Help - Error 18! Need ideas.

[Pretty3Horses]

I have a 2 yr old Canon S2 IS. It has the error 18 problem, which after googling, is a pretty common problem with Canon. I have found instructions on how to fix it – but honestly, I would not want to take this camera apart myself. I’d surely mess something else up!

I have tried everything else – bumping the camera to dislodge the lens, gently twisting it, everything. For those of you who may not know, Error 18 is when the lens gets stuck inside the camera as its trying to come out. It is making a “click click click” sound, but nothing happens. I can power it on and view images, but when I flip it into photo taking mode, the lens trys to come out and it clicks, then shuts off.

I can’t do anything with this camera. Does anyone have suggestions? I live in a rural town, there is no option for a camera repair shop. The nearest camera shop won’t work on digitals.

[DavidW]

E18 is the universal 'something is stuck' error with the lens assembly. It's not a single problem with a single cure.

You're hearing clicking, so something is stuck or broken. Probably your best option is to contact a Canon service centre and get an estimate for repair, though the repair will probably involve replacing the entire lens assembly and probably won't be cheap.

It may be time to upgrade to a new camera (S5 IS?) - whilst I am no fan of the current trend in treating things that are broken as disposable, you have to weigh up the repair quote against the cost of a new camera with, amongst other things, a warranty.



David

[Pretty3Horses]

I've been told I just need to toss it out. And while, I cringe even thinking about it, the camera is totally useless as nothing can be done if the lens won't come out. I am not experienced enough to take it apart - though I suppose I could try, if I have no other option.

I am checking into buying a new camera, but this unfortunately, is my second Canon to do this, I'm hesitant to upgrade now to another Canon :(

Would i

[Jethro790]

E18, yep, I've been through half a dozen compact Canons myself and 3 of them went due to E18. Unless you fix them yourself, there is no point to send the Camera in, unless it's under an extended warranty. I pay the premium for buying at Best Buy, get the longest warranty I can and that is how long the camera lasts. The E18 problem is covered. These things are disposable to a point.

[sonnyJ]

another warranty possibility was given to me by Angstrom , see thread repair vs refurbish.

Here is his advice - it worked for me credit card co had me send them camera, they elected to send me full refund. I used $$ to get S3.

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.