S45 Strap Broke!! Camera Dropped 4 ft!!

[DFred]

The wrist strap lug on my 30 day old S45 cut thru the fabric wrist strap and my camera hit the cement floor 4 feet below. Argh! Has anyone seen this design/quality defect in any S series cameras? If so how did you fix the problem? Are you still using the fabric strap or is there a metal one?

Also does anyone know if it's possible to acquire external metal parts for the S45 so I can do my own repair? Fortunately, the camera still works fine even tho the left front bottom is caved in.

Help

DFred

PS I own view cameras, Hassy, Bronica 645, Canon Elan 2E, Minolta and Nikon point and shoots and have never had a camera drop or even get scratched until now. I can't believe this defecton my first digital camera.

 

[snaps]

DFred,

Sorry to hear that your camera got banged up. I seem to remember that one other person may have had the same problem. I don't normally carry the camera by the strap, I hand hold it, but use the strap as a backup to avoid dropping it.

It shows that it is one tuff camera if it can take a hit like that and keep on ticking.

 

[DFred]

DFred,

Sorry to hear that your camera got banged up. I seem to remember
that one other person may have had the same problem. I don't
normally carry the camera by the strap, I hand hold it, but use the
strap as a backup to avoid dropping it.

It shows that it is one tuff camera if it can take a hit like that
and keep on ticking.

Snaps

I carried a film Canon Sureshot 130 thru Europe for 6 weeks using the same Canon provided strap - no problems. Go figure. But you're right, it's surprising it still makes good pix after the impact. Must be tough.

I'm taking your advise and never relying on the wrist strap, eventho this was a reason I bought it.

DFred

 

[ronin100]

DFred,

Sorry to hear that your camera got banged up. I seem to remember
that one other person may have had the same problem. I don't
normally carry the camera by the strap, I hand hold it, but use the
strap as a backup to avoid dropping it.

It shows that it is one tuff camera if it can take a hit like that
and keep on ticking.

Snaps

I carried a film Canon Sureshot 130 thru Europe for 6 weeks using
the same Canon provided strap - no problems. Go figure. But you're
right, it's surprising it still makes good pix after the impact.
Must be tough.

I'm taking your advise and never relying on the wrist strap,
eventho this was a reason I bought it.

DFred

I dropped my S45 about 3.5 feet on to the linoleum floor. Went into the bathroom to brush my teeth before leaving to go into town and take some pics and thought I had it hung on the handle. I almost dropped over on the spot. Picked it up, straightened that silly little rubber flap on the side and started taking pics, still cranking em out ok. Can't you take this to Canon to have the body repaired/replaced since it was a flawed strap that did the deed. I would and if you bought it on credit card you usually have 30-90 days accident coverage on your purchase plus an extra year or so warranty as well. I'd check it out. It must have really hit hard to crumble the case and maybe trouble down the road regardless of its picture taking today....goes through my head but I did drop mine, not a defective part like yours??
--
Ron

 

[DFred]

DFred,

Sorry to hear that your camera got banged up. I seem to remember
that one other person may have had the same problem. I don't
normally carry the camera by the strap, I hand hold it, but use the
strap as a backup to avoid dropping it.

It shows that it is one tuff camera if it can take a hit like that
and keep on ticking.

Snaps

I carried a film Canon Sureshot 130 thru Europe for 6 weeks using
the same Canon provided strap - no problems. Go figure. But you're
right, it's surprising it still makes good pix after the impact.
Must be tough.

I'm taking your advise and never relying on the wrist strap,
eventho this was a reason I bought it.

