Idea from https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2383334?start=0&tstart=0
Using 2.8 GHz iMac and OS 10.6.8 I have developed a problem that seems to have stumped Apple at the AppleCare and the Engineers levels. Certain application launches lead to the Image Capture Extension running and progressively consuming all CPU use to the point that the Mac becomes useless. Other processes continue, but take longer and longer to execute. Simply clicking a file has no effect for minutes. Same for moving windows or any other Finder function. Certain applications will not run at all. Filemaker Pro 9 and 11 hang after their banner appears. iPhoto quickly slows to the point of not responding. Using Activity Monitor to spot the problem and using Quit Process to stop Image Capture Extension will restore some functions, but it will not reverse the fatal effect on FileMaker, iPhoto, and some other applications. The Apple engineers are still working on this, but it seems weird that with the problem identified they can't provide a solution, and I've been living with it for weeks as each AppleCare session leads to more referrals back to the Engineers and days of waiting for the expert to get back to me.
Has anyone had a similar problem??? Does anyone have a suggestion???

Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic