A720IS, emergency DIY repair?

I am writing from the Pacific Coast of Mexico, hundreds of miles away from any kind of camera repair facility.

My beloved A720IS has developed a problem (for the third time). The "shutter-like" assembly, in front of the lens, is stuck, half opened/half closed. I can, for the moment, temporarily, force it fully open with my finger.

It appears that this serves only to keep dust out of the lens, and has no other purpose. That being said, can I grasp the "shutter blades" with forceps, and physically pull them off, without causing an "open circuit.?" I realize that will permanently bastardize the camera...but this is an emergency, and the camera is terminal in any case.

Thanks, cameraless in Paradise,

del Sol

http://www.digitalcame​ra-hq.com …ts/canon-powershot-a720is

halfway down they speak of your problem.

Try to use a can of compressed air to shoot into the blades of the lens cover, it may blow out possible sand that got stuck between the blades. I fixed similar problem of two point & shoot cameras using this method. Good luck.

Thanks for the replies.

I tried compressed air, but had no luck.

I guess my question remains, "can I physically remove the "shutter blades", using forceps, or a scalpel blade, without causing an open circuit?"

Thanks, del Sol

Thanks for the replies....I can understand the reluctance to suggest that I butcher the camera.

HOWEVER, as I stated, this is an EMERGENCY situation; I did cut through the plastic (not metal) shutter blades, and the camera works!

Will protect it by using a case for the remainder of this trip.

Think it's time for an upgrade to an entry level Canon DSLR.

Any recommendations?

I don't shoot video.. most of my shooting is in brilliant sunlight, deep shadows, with very harsh lighting. I'm hoping the Digic 4 alogarithm will be most useful here.

Saludos!, del Sol