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General discussion

Blank Screen on a Canon Powershot A610. HELP PLEASE!

Apr 13, 2007 11:52PM PDT

I've had my Powershot A610 (swivel LCD) for a little less than a year and half. It hasn't had any major problems, except for an E18 error last August from a lens that wouldn't retract, which was fixed by Canon and covered by my warranty.

Starting a little while ago, I would power up my camera and the screen would be black. All the icons were still visible, and I was able to take a picture, but when I switched over the mode to view the picture, it too was all black. However, after taking one or two of these "black" pictures, the camera would return to normal and function as it always had.

Today, I turned on my camera and the screen was black. However, even after taking HUNDREDS of blank photos, the LCD is still black (still, icons and the blue "Canon" logo appear at startup). I went onto the Canon website and typed in my serial number, etc. and was informed that the repair would be at least $107 plus applicable taxes and shipping (I'm not under warranty anymore), but of course that quote might go up once they receive the camera. I've read online that dead CCD repairs can be quite costly, but I don't really know.

What I'm really wondering is the rough estimate for the repair of my camera. I would send it to Canon and wait to receive the final quote, but I do need a camera in about 3 weeks. I was kind of hoping to purchase a smaller model, like an SD600 or SD1000 anyway, and if the repair is going to be substantially more than the original Canon quote, I'd prefer to just purchase a new camera now. I found an SD1000 for only $260 at Circuit City, so any repair costing more than $150 doesn't seem too worthwile to me at this point.

Also, by no means am I a camera expert. Based on my research I think the problem could be a dead LCD or CCD, but I really have no idea. I'm pretty sure that I've covered all the possible troubleshooting options (new batteries, switching shooting modes, pressing the display button), but any suggestions would be welcome.

Thanks!

Discussion is locked

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from researching

It does seem like a very small number of A610s have this problem. Has anyone tried to just hit the display button on the side. That button takes turns of the imaging on the camera.

On many forum threads, most people say that Canon service is very good....even from the thread that someone on this thread posted on there. I do have to ask a question to that person since it wasn't answered on dpreview. If you had 3 Canon cameras break in five years, why would you buy the second or third? My G2 is still going strong since I bought it in 2001.

Here are some threads on Canon service...including the thread that was started by someone who posted here.

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1010&thread=27762997&page=1
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1031&message=28027414&q=canon+service&qf=m
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1032&message=27858949&q=canon+service&qf=m
http://www.vendorrate.com/Vendors/Canon+USA+Inc
http://www.customersat.com/Resources/Newsletter/Q3_2007/Canon.htm

Sometimes "bad things happen"; every camera manufacturer has some instances where their product didn't work -- or didn't work well or long. How good that manufacturer appears to the person whose camera doesn't work is not debatable -- but how many of these instances are there? Consumer Reports does one of the best sampling of MANY users in its annual survey, and if you look at their ratings by manufacturer you can that Canon shows up very well compared to the other brands. Individual descriptions of faults and/or quality (plus and minus) abound in this thread, and I believe everyone who wrote described things truthfully as seen from their viewpoint.

Other camera manufactures have their off cameras too. These threads sound like this one except replace Canon with X.

http://www.camerahacker.com/Forums/DisplayComments.php?file=Digital%20Camera/Nikon/Nikon_Coolpix_5700_viewfinder_problem
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/cameras/nikon.html
http://www.camerahacker.com/Forums/DisplayComments.php?file=Digital%20Camera/Sony/DSC-H2_Shutter_release_button
http://www.my3cents.com/showReview.cgi?id=11661
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7813_102-0.html?forumID=58&threadID=246684&messageID=2481164
http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com/digital-cameras/kodak-easyshare-c340_question.html?qid=2493

Canon owns 41% of the market share of cameras(2007), and they wouldn't keep it by selling shoddy equipment. The next one is Sony at 16%. So if 5% of electronic cameras fail, then Canon would have two and half times more bad cameras then the closest competitor. The have more cameras go bad because they have more cameras out there. Their failure rate of cameras is good compared to the competitors and extremely good considering the amount of product they put out.

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Strawman
May 30, 2008 3:41PM PDT

CANON is fooling some of the people some of the time.

It's a question of trust... and integrity.

