Kodak DC-280 Can't take pictures of black amps

I don't know anything about this camera but the following advice will be good for any digital:

1. If you are using the default settings you must be far enough away from the subject for it to focus. I would guess no closer than two feet.

2. If you have changed any of the settings you may have it set to macro mode which is used for close up photography.

3. If you do not have a tripod then set the camera on the edge of a table or something. Most focus problems are from moving the camera by the action of triggering the shutter.

4. With every digital camera I know of where you cannot find the source of your problem do this: Remove the batteries, place the switch to the "on" position, leave the camera sit for 20 minutes, turn the switch "off", install fully charged batteries, reset all features to the default value. (I think they are Widows based....hehe)

5. When really in doubt, read the owners manual.

IMHO, if the camera does not work, toss it. Discontinued digital cameras aren't worth investing money for repair. I love Kodak film but prefer cameras made by Nikon.

Autospec,

I hope my post didn't confuse the issue when I stated that I love Kodak film. I realize you are dealing with a digital camera and my advice was tailored to that application. When I stated that I love Nikon cameras that love is based on experience.

I began doing virtual tour photography in its infancy and luckily for me the vendor of the software (Ipix) had already evaluated the cameras, tripods and tripod heads. I purchased a Nikon Coolpix at the time based on this analysis and have considered myself lucky. At one time I was taking over 2000 images per week. Other web photographers complaining of exposure and/or focusing problems commented on the superiority of my shots.

Initially I wasn't a big fan of digital because of a lack of detail in the darker areas of a photograph but learned to adjust my exposures to compensate as recommeded by Albert. I rarely take a 35mm image any longer because I love my camera so much having become proficient with Photoshop and Photopaint. I've had the opportunity to compare cameras along the way and appreciate the metering of the Nikon and the Nikkor glass used in the lens.

Although I've made a fair amount of money taking photos for web use I do not consider myself a professional photographer like Albert. Where I use a Coolpix, he likely would use a D-1. And, I'm not saying that any other camera won't do the job. It's just that, in my experience, I have very few problems producing a usable image with my gear.

One last thought, since the photo is of a black amp. You may wish to try a B/W setting. I did that for one of my photos I used in an ad here in Audiogon. I was having a color problem and didn't want to invest the time in setting up lights, etc.

You may need to change the metering settings if they are selectable. If not, you probably can set up the shot, focus on another object that is the same distance from the lens, hold the shutter down where the camera is ready to fire, and then move the lens to the amp you want to photograph and take the image.

Good luck.