Built in iSight not working?

Hi,

If the System Profiler/Information (depending on OS version) does not show the Camera and you have tried everything in the Trouble Shooting an iSight article, including the SM/PMU reset, then the next step is to take it to Store or Apple Service Supplier.

8:46 PM Monday; January 9, 2012

Please, if posting Logs, do not post any Log info after the line "Binary Images for iChat"

 iMac 2.5Ghz 5i 2011 (Lion 10.7.2)
 G4/1GhzDual MDD (Leopard 10.5.8)
 MacBookPro 2Gb (Snow Leopard 10.6.8)
 Mac OS X (10.6.8),
"Limit the Logs to the Bits above Binary Images."  No, Seriously

pawelmusician wrote: ... Does it make sense to erase all data and install lion again? ...

Unless you have previously migrated this Mac from an earlier one or added third-party software, the erase will probably not help you. The Lion installer will take all necessary actions when you reinstall without need of your intervention.

If your camera still is not listed as a USB device in your Mac's System Information utility after applying all suggestions for built-in iSight from http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2090, seek professional help from an AASP.

Unless you already have one, make a current backup before relinquishing your Mac for service.

I do note, however, that your proposed erase and install will cost you nothing but some time. Therefore, you can safely try an erase and install if you are concerned about possible conflicts from older or non-Apple software, provided, or course, that you backup your Mac before erasing. If you decide to use

Lion Recovery's Disk Utilty to securely erase your startup disk before reinstalling OS X, DO NOT use Migration or Setup Assistant to restore your system from your backup. Instead, directly copy your data from your backup. Reinstall ONLY Universal and iNtel apps directly from their installation disks or the Mac AppStore. Neither Classic nor PPC apps will run on Lion, so do not install any of them on your 10.7 Mac.

Message was edited by: EZ Jim

EZ Jim and Ralph: thank you, this is very helpful. I will not do another install, it does not appear to make any sense as I have not brought any 3rd party applications, did not migrate etc. It is brand new Macbook Air - camera was working in the beginning, then stopped.

I will bring my macbook air to AASP and let you know about the outcome. For the moment I am expecting the

hardware issue. It is my first Apple/Mac so quite surprised with this issue but still happy 🙂

Understood.

10:16 PM Monday; January 9, 2012

Please, if posting Logs, do not post any Log info after the line "Binary Images for iChat"

 iMac 2.5Ghz 5i 2011 (Lion 10.7.2)
 G4/1GhzDual MDD (Leopard 10.5.8)
 MacBookPro 2Gb (Snow Leopard 10.6.8)
 Mac OS X (10.6.8),
"Limit the Logs to the Bits above Binary Images."  No, Seriously

You're welcome.

Given your facts in the new Mac, I think you have the right plan!

Message was edited by: EZ Jim

Got my macbook back. It was hardware issue. they replaced the full screen and the camera is now working. good it was still under warranty. Thank you for your help.

Good news!

Happy to see that you have it working.

Cheers for letting us know what worked!

Jim

Message was edited by: EZ Jim

Good to hear.

By chance did the paperwork indicate how much this would have cost if you had to pay for it ?

Other people with older models might want to have an idea as to what it might be as they are out of warranty.

I do know that Apple tend to replace everything inside the lid casing in these cases rather than track down the individual component that might be at fault.

I am not sure if it because the job is simpler and quicker this way or if there is something about the way the cables and hinge need to be done.

8:35 PM Wednesday; January 18, 2012

Please, if posting Logs, do not post any Log info after the line "Binary Images for iChat"

 iMac 2.5Ghz 5i 2011 (Lion 10.7.2)
 G4/1GhzDual MDD (Leopard 10.5.8)
 MacBookPro 2Gb (Snow Leopard 10.6.8)
 Mac OS X (10.6.8),
"Limit the Logs to the Bits above Binary Images."  No, Seriously

Hi Ralph,

No, it was warranty repair so costs were not mentioned in the paperwork.

I was also surprised why they replaced the whole lid (including everything inside).

regards,

Pawel

Hi Pawel,

Thanks for taking the time to explain further.

It is a shame they did price it up.

I have seen several threads where that method is the reported way of doing things.

9:34 PM Wednesday; January 18, 2012

Please, if posting Logs, do not post any Log info after the line "Binary Images for iChat"

 iMac 2.5Ghz 5i 2011 (Lion 10.7.2)
 G4/1GhzDual MDD (Leopard 10.5.8)
 MacBookPro 2Gb (Snow Leopard 10.6.8)
 Mac OS X (10.6.8),
"Limit the Logs to the Bits above Binary Images."  No, Seriously

I'm having a similar problem and I'm wondering if you can help.

My iSight camera had been working absolutely fine, then suddenly stopped. I've no installed any new software and have made no physical changes to the system. The camera is recognised as being there, but on applications such as Skype, iChat and Photobooth it just seems to be indefinitely loading.

I've got a 2010 13" MacBook Pro, and I'm currently running Lion.

Hoping someone can help me sort this out - I'm currently living in Russia and the inability to skype my family back home is driving me a bit mad.

Luke

lukemackle wrote: ...no physical changes to the system. ... running Lion.

I understand your post to mean that you have not changed ANY software either since your Skype was working properly with Lion. If this is correct, try these suggestions until you find one that works:

(1) Restart Mac and see if the problem is resolved.

(2) Use Apple's http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2090

suggestions. The "reset" suggested there may

restores normal function if your iSight does not

work with any app or in any user account.

(3) Follow Skype's instructions to uninstall Skype.

Then restart Mac and test whether Apple apps work

after Skype is uninstalled. If so, reinstalling the

latest Skype compatible with your system may help.

(4) If your iSight does not work with any apps in any

user account after you have uninstalled Skype,

use your Mac's Disk Utility to repair permissions.

Then download and apply the latest Combo Update,

presently: http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1484

Repair permissions again immediately following

the system restart that completes the Combo update.

(5) If your iSight works with all apps but Skype

after you have reinstalled Skype, you can search

or post for Skype-specific help in the appropriate

dedicagted Skype-user forum. The Skype users

who post there may already have your solution.

If nothing else resolves your Skype-specific problem,

you can get email help from Skype's technical support

after signing in from the Skype "Get More Help" page.

Message was edited by: EZ Jim

Mac OSX 10.7.3

I have tried looking everywhere and can't find any solution. I have an MBP Pro mid 2009, and when I try to use any application that uses the iSight camera, the green light comes on and all I see is darkness (black). I've tried all the troubleshooting methods and nothing has worked.

Julio. wrote: ... I've tried all the troubleshooting methods and nothing has worked.

Then use the remainingsuggestion from http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2090:

"... contact Apple or an Apple-Authorized Service Provider for service."

If you do not have access to a local AASP, use the Apple Technical Support option you prefer.

Unless you have a current backup, make one before having your Mac serviced.

Message was edited by: EZ Jim

Mac OSX 10.7.3

I did just abpout everything mentioned here for weeks, but had an erratic camera on ALL apps, mostly dead and unrecognized. I suspected a hardware problem. After an upgrade to Lion, the problem persisted. I went back and did a clean install after erasing the disk, then migrated my info back from TIme Machine BU disk (TM does not backup third party software). Everything worked great. I reinstalled my 3rd party apps on at a time (only the ones I really needed) from a separate backup. All is perfect now, as well as a few other complaints corrected. Not sure where the problem lay, but there was obviously a conflict with all the BS apps one can accumulate over the years.\