Call for E18 errors within the DCRP

[D70FAN]

OK. I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm getting darn tired of the stupid E18 error rumormill. We have a lot of Canon owners on this forum, and I have yet to see any DCRP Canon owner report this error.

If you have had, or currently have, a documented E18 error on you camera give us the particulars. I don't mean hear-say on the web, but actual first hand experience.

I have many freinds and relatives that have purchased all maner of Canons, in the past 2 years, and none has had a problem with the lens sticking (E18 error) or any other fatal error that I know of.

I suspect that this is being perpetuated by someone unhappy with Canon and trying to keep a one-time problem out there as a worldwide and productline wide problem, when it is not.

Jeff if this survey is not to your liking then I won't feel bad about you killing it. But I think we need to put this to rest, as it has become a more common point of reference again, after disappearing for many months.

Or put your 2 cents worth in as well.

[Rhys]

OK. I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm getting darn tired of the stupid E18 error rumormill. We have a lot of Canon owners on this forum, and I have yet to see any DCRP Canon owner report this error.

If you have had, or currently have, a documented E18 error on you camera give us the particulars. I don't mean hear-say on the web, but actual first hand experience.

I have many freinds and relatives that have purchased all maner of Canons, in the past 2 years, and none has had a problem with the lens sticking (E18 error) or any other fatal error that I know of.

I suspect that this is being perpetuated by someone unhappy with Canon and trying to keep a one-time problem out there as a worldwide and productline wide problem, when it is not.

Jeff if this survey is not to your liking then I won't feel bad about you killing it. But I think we need to put this to rest, as it has become a more common point of reference again, after disappearing for many months.

Or put your 2 cents worth in as well.


I have a Canon S1 IS and have had it for 6 months with no E-18 errors ever.

[Newbie]

Got my A95 for about 3 months and no errors whatsoever.

[ReF]

this is a quote of myself, from another thread:

i've worked in electronics/digital cameras retail (but not for long!) for the last 1 1/2 years and have never encountered the e18 problem. I'm not sure if this is relevant, but I know someone who fixes film cameras and there are actually many olympus stylus cams that have broken or stuck lenses, not canon. i'm really not sure why there is all this e18 talk in the air. i'll believe it when i see it.

this is not a quote:

i'd like to add that i've taken 8500+ photos with the A80 in conditions that include high wind, high wind + rain (got caught on a mountain-ish area in the rain without a cover, i took a few pictures and the camera got a little wet), on a boat with high wind, etc. and no problems. I keep mentioning high wind since i assume that is how something like a grain of sand would get in between the telescoping lens. again, no problems!

EDIT: added this to the thread but it is "hidden" on the 26th page:
http://dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?p=90275#post90275

[Newman]

I recently bought a Canon A400 with a fitted case. When the camera was in the case, it accidentally managed to turn itself on, and when I finally was able to slide the camera out, at the bottom of the LCD screen was the E18 error message. When I restarted the camera it functioned just as usual. This error was not a Canon flaw, but an operator mistake.

[David Metsky]

SD300, only had it for 3 weeks, taken it skiing and winter hiking with no problems.

[Fred]

New A95 owner (about 3 weeks) with no error messages yet. Love this camera! :)

[FAUguy]

I too bought the A95 about 4 weeks ago. Since then I have taken about 1000 pictures with it and no errors at all.

[ProblemSolver]

I'm an owner of a S100 (5 years) and S500 (Less than 3 months) and I've had no problems caused by the camera itself. All that I know is the S500 will have a CF card error if using a CF card which is too slow/old and taking continuous shots/movies with it. And E18 errors are only caused if you block the lens when it's extending or hold it tightly when retracting.

[Camel]

Unfortunatly I have found my way to this forum as a result of receiving an E18 error on my Canon IXUS 40 (bought in Europe, it's the same as the SD300 in the US). The camera is 2 weeks old and has been treated very carefully, it happened earlier today after taking 2 photos and whilst reviewing them the camera made beeping noises and the E18 message appeared on the screen. Subsequent attempts to restart the camera have yielded the error and the lens is stuck in the extended position.

I am actually extremely upset about this because I bought the IXUS 40 (SD300) after my previous Canon IXUS 400 (S400 in the US) developed this problem suddenly after a year of trouble free use. Since I was just about to go on holiday I figured I didn't have any choice and took the "opportunity" so to speak to upgrade my camera.

