I have a Canon Powershot S30 digicam which I bought in 2002. Since then I have taken
9999 + 2500 photos without any issues. However after the kids dropped it early 2006, it came up with an 'E18' code when being turned on.
The lens would move a bit and then there was a short beep.Quick search in google on 'E18 error' returned 204,000 returns... ? And there is even a very useful website dedicated to this issue: www.e18error.com. I suggest you go and have a look.
The error refers to mechanical failure on the zoom lens, which caused by minor issue like sand grain and small drops. Why .... there is also an attempt for class action lawsuit. You just need to fill out the form :)
Few easy thing can be tried to fix the problem. Check this instruction first (.pdf). If nothing works then it's time to disassemble the camera unless you have spare $150 for service. If you have an IXUS camera go to this german website for very detailed instruction. I could not find any references to disassemble the S-series cameras and will try to write my experiences here.
Canon S30 disassembly instruction
note:
I found the process is a bit challenging and intricate. There are 4
types of screws and so many different types of connectors. I did broke few
connecting latch and in the end had few 'extra' screws. Don't have any
idea where those should go but it works fine anyway... Try the first
few steps and if you're daunted don't do it!
- Take off battery, compact flash card. Remove outer screws. They are not over-tighteneded and quite easy to do.
- Open the battery lid and remove back casing unit. There are 3 notches at the top of the camera.
- Remove the brushed alloy metal strip. There is a locking latch approximately at the center-top of the camera.
- Remove
front casing unit. There will be a cable which connect to sliding cover
(on-off switch). Disconnect the motherboard end of this wire.
- Remove LCD unit. There is one screw hidden behind a ribbon cable so you need to disconnect these cables first.
- Behind the LCD there will be 3 black screws which secure the lens unit. Remove these.
- Turn over the camera, and from the front, remove right-hand side motherboard. Disconnect all ribbon cables, microphone cable, and speaker cables first.
- Unscrew the left-hand side motherboard. No need to disconnect the ribbon cables which attached to the lens unit at this time.
- Remove the screw which attaches the flash unit to the chassis. It is hidden behind a ribbon cable. and no need to remove the flash unit.
- Now you should be able to remove the lens unit, along with left-hand side motherboard. Do this carefully, then disconnect the lens unit along with the left motherboard (once it's off the chassis).
- Remove the screw which connects the lens unit and viewfinder+autofocus light. It will still held by a ribbon cable and it's ok. Just handle it carefully.
- Remove the black screws which holds the gears in place. Then pull carefully the sensor attachment from the lens part (don't unscrew the sensor itself - the star shaped screws!). You should be able to see the gears. I could not remove the front lens assembly since there is a ribbon cable connecting to autofocus motor within the lens unit. But this is ok and not required. Just handle carefully.
- Remove the gears *very carefully* and remembering their place. The last gear is only slid to a flimsy steel rod. Don't drop and loose this! Did I say *carefully* ?
- Now you can try to move the zoom cogwheel. Don't force it if it does not move. It is the exact problem. I just tapped the front lens metal a bit and then try to move the cogwheel slowly. It finally does turn, and when being moved, the lens would extend and retract nicely. Do this few times to make sure the movements are smooth.
- Reverse the process to assemble the camera. Now the S30 can take beautiful pictures again...
New Zealand, taken with Canon S30
One of my nicer business trips replacing Token Ring routers!