DFred

I dropped my S45 about 3.5 feet on to the linoleum floor. Went
into the bathroom to brush my teeth before leaving to go into town
and take some pics and thought I had it hung on the handle. I
almost dropped over on the spot. Picked it up, straightened that
silly little rubber flap on the side and started taking pics, still
cranking em out ok. Can't you take this to Canon to have the body
repaired/replaced since it was a flawed strap that did the deed. I
would and if you bought it on credit card you usually have 30-90
days accident coverage on your purchase plus an extra year or so
warranty as well. I'd check it out. It must have really hit hard
to crumble the case and maybe trouble down the road regardless of
its picture taking today....goes through my head but I did drop
mine, not a defective part like yours??
--
Ron

Ron,

I'm looking into getting it fixed but still would like the option of tinkering with it myself. The thought has occured to me that currently hidden electrical or mechanical problems may surface later.

Is your camera strap lug sharp on the underside corners? In my opinion the strap was adequate for the mass of the camera but no match for the sharp edges on the underside of the camera lug/grommet.

Glad to hear your's is fine after the drop. Gives me hope.

DFred

 

[ronin100]

Ron,

I'm looking into getting it fixed but still would like the option
of tinkering with it myself. The thought has occured to me that
currently hidden electrical or mechanical problems may surface
later.

Is your camera strap lug sharp on the underside corners? In my
opinion the strap was adequate for the mass of the camera but no
match for the sharp edges on the underside of the camera
lug/grommet.

Glad to hear your's is fine after the drop. Gives me hope.

DFred

No the hole the strap goes through (lug?) is rounded a bit. If I get the corner of my little pinky fingernail under it it is smooth and does not scratch or catch, my fingernail just slips out & off of it. Yours mustn't have been buffed out properly before it was coated. It happens, just like the bad lots of cameras tht come out and everyone argues about and tells people they're just pickey...right!!! I worked in huge UAW assembly lines for about 20 yrs and can tell you first hand that some real unscrupulous S*&T happens and goes right past the inspectors. I have actually seen "ramrod" foremen tear red tags off of hoppers of defective parts so they could get their quotas out & look good and didn't think anyone was around (but I saw them many times, do that and worse). Wonder how many people got hurt over that. I am also worried about problems showing up and am considering calling in about it. My card protects my purchases for any accidental breakage for 90 days and puts a year on any existing guarantee.....wait...then I don't have to report it yet because I just got it a week ago. I'd be wanting the whole camera replaced if I were you and was able to do so. Factory defect causes possible future failure, not to mention I couldn't bear to look at the dents!!!!!! Other people don't give a hoot about how it looks but I do.
--
Ron

 

[DFred]

Ron,

I'm looking into getting it fixed but still would like the option
of tinkering with it myself. The thought has occured to me that
currently hidden electrical or mechanical problems may surface
later.

Is your camera strap lug sharp on the underside corners? In my
opinion the strap was adequate for the mass of the camera but no
match for the sharp edges on the underside of the camera
lug/grommet.

Glad to hear your's is fine after the drop. Gives me hope.

DFred

No the hole the strap goes through (lug?) is rounded a bit. If I
get the corner of my little pinky fingernail under it it is smooth
and does not scratch or catch, my fingernail just slips out & off
of it. Yours mustn't have been buffed out properly before it was
coated. It happens, just like the bad lots of cameras tht come out
and everyone argues about and tells people they're just
pickey...right!!! I worked in huge UAW assembly lines for about 20
yrs and can tell you first hand that some real unscrupulous S*&T
happens and goes right past the inspectors. I have actually seen
"ramrod" foremen tear red tags off of hoppers of defective parts so
they could get their quotas out & look good and didn't think anyone
was around (but I saw them many times, do that and worse). Wonder
how many people got hurt over that. I am also worried about
problems showing up and am considering calling in about it. My
card protects my purchases for any accidental breakage for 90 days
and puts a year on any existing guarantee.....wait...then I don't
have to report it yet because I just got it a week ago. I'd be
wanting the whole camera replaced if I were you and was able to do
so. Factory defect causes possible future failure, not to mention
I couldn't bear to look at the dents!!!!!! Other people don't give
a hoot about how it looks but I do.
--
Ron

Ron

After 20+ years in medical and semiconductor I know what you mean about quality. Everyone's got to own it with no override capability.

