S45 E18 error

[pix0r]

Apparently the lens in my S45 stopped functioning correctly the other day, and now it won't retract and just gives an E18 error message. I've looked other places on the net and found that this is a pretty common problem with Canon cameras using rectractable lenses, but I can't find any information about how much Canon charges to fix this problem. I know I have to ship my camera to them and then they will quote me a price, but is it going to be $100? $200? I'd rather save money on the shipping if the cost of fixing this problem is that high, and instead put that money toward a DSLR. :)

I also see a lot of references to a German site explaining out to disassemble an A60 and solve this problem, but is there anything specific for the S45 (and similar S30/S40/S50) camera?

I have tried "tapping" the lens and using a compressed air duster to try to get whatever is lodged in the lens mechanism out of there, but I've had no luck so far.

Thanks

Mike

[PeterS45]

As far as I know Canon charges a minimum repair fee of $ 175.-- in the US. Did you try resetting the camera? I remember there was something in the manual explaining how to do a reset.

[stopbath]

You might be able to email Canon for a non-commital ball park figure of the average cost of repair for e-18. (Meaning that if you get a ball park figure but your estimate is double that due to extensive parts and labour you can't try to use the ball park figure.)

Be descriptive as possible (don't ask for the cost to repair e-18 without describing what happens.) E-18 only means that for some reason, the lens does not move correctly. Include details such as any impact or water damage that could have happened, if there are any abnormal sounds or movements when the lens does move, if the lens looks crooked...

[pix0r]

As far as I know Canon charges a minimum repair fee of $ 175.-- in the US. Did you try resetting the camera? I remember there was something in the manual explaining how to do a reset.According to the manual, you can reset the camera by holding the menu key for five seconds then selecting "OK". Unfortunately I can't even turn on the camera without coming to the error screen (black screen with E18 on the bottom left corner), and holding the menu button does nothing at that point. =\ $175, thats a lot of money.. Do you think any camera stores would be able to fix it, so I could avoid the large fee and hassle involved in sending the camera to Canon for repair? :)

[pix0r]

You might be able to email Canon for a non-commital ball park figure of the average cost of repair for e-18.
Thanks, I'll send an email tonight. Hopefully it's not $175 minimum! I could buy this camera used on ebay for $250 or so, so paying that to repair it is a bit pointless.

Anyway thanks for the replies, I'll let you know if I hear back from Canon. Otherwise, if anyone else has ideas, or even better, a guide to disassembling the S45, I'm all ears!

Thanks

[mharries]

I'm having the exact same problem with my A40 and from what I've read it cost approx. $160 to fix. I know nothing about fixing cameras but I do know my pocketbook isn't large enough for a repair fee that's almost 1/2 what I paid for the camera.

I'd sure love to find someone who could fix it. I'm afraid to even try to do it myself, even with the step by step instructions. If it doesn't get fixed then I guess to the trash it goes! :(

[S45_fornow...]

I'm having the exact same problem with my A40 and from what I've read it cost approx. $160 to fix. I know nothing about fixing cameras but I do know my pocketbook isn't large enough for a repair fee that's almost 1/2 what I paid for the camera.

I'd sure love to find someone who could fix it. I'm afraid to even try to do it myself, even with the step by step instructions. If it doesn't get fixed then I guess to the trash it goes! :(

As a last resort (short of doing the disassembly fix from the German website), you might try twisting the lens barrel very forcefully into the full extended position. This seems to have worked with a small # of cameras with the E18 error.

If you decide to throw your cam away because you can't fix it, I'd be happy to take it off your hands for price of the shipping charges :wink:

Office Depot presently has a $100 rebate offer on the Canon A60 (the A40's replacement) if you buy it in-store. That gets you the camera for around $100 depending on state taxes in your area.

I've fixed several Canon Elph's myself including an S100, an S110, and I'm expecting an S230 in the mail any day now that also has the E18 error.

BTW, here is the link to the German fix: http://www.ixus-world.de/index.htm?tips/repair_guide/e18_01en.htm

Best of Luck.