So now I'm on holiday in Australia with a camera that doesn't work, for the second time in several weeks.

Therefore I can confirm that this problem is real and if it's not as widespread as is suggested on some forums I read before finding this one then it seems I have been rather unlucky.

Some posters on other forums mentioned the problem fixing itself after leaving the camera for a while, but so far this doesn't seem to have helped with my camera.

I will call Canon tomorrow, but am not confident of a resolution that will have a functioning camera before my holiday is over. I have seen a site explaining how to pull the camera apart and repair it, but given this will void my warranty I'm certainly not going to be attempting this. But if anybody has any other suggestions I would love to hear them.

Regards

Cam

[D70FAN]

Unfortunatly I have found my way to this forum as a result of receiving an E18 error on my Canon IXUS 40 (bought in Europe, it's the same as the SD300 in the US). The camera is 2 weeks old and has been treated very carefully, it happened earlier today after taking 2 photos and whilst reviewing them the camera made beeping noises and the E18 message appeared on the screen. Subsequent attempts to restart the camera have yielded the error and the lens is stuck in the extended position.

I am actually extremely upset about this because I bought the IXUS 40 (SD300) after my previous Canon IXUS 400 (S400 in the US) developed this problem suddenly after a year of trouble free use. Since I was just about to go on holiday I figured I didn't have any choice and took the "opportunity" so to speak to upgrade my camera.

So now I'm on holiday in Australia with a camera that doesn't work, for the second time in several weeks.

Therefore I can confirm that this problem is real and if it's not as widespread as is suggested on some forums I read before finding this one then it seems I have been rather unlucky.

Some posters on other forums mentioned the problem fixing itself after leaving the camera for a while, but so far this doesn't seem to have helped with my camera.

I will call Canon tomorrow, but am not confident of a resolution that will have a functioning camera before my holiday is over. I have seen a site explaining how to pull the camera apart and repair it, but given this will void my warranty I'm certainly not going to be attempting this. But if anybody has any other suggestions I would love to hear them.

Regards

Cam

Cam, Sorry to hear about this. So far this is the only 1st person report I have with the E18 error. And for it to happen twice is really weird.

While I would advise you not to do anything rash, you might try to do a system reset by pulling the battery out for 24 hours and see if that resets the error. Might as well recharge the battery as well, just to make sure.

If that doesn't work I would take it back to where you purchased it and get a refund or replacement.

Again, thanks for the report. I guess it proves that this really does happen from time-to-time, and not just from blocking the lens on startup.

[pez]

I also was unlucky enough to experience the E18 error code twice. My S400 Digital Elph died with this error last summer. We had it repaired at an authorized repair shop in Vancouver at a cost of CAD $160. Six months later the same error code reappeared. The repair shop has offered to fix it for $130 this time (their warranty is only 90 days). Haven't decided what to do yet.

[D70FAN]

I also was unlucky enough to experience the E18 error code twice. My S400 Digital Elph died with this error last summer. We had it repaired at an authorized repair shop in Vancouver at a cost of CAD $160. Six months later the same error code reappeared. The repair shop has offered to fix it for $130 this time (their warranty is only 90 days). Haven't decided what to do yet.

It is definately time to contact Canon. Warranty or no. How long have you had the camera? Where did you buy it? Just curious.

[mark]

I just purchased the A85 from blueswitchdigital.com. The price was good, I got extras and free shipping. The camera seems easy to use and I was phsyched to take it out of the box and begin shooting a few images around the house. After 10 shots e18 appeared and the lens wouldnt close properly. I thought it was the batteries. I charged up the batteries again and tried the next day again several pictures and the e18 , this time the lens closed. One more day and try again same result. Very, very annoyed so I googled e18 and discovered that the lens is prone to this... How many people have experienced it or what % I do not know, most people dont bother to write about it and I doubt that you could get an accurate measure from Canon. I called the dealer and I had to pay to return it where they will check it out. So there goes that bargain as it cost me $11 plus an hour to run to UPS and back. I am requesting a new A85. I am assuming that they will experience the error too if they give it a short workout. If they try and tell me there is nothing wrong with the camera or it needs to go for repairs I will scream bloody murder and post this BS treatment all over the net. I have read many good reviews about the camera and you do get alot of features for your money. I was thinking of saying fuggetaboutit and asking for a diferent brand but I will give it the benefit of the doubt for now and wait to see what they say.