You're right. I hate dings too, not to mention hidden damage. I'm working on getting a replacement. My lug is sharp enough to cut my finger. You can bet that whether the camera is repaired or replaced the lug will be smooth like yours (even if I have to file and polish it myself).

Back to the origional questions

1. Does anyone know if I can get parts, and if so where?

and

2.Has anyone seen the sharp edge wrist strap lug/grommet defect?

DFred

 

[Sterling142809]

Ron,

I'm looking into getting it fixed but still would like the option
of tinkering with it myself. The thought has occured to me that
currently hidden electrical or mechanical problems may surface
later.

Is your camera strap lug sharp on the underside corners? In my
opinion the strap was adequate for the mass of the camera but no
match for the sharp edges on the underside of the camera
lug/grommet.

Glad to hear your's is fine after the drop. Gives me hope.

DFred

No the hole the strap goes through (lug?) is rounded a bit. If I
get the corner of my little pinky fingernail under it it is smooth
and does not scratch or catch, my fingernail just slips out & off
of it. Yours mustn't have been buffed out properly before it was
coated. It happens, just like the bad lots of cameras tht come out
and everyone argues about and tells people they're just
pickey...right!!! I worked in huge UAW assembly lines for about 20
yrs and can tell you first hand that some real unscrupulous S*&T
happens and goes right past the inspectors. I have actually seen
"ramrod" foremen tear red tags off of hoppers of defective parts so
they could get their quotas out & look good and didn't think anyone
was around (but I saw them many times, do that and worse). Wonder
how many people got hurt over that. I am also worried about
problems showing up and am considering calling in about it. My
card protects my purchases for any accidental breakage for 90 days
and puts a year on any existing guarantee.....wait...then I don't
have to report it yet because I just got it a week ago. I'd be
wanting the whole camera replaced if I were you and was able to do
so. Factory defect causes possible future failure, not to mention
I couldn't bear to look at the dents!!!!!! Other people don't give
a hoot about how it looks but I do.
--
Ron

Ron

After 20+ years in medical and semiconductor I know what you mean
about quality. Everyone's got to own it with no override capability.

You're right. I hate dings too, not to mention hidden damage. I'm
working on getting a replacement. My lug is sharp enough to cut my
finger. You can bet that whether the camera is repaired or replaced
the lug will be smooth like yours (even if I have to file and
polish it myself).

Back to the origional questions

1. Does anyone know if I can get parts, and if so where?

and

2.Has anyone seen the sharp edge wrist strap lug/grommet defect?

DFred

--Sorry about your camera. My cat knocked my 230 off my dresser, and it landed flat on it's face. It's a crappy feeling wondering what to expect when you turn it on, or check for damage. -I got very lucky; just a tiny ding I can live with that only I can find.
Tough 'lil thing!

Only reason I replied was to let you know that from the posts I've read, Canon does what it can to NOT help you out at their expence! You are better off trying to go thru place of purchase, or excersise CC insurance, and replace it. Besides, it could be damaged internally, lenses could come loose, whatever.

Canon will do as little as possible for free. I think their products are wonderful, but they don't like to make good on warantee. There are a gazillion "Dead Pixel", "Loose Button" and misc. complaints where people have sent their cameras to Canon only to be returned unfixed. Don't expect to get too far on the defective strap ring claim with them. You could buy another properly finished camera and send them both for side by side comparison, and they'll still tell you it's fine!

As far as purchasing the parts yourself, I don't think you can. Perhaps if you're a certed Canon repair dude and are working on a discontinued model, they'll send you parts. But they do all the repairs themselves, I think.
Besides, self repair is almost certainly a void of warantee...such as it is.

However, if nothing works out for you replacement wise, sometimes on Ebay you can find a camera that has been dropped, submerged, whatever - and no longer works. They are sold cheap for parts.

