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Canon SX30 IS rapid fire problem!

Started Jul 9, 2017 | Discussions
Nordrive New Member • Posts: 4
Canon SX30 IS rapid fire problem!

Hi all I am new to this web site and need some ideas please

My Canon SX30 IS has developed a problem where on pressing the power on button the lens rapidly partially extends and retracts at the rate similar to machine gun firing . See video . Any ideas or polite suggestions please ?

Thanks

video link to vimeo

https://vimeo.com/224831670

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS
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I2K4
I2K4 Senior Member • Posts: 1,441
Re: Canon SX30 IS rapid fire problem!

I have an SX10 that works well. As you'll know, pressing in shooting mode the lens should smoothly extend about 1/2" out to 28mm equiv line and stop - your video show it jittering at the start. To me it suggests the motor pushing out the lens is trying but either jammed by some external obstruction or some mechanical component is broken. On my camera I don't find any user accessible way into the mechanism to look.  If adventurous, you can google around to look for more ambitious disassembly advice.

I've had good success with electrical contact spray (pure ethanol, no lubricants) freeing up the control wheel once on the SX10, and often with sticky keyboards and malfunctioning internals in PCs and stereo equipment. I would personally try spraying it into the jittering to see if that removes some problem grit or grease, and failing a clean out, I'd try tapping it with a hammer from various angles. My guess is a professional repair would cost more than upgrading to a later model bridge camera, so after due diligence on that, enjoy the DIY repair experience - even if you smash it to bits. Good luck.

Chaplain Mark
Chaplain Mark Veteran Member • Posts: 6,539
Re: Canon SX30 IS rapid fire problem!

Nordrive wrote:

Hi all I am new to this web site and need some ideas please

My Canon SX30 IS has developed a problem where on pressing the power on button the lens rapidly partially extends and retracts at the rate similar to machine gun firing . See video . Any ideas or polite suggestions please ?

Thanks

video link to vimeo

https://vimeo.com/224831670

Your camera unfortunately has developed a lens error, which  may or may not be repairable.

I looked at the Canon website to locate a firmware update for the SX30IS, but could find none.

I would say the prognosis does not look good, I'm sorry.

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Chaplain Mark
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OP Nordrive New Member • Posts: 4
Re: Canon SX30 IS rapid fire problem!

Thanks for your reply . I will try your advice and agree about the nothing to loose in DIY !

I will also look around on YouTube . Shame there is no strip down manual . Always been interest in looking inside one of these cameras ,,, now with nothing to loose I get my chance

thanks again

OP Nordrive New Member • Posts: 4
Re: Canon SX30 IS rapid fire problem!

Thanks for your reply ,

ive managed to find this piece of help advice so will give it a go before trying to open the case as a last choice before throwing the Canada away !

http://www.e18error.com/repair.html

(unknown member) Forum Pro • Posts: 23,648
Dont use spray or lubricant

Nordrive wrote:

Thanks for your reply . I will try your advice and agree about the nothing to loose in DIY !

I will also look around on YouTube . Shame there is no strip down manual . Always been interest in looking inside one of these cameras ,,, now with nothing to loose I get my chance

thanks again

It sounds the gears are stripped, but it could be misalignment as well, try some gently force push the lens in or try to pull it out whilst on, if lucky it could solve the problem.

Does the camera shows any E-code ?

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I2K4
I2K4 Senior Member • Posts: 1,441
Re: Canon SX30 IS rapid fire problem!

Google turned up this interesting iFixit site, with a lens error technique for massaging a lens back into position - indicates there should be an onscreen error message so not sure if it applies to your unit.

https://www.ifixit.com/Wiki/Canon_Powershot_SX30_IS_Troubleshooting

"If the lens has been knocked out of its original position, your camera will display the lens error message. There are little grooves on the inside of the casing that the lens sits in, however if the camera sustains impact, the lens could get hit out of place. If your lens appears to be slightly out of place, first remove the battery and SD card. Lay the camera on a hard surface with the lens facing towards the ceiling. Very gently press the lens down with your thumbs until you hear a click. This means that you have gotten the lens back into its grooves. Insert the battery and SD card and try again. If this does not solve the lens error message, the lens must be replaced."

Good luck.

OP Nordrive New Member • Posts: 4
Re: Dont use spray or lubricant

hi I've tried gentle force but no good . I agree sounds as though gear could be stripped . I will have a go at stripping down for the hell of it and curiosity !

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