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My Elph 310 hs broke...help?

Started Dec 16, 2011 | Discussions
jcline Regular Member • Posts: 151
My Elph 310 hs broke...help?

I plugged my 310hs into my TV to watch a video yesterday and apparently the HDMI cable was just too interesting to my 20-month-old. She gave it a tug and before I could catch it my camera fell (less than 3 feet) to the hardwood floor. I had always thought the lens assembly seemed fragile, and my fears were apparently founded.

The damage isn't terrible. The lens still retracts and extends normally, there seems to be no internal physical damage and it still takes photos as good as ever. The problem, as witnessed by the photos below, is that the lens cap assembly fell off.

My question is does anybody know of a repair manual of any sort for this camera? I was hoping for something like ifixit for instance, but I've done some quick internet searches to no avail. I also emailed Canon but I'm certain they'll just tell me to send it in which I'd rather not do. I plan on taking it into the camera store to see what they can do when I get free time, but who knows when that will be.

Until then, any ideas? Thanks in advance!

-JC

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J. Cline
Twin Cities, MN

Canon ELPH 310 HS (IXUS 230 HS)
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sueanne
sueanne Forum Pro • Posts: 21,078
Re: My Elph 310 hs broke...help?

Not sure if this helps but your picture reminds me of step4

http://www.myfixtips.com/blog/digital-camera/how-to-fix-a-sticky-lens-barrier-on-canon-a530-14.htm
(if you still have the springs, maybe there is a chance?)

jcline wrote:

I plugged my 310hs into my TV to watch a video yesterday and apparently the HDMI cable was just too interesting to my 20-month-old. She gave it a tug and before I could catch it my camera fell (less than 3 feet) to the hardwood floor. I had always thought the lens assembly seemed fragile, and my fears were apparently founded.

The damage isn't terrible. The lens still retracts and extends normally, there seems to be no internal physical damage and it still takes photos as good as ever. The problem, as witnessed by the photos below, is that the lens cap assembly fell off.

My question is does anybody know of a repair manual of any sort for this camera? I was hoping for something like ifixit for instance, but I've done some quick internet searches to no avail. I also emailed Canon but I'm certain they'll just tell me to send it in which I'd rather not do. I plan on taking it into the camera store to see what they can do when I get free time, but who knows when that will be.

Until then, any ideas? Thanks in advance!

-JC

-- hide signature --

regards,
sue anne

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OP jcline Regular Member • Posts: 151
Re: My Elph 310 hs broke...help?

Thanks for the link, I think it might be some help when I dig into this. I honestly don't recall seeing any springs. I looked all over, too, to see if any screws or springs had rolled off somehow.

Thanks,

-JC

-- hide signature --

J. Cline
Twin Cities, MN

OP jcline Regular Member • Posts: 151
Re: My Elph 310 hs broke...help?

Shoot. It's looking like I'm indeed missing a spring or something like that. I spent a good 45 minutes or so trying to get the blades to line up just right. I got them to match exactly what it would look like, but when the the "cap" was placed over them and the camera turned on, it just made a terrible whirring noise and did nothing.

So, back to square 1. Perhaps I'll go into a camera store and see what they might be able to do, perhaps I'll just keep it like this in a case at all times, perhaps it'll become the "around the house" camera, perhaps I'll see how much Canon wants to fleece me for the fix it.

Oh well, lesson learned. They sure make these things CHEAP these days! Though, that's not entirely true, the only mark on the thing from falling was the lens cap system breaking. There isn't a dent, scratch, or other mark to be found otherwise!

-JC

Ericsuth New Member • Posts: 1
Re: My Elph 310 hs broke...help?

Ran into the exact same problem! With a 20 mo. Old too!

We do still have one spring installed and don't see another spot for more ...maybe.
Can you tell me how this worked out for you, parts missing etc?

I'm currently trying to figure out how to put the blades together but I'm at Alissa so far...looking for pics of the assembly...will let you know what I figure out if anything.
Thanks, Eric

jmcarp Regular Member • Posts: 279
Re: My Elph 310 hs broke...help?

sueanne wrote:

Not sure if this helps but your picture reminds me of step4

http://www.myfixtips.com/blog/digital-camera/how-to-fix-a-sticky-lens-barrier-on-canon-a530-14.htm
(if you still have the springs, maybe there is a chance?)

Those are good, well-illustrated instructions. But be aware that you need a well-lit workspace, an extremely steady hand, perhaps a magnifying light or a loupe, and a LOT of patience. The springs are tiny and hard to get back in the proper position and orientation. I did this procedure on an old A520 that had a sticking lens cover. It worked OK for a while, but reverted back to its non-functional state a lot sooner than I expected.

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