I think you're like me, and just dying to see what's inside! ;-)

Newbe w/an s230

 

[DFred]

Back to the origional questions

1. Does anyone know if I can get parts, and if so where?

and

2.Has anyone seen the sharp edge wrist strap lug/grommet defect?

DFred

--Sorry about your camera. My cat knocked my 230 off my dresser,
and it landed flat on it's face. It's a crappy feeling wondering
what to expect when you turn it on, or check for damage. -I got
very lucky; just a tiny ding I can live with that only I can find.
Tough 'lil thing!
Only reason I replied was to let you know that from the posts I've
read, Canon does what it can to NOT help you out at their expence!
You are better off trying to go thru place of purchase, or
excersise CC insurance, and replace it. Besides, it could be
damaged internally, lenses could come loose, whatever.
Canon will do as little as possible for free. I think their
products are wonderful, but they don't like to make good on
warantee. There are a gazillion "Dead Pixel", "Loose Button" and
misc. complaints where people have sent their cameras to Canon only
to be returned unfixed. Don't expect to get too far on the
defective strap ring claim with them. You could buy another
properly finished camera and send them both for side by side
comparison, and they'll still tell you it's fine!

As far as purchasing the parts yourself, I don't think you can.
Perhaps if you're a certed Canon repair dude and are working on a
discontinued model, they'll send you parts. But they do all the
repairs themselves, I think.
Besides, self repair is almost certainly a void of warantee...such
as it is.

However, if nothing works out for you replacement wise, sometimes
on Ebay you can find a camera that has been dropped, submerged,
whatever - and no longer works. They are sold cheap for parts.

I think you're like me, and just dying to see what's inside! ;-)

Newbe w/an s230

Sterling

I've seen your insightful posts on here before. I've been following the forums at DPR for a few months trying to figure out what to buy. I think I was the second one in on the Gateway special price on the S50. I didn't get it but did get the $50 off the S45.

Today I will persue the CC insurance and warrantee questions. And I think your suggestion of buying a dead S camera for parts on E-bay is outstanding. I'll let you know how it goes. Maybe I really do want to see how they crammed everything into this blivette.

DFred

 

[Sterling142809]

Back to the origional questions

1. Does anyone know if I can get parts, and if so where?

and

2.Has anyone seen the sharp edge wrist strap lug/grommet defect?

DFred

--Sorry about your camera. My cat knocked my 230 off my dresser,
and it landed flat on it's face. It's a crappy feeling wondering
what to expect when you turn it on, or check for damage. -I got
very lucky; just a tiny ding I can live with that only I can find.
Tough 'lil thing!
Only reason I replied was to let you know that from the posts I've
read, Canon does what it can to NOT help you out at their expence!
You are better off trying to go thru place of purchase, or
excersise CC insurance, and replace it. Besides, it could be
damaged internally, lenses could come loose, whatever.
Canon will do as little as possible for free. I think their
products are wonderful, but they don't like to make good on
warantee. There are a gazillion "Dead Pixel", "Loose Button" and
misc. complaints where people have sent their cameras to Canon only
to be returned unfixed. Don't expect to get too far on the
defective strap ring claim with them. You could buy another
properly finished camera and send them both for side by side
comparison, and they'll still tell you it's fine!

As far as purchasing the parts yourself, I don't think you can.
Perhaps if you're a certed Canon repair dude and are working on a
discontinued model, they'll send you parts. But they do all the
repairs themselves, I think.
Besides, self repair is almost certainly a void of warantee...such
as it is.

However, if nothing works out for you replacement wise, sometimes
on Ebay you can find a camera that has been dropped, submerged,
whatever - and no longer works. They are sold cheap for parts.

I think you're like me, and just dying to see what's inside! ;-)

Newbe w/an s230

Sterling

I've seen your insightful posts on here before. I've been following
the forums at DPR for a few months trying to figure out what to
buy. I think I was the second one in on the Gateway special price
on the S50. I didn't get it but did get the $50 off the S45.

