'd also suggest finding another one because of cost.
A word of warning here. If you do decide to take it apart, the same circuit board the contacts
are on is the same board the flash capacitor is soldered to. Because the flash is charged when the
camera is active it holds a charge for a long time. It's about 300V but low power. Ever see the clip
where the dead frog is hit by a current & twitches? I can testify to a very fast reflexive response. Yeow!

Good point about that automatic charging of the flash !!!

One way to handle it would be to set the flash off delibertely at full strength (covered sensor) and taking off the battery/switching off the camera immediately thereafter.
Then looking for those cables, contacts or shortcircuiting the main capacitator via a resistor.


I once got shocked by a GN 23 flash. No fun.