[D70FAN]

I just purchased the A85 from blueswitchdigital.com. The price was good, I got extras and free shipping. The camera seems easy to use and I was phsyched to take it out of the box and begin shooting a few images around the house. After 10 shots e18 appeared and the lens wouldnt close properly. I thought it was the batteries. I charged up the batteries again and tried the next day again several pictures and the e18 , this time the lens closed. One more day and try again same result. Very, very annoyed so I googled e18 and discovered that the lens is prone to this... How many people have experienced it or what % I do not know, most people dont bother to write about it and I doubt that you could get an accurate measure from Canon. I called the dealer and I had to pay to return it where they will check it out. So there goes that bargain as it cost me $11 plus an hour to run to UPS and back. I am requesting a new A85. I am assuming that they will experience the error too if they give it a short workout. If they try and tell me there is nothing wrong with the camera or it needs to go for repairs I will scream bloody murder and post this BS treatment all over the net. I have read many good reviews about the camera and you do get alot of features for your money. I was thinking of saying fuggetaboutit and asking for a diferent brand but I will give it the benefit of the doubt for now and wait to see what they say.

Mark, Many thanks for your input. I didn't know the A85 came with rechargables.

[Redline]

I had a Canon A60 and after about a year and a half, without warning the lens would not extend and E18 error appeared in the lower left corner of the LCD.

[kicksboy]

had mine s70 3 days ago,
no probs so far.
hope none to come.

[nicklarsen]

Had an s230 for almost 3 years, no problem.
Had an s400 for almost 2 years, no problem.
And I've had an sd300 for about a week with no problems.

Additionally, I have 4 friends that have had s400's for the past year with no problems, and they are pretty hard on their's.

[TimEllershaw]

I've had my Digital IXUS IIs for just over a year. ( So the warrenty has just expired ! )

Last week it started to have problems focussing, and then got the E18 error.

The lens is out and won't retract.

Looks like I'll be getting my scredrivers out ( Repair Guide (http://www.ixus-world.de/index.htm?tips/repair_guide/e18_01en.htm) )

My local Canon dealer says he will send it back to Canon , but they charge GBP50 just to examine it, and, off-the-record, suggested that he has returned "a couple of dozen" in the last year and that Canon have only repaired a few of them. (This cold just be a ploy to get me to buy something new from him ! )

Cheers,
Tim.

[macd]

I am afraid to say it but my Canon A70 just died. You guessed E18 error message and the lense wont close all the way. I had no idea these cameras had this problem until yesterday when mine died and started searching the net. The camera is 14 months old and canon wont do a thing about it, other than charge me $150 to fix it. Its the last canon I'll ever get. Anyone have any good suggestions for a new camera?

[Rex914]

That's very unfortunate. It just spontaneously died? Canon's cameras almost never do that. I would say you just got unlucky, but I really don't know. The symptoms resemble those when you drop the camera, but since you say you haven't....

Always supply a budget, intended purpose, etc. when asking for camera recommmendations. You'll be missing lot a lot by scratching out Canon from your list of choices, especially if you're looking at a similar replacement at the $200 price range.

[Ching]

We got the A60 a year ago, after about a week the E18 appeared, the lens won't retract, I tried removing the camera etc.. to no avail, then I read somewhere that somebody tried gently tapping the camera on the palm of his hands and I tried it and it worked, the lens retracted and have been using it since, I guess some sand was caught in the side of the lens that cause it to stuck, when we tried tapping it - the sand might got loosen and the lens eventually retracted.

I now have SD300 and there was no problem of an E18 so far (2 months now)

Ching

[Blaine23]

I bought an A60 about two years ago. After having and treating it very well for around 14 months of very light usage, I took it with me to Yellowstone. Again, I'd never, ever had a problem with the camera and was really pleased with it.

I went on a trail walk to see some geysers and took the A60 with me in it's case inside my bookbag. Once I was there, I took it out and took some pictures of nature, relatives, etc. I knew it was low (almost dead) on batteries, so I snapped my pics then depressed the ON/OFF button.

It goes through the shutdown motions and then just stops and beeps at me. Next I see "E18" on the screen. Puzzled, I tried again and got the same results. I took it back to the car, replaced the batteries and had the same problem. So, I had to put the camera away for the rest of the trip (which I now don't have pics of - thanks Canon!).

When I returned, I searched the web and found many, many different people with the E18 error. I called Canon and they said I was out of warranty (which was totally true). I asked if they knew why this happened and I was told that it often happens when you Power Off the camera with a very low battery.

Needless to say I tried everything and finally got the lens to push back in all the way with a little force. I did try the gentle palm tap which did nothing. It worked for about a week then came back with the E18 error.

Never once was this camera anywhere near the beach, or sand, or in the dirt, or not properly cared for. Never once did I jar or drop or beat up on the camera. It's a pure design error on Canon's part. If the battery dies while the lens is retracting it gives you the error and leaves the lens sticking out. Once the camera has more power, it can't fix itself.

I'll never buy another Canon with a retractable lens again. Not after my experience and reading countless others. In fact, I find it a bit odd that you guys would doubt such a widely documented problem. I mean, if it didn't happen, then there wouldn't be so many people complaining about it, would there?

[D70FAN]

I'll never buy another Canon with a retractable lens again. Not after my experience and reading countless others. In fact, I find it a bit odd that you guys would doubt such a widely documented problem. I mean, if it didn't happen, then there wouldn't be so many people complaining about it, would there?

Many thanks for your input.

I certainly can understand your reluctance toward certain Canon cameras. The reason I started this thread was because "real" documented failures have been somewhat hard to come by. We heard a lot of 3rd and 4th hand accounts (one even claiming a E18 error on a DReb) but very few "real" cases of this failure mode.

So far it appears that the majority of negative responses to this thread involve the A60. Although we have an A85, Digital Ixus IIs, and A70 represented as well. so this is pretty inclusive of the telescoping zoom lenses Canon offers.

So my conclusion at this point is that there may actually be a general problem with the lens extention mechanism used by Canon. It's just really weird that with all of the all-in-one Canons owned by people I know, none has failed (yet). Or maybe it's just luck.

In conclusion:

Believe it or not, for reasons known only to those who do such things, we see many unfounded biases (and even grudges) against camera A vs. camera B. And what better way to promote those biases than spreading rumor and inuendo, especially on the internet. The perfect vehicle for H&D. ;)

If this is as wide-spread as it appears, then some enterprising lawyer is missing an opportunity for class action litigation.

[harbormaster]

This is not an unfounded rumor.

I have had my Canon A70 camera for 1.5 years. I also purchased the underwater enclosure for it. The camera stays in it all the time so it is never exposed to dust or grit.

I had an E18 error happen 5 months ago. It cost me 140.00 to get it fixed.

Yesterday it happened again and the camera is screwed. Its sad. its going tcost me another 140 bucks to get it fixed.

I had a Sony before and it worked flawlessly for 3 years. I replaced it because I wanted something wih more megapixels.

Its a crying shame because i really like the camera and I use it for my web business. Unfortunately I am looking at another manufacturer product because I do not want aother disposable camera.

FYI i recommended the same camera to 3 of my friends who purchased them. Two of them died with an E18 error.

Oh yeah. Canon says they die when you power them down with a low battery? What kind of design is that??

Scot VanAlstine

[D70FAN]

This is not an unfounded rumor.

I have had my Canon A70 camera for 1.5 years. I also purchased the underwater enclosure for it. The camera stays in it all the time so it is never exposed to dust or grit.

I had an E18 error happen 5 months ago. It cost me 140.00 to get it fixed.

Yesterday it happened again and the camera is screwed. Its sad. its going tcost me another 140 bucks to get it fixed.

I had a Sony before and it worked flawlessly for 3 years. I replaced it because I wanted something wih more megapixels.

Its a crying shame because i really like the camera and I use it for my web business. Unfortunately I am looking at another manufacturer product because I do not want aother disposable camera.

FYI i recommended the same camera to 3 of my friends who purchased them. Two of them died with an E18 error.

Oh yeah. Canon says they die when you power them down with a low battery? What kind of design is that??

Scot VanAlstine

So we add 1 A70 to the list (not good). Did Canon send you a note saying that when powering down on a low battery the camera dies? It would be very interesting to see that statement.

Again, where is that enterprising lawyer?

[malefactor]

Found this by searching google for problems with s410 & e18 error. My s110 died after 2-3 years of light use. E18 error. I can hear slight clicking from it, but I eventually (after disassembling) discovered it was not the gears attempting to move. Thorough cleaning still left the camera dead (lens would not extend).

Guessing the servo popped, and believe me you do not want to be replacing that part.. it's buried. Cheaper to upgrade.

Interesting point: Canon offered to sell me a refurb s410 w/6 month warranty for $175 because I own an S110. Interesting, no? I'll bet there are known issues that have been addressed in the later cameras, and this is a way to allow users to upgrade / quiet their griping a bit.

I think I may take it, but I want to make sure this e18 issue is not prevalent in their more recent cameras.

[gary_hendricks]

I'm an owner of a S500 (3 months). I've never had any E18 related problems.

[MacGuyver]

If you have had, or currently have, a documented E18 error on you camera give us the particulars. I don't mean hear-say on the web, but actual first hand experience.

I have many freinds and relatives that have purchased all maner of Canons, in the past 2 years, and none has had a problem with the lens sticking (E18 error) or any other fatal error that I know of.

I suspect that this is being perpetuated by someone unhappy with Canon and trying to keep a one-time problem out there as a worldwide and productline wide problem, when it is not.

Well, George, I just registered here at DCRP today for the sole purpose of adding to this thread.

Our Canon S400 was purchased around June 2003 (along with a padded carrying case and extra battery). Yesterday, after taking a round of indoor shots and short videos, we turned it back on and the lens stopped partway through extending, paused, retracted fully and the screen went black with an "E18" in the lower left corner. Shortly after this, the camera powered itself off completely.

The S400 can only be powered on in Play/View mode now. The exact same behavior described above is repeated each time I have tried powering it on in Camera mode. Battery and memory card swapping have no effect (as expected, but I wanted to rule everything out). I tried the "bump" method while the lens is extracting, also to no avail. The only thing I have not tried is pulling the battery for 24 hours, but I would prefer to retain the current settings.

The last used environment was in average temp./humidity conditions. The camera only has minor paint wear on the edges (from setting down on tables; metal rings on fingers; etc.) There are no dents or impacts and it has been kept in its padded carrying case during most of its inactive periods.

I too have been an avid Canon fan and user for years. My old AE1-Program served me well. Until yesterday, this S400 has been a great portable digicam and my only serious complaints about it were the last-minute-battery-warning (ie. lack of continuous battery level indication) and slow activation (lens extension during power on). I would also like to have had more than 3x optical zoom, but this was a feature lacking in most digicams of this size and type until recently.

I have noticed quite an assortment of folks talking about this E18 issue on the web. Forums at CNET have been locked by moderators without comment (although this may be due to the fact that they are supposed to be "review" forums). I found an interesting take-apart solution to the E18 problem for the IXUS line at this German site (English version linked):
http://www.ixus-world.de/index.htm?tips/repair_guide/e18_01en.htm

I have emailed Canon to see what they can offer, but from what I have heard about Canon's prices for repair (including the $150 for diagnosis) I may have to resort to using this IXUS page as a guide to attempting resuscitation of this S400 paperweight.

Perhaps there is a disgruntled person posting all over the internet, but from the variety of sources discussing the issue, I would say it *IS* a problem for at least some Canon retracting-lens owners. I cannot say if it is a "worldwide epidemic," however. I would like to point out that this body and lens design style is very similar across a wide array of Canon retracting-lens models. Just look at the IXUS take-apart. There appears to be very little difference structurally from my S400.

Sorry if this was long-winded. Confirm one E18 owner.

[ktixx]

The only thing I have not tried is pulling the battery for 24 hours, but I would prefer to retain the current settings.


You should try resetting the camera, I would have to say it is better to have a working camera that you have to reprogram with settings, than to have a paperweight!

Prior to my DSlr purchase I had an S200 for well over 2 years. It has traveled around the world with me and taken thousands of shots and I have never had a problem. Still works to this day.

Ken

[MacGuyver]

You should try resetting the camera, I would have to say it is better to have a working camera that you have to reprogram with settings, than to have a paperweight!
I agree, and I have tried leaving the battery out for over 24 hours with no luck. The Canon email response mentioned only approximately 20 minutes with the battery out. Here are the main bits of information from the Canon response (each EDIT is where I cut out sections of non-essential text):


==EDIT==
The Error