Canon g9 Lens Stuck Open

[vccoffey]

I have a canon G9 that I bought used. I worked great for 2 months then one day I turned it on, the lens extended fully and stayed there. When I turn it on the motor makes a whining noise for a little while, then I get a "lens error" message. I've tried gently pushing on the lens barrel, banging the camera body against a hard surface (as recommended in some other forum I found) but no luck. I don't want to damage it further with these methods. The lens is stuck open.

I'm thinking about opening it up myself to see if I can free the mechanism. Does anyone know how easy this is to access? I'm pretty handy but I'm not a camera technician. If I need an expert, what do people think about a 3rd party repair company... who has a good reputation?

Thank you

Vernon

[Jakpro]

http://www.camerasandparts.com/

http://www.unitedcamera.com/

[Austin.Manny]

How about Canon service? ;)

[CarloY]

How about Canon service?
If I paid $5290 for a camera, maybe yes.
If I paid much less, P&S, and no more warranty... forget it. The CANON (cannot) Flat Rate quote is most likely all you'll get... $149 +10 one-way shipping. And that is assuming Canon will not find other ways to uplift the assessment of damages. +$$

Go 3rd party. IMO

[vccoffey]

Has anyone used camerasandparts.com? I tried searching for reviews of this site and didn't find a lot... a couple people raving about the site that might or might not be legitimate, and one bad experience. I'd love to save money, but I'd like a little more confidence going in.

Thanks

Vern

[Jakpro]

Have you tried searching the forum here? That is why I posted those two sites--based upon others' recommendations here regarding the servicing of the Canon G9.

If I were to send in my G9, I would use one of those two. Of course, no one can predict the outcome with 100% certainty.

[MontvilleMorgone]

Vern . . . I had the same problem with my G9. I sent it to Cameras&Parts and they fixed it for about $100 and returned it in about 10 days. I recommend using them.

[puttick]

You will only make it worse. Get it fixed. I had the same issue under warranty.