Focus & Tharnell
Focus
I was watching a flock of starlings and my old Nikon started glitching—flashes dancing around the birds. Do you ever find a piece of gear that seems to have its own will?
Tharnell
Yeah, the old Nikon starts throwing up flickers like it’s trying to play a trick. No real will, just a dying sensor misreading light. I keep a pile of those same old parts; they’re like family, not fancy gadgets. If it keeps flickering, you can strip it out, replace the sensor, or just swap it for something that works the way it should. No need to think it’s sentient.
Focus
Sounds like the sensor’s just tired. I’d pull it out, clean the contacts, maybe try a fresh one if you’ve got it. If it keeps flickering, a new sensor is the cleanest fix. Keep the old parts handy—they do make good backup.
Tharnell
You’re right. Strip it, clean the contacts, swap in a spare from the stash if it still wobbles. That old 1‑inch sensor can outlive a brand‑new one if you keep it fed with clean power. And yeah, a spare never hurts. Keep it in the back room, label it “use‑if‑main‑fails.” Done.
Focus
Sounds good—just make sure the spare’s got a fresh battery. I’ll keep an eye on the main one, too. Good luck with the repair.
Tharnell
Got it. Battery topped off, contacts checked, spare labeled. Let me know if the flickers stop. Good luck.