S230 lens problem. Screen is black

[randy127]

I bought S230 about 2 years ago...and I've had this same problem time to time(about 3 times). When it first happened, all I had to do was just turning off/on a couple of times, and it would be working fine...but...now it's gone...doesn't come back...
Alright...this is the problem...Turning on/off is working fine...I can review pictures fine...but when I set it to movie or camera mode, I see nothing on a screen...and...when I shoot, I get nothing...
I compared mine with my friend's S230...and...it seems like my lens doesn't open all the way...I mean...My lens kinda opens...but compare to my friend's, it doesn't open all the way...If I listen carefully, my friend's S230 makes longer sound when the lens opens(compare to mine...)...
Anyway...my screen is black(but it's working fine, when I review pictures in compact flash memory)...and when I shoot and review, all I get is black picture(nothing...but screen is on, though...)
I can take S230 apart compeletely...I've already done it...cuz I didn't wanted to spend another $60 to fix it(I spent $60 dollar to fix the same problem last time)...Can anybody tell me what parts to replace?

[S230]

WD40... I have the same problem as you do... I had my S230 for just as long and the shutter in front doesn't open properly. What I do is prior to taking a photo or just turning on the camera, I would use my finger to slightly force it open. An alternative is to use WD40 but this you have to be VERY CAREFUL. What's probably happened is you either got something stuck between the gap where the shutter goes in or the lens itself was pushed in a bit over time. This happens when you are not too careful. Look at the lens shutter as like your car window. Over time, buildup of dirt etc, it's difficult for your windows to roll down.

Hope this info helps.

[randy127]

Thanks for your reply...But I think my problem is a bit different from that...There is nothing wrong with zoom in/out(still screen is black though...-.-)...and...when I turn it on, the lens opens and comes out and all...It's really difficult to explain...from the outside, everything looks exactly same as with my friend's s230...If you take a close look, I can even see lens opening...but...it seems like there is supposed to be more...cuz...If I listen to My friend's and my s230...My friend's s230 makes longer sound when turned on...Mine makes a shorter sound(about .5 ~1 seconds...)...So...I think there is a problem inside of lens...or...lens part or something...can anyone help me?

[S230]

it's hard to tell unless I physically see it. Try draining the internal battery. Leave the battery out for several days and when the camera resets. Try again. If you hear it, it's something mechanical. If you know someone skillfull enough, maybe try taking apart and see if there is any dirt or something stuck. My honest opinion is if you can work around it, leave it alone.