Dead S90 - Any Suggestions

[xpfloyd]

I had my S90 in a lowepro case last week when I was hillwalking. It was raining for the full 6 hours I was out and everything got soaked through. When I got home the camera was wet but working. I left it to air dry but now its completely dead.

Ive tried re-charging the battery but it just wont switch on. One time i was trying to get it on i got the pics to appear on the screen in the back and could scroll through them but changing the cameras settings dial didnt make the lens come out. Ive not managed to get the pics back up since.

Any suggestions? Do you think its water damaged beyond repair?

[michaelnel]

Not beyond repair. Canon has a "standard repair charge" for stuff that isn't covered by warranty, something like $160.

[xpfloyd]

Thanks, ill contact Canon.

I should have mentioned for a while now ive been getting an error message frequently on the screen "check battery pack" when switching the camera on. When this occurs I need to take the battey out and back in and try again ubtil it switches on. Doesnt happen every time but it does happen alot. Now it doesnt even say that on the screen but I wondered if this could be a battery issue?

[Bob_A]

I'd take the battery out and leave it in a sealed container with some packs of fresh silica get for a couple of days (battery and SD card removed, battery door open) then put a fully charged battery in and see if it works. If the silica gel isn't new from a sealed package you should regenerate the silica gel in an oven first, probably around 220-230F for 4+ hours.

Other than that the only thing I can think of is to partially disassemble the camera so you can try drying the innards out with a hair dryer on low heat.

I'm not sure if Canon will even touch a water damaged camera for repair. Maybe they'll let you trade it in for a reconditioned one? Worth asking.

[Jon]

If the camera got drenched, even if the pre-existing problem was battery-related, you've got a whole different one now. Canon will probably junk your camera and offer you a "Loyalty Program" replacement for somewhere around the repair cost. Wet cameras generally aren't cost-effective repair candidates.

[xpfloyd]

thanks for the advice about the silica bob, I hadnt thought of that. Ive ordered a new battery online to try after i try drying the camera out. Very annoying as its fairly new.

[xpfloyd]

If the camera got drenched, even if the pre-existing problem was battery-related, you've got a whole different one now. Canon will probably junk your camera and offer you a "Loyalty Program" replacement for somewhere around the repair cost. Wet cameras generally aren't cost-effective repair candidates.

The camera was in its case but I was in the rain for that long that water got into everything and all my waterproof clothing let in etc. I forgot to check the s90 as I assumed it would be ok. Ill try the silica and new battery and if im still hving no joy ill contact canon.

Thanks

[birdbrooks]

"When I got home the camera was wet but working" This is is the part that caught my eye. I mention it now as a caution for others to follow Bob A's great advice BEFORE attempting to start up a wet camera, and dry it as best possible before turning it on. I have been able to resuscitate a few electronics from moisture attacks this way. Good luck in any case, xpfloyd!

[MassWineGuy]

Next time, be sure to pack a large Ziplock bag.

[xpfloyd]

Thanks for the advice guys. Unfortunately nothing has worked(silica, battery etc). Think I made the critical error of turning it on to check it when it was wet. Will be claiming my insurance and purchasing a s95 or s100 to replace it.

[Bob_A]

Thanks for the advice guys. Unfortunately nothing has worked(silica, battery etc). Think I made the critical error of turning it on to check it when it was wet. Will be claiming my insurance and purchasing a s95 or s100 to replace it.

Sorry to hear that. RIP to your S90 :(

Call Canon to see if they'll look at it or if you can get a good (equivalent to repair) price through the loyalty program.

[xpfloyd]

Turns out there is a canon service centre in Glasgow so im dropping it there tommorow. They are checking it for free and will quote me if it can be repaired, hopefully its a cheap fix!

[michaelnel]

Turns out there is a canon service centre in Glasgow so im dropping it there tommorow. They are checking it for free and will quote me if it can be repaired, hopefully its a cheap fix!

I hope it is too!

[xpfloyd]

Update: Home insurance wont pay out as I dont have a receipt and stupidly said it was only a few months old (Dont know why I didnt just say it was 18 months old, spur of the moment stupid decision). Canon service centre are now repairing it for £145. "CAMERA REQUIRES A NEW OP FLEX AND CONTROL FLEX.CALIBRATE CHECK AND TEST" was the description on the quotation.