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View Full Version : Canon A75 - broken LCD?


nickel2mom
08-27-2006, 11:10 AM
This subject may have been previously discussed here, but I'm new to it so I'm just posting a new thread. I've noticed a couple of other threads relating to replacing the LCD completely and I hope I can fix my camera's problem easier and even cheaper than that!

We've had the camera three yrs. It's been great. It's worked thru a couple of droppings, some sand in the lens, etc. For a couple of months, the computer was having trouble recognizing the camera was plugged in for transfers. This would result in several re-boots of the computer, and un-plugging/plugging the usb cable in/out. About one month ago, when turned on, the display would light, then go black. After a couple of times of turning it on and pushing buttons, the display would come back for us. The final goodbye was when I couldn't get the computer to understand the camera was plugged in and turned on (display was on) and ready to download. I left the problem (at this point, thinking it was computer-related) to my significant other. When I returned, the lcd on the camera was black and the computer still didn't know what was going on.

We were now experiencing this weird little dance whereby we would turn on the camera; the display would turn on very faintly and then go black. Mind you, we aren't touching the actual 'display' button on the back of the case.

The camera still powers on, I can zoom the lens, I assume I can take pictures...because that all still works the same. But, I can't see a display, I can't get my computer to recognize the camera, and I can't manipulate any possible photos I take.

After yet another round of fresh AA batteries, I opened the camera. I found a watch battery in a little holder above the LCD and we replaced that. At the battery store, we turned on the camera, the LCD was on, but faint. The kid behind the counter did something that brought the picture of the LCD in very clear. I didn't see him do it and he couldn't remember what it was when I asked him. So - very excited, I ran home only to find the computer STILL doesn't know my camera, THEN, HORRORS! My LCD went black again.

As of today - I can turn on the camera, and the display is black. Sometimes, when I push a series of buttons, the display will halfway light for a millisecond. (don't ask, it seems there is no rhyme or reason to the order or number of buttons I push).

How can I get my canon back to it's old self?
Thanks!

Andrizzle
08-27-2006, 11:20 AM
Well, I think the LCD and the computer not recognizong the camera are two different problems.

If everything else works, as you've said it does, have you considered getting a card reader to get the pictures onto your computer?

BowerR64
08-27-2006, 01:28 PM
That is the symptoms of the CCD problem canon is fixint for free. At first it sounded like it was cracked but since its an intermitant problem i would say its the CCD that is faulty. Canon used this CCD in MANY of the A series cameras around that time. I think the A75 is listed on the canon site as one of the units that has this CCD.

Usualy if you band on the camera it will sometimes fix the connection or the connection will flicker and sometimes give strange purple colors. Going all blad is a complete connection falure.

I think if you uninstall the canon software and download the newest version the computer will reconize the camera. There are a few versions that have problems. Ive read there are some tweaks in the registery you can change to fix it but i think canon has figured out the bug and fixedit in the newer zoombrowser version.

I have 4 different canon cameras and the newer version of zoombrowser that came with my A540 works on all 4 even the older A70.

If you cant find the links to contact canon let me know ill post em. Just send them an e-mail and they will send you a prepaid label you print on your printer, tape it to the box with JUST THE CAMERA inside then drop it off at the UPS building. Include your phone numer and stuff they will deny or accept the repairs. If they deny then they will call and tell you the cost if they accept (wich im positive they will) then they will snail mail you a letter telling you they are fixing it and you will get it in about 10 days.

If you google "Canon CCD problems" you will find other users with your exact same problem and they got theirs fixed free.