shutter release not working S100

[sandysorlien]

Hello,

I am suddenly having problems with my S100. It will not take the picture when I press the shutter release. In case I had accidentally changed something, I did a Reset to Defaults. Then it worked, briefly, before returning to not working. It also would not let me change My Colors.  Everything else seems to be working fine.  Any ideas?

[whofan]

I just joined the "community" so I could also voice my frustration on this issue.  I've had a S100 (bought from ebay, origin was Hong Kong) and the camera has functioned very well for about 2 years and then all of a sudden starting doing a whole lot of nothing when I pressed the shutter button, seems to focus, beeps but then does not take the photo.

I tried resetting to factory settings, reformatted the SD card, changed SD card, tweaked settings in the camera that I thought may be effecting this function and this didn't improve anything.

I then followed the "blowing" technique and this has improved somewhat giving me the ability to take photos occasionally, not really good though as you want to take your camera for granted, like your car, you want it to work every time without fail or you will loose the opportunity to capture precious moments.

So I trawled the Internet and found this forum and I thought I'd add my voice.

My serial number is 44813200xxxx

It seems that the "spay" is temporary solution and the fitting of the spare part is the way to go for a more permanent solution.  My question is this:

By fitting the new part are we just replacing "like for like" and so we're going to see the problem manifest again in the future or is there an understanding that this replacement part is superior to the original and so the problem should no re-appear?

[wallygaw]

Good question about the 'like for like'. I don't know and haven't seen anyone post anything about a second failure after the repair.

The repair is a bit intricate, I may have damaged my new component on fitting, mine doesn't power up anymore.

[Danluckett]

 Who knows if the new part is better. I've ordered one and am waiting for it.Seeing the problem Wallygaw is having, and the question you raise, I wish I had ordered two or three of the parts. Cost of the part is $10. Probably costs the same to ship 3 parts vs one. I can live with having to change the part every 3 years or so if necessary. Anyway, what's the alternative?

[John_]

Where are you getting that part ? Does Canon sell them ? If so I wonder if they are doing it just because of this chronic problem with this particular model and it's their way of compromising. Usually OEM's dont sell parts because of liabilities as well as profit losses.

Your right it might have been wise to buy more than one of those FPC's.

Even after reading most of all these posts I went and bought a used S100 because I wanted a small camera at times to carry with me, small yet with all the functions and quality photos I would need. During the course of following this thread I've read the user guide many times which also helped me make the decision.

Plus now I know how to take them apart and fix them too lol !

[Danluckett]

Got this info from post by Angeloweb:

"CM1-7226-000, description says FPC ASS'Y TOP.

I went through a couple of transfers to get to Parts the first time I called, but it looks like you can get them direct at 1-866-481-2569, 9am-7pm eastern."

Placed order by phone and credit card. Will post more after I receive and install.

[John_]

Thats great info thanks ! I've seen parts listed on auction sites but we all know thats kind of chancey. 

[Danluckett]

Well, I am pleased to report that I received my replacement shutter release asssembly today and it being a rainy cold day I was glad to have an indoor activity. Refer to Angeloweb's post for order instructions. My repair was successful. As Angeloweb reported, this is a tedious job. If your eyes are over the age of 12 years I would recommend having magifying glasses like jewelers and dentists use. And a flashlight. I used an exacto knife to gently pry loose the old assembly. This was the right tool -- if I had it to do over I would use the same. I did not re-glue the new part. It is not going anywhere, and this will facilitate doing it all again if needed.I recommend using your other camera to record  what things look like before removing each part. Also, make notes about where each screw goes. The most tricky part is inserting the new part into the main connector. It's a matter of gently wiggling and pushing, but you are pushing a flexible thing, like the proverbial wet noodle being pushed up hill. If you take a photo of the old assembly before unplugging it you will have a bit more confidence knowing when you have gotten the new one in far enough. I would not grip the circuit with anything metal -- this is a very delicate part. I was very gentle removing the old one, but some conductors got cut anyway. Take your time, don't force anything, make good notes and you will get there. Examining the old part I can't see the defect. There is a slight indentation where the plunger pushes on the white membrane, but I don't think that is culprit. Pressing the membrane there is a dentent -- but the old one does not work and the new one does. Maybe it's the solder joint(s), but I can't see them well enough to tell. Why did the Deoxit work for a while? A mystery. So at least a couple of us have fixed the S100 with the factory replacement part. Good luck to those who go for it in the future.

[Danluckett]

See my latest post

[Argh]

Also, having this problem.  Sent the camera in for repair and they want $160.83 for what looks to be a Canon problem.  The person I spoke to in their "manufacturing" dept said there is no problem with the S100 shutter release.  I've already filed a complaint in the petition site (http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/canon-powershot-s100-request-to-recall-shutter) and next stop the BBB.  I suppose Canon will send the camera back unrepaired and I will have to fix this myself if I can at all.  Is there a best option or fix for this problem for an "at home repair?"

FWIW:  the Serial number: (Mod Note: Removed serial number per forum guidelines) as far as I can tell since the last few digits of the S/N were hard to read.

Looking at the part replacement option, how much time did the repair take?  Ordering part(s), getting tools and replacing the part?  It's seems almost worth letting Canon replace the part or just ebay it..and NEVER buying Canon products.  What a mess Canon has created for their customers.

[John_]

$163.00?  Canon is selling refurbished SX50HS cameras right now for $193.00...10 times the camera and features !

In fact they have a big refurb sale going on now, or you can repair it yourself for a fraction of that price.

$163 is what Canon was selling the S100 refurbs for a little while ago.