repair vs refurbish

[sonnyJ]

Problem with S2. Camera is about 18months old. Had it in for service at 1yr - covered by warranty. All went well for a while then started E18 error. Intermittent but lens always opened/closed - just beeped and got error message. Then this seemed to clear up or happen infrequently.
Now problem with focus lock about 50% of time- Push shuter 1/2 way Focus area box goes white to orange and stays there - does not go green. If I release button and repress1/2 way 1-4 times focus goes to green. Or sometimes if I zoom out/in focus works. If neither help turning camera off and on get focus working. Then can take 4-12 shots (or more) normally before problem resurfaces and we start over again.

I contacted Canon - Focus problem could be related to E18 error--Lens not moving correctly, perhaps hangs up on burr, alignment problem etc???

Options - Have it repaired by Canon Base price $120.00. Could be more - they will check out camera, send estimate for no charge and then let I can decide. Comes with 90 day warranty only related to this repair.

Option 2 - Canon upgrade program. S2 only upgrades to S2 , no S3's in program at this time.
Would get refurbished S3 with full replacement warranty for 6 months.
Cost is $175.00 plus tax and shipping. Lets say another $25.00

So repair - limited 90 day warranty $120.00
refurbished camera, full 180 warranty $200.00

Your thoughts please.

[angstrom]

If you purchased the cam using a credit card, check the "cardmember benefits" for your account. Many MC/Visa accounts include a "warranty extension" benefit ~~ extending your warranty coverage an extra year. I've filed claims for repairs on 2 diff cams in the past year or so and the cc benefit covered both, with no sweat, minimal delay and minimal paperwork.

[Cindi]

I don't know how I missed this post the first time, but I would go for the refurbished S3 if it were me.

[sonnyJ]

Angstrom - I will check out the CC coverage - Great idea, thanks

Cindi, problem is they don't include the S3 so not really an upgrade just a replacement with a refurbished S2. Maybe now that S5 is announced they will do a true
upgrade S2->S3

I'll let you know what happens.

[sonnyJ]

Angstrom - I owe you a gift.
Just got back from vacation and had time to call AmEx about buyer protection program. I had it and it extends warranty for term equal to initial warranty. They set up a claim for me and will send me the paper work. Looks like I then send camera to AmEx where they decide to repair, replace or issue refund. Waiting for more details.

I did use the S2 while on vac and worked around the focus problem - When focus worked the photos were really, really sharp - with base set up or 1.5 teleconverter.
Liked using the LCD walking around towns/flea markets, etc. and abord cruiseship. This allowed me to get candid shots as I looked down and to side while camera pointed a different way at subject.

I have a DSLR which I used as prime camera and the S2 as back up -
15 night cruise via Panama Canal - came home with about 1800 photos. 400+ with S2 and rest with DSLR - Filled 3x2gb CF cards and 1x1gb SD. Now need a week++ to process

MANY THANKS FOR THE TIP ABOUT CREDIT CARD EXTENDED WARRANTY

[sonnyJ]

Update:
Received OK from AM EX to send camera to them for repair. Sent it out 6/15. Note with authorization said expect 2 week until returned.

Let see what happens

[ryleung]

Good to hear that things worked out for you. Please keep us posted about this.

[sonnyJ]

Unbelievable - Just received word from AmEX that they approved my claim and are issuing a credit for FULL price of camera - That is just under $500.00

WOW-WOW- WOW

three cheers for Angstrom and AmEx

WOW-WOW-WOW

[Jon]

So there's an S5 in your future? Sounds like a deal!

[sonnyJ]

Not sure what I will do - Did get a DSLR late last year and used S2 as back up.
Wondering if I will spend $$ on S3, smaller point and shoot to just "carry around" or bigger zoom lens for DSLR.

Nice problem to have.

From now on will always use AmEX card for purchasing items with warranty

[Cindi]

Wow, congratulations!! Glad it all worked out in the end.

[LotsToLearn]

That's great it worked out and is something I'll keep in mind for future reference.

[sonnyJ]

Just ordered an S3 - price is less than for S2.
Did have to get new lensmate adapters 52mm since slightly different connection
Anyone interested in buying 2 - 52mm S2adapters plus end caps?? Will accept best offer (new=$57.00 with shipping)

[beeGjay]

Wow you did really luck out on that. I never think about those CC warranties but I will surely keep it in mind. My problem is I usually buy ticket items at Best Buy with their card for the long no interest deal and they do not have extended on the card. They want you to purchase extra from them. I never do that and just take my chances. Maybe stupid but hey I didn't claim to be a genius.

[sonnyJ]

Again - we all owe a thanks to Angstrom for reminding us of the extended CC warranty possibility.

Angstrom - do you want the S2 adaptors -??

[rivertonbrat]

Problem with S2. Camera is about 18months old. Had it in for service at 1yr - covered by warranty. All went well for a while then started E18 error. Intermittent but lens always opened/closed - just beeped and got error message. Then this seemed to clear up or happen infrequently.
Now problem with focus lock about 50% of time- Push shuter 1/2 way Focus area box goes white to orange and stays there - does not go green. If I release button and repress1/2 way 1-4 times focus goes to green. Or sometimes if I zoom out/in focus works. If neither help turning camera off and on get focus working. Then can take 4-12 shots (or more) normally before problem resurfaces and we start over again.

I contacted Canon - Focus problem could be related to E18 error--Lens not moving correctly, perhaps hangs up on burr, alignment problem etc???

Options - Have it repaired by Canon Base price $120.00. Could be more - they will check out camera, send estimate for no charge and then let I can decide. Comes with 90 day warranty only related to this repair.

Option 2 - Canon upgrade program. S2 only upgrades to S2 , no S3's in program at this time.
Would get refurbished S3 with full replacement warranty for 6 months.
Cost is $175.00 plus tax and shipping. Lets say another $25.00

So repair - limited 90 day warranty $120.00
refurbished camera, full 180 warranty $200.00

Your thoughts please.
Note: The E-18 error is common with Canon cameras. A quick web search of "Canon" + "E18" will reveal hundreds of complaints. Canon does not recognize the error as a flaw. ConsumerAffairs reports that the error is due to a bellows claw that is too short.

Simply plugging in the camera to the computer using the AV/USB cord may reset the camera, buying another 10-20 shots, or completely solving the problem.