Update Firmware on Powershot V1 with a blank screen?

[wandernat]

I have a Canon Powershot V1 that I've only used a few times. Today I got it out to record some video and turned it on while I was setting up a few things. I noticed the screen started to dim but assumed it was a time out issue.

I googled the problem and saw someone on reddit talking about a firmware update to address the issue.

I downloaded the update, transferred it to my SD card and put the SD card back into my camera. The problem is, the screen is still blank, therefore I cannot use the Menu to install the firmware.

Is there any way to fix my screen problem?
Thanks in advance.

[wq9nsc]

Are you sure the battery is fully charged and functional?

If so, then you could try pulling the battery pack and let the camera sit several hours.  Then reinstall battery and power up and if the screen comes on then immediately start the update process.

But this is likely going to be a Canon service issue because I would be surprised to see a "glitch" due to firmware suddenly become a permanent issue long after the camera was sold.

Rodger

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

I would attempt to confirm and / or resolve the screen issue before attempting to upgrade your firmware.  

It is never wise to upgrade or attempt to upgrade your firmware when your camera is malfunctioning or exhibiting unexpected or abnormal behavior.  

[wandernat]

Ok, then how do I fix the screen issue. Please refer to the info I provided in my original post.

[kvbarkley]

You can try to attach a monitor/TV with the HDMI terminal.

[wandernat]

Just wanted to give an update.

My V1 does turn back on with the screen working after a few days. However, if I let the screen fade out again, the problem returns. With the screen off, I can still take photos, I just can't see what I'm taking photos of.

So I decided to send it to the Canon Factory Service center.

They have quoted me an estimate of $434 without even looking at it. They say they must receive payment before even looking at it. They are going to just automatically replace the screen because I said it's not working. But of course, I have no idea if the screen needs to be replaced, if there is a software issue, or if I have it on some setting that I can't figure out how to reverse.

I picked this V1 up 2 days after it launched. Life got in the way of me using it too much. And then one month after the warranty was up, this problem arises. Pretty disappointed in Canon at the moment. 

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

As far as timing goes, I'm sorry your camera appears to have failed a month out of warranty.  

It's reasonable to assume that Canon has performed a cursory diagnostics on your camera.  This would include them plugging it into a reader that performs a diagnostics on the hardware.  It might be worth while to contact customer service if you are literally weeks out of warranty, and see if they can help.  You can also ask for slight reduction in the repair cost.  Answer might be a no, but won't hurt to ask.  

Also, I'm quite sure your issue is not related to firmware.  As I said previously, it's never a good idea to attempt or upgrade firmware on a camera that's malfunctioning or exhibiting unexpected behavior.

[wandernat]

Final update: Canon Factory Service did tell me they did an initial assessment but wouldn't tell me what the assessment was. Additionally, if I were to agree to pay for the repair, I would be agreeing to: a repair on the camera I sent *or* a refurbished model. But they wouldn't tell me in advance which option it would be in my case. 

I opted to refuse the service since they could not simply tell me what was going on. If I take my car to the mechanic, I'm not paying for repairs if they can't be specific.

I received my camera back today. There were new scuff marks on it that weren't there before. The camera now has a new problem: I gently set it down while waiting for the screen to fade to replicate the original problem. It froze upon being put down. I had to take the battery out to get it to even turn off and then back on. 

I used a Canon film camera in college for my photography classes and photojournalism internship. I have a Canon printer that does amazing prints. So I'm very disappointed in this outcome. The only way I could imagine buying a Canon product again is if they issue a software update in the future to fix this problem, if that's even an option. But if it truly was a physical issue, I'll never know - because Canon won't tell me.