Camera Craniums: The Photography Community for Enthusiasts

Photography Equipment => Compact Cameras => Topic started by: SimonW on November 21, 2009, 09:03:48 AM

Title: Is my camera dead?
Post by: SimonW on November 21, 2009, 09:03:48 AM
My constant companion and trusted servant since 2003, my Canon Ixus 400, has failed me. Part way through my Mum's 90th birthday party of all things. The LCD started showing multiple moving horizontal lines like interference on an analogue television. I hoped it was just the screen, but no, they're ruining every photo it took at well. I assume it's a sensor problem and beyond economic repair. But I would love someone on the forum to tell me I'm wrong and how to fix it!

Do all digital cameras have such a relatively short lifespan compared to film cameras or am I just a little unlucky this time?
Title: Re: Is my camera dead?
Post by: Malcolm1938 on November 21, 2009, 10:32:13 AM
Hi Simon
Does not sound too good - some but not all electronic items have a reset button which is usually at the bottom of a tiny hole - I dont know your camera but have a look round for a possible reset button. Try taking out the batteries for an extended period (over 1 hour) and see how it restarts after they are put back. Still no joy an email to Canon service department for confirmation of death... Sorry I cant be more helpful

Title: Re: Is my camera dead?
Post by: picsfor on November 21, 2009, 11:45:00 AM
yes - would agree with the above, and in answer to you other question - electronic cameras do not have as long a shelf life as film cameras.

That is why you will read about life spans of 'x' shutter actuations. Not all about technology is better! 
Title: Re: Is my camera dead? Canon deserves some praise.
Post by: SimonW on December 09, 2009, 04:32:40 PM
As CannOffice suggested (and thank you to him for that) I emailed Canon, and although I told them the age of the camera they advised me to send it to their repairer (A J Johnstone in Glasgow) and said they might fix it free of charge. So that's what I did, and the postman has just brought it back - in full working order. They didn't even charge for the return postage.

Amazing, and of course very welcome - a recommendation for Canon.
Title: Re: Is my camera dead?
Post by: Alfonso_Frisk on December 09, 2009, 04:36:50 PM
Now that is excellent news and customer service.
Good to see some positives for a change.
Title: Re: Is my camera dead? Canon deserves some praise.
Post by: Oldboy on December 09, 2009, 05:28:18 PM
Quote from: SimonW on December 09, 2009, 04:32:40 PM
As CannOffice suggested (and thank you to him for that) I emailed Canon, and although I told them the age of the camera they advised me to send it to their repairer (A J Johnstone in Glasgow) and said they might fix it free of charge. So that's what I did, and the postman has just brought it back - in full working order. They didn't even charge for the return postage.

Amazing, and of course very welcome - a recommendation for Canon.


Well if you don't ask you don't receive! Well done Canon. That must have put a smile on your face.  ;D
Title: Re: Is my camera dead?
Post by: Hinfrance on December 09, 2009, 07:19:43 PM
That is brilliant - and so rare, which makes it even more brilliant.

Title: Re: Is my camera dead?
Post by: magicrhodes on December 10, 2009, 10:29:52 AM
I had send my D40 back to Nikon after 18 months for a new shutter and they charged me £150... I would have been alot happier if I had had this level of service...  >:( >:(