DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have sent many fruitless emails to David Kloberdans of Shep’s Camera trying to get my camera back. As David requested, I included my Pentax serial number and receipt/invoice.

This receipt has my address of 38 years and two phone numbers, none of which were used by David to contact me at any time. If you need the history of my emails and visits to David’s shop in Woolwich, I can provide them as well. Thank you for interceding. — Colleen via email

ANSWER: Sun Spots has been working on this problem for more than a year, trying to figure out what happened. Communication was made difficult by the fact that due to illness and death in his family, David was out of state numerous times.

Finally, after Colleen faxed over her original receipts, from 2006 and 2007, David was able to figure out that Colleen’s Pentax was unrepairable and that he had disposed of it long ago.

Colleen was upset that he had thrown it away without asking her, as she said she would have kept it even with the broken light meter.

Fortunately, David had several other cameras of the same model and offered her a replacement.

Colleen was not pleased with the first replacement (she said it was not properly cleaned), so David asked her to return that model and then he sent her another.

Sun Spots has done all she can at this point. David said that he is phasing out of his business, which is a shame since Sun Spots knows of no one else who repairs film cameras — or any cameras for that matter, other than the manufacturers. Read on.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have an expensive Olympus digital camera, which I dropped on the ground. Now no matter what I do I can’t get the shutter to open (tried new batteries). You can hear it click-click, but it still won’t open. Any suggestions? — Faithful Reader via email

ANSWER: You will probably have to send it back to the manufacturer. Unfortunately, digital cameras are often not repairable. You could take it to Photo Finish (550 Center St., in Auburn, 783-3354) and ask them to take a look. They may be able to tell you something by looking at it, or have other ideas for repairs.

For more information on having it repaired by Olympus, go to www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_servicerepair.asp

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The person who wants a computer with Windows 7 (not 8) should check out Dell. They sell several new models with 7, and they are new and do have latest features. I just got one and am very happy with it.

Question: Is there some organization that can use older cellphones? There used to be groups that took them for soldiers or others who needed an emergency-only phone. — Rumford Reader via email

ANSWER: Sun Spots found many options for recycling old cellphones, but here are a couple worthwhile charities, including Cell Phones for Soldiers, which can be found at www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com or call 866-716-2220 for more information. There is a shipping label on the website that you can print out: www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com/shippingLabel_generic_print.php

Another good cause is the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. You can send your phone to Cellular Recycler, Attn: NCADV, 4840 Sterling Drive, Unit A, Boulder, CO 80301. Visit www.ncadv.org/takeaction/DonateaPhone.php for more details.

Finally, some carriers will also take your old cellphone as a trade-in. For example, check out www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/splash/electronicdevicerecycling.jsp. You get a gift card after they get your phone.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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