G3 Just a little wet... Now won't start. Suggestions?

[BillsBayou]

Due to a splash of river water, my G3 got a little wet. Just a little. Just enough. :(

The camera was on when this happened. The camera then did a little *beep* *beep* and turned off.

Symptoms:

1) When powering up, the camera will buzz like it is trying to extend the lens. The lens is already extended. It will display the boot up image and display the image available count on the top display. 20-30 seconds after powering on, it will issue *beeps* and display "LENS" on the top display. Then it actually DOES move the lens in and out just a bit and shuts down completely.

2) Removing and replacing the battery will cause it to go though the above process even though I did NOT turn the camera on.

3) Putting the camera into Playback mode does the same thing.

4) If there is no CF card in the camera, it will display the appropriate warning message.

What I've done:
I removed the external plastic shell. (keeping track of where the screws go) I hit the camera with an air blaster to try and remove any water that may have gotten into the camera. I only had two drops of water in the camera and some trace water all near the data ports.

I did NOT remove the lens assembly. I suspect there may be water inside of there. I've tried to blast that area with air as best I could.

I'm at work and do not have access to the Canon PC data cable. I'm not sure what will happen if I tried to connect the camera to my PC.

Any suggestions?

2/4/2010: It's working again. See message below for details.

[etaf]

i would put in an airing cupboard and let it dry out for a couple of days and keep fingers crossed

[twl845]

I'll bet there's a condensation problem inside the camera, just enough to accept a current. I would dismantle it as you described and run a hair drier in there being careful not to be so hot that the heat creates it's own problem. Maybe once the inner surfaces are dry it'll be OK. I hope it hasn't been damp in there long enough to deep six your camera. If that's the case you have that excuse you've wanted to upgrade.

[Action_Man]

One suggestion is do not try to power up the camera until you are sure its completely dry - you will more than likely blow every curcuit in the camera ;) ...

[Terrywoodenpic]

I agree strongly with etaf and actionman.
Keep it warm...give it time...Try in a few days.
Most cameras survive that with fresh water... salt water can cause problems.

I would also add to remove the battery .

[Reeforbust]

Stick it in your car on a hot day with the windows up......That'll heat it up!

[crn3371]

Remove the battery, remove the CF card, leave the access doors open. Set it in a warm dry place for several days, basically just let it dry on its own, don't force the issue.

[grandadraymond]

KEEP AWAY FROM RIVERS

[Jaime]

Electronics that are wet are best to do the following as stated above, remove battery immediately and DO NOT under any circumstances try to power it up. Remove the CF card and dry and leave out. Leave access doors open, and now comes the piece the resistance (sic), place in a large baggie with a zip lock top, and thrown in a couple of silica bags the type that come with all electronics equipment. (I always take those out and place in a zip lock bagbie until I need them, they work magic). Let it sit for a few days, and you should be ok.

[BillsBayou]

WHOO-HOO!!!!! I got it working again!!!! (I figured it'd be dried out by now. Yeah. Check the dates on this thread :) )

I got up the courage to just start dismantling things. I used scotch tape to hold every screw to a piece of note paper. I labeled everything I removed. I used a pencil eraser to gently clean the circuit ribbons. (They're a pain to remove. You have to slide out their clamps; and those are tiny tiny.)

I forgot that the camera won't power up unless the CF door is closed. So I didn't know if my repair was working until I had most of it back together again. Even then, I had trouble. Turns out the CF door has two tiny clamps on the track which holds the door shut. One was bent. Disassemble and bend it back into shape. It works!

Oh. Wait. What's that spring go to? Found out by pushing all the buttons. The "WB" four-way toggle was loose. Disassemble again!

Finally, the screen would not work when folded out and facing the photographer. It worked when facing the subject, or when folded in and facing the photographer. I was about to post a question about it when it suddenly decided to start working on its own. Weird. Must have been a dirty switch. Lack of use for three-and-a-half years will do that to a camera.

Well, I got it working. That's all that matters.

[rpolitsr]

The longest drying period I heard of :); lucky you that the river had almost clean water.
Nice work done too!
Congrats for your new old camera, enjoy it again

[Kevan]

Guess it's too late to suggest the ol' bury it deep inside a ziplock bag filled with uncooked rice, left untouched for 2 days, approach.

Well, next time there you have it. Umm...no guarantees it'll work.

[Comerfjc]

Man, now you're out a sweet paperweight. :(

Gratz on getting your camera back, though. ;)

[GSeries1]

That's the most conservative drying time estimate I've ever heard of.

[BobsYourUncle]

I'm curious how your battery made out after 3 1/2 years of inactivity. Did you shelf it for the duration or charge it once in a while?

[tmwag]

That's the most conservative drying time estimate I've ever heard of.

Three and one half years is conservative..I agree

[GSeries1]

Three and one half years is conservative..I agree

I typically only recommend 24 months.... :lol:

[BillsBayou]

I'm curious how your battery made out after 3 1/2 years of inactivity. Did you shelf it for the duration or charge it once in a while?

The main battery is the same as in my G1 and 5D. However, the little coin-sized clock battery was dead. I borrowed the one from the G1. It's the same battery.

It really did take courage for me to start dismantling the camera. It was my first and I am sentimental about it.