Is my Canon A75 toast ?

[canabiz]

Hello folks, my trusty Canon A75 practically stopped working on the 1st day of our vacation earlier. I turned it on and the LCD screen looked all fuzzy and flickering with lines, it took a while for the image to stabilize and I was able to take a few pictures.

I turned it off and turned it on the next morning and same problem, the difference this time is I was never able to see anything on the screen. Luckily, I had my Elura 100 camcorder with me and I used it to take the pictures or it would be a disaster. I tried to tinker with the camera (swapping batteries, removed the lenses cover etc) but no dice.

I might add that this camera was dropped (on a golf course) 2 years ago and I spent $90 to fix it and it worked quite well until now. Is it at the end of its life ?

I just picked up a Canon A590IS from Staples for $118 because I am going overseas in a couple of weeks. Just wondering if I should bother fixing this A75 again or simply let it go ? It has served me well for the past 6 years.

[Stock R]

Sorry to hear. Glad you at least had your camcorder on you. I always bring 2 cameras with me on trips. Came in particularly handy on my last cruise when my wide angle lens died for my dslr. Imagine being on vacation and only having a telephoto lens.

Anyways, google something along the lines of "canon trade up" program. People have been able to mail their broken older model canons back to Canon and paid a reduced rate for a new camera.

[Drthorne]

I also have the A75 and the image does not display on the LCD anymore. Canon is offering a free repair for it even if it's out or warranty. I just have not had time to phone them and get a rma yet. Check it out to see if you camera is experiencing this issue, answer #4

http://www.canon.ca/product_reg.asp?lng=en&pid=276&pname=PowerShot+A75&pr=0&shlink=http%3A%2F%2Fcanoncanada%2Ecusthelp%2Ecom%2 Fcgi%2Dbin%2Fcanoncanada%2Ecfg%2Fphp%2Fenduser%2Fs td%5Falp%2Ephp%3Fp%5Fli%3D%26p%5Fpage%3D1%26p%5Fpr ods%3D13%2C249%26p%5Fpv%3D2%2E249%26p%5Fcats%3D0%2 6p%5Fsearch%5Ftext%3D%26p%5Fnew%5Fsearch%3D1%26p%5 Fsearch%5Ftype%3Ddflt%26p%5Fsort%5Fby%3Ddflt
Service Notice: CCD Image Sensor Advisory (Updated Oct.31, 2006)
Enquiry

Important Notice About Your Canon Product: CCD Image Sensor
Answer




This Service Notice will update Canon Canada Inc.’s previous CCD Image Sensor Advisory, dated October 6, 2005.



It has come to our attention that the vendor-supplied CCD image sensor used in certain Canon digital cameras and digital video camcorders may cause the following malfunction: When the product is used in recording or playback mode, the LCD screen and/or electronic viewfinder may exhibit either a distorted image or no image at all. While reports of this malfunction have been rare in Canada, we have determined that it may occur if the product is exposed to hot and humid environments.

Notice of Additional Affected Products:
As a result of our continuing investigation of this malfunction, we have determined that the 11 models listed below, in addition to the 16 models listed in our Service Notice concerning this malfunction, dated October 6, 2005, may be affected.

Affected products:

- Camcorders: ZR60, ZR65 MC, ZR70 MC, ZR80, ZR85, ZR90, ELURA 40 MC, ELURA 50
- Digital Cameras A60, A70, A75, A300, A310, S230, SD100, SD110, A40(*), A80(*), A85(*), A95(*), S1 IS(*), S60(*), S200(*), S330(*), S400(*), S410(*), S500(*)

*Models added as of Oct.31, 2006

Malfunction:
It has been confirmed that the connecting parts of the internal wiring of the CCD used in affected products may become disconnected, especially if the affected products are stored or used in high-temperature and high-humidity environments. If this occurs, the signal is not output from the CCD normally in Shooting Mode, which may cause a distorted image or the absence of an image. This malfunction can be confirmed on the LCD monitor screen during shooting. The same malfunction also appears on the recorded image.

Canon's Response:
Effective immediately, and regardless of warranty status, Canon will repair, free of charge, the products listed above exhibiting the above-mentioned malfunction if Canon determines that the malfunction is caused by the CCD image sensor.

Canadian residents are kindly directed to contact the Canon Customer Information Centre for further assistance at 1-800-OK CANON. Support hours are Monday thru Friday - 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM (EST). Alternatively, if electronic support is preferred, please send your email using the Contact Us tab above. Please provide us with the camera's serial number or have it ready if contacting us by phone. Serial numbers are typically numeric and 10 digits in length.

This information is for residents of Canada only. If you do not reside in Canada, please contact the Canon Customer Support Center in your region.



We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by this issue, and appreciate your understanding in this matter. Thank you for your support and patronage of Canon products.

[shrugs*]

I had a Canon refurb A60 replaced through that recall (camera was purchased in 03, RMA service in 06).. easy breezy -- no questions asked and it was shipped, fixed, and returned within 2 weeks.

I'm assuming nowadays they'll just replace it with a newer model.

[canabiz]

I called Canon and will send the camera for service. The service rep confirmed this is a known issue.

In the meantime, I bought a Canon A590IS from Staples and will use it for my upcoming trip.

Thanks for the tip folks.