[REQUEST] How interchangeable are laptop webcams

[mdownes]

Hi all,
I have a Lenovo Yoga 520-14IKB laptop here, which needs a new webcam. I've already had a compatibility issue while replacing it's screen/camera/digitizer cable (identical model numbers, but lengths slightly different), so having disappointed the owner once, I want to be certain the new webcam works first time.

My question is: how interchangeable are webcam boards? I can find boards from the same make and line of laptops (but not the same exact laptop model), similar model numbers to the original board, look to be the same shape and dimensions but with visual differences, and the same 8-pin connector in the right place. Once it physically fits, how confident can I be that these will actually work in this laptop?

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[Diggs]

You should be able to get the part number off the camera module and search on that.

 

[mdownes]

You should be able to get the part number off the camera module and search on that.

Yes, I've tried that. I can only find one with exactly the same part number and it's on the other side of the globe - delivery could take a month. But I can find ones with very similar part numbers (identical but for two letters being different) and I'm wondering would these do the trick. Incidentally, the original part number is PK40001DX00

 

[Diggs]

Just a thought - https://www.amazon.com/FMB-I-Compat...rds=camera+PK40001DX00&qid=1588515505&sr=8-16

 

[Philippe]

I've had good results with changing a webcam from within the same line of laptop. But it was a webcam without mike.
Webcams with 4 connectors or so are simply USB webcam...

 

[mdownes]

Just a thought - https://www.amazon.com/FMB-I-Compat...rds=camera+PK40001DX00&qid=1588515505&sr=8-16

Thanks for that - I'd say it's near enough identical to what I'm replacing - but I'm in Ireland and it would take too long to get here (they state they won't ship it here anyway).

 

[NJW]

Incidentally, the original part number is PK40001DX00

Search that number on ebay.ie – there are several in Europe. You're going to be taking a gamble on anything by post at the moment, of course, but try asking the seller to mark the packet 'Essential goods'.

 

[mdownes]

Search that number on ebay.ie – there are several in Europe. You're going to be taking a gamble on anything by post at the moment, of course, but try asking the seller to mark the packet 'Essential goods'.

When you search for PK40001DX00 on ebay.ie, you get cameras with slightly different model numbers (such as PK40001DO00). If you restrict the search to PK40001DX00 using quotation marks, you get just two US-based results. Reckon I'll just order that PK40001DO00. It shouldn't take too long to come across the Irish Sea and I guess it'll probably work.

Good idea on getting the seller to mark it as "essential goods" - might just do that.

Thanks for the help, everyone!

 

[HCHTech]

Good idea on getting the seller to mark it as "essential goods" - might just do that.

Yeah, that's a great idea. I'm in a hurry, so let's see how we can game the system.

 

[mdownes]

Yeah, that's a great idea. I'm in a hurry, so let's see how we can game the system.

Funny you should say that - but it's not really me who's in a hurry, it's more the owner who uses it to care for patients over Skype, during the lockdown (I've given him a loaner, so he's ok for now). I doubt writing any more than the correct address would speed it's arrival anyway, since packages are generally machine-read. But thanks for your input anyway.

 

[NJW]

Yeah, that's a great idea. I'm in a hurry, so let's see how we can game the system.

Not at all. I don't know how it's being handled in UK and Eire, but here in France, I'm (along with all other computer repairers, of course) on the list of approved businesses to continue operating under current conditions. Parcels containing qualifying goods (e.g., computer parts) are marked "Produits de première nécessité" and are handled ahead of other traffic. If @mdownes were to buy a webcam from France, it's a legitimate request.

The postal service is running at restricted levels and parcels/small packets that would normally take a couple of days are currently likely to take a couple of weeks or more.

 

[mdownes]

Not at all. I don't know how it's being handled in UK and Eire, but here in France, I'm (along with all other computer repairers, of course) on the list of approved businesses to continue operating under current conditions. Parcels containing qualifying goods (e.g., computer parts) are marked "Produits de première nécessité" and are handled ahead of other traffic.

It's the same in Ireland - that's why we're allowed to remain open, although I'm only doing call-outs to healthcare clients and I'm being super careful with hygiene.