Canon Powershot A series, G series, S series, and SD series repairs at MCVR

MCVR-Morgantown Camera & Video Repair
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Canon Powershot Repairs

Canon Powershot digital camera repairs

The Canon Powershot cameras are the most repairable digital point-and-shoot cameras on the market.  The parts prices are reasonable (compared to other manufacturers), and Canon parts and repair service are excellent.  We can usually get parts within a few days without incurring rush shipping charges.  Below we have listed some of the most common repairs.  For other repairs, please <call us or send an email>.

Common Repairs:

Replacing a broken or cracked LCD display screen:

  • Powershot A Series:  $90 for most all models (a few dollars less on some)
  • Powershot S Series (S30 - S80, S100-S500, S1-IS, S2-IS): $90 for most models (a few dollars less on some)
  • Powershot SD200, SD300, SD400, SD630: $100 (the LCD for these models is more expensive)
  • All other Powershot SD Series models (including SD700IS and 800IS): $90
  • Powershot G2, G3: $90.  Some other G series Powerhot models cost $10-20 more because of the higher parts cost.

Replacing the release button (the button you press to take a picture):

  • $60 on most Powershot S series and SD series models
  • $80 on Powershot A510, A520, A530, A540, A610, A620, and most other A and G Series models
  • WHAT?!? - Sadly, Canon does not supply the release button separately for most models, so we have to purchase the entire front cover, top cover, or zoom switch unit.  There is nothing we or even the folks at Canon USA can do about it - that's the only way the parts are available from Japan.  Remember, Canon still has the best parts service and the most reasonable parts prices of anyone in the business.  This is one of the few cases where their parts policy seems a bit unreasonable. 
  • Some release buttons fit more than one model and we occasionally have salvage parts that we can use to save about half of the above cost.  They don't tend to last long because this is a common repair.  You have to call to see what we have available.

Replacing battery covers and CF card covers:

  • Between $28 and $38 on all Powershot models (depending on parts cost)

Replacing CF pin units (with bent or broken pins):

  • Between $80 and 90 on all Powershot models using CF cards (the SD card sockets rarely have problems).  If the camera also will not power up, the pins have probably shorted together and blown fuses.  This will usually add about $15 to the repair cost, as long as no other major parts are needed)

No power at all (camera is totally dead):

  • $80-$90 on all Powershot models.  All digital cameras contain power units called DC/DC converters.  Power failures can be caused by failed converters and/or blown fuses.  This estimate includes replacing the converter if necessary, but assumes that no other major parts are needed.  If the CF pins are also bent, see the section above. 

Flash repairs:

  • $90 on all Powershot models (we may have to send a slightly higher estimate for some models.  Most flash repairs require replacing the flash unit.

Lens repairs (the lens will not zoom properly,  E18 is displayed on screen, or the zoom gears make a "stripping" sound):

  • Lens repairs fall into two categories.  Many times, we can repair the lenses by disassembling them and putting the zoom assemblies back into alignment.  Other times, there are broken parts inside the lens and the entire lens unit has to be replaced (Canon, like most manufacturers, does not sell internal parts for lens units)
  • We estimate all lens repairs at $90.  This is for lenses that do not have broken parts inside.  We are able to repair about 80-90% the jammed lenses we get at this price . 
  • If there are broken parts inside the lens, we will contact you with an estimate and an expected time frame for lens replacement. 
  • The cost of lens replacement is fairly high - usually $120-140, depending on the model.  This makes lens replacement marginally economical on some models, especially models over two years old.  If you do not want the lens replaced, there is no charge except return shipping ($9-10 for most locations and only if you want the camera sent back to you).
  • We forward the cameras to Canon for lens replacement because of the parts cost and the need for reprogramming of the system.  Canon discounts the repair to us, so the amount we charge is about the same as it would cost for you for you send the camera directly to Canon.  We do this as a service to our customers when we are unable to repair the lenses.

The camera takes blank images, or the image is distorted

  • There are a number of digital cameras models sold by Canon, Fuji, Konica-Minolta, Nikon, Olympus, Ricoh, and Sony (and possibly others) which use CCDs (image sensors) manufactured by Sony which have had a high rate of failure.  Details can be found at http://www.imaging-resource.com/NEWS/1128958202.html
  • Most manufacturers will replace defective CCDs affected by this problem at no charge, regardless of warranty status.  This service advisory (technically, it is not a "recall", since recalls are related to safety issues) only applies to certain models and certain serial number ranges.
  • If your camera exhibits the symptoms listed above, we recommend following the link or calling Canon Customer Service at 800-OKCANON.  We do not replace the CCDs in Powershot models.
These estimates are pre-approved prices. They are usually accurate, as long as the listed repair is the only service needed.  Please attach a note to the camera describing the problem and approving the listed estimate.  We will NOT exceed that amount without notifying you first. This will reduce the repair time.  If we find other problems with the camera or need to change the estimate, we will notify you.  The prices listed do not include the return shipping charge.

<Click here> for a printable repair request form  and optional mailing label

<Click here>  for detailed information on shipping your camera and our return shipping rates and policies

We recommend contacting us before sending your camera for repair, especially if it is more than eight years old.
 

Want to buy the parts and do it yourself?  We sell some parts for the Powershot series.  We don't think most people should try to replace their own LCDs, but we do sell them for most models.  The cost ranges from $56-68 (plus $6 shipping and handling) for most models.  We do not accept returns on damaged parts and do not offer any technical phone support.  If you are experienced with this sort of repair, have a steady hand and the right tools, and are willing to take the risk to save about $30, this may be an option.