The A610 represents a fraction of their products, but for those who bought one in 2005, CANON's otherwise examplary service (according to you) doesn't help one bit. CANON's sales record just means they can just screw the unlucky consumers who bought the A610. That kind of attitude deserves a boycott and/or legal action.

The snide, nasty comments some people on this thread have received contrasts strongly with the picture you paint of CANON service. However, since most people have not bought an A610, they won't know about this. The failure of CANON to issue an advisory on the A610 just doesn't matter to people who didn't buy one, just as it doesn't seem matter to CANON. The question is not whether CANON stands behind its quality products, but their consumer support when they manufacture a lemon. On that issue, CANON fails miserably.

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Another Victim with A610 LCD issue
Jun 8, 2008 11:11PM PDT

I purchased the Canon A610 in December of 2005,about a week ago started having issues with the LCD, will not display in shoot or playback modes but will display menu,icons,logo etc.Spoke to Canon Tech support,said the camera will cost $107.00 to have it repaired or have the option to purchase a refurb. A560,called again spoke to Tech Support,explaining this is a known issue based on the volume of A610 owners that has the same issue,can you make a better compromise due to the fact this is manufact's defect.There was no compromise,the same offer was made as mentioned above,I bought 2-cameras and a printer from Canon.I am probably a dust particle amidst CANON'S customers but I will not purchase another Canon product.

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Don't be a Victim; Take Action!
Jun 8, 2008 11:47PM PDT

Most of these cameras were bought around the same time and have the same problem.

CANON is getting away with this because they know they can! Let as many people know as you can, and write the media--heck, protest at CANON HQ. Add your voice to Amazon and other reviews. I believe CANON profits were down last fiscal quarter; maybe one day they'll look at the facts and re-examine their "Advisory" policy.

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a question

Is there anything more to add on this subject. Feels like it's been beaten to death by all these new forum members who add one complaint and never to be heard from again. There could be a problem with the A610, but use a site meant to keep tally of the problem.

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Supervisors Will No Longer Help You
Jun 9, 2008 8:06AM PDT

kalel33 -- Yet another implicit defense of Canon (others: see post about 5 up). The Canon A610 is a real problem for those of us who bought it in the last few months of 2005. Not sure why you're tracking this thread that you're so tired of--you have the option of not reading it. : )

However, if you can suggest a site that will get a wider audience, we would all appreciate your help!

To the other poster--no, contacting a supervisor NO longer helps. YOu can try, but it appears that CANON has taken away their discretionary authority. Interesting that they once (after considerable negotiation) gave free repairs to some consumers, but now refuse.

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RE: Another Victim with A610 LCD issue
Jun 9, 2008 7:47AM PDT

Have you taken the advice of others in this thread and spoken to a supervisor yet? I'm sorry, but I just recently had this problem resolved (maybe a couple of months back? I can't remember my last post here) and I find it hard to believe that Canon has stopped offering the complimentary repair. Well, they never quite *offered* it to begin with... it does take a wee bit of stern complaining to get the supervisors to authorize the repair at no cost, however it is possible. Try again and speak to a supervisor this time. I'm pretty meek as it is, but even I was able to stand my ground and get my camera repaired for free!

For what it's worth, based on my experience, I would definitely buy from Canon again.

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Supervisors' Hands Tied
Jun 9, 2008 8:11AM PDT

The poster is correct: Recently, most posters have reported that superviors will not offer even a discounted repairs for the defective CCD sensor; however, one person was offered (and took) a discount on a different refurbished model.

You might want to ask a supervisor what it takes before CANON issues an "advisory" (equivalent to a recall). I'm pretty sure they'll either be rude or vague.

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A610 BLACK LCD
Jun 11, 2008 9:08AM PDT

Hi, I just came at home and thought I should take a look at the forums and I see you guys are pretty much still in persuant of the A610 issue,I am very happy to know this,I recently sent an e-mail out to the BBB and explained the issue and the volume of customers who has the A610 issue and that CANON had acknowledged on various model cameras that there was an issue with the CCD sensor due to the supply of a bad batch of CCD sensors from one of their suppliers,but will not acknowledge that some of the A610 has the very same issue, I also said if there is need to furnish info on the customers who had the same issue and had called CANON without getting a reasonable compromise from Canon,I am awaiting a reply from BBB,I will keep you all informed on the outcome,thanks again.

