How prevalent is the lens error with the G12?

This is the first I've ever heard of it and I frequent several photog forums, so I'm betting it's not common at all.

I have a G12 and no lens problems. That is even after it accidently banging it into a chair with the lens extended. I was carrying it by holding the strap fully extended at arms length and the camera hit a chair. I was lucky I guess but I sometimes wonder if user abuse has a lot to do with lens issues including the shutters scratching the glass. I noticed soon after I bought the camera that it is natural to pick the camera up in a way that fingers apply pressure the lens shutters. I have been careful not to do that. There have been compaints by people of the shutters scatching the glass.

I wouldn't worry about it. The G12 is a fine camera and I would buy mine again if I had the opportunity.

G12 for 2+ years with no problems. Only problem I had was thinking the P7700 would be an upgrade to the G12. Silly me! Keeping the G12 until Canon adds the 28-200 lens.

Thanks Blackhat!

Sue

Thank you!

Sue

Thank you ddan!

Sue

SUE O''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''BRIEN wrote:

I've had a couple G12's and upgraded to the G15 but too many pictures were soft with the G15. I decided to buy another G12 and just read about the lens error and that the whole mechanism has to be replaced. There is actually a guy on EBay doing this for $35 and how I first heard about it and then researched the problem on the WEB. I didn't have any problem with mine or my G9 or G10. The mechanism has been changed on the G15 so it won't happen on that model. Any help will be appreciated.

Did you have any "lens errors" with your previous two G12s?  If not, why are you concerned now, you already have experience in the lack of "lens error" issues.

Thanks Rod.

Sue

I read on the net that the closing over the G15's lens is different and after looking closely at both of them, I can see the difference. I have always found the CCD sharper than the CMOS and that is my personal experience. I also have shaky hands and hate tripods.

Sue

http://www.pbase.com/osusana

SUE O''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''BRIEN wrote:

I've had a couple G12's and upgraded to the G15 but too many pictures were soft with the G15. I decided to buy another G12 and just read about the lens error and that the whole mechanism has to be replaced. There is actually a guy on EBay doing this for $35 and how I first heard about it and then researched the problem on the WEB. I didn't have any problem with mine or my G9 or G10. The mechanism has been changed on the G15 so it won't happen on that model. Any help will be appreciated.

Hi Sue,

I think the lens error is quite prevalent. I had the G10. whilst using the camera, the battery went flat and the lens became stuck in the extended position even after replacing a fully charged battery. I brought it to canon singapore and was told the lens had to be repaired for an exhorbitant sum. I was encouraged to trade-in for the G12. One year after using the G12, the same incident occured. While taking pictures, the battery went flat, leaving the lens in the extended position. This led to the same lens error message when a fresh batter was replaced. The camera is used indoors in the office, and never dropped or handled roughly. I am quite disappointed that there seems to be an inherent problem with the lens mechanism. The people at Canon tried to pass an excuse that the camera was handled poorly and that "dust partlcles had gone into the lens mechanism", but I disagree completely.

Anyone out there with similar gripes?

#annoyed

Having the same problem. G12 is nearly 3 yrs old, been one of my all fave cameras. A couple of times at power up the lens failed to open and shut down, tried a few times and all ok.

But now after taking a few shots I got the lens problem error, lens is now fully extended and camera gives lens fail error and shuts down. Recharged battery but no luck, its dead :(.

As an engineer I am tempted to dive inside. Feels like the lens motor has jammed, has never knowingly been bashed or damaged. Great camera but always weary of too many electrical bits, gimme me a manual zoom any day.

This lens error has just happened to me. I was outside taking pictures of my Sons birthday party and out of the blue I got this message"lens error, will shut down automatically, Restart camera".

The Camera has not been dropped or abused in any way. I started doing some research and found that I am not the only one with this problem. Canon needs to own up to this problem just like they did with the s-100.

It has been confirmed that some PowerShot S100 digital cameras encounter a lens error caused by a disconnected part inside the camera. This announcement conveys the details of the issue and Canon’s service policy for affected cameras.

Canon continuously strives to provide our customers with high quality, reliable products that can be used with confidence. We offer our sincerest apologies to any customers who have been inconvenienced.

Phenomenon
Some PowerShot S100 units (with the serial numbers listed below) may encounter a lens error due to a part becoming disconnected inside the lens. In particular, this lens error may occur when the camera is used in certain environmental conditions such as high temperature and/or humidity.

Affected Product
Some PowerShot S100 Digital Cameras within the following serial number range:

The first and second digits of the camera’s serial number are any number from"29" through"41."
For example: "29xxxxxxxxxx", "30xxxxxxxxxx"………"41xxxxxxxxxx"

Had my G12 since  Oct 2012 , been a great camera till Sat 28 May 2016. After taking a couple of shots zoom half out  The camera made a sound like a fax on the phone. and displays the (Lens error will shut down  automatically restart camera ), message. Now every time the camera is turned on the same thing happens the camera stays on for about 4 seconds.  As this has happened to others it should be easy and I hope not too costly to get  this fixed,  I shall find out soon.