Will Canon ever fix their lens error issues?

[wellred]

It's so far put me off getting the S100. I thought maybe I could get the S95 but I later found out the S95 and even S90 was plagued with this issue. The RX100 is too expensive for a P&S imo and I was really after the S100. I hope whatever they do release this year as a follow up to the S100, that it is at least free of the lens error issue.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

Never had any lens error issues with mine, or any of the other dozen or more powershots I have bought new.

However, I'va paid a buck or 2 for damaged ones at garage sales and tried to repair them. When I took them apart, I usually find some broken teeth on one of the gears that push the lens in and out. That comes from dropping the camera, or perhaps even from cracking of poor quality plastic. There were parts inside marked "Sony" too.

Those lens assemblies are churned out by the millions, and are almost a commodity, in fact, some of them are commodities and sold to canera manufacturers just like other electronic components. Almost a billion point and shoot cameras were produced in 2011, and they shared many common components.

 

[neuroanatomist]

Can I ask - what lens error issue? I've had the S95 since just after it came out (my wife now uses it), and the S100 since it came out, never seen a lens error on either camera.

 

[wellred]

Ok ill post a few links here to various forums where it's been reported. The last Canon I had was an ixus 95. I had my sights set on the S100 but the last thing I want when I'm on holiday is this error. The worst thing Canon don't seem to acknowledge it in anyway, if they did they would sort out their lens system.

http://www.flickr.com/groups/canonpowershots100/discuss/72157629241382307/

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1010&message=40501105

http://s95site.com/forum/discussion/132/canon-s95-lens-error/p1

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1180020

http://forums.steves-digicams.com/canon/198038-canon-s100-lens-error-len-will-no-longer-retract.html

Canon s100 Fail! Lens error after one month

and here is a site dedicated to the error itself.

http://www.e18error.com/

 

[neuroanatomist]

Thanks for the info. The thing is, and mass-produced product has problem units, which is why there's a warranty. Line tolerances vary, but can run up over 1% for some production lines. Try an experiment - do a Google search on the make/model and 'transmission problems' or 'engine problems' - odds are you'll get a ton of hits. Now...if you'd done that search before buying that car, would it have altered your decision?

 

[wellred]

I take on board your point, but I just like to do a bit of research before I buy something is all. What you say may be true but that doesn't change the fact that there is a long running problem here that for whatever reason Canon hasn't addressed. I may try contacting Canon directly.

Thanks again for the replies.

 

[kapanak]

I'd say go to your nearest Best Buy or the like if you live in North America and purchase one. Use it for 14 days. If it treats you right, then keep it. If not, either return it or exchange it. You can never know if you will like a product or not purely based on opinions of others. Some reviews and reports are good, but they are not the final word on the quality of a product.