sx100is problem - sticking diaphragm, and fix

[cdmcguire]

Hi,

I lost my Powershot S3 about 2 weeks ago and went out and bought an SX100IS. Very happy with it .... until today. The screen suddenly went black whilst taking some photos (if you look closely you can see some very faint white noise flickering on the screen). Now all the photos it takes are completely black.

All the menu/func items work and are shown on screen, I can review previous photographs no problem, the zoom seems to work (I can hear/see it moving), but when I try to compose a photo all I see is the black screen of death (icons e.g. iso/focus box are displayed as normal). When I take a photo my black screen of death is captured faithfully by the camera.

Has anyone else had this problem or know what it might be? Is it the sensor? What is the incredibly faint white noise? Any help would be greatly appreciated before I take it to a camera repair shop.

Ho Hum

[midnight_rider]

Wow, that almost sounds like you sensor or lens has lost its connection. I hope I am wrong. How long have you had the camera? I know that your post would indicate 2 weeks. I meant to ask how old the camera is? Did you buy it new?

[cdmcguire]

Wow, that almost sounds like you sensor or lens has lost its connection. I hope I am wrong. How long have you had the camera? I know that your post would indicate 2 weeks. I meant to ask how old the camera is? Did you buy it new?

I have had the camera just over a week and I bought it new (in Korea, but it strangely came with a Japanese manual). Not sure about the warranty due to my inability to read and speak Korean/Japanese.

I havent dropped or mishandled the camera (yet) and the problem suddenly occurred whilst composing a photo. Total bummer.

[midnight_rider]

I have had the camera just over a week and I bought it new (in Korea, but it strangely came with a Japanese manual). Not sure about the warranty due to my inability to read and speak Korean/Japanese.

I havent dropped or mishandled the camera (yet) and the problem suddenly occurred whilst composing a photo. Total bummer.

Would it be possible to take it back to the store of purchase? Most places have at least a 14 day return or exchange period.
I use to have the sx100is and it gave me no problems. It is a great camera.

[cdmcguire]

Looks like my only option. It was a little back street place in Busan where I bought it, so i'm not sure what their policy is, probably to feign ignorance, but I can try. I live in the middle of nowhere so its going to be a 3 hour bus ride to get there. Fingers crossed. Thanks for replying.

[midnight_rider]

Good luck.

[cdmcguire]

Just found this page.

http://www.fixya.com/support/t295396-canon_s2_black_screen

Actually seems to have fixed the problem, but I shall not get my hopes up just yet. Totally bizarre, feels like witchcraft.

Bemused, but happy.

[cdmcguire]

Might be worth putting this information as a sticky? How would I do that?

[Jon]

You don't. Only a moderator can. However a better solution would be to change the thread title to reflect the problem and that it's solved (again, a moderator option) so it can be searched for. I've done this.

[cdmcguire]

Thank you. I've cut and paste the info just in case the link disappears in the future....

The solution is:
1. Move the camera to TV mode(the wheel with AUTO,M,TV,...)
2. Set the exposure time to 15 seconds(15")
3. Take a picture.
4. After 7 seconds remove the batteries and put them back on.
5. Repeat the procedure until it works.

Note: You could also just quickly remove the lid of the batteries and put it back on. Also repeat the above several times until it works.

[Jon]

Still, if it happens during the camera's initial week or two, you're better off exchanging it. If it occurs from the outset, it's likely to only get worse over time.