February « 2009 « Zambini’s Photos

11Feb/099

My Rebel XTi’s $68.56 brush with death

Get some gauze!

A couple days ago (don't ask) my XTi's LCD broke. Needless to say, I was upset. I called Canon's Parts Center (732-521-7230) and ordered one Rebel XTi Replacement LCD with Fed Ex 2-day shipping for just under $70 (usd).

Anyway, I was at first skeptical to do it myself. But I figured its just a tiny computer (which it is, by definition), and seeing as I didn't have to deal with compatibility issues (like when building computers) since I already had the part, I figured it'd be somewhat easier.

All I needed was:

A tiny screwdriver (an eyeglass repair screwdriver should do fine, or anything that can remove those tiny screws)
A hook/awl/angled-awl, for unhooking the ribbon locks
Replacement LCD screen
A place to store the screws
This guide to taking apart and re-assembling an XTi
About an hour's patience

It was a little unnerving opening it, because I kept finding screws that I hadn't removed, but in the end it was a fairly simple process. Here are some pix

: Be very careful to not yank it out immediately and tear that paper-thin ribbon

: Notice the ribbon's thickness (or lack thereof)

: More ribbons

: I didn't bother with this part, considering the LCD is a separate structure all together

: There were this many screws required to disassemble....

: That's why you need the awl/hook
Maybe if you've got long fingernails you can unlock it, otherwise... I'd use a super-small screwdriver or an awl

: Unlocked ribbon-holster

: The old LCD on its mount

: Close-uppy shot of the old LCD

: Old LCD still attached, new LCD on the right

: Reminds me of a fishbone

: Its only got tape on it
It was very unnerving to pry the LCD off, one side kept re-attaching itself after I got the other side off. All it is is tape though.