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Since we can't expect help, maybe. . .
Jun 10, 2008 2:55AM PDT

I received the 107 estimate to repair my a610. I'm not going to spend that kind of money on a camera that is a whole 3years old. Gosh, this is why I miss my Original Canon A1e film camera. I had that for 15 years.

Is it possible that there is a group of enthusiasts (don't laugh) who might be able to cobble together something out of these parts?

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In a word. Ebay.
Jun 10, 2008 3:07AM PDT

You can find dead things on Ebay to try to cobble such together but the awful thing here is the failure is much the same across the same model. Just look for the bath tub curve on user reviews on this model. You'll get Zero stars and five star user ratings since when it works it's a fine unit. When you see the E18 or other error the owner is upset no matter it's 13 or 31 months out of warranty.
Bob

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PowerShot A610 canon did good
Oct 4, 2008 5:18AM PDT

As others in this forum with same issue and purchased in the same time span
I followed what was stated in the other post requested to talk to supervisor and asked them to check it out. Armed with the information in this form and curtious presestence, they gave me a return label to send in. after checking the camera wasn't droped or spilled on they fixed the problem no charge. was happy with them

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My A610 screen went blank a month of so ago.
Dec 3, 2008 12:53AM PST

It was purchased Feb 06. I hope I am as fortunate as you were with getting the issue resolved.

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Powershot S200
Oct 25, 2008 9:27AM PDT

The same thing happened with my S200 purchased in 2005-ish (?). I will follow the suggestions and try to get it fixed. Otherwise, it's time for a new camera...I'm not crazy about this one anyway. Thanks for everybody's feedback.

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Canon S200
Oct 25, 2008 1:34PM PDT
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ME TOO!
Dec 25, 2008 11:38AM PST

I got the same problem as you. My friend bought me this camera for Christmas 2 years ago. I had it blank and then when I turned off and back on, it worked, but now it's completely dead. I called Canon and they offered me the 10% on new or refurbished camera. But I love the swivel screen. Plus there's meaning to this camera. I sent them an email through the website and I'm hoping to get this fixed.

Crossing my fingers and toes.

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and another
Jan 14, 2009 4:39AM PST

I too have been afflicted with the same problem. Bought my A610 in January 2006. I just talked to tech support twice, finally to a supervisor and he offered me 50% off the repair fee of $79.00 if there is no physical damage to the camera, and it is indeed the ccd image sensor. I could not get free shipping to the repair center, despite following the steps in an earlier post.
He also seemed to know of these posts on the forum, and of course said most A610's he has seen with this problem have had physical damage. Anyway, guess this issue is dead. Sad

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Same issue on the A610
Jan 28, 2009 2:43AM PST

screen went blank a few months back and ended up getting a small pocket camera but i miss the great pics from the 610. guess on day ill try to make the call and see if i get anywhere. Is there any camera with the same quality and speed of the 610 out now for the same price?

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Same Price and Quality
Jan 28, 2009 6:28AM PST

There is no quality in an A610. You could buy a $10 throwaway and do better. Boycott CANON until they recall this turkey!

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Make this an excuse to move to a DSLR :)
Feb 2, 2009 5:11AM PST

The refurb unit (a710IS) which I got 20% from Canon now just acts as my backup unit. I used this as an excuse to upgrade my PnS to a Nikon DSLR. Now I have more control, features, accessories, etc.

I'm now enjoying this hobby more than ever! Happy

neo

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Here's How to Get Canon to Respond: Complain to BBB
Feb 9, 2009 8:48AM PST

I basically complained to the BBB (Better Business Bureau). Search for Canon...the one you're looking for is Canon I.T.S., and it's located in Virginia. Then proceed to file a complaint. Make sure it's factually based and include various forum links regarding the black screen issue.

I got a call from them within a week. The gal claimed to be from the office of the president. In a nutshell, both my A610 and my A550 had died not too long after warranty and of the same black screen problem. They offered a courtesy repair. You will need a copy of your original receipt and warranty card from the box though, so hopefully you have an e-copy somewhere that you can just print out.