Today I will persue the CC insurance and warrantee questions. And I
think your suggestion of buying a dead S camera for parts on E-bay
is outstanding. I'll let you know how it goes. Maybe I really do
want to see how they crammed everything into this blivette.

DFred

-- http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2928975081&category=30012

Out of curiosity myself, I went 'a lookin'.

The link above is for ans s30. I think they have similar bodies, if I'm not mistaken? Perhaps the dented panel could be replaced?

-Certainly worth a bid just to play with (currently @ only $30 as I write this), as they claim is may be a battery door switch problem (nothing tinfoil & duct tape could'nt cure in less than ten minutes- more time and TLC for us obsessive types would have it like new). My brother has that one or the s40 (?).

Good luck to you. Please follow up on this thread. I would like very much to know how you fair whichever route you wind up on.

(Tell me if you are NOT bidding on the Ebay 'fixerupper'- I may just buy it so that --I-- can see what's inside!!! ;-) )Newbe w/an s230

 

[DFred]

Good luck to you. Please follow up on this thread. I would like
very much to know how you fair whichever route you wind up on.
(Tell me if you are NOT bidding on the Ebay 'fixerupper'- I may
just buy it so that --I-- can see what's inside!!! ;-) )Newbe w/an
s230

Sterling

Thanks for the link to the s30 on E-Bay. I'm not ready yet to but a parts camera until I hear from the CC co. or Canon. Let me know if you buy the 30.

DFred

 

[Diana B]

You asked if others had those sharp edges that you reported on your S45 - mine doesn't. I don't understand why you aren't looking into the warranty (that is, if the credit card protection doesn't pan out)? I certainly would! It's all over for your warranty if you attempt the repair yourself.

 

[SeanU]

I have a Canon camcorder which I dropped. It seemed to work fine and I assumed it was ok. A few weeks later, I went to use it again, and it was giving me a weird error message... "Condensation Detected". Have it checked out... they will tell you if it needs internal repairs, and how much the cosmetic stuff will cost.

Sean

 

[Doug527]

Try having the S45 on your truck seat and as you turn it slams against the passenger door and to the floor of truck. No damage except maybe a slight scratch on LCD, but that could of been from being in pocket with keys.

DFred,

Sorry to hear that your camera got banged up. I seem to remember
that one other person may have had the same problem. I don't
normally carry the camera by the strap, I hand hold it, but use the
strap as a backup to avoid dropping it.

It shows that it is one tuff camera if it can take a hit like that
and keep on ticking.

Snaps

I carried a film Canon Sureshot 130 thru Europe for 6 weeks using
the same Canon provided strap - no problems. Go figure. But you're
right, it's surprising it still makes good pix after the impact.
Must be tough.

I'm taking your advise and never relying on the wrist strap,
eventho this was a reason I bought it.

DFred

I dropped my S45 about 3.5 feet on to the linoleum floor. Went
into the bathroom to brush my teeth before leaving to go into town
and take some pics and thought I had it hung on the handle. I
almost dropped over on the spot. Picked it up, straightened that
silly little rubber flap on the side and started taking pics, still
cranking em out ok. Can't you take this to Canon to have the body
repaired/replaced since it was a flawed strap that did the deed. I
would and if you bought it on credit card you usually have 30-90
days accident coverage on your purchase plus an extra year or so
warranty as well. I'd check it out. It must have really hit hard
to crumble the case and maybe trouble down the road regardless of
its picture taking today....goes through my head but I did drop
mine, not a defective part like yours??
--
Ron

 

[DFred]

You asked if others had those sharp edges that you reported on your
S45 - mine doesn't. I don't understand why you aren't looking
into the warranty (that is, if the credit card protection doesn't
pan out)? I certainly would! It's all over for your warranty if
you attempt the repair yourself.

Diana B

I have Canon looking into whether or not they will cover the repair under warrantee. It will take them a few days for determination. In the meantime I am considering my options like repairing it myself. Always like to have a backup plan.

