How to repair an E18 error on Canon digital cameras
There seems to be a relatively large population of Canon owners
who are affected by the E18 error. In this article I will teach
you a few simple methods you can try to repair the error
yourself.
This article is intended for people whose cameras are out of
warranty. If your camera is still under warranty, go to your
nearest Canon repair shop and let them fix it. If it's not, you
can either choose to pay around 150$ for the repair or try one
of these simple techniques.
First I should explain what exactly an E18 is. According to
Canon's web site, it is an error that involves the lens unit or
lens cover. The lens gets stuck in the extended position, and
refuses to move either to focus the lens or to retract when
powered off. It can happen if you apply pressure to the area
surrounding the lens while it is in the recording mode (this
includes dropping the camera), or if sand or dirt get into the
lens area. The lens gets stuck, you get a black screen with a
small "E18" sign in the lower-left corner, the camera beeps a
few times and turns off.
Lately, I noticed a number of people online who are having
troubles with this error. It happened to my Power Shot A520 as
well a couple of weeks ago, but fortunately, the camera was
still under warranty so Canon fixed it free of charge. In order
to help the unlucky ones whose cameras are out of warranty, I
decided to write this article.
Basically, there are a couple of simple things you can try. I
can't guarantee they will work for you, but I know these methods
have helped some people get rid of their E18 problems:
1) One method is to tap the padded USB cover part on a hard
surface, for example, a desk. I know it sounds to simple to
work, but this can get some of the dirt out of the lens.
2) Try compressed air. With a fine tip blow off gun and dry
compressed air set the tip between the lens turret and the
camera body and turn on the air while moving the tip around the
lens. It should remove all of the dust and sand. Turn the camera
on and it should function fine.
3) Another solution is to try and push the lens back into place.
This is the least preferable method. Try it only if the camera
is out of warranty and DON'T apply too much pressure! If the
lens can be set back into place with a light push, great! If
not, don't force it!
4) If nothing else works, there are a couple of online guides in
different languages for dismantling the camera and cleaning the
lens thoroughly. Try this only if your camera is out of
warranty! Some of them are:
- ht
tp://www.ixus-world.de/tips/repair_guide/e18_01en.htm - a
guide in English
- http://menthol.hit.bg/E18.h
tml - a guide in Bulgarian
- http://www.artecdesign.ee/~jan/Kaamerad/PowerShotA70/index.
html - Estonian guide
The last two are not in English, but they have a lot of pictures
which should help with the whole process.
So you've learned how you can try and rescue your camera. Try
out the methods for yourself, and contact me with good news.
If you want more information about the E18 error, or would like
to read other people's experiences with it, stop by my site at
http://www.e18error.com.
Feel free to drop me an email.