Don't go through the repair center. Those guys are drones that don't have the authority or incentive to offer you free upgrades. Go straight to the top. And the easiest way to is complain through the BBB. Don't let Canon get away with shoddy products and indifferent service!

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I fixed mine. Fluke?
Mar 29, 2009 7:18AM PDT

After reading through this thread, I decided to try a couple of things. I don't think people's CCD are dead. I managed to revive my screen from being black by setting the camera into drive mode with the shortest time between pictures and the flash set to automatic. Low and behold, my screen suddenly came back to life! I was just about to give up on this camera but decided to throw the kitchen sink at it. This looks like a software issues rather than hardware. Don't throw away your A620s just yet!

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Fluke, You Named the Wrong Camera
Mar 29, 2009 10:32AM PDT

You said a Canon A620 in your post. It's the Canon A610 that has the malfunction, especially A610's purchased during a certain time period. Very glad you were able to fix yours, most of the rest of us with the A610 on this thread have been screwed by this despicable company.

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This may not be a CCD issue, but a stuck shutter
Jun 20, 2009 6:02PM PDT

I posted this previously, but it may have been removed as possible spam. The issue of black pictures is more likely to be caused by a stuck shutter with this model camera. There is a procedure to check for a stuck shutter, along with a couple simple repair techniques for a stuck shutter that do not involve opening the camera. However, these fixes may be only a temporary solution. But reviewers please consider keeping the following link, it's not intended as spam, it is relevant to the issue, and it may be particularly helpful to the readers:

http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2009/05/simple-fix-for-stuck-shutter.html

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BBB doesn't always work
Apr 17, 2009 4:19AM PDT

I reported to BBB, canon called, they would not fix it for free, only discount repair or discount new product.
she said she was unaware of black lcd issue ( LIE ) and was not aware of japanese site fixing the problem for free and that it was a heat problem, said there was an impact dent and that it was out of warranty any way.(NO DENT WHEN I SENT IT) Said the canon engineers said it was not a problem that the other cameras were having (she lied right there , if she didn't know about the black lcd issue than how did she know the a610 was not on the list.

why did she call when I sent it in and refused to pay $87 for repair

A610 is defective and canon refuses to stand by products
now it remains in a box waiting for recall or class action suit

her name is Michelle 1 -866-886-1901 ext. 2375

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Dent problem for everyone?!
Jun 25, 2009 12:48AM PDT

It is so funny that they are telling everyone that their problem was due to "impact dent". That was their explanation to me as well, even though there was no dent. Although I got them to fix mine for $25, the lens is now getting stuck on me, these cameras are just lemons... it makes me so mad b/c I have spent so much money on Canon cameras and SLR stuff. I really hope there is some sort of resolution on this soon, I have already bought a new Point and shoot, but this was not a cheap camera when I bought it... $300 for a point and shoot is pretty hefty for it to only work for a few months.

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Dent Problem
Jun 25, 2009 2:03AM PDT

Very suspicious indeed to find so many models of the same Canon, bought around the same time period with "dents." I just hope the new camera you bought was not a Canon. Too bad we don't have a lawyer inour group of ripped-off people.

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Can I fix this black screen issue myself?
Jul 8, 2009 8:42AM PDT

I have the same issue with blank screen in camera mode (can view old pictures but all new pics are black screen); menu and everything still works in camera mode, just no picture.

This has been repaired once already and Canon will charge $120 to repair it 2nd time around.

I'm curious if this is something I can repair myself? If it's a CCD issue is that something I can purchase and replace myself; if so, does anyone know where I would buy new CCD from?

Thank you.

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Fix
Jul 9, 2009 3:16AM PDT

I can't say whether you could fix it or not, but before sending mine into Cannon for repair I took it to a local camera repair shop. The guy opened it (said there was no damage in or out), but said it would be a more to repair than to buy a new camera. That sux, good luck.

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Canon fixed it fast!
Jan 14, 2010 6:26AM PST

Thanks to this forum, I contacted Canon about the blank screen to my Powershot 500. Even though it was purchased in 2005, they were great! They issued me a return slip, sent a prepaid UPS mailing label, updated by email when the received the camera, fixed it and sent it back FAST (FedEx) - all at no charge (because nothing else was wrong with it). I am really impressed! It is now 4 years since purchase - I call this excellent customer service!