About the sharp edges. I'm glad yours doesn't have them. Maybe Canon will replace the lug and the damaged sheet metal. I really hope they just throw the damaged S45 away and give me a new one. Probably just wishful thinking.

DFred

 

[NNS]

I agree with Diana B,,,,,I once dropped my G2, sent it to Canon thinking there was no way they would repair it under warranty. But, They did!!!!!!!!!!! Never even questioned whether it had been dropped or not....
Try the warranty service...

You asked if others had those sharp edges that you reported on your
S45 - mine doesn't. I don't understand why you aren't looking
into the warranty (that is, if the credit card protection doesn't
pan out)? I certainly would! It's all over for your warranty if
you attempt the repair yourself.

 

[Diana B]

You asked if others had those sharp edges that you reported on your
S45 - mine doesn't. I don't understand why you aren't looking
into the warranty (that is, if the credit card protection doesn't
pan out)? I certainly would! It's all over for your warranty if
you attempt the repair yourself.

Diana B

I have Canon looking into whether or not they will cover the repair
under warrantee. It will take them a few days for determination. In
the meantime I am considering my options like repairing it myself.
Always like to have a backup plan.

About the sharp edges. I'm glad yours doesn't have them. Maybe
Canon will replace the lug and the damaged sheet metal. I really
hope they just throw the damaged S45 away and give me a new one.
Probably just wishful thinking.

DFred

I hope that they give you another one or fix it for you. Please keep us posted as to what happens. Good luck!

 

[Todd Art]

I'd definitely advise against any home repairs. Do your best on the strap liability argument. Good luck.

Let me wish you a quick repair and a firm grip in the future!

And what's with all this name calling? Get over it! No one is perfect, so if you're point is the best, argue it intelligently and politely and we will all see how right you are.
--
Todd Muskopf
professional painter, wannabe photographer
http://www.muskopf.org
Craving the 5 7 0 0, c p 8 0 0, G_3, KDC 4 8 0 0, KDC 5 0

 

[DFred]

I'd definitely advise against any home repairs. Do your best on
the strap liability argument. Good luck.

Let me wish you a quick repair and a firm grip in the future!

And what's with all this name calling? Get over it! No one is
perfect, so if you're point is the best, argue it intelligently and
politely and we will all see how right you are.
--
Todd Muskopf
professional painter, wannabe photographer
http://www.muskopf.org
Craving the 5 7 0 0, c p 8 0 0, G_3, KDC 4 8 0 0, KDC 5 0

Thanks to everyone for advise including

1. no one else has seen sharp edges on their strap lugs
(Good, I thought this would be the case)

2. concensus is that this is a warrantee(design/quality defect) issue.

(Again, I thought so. Also I have no intention of voiding any rights by prematurely dissassembling the camera no matter how much I might like to see the insides)

3. concensus is that I should either expect/negotiate for/or demand a replacement from Canon seeing as how the darn thing broke in normal use thru no fault of mine.

(Again, agreed. I have made the demand before your advise. Currently I have no intention of escalating this to become an ugly situation. So far Canon's actions have been appropriate.)

4. Notwithstanding advise to the contrary, I appreciate the thoughts of being able to scavenge parts of an e-bay refugee. Clever and cheap in the unlikely event I need to go that route.

I will keep you informed of the disposition of the repair/replacement.

Lastly, no need for the angry/testy name calling. I just asked 1. if anyone had seen the problem before, and 2. for my contingency planning if spare parts were available. Of course all other paths to repair/replacement would be taken first.

Please relax, enjoy your working cameras, laugh or cringe at my mishap, check your camera to make sure the same won't happen to you, and lower you blood presure by taking good pictures.

Peace

DFred

 

[Todd L]

IMO, regarding the strap itself..it's only similiar to a safety line, to be around your wrist while you grip the camera. Very obvious its not designed to carry the entire weight of the camera and would wear quickly if done consistently. I think it's a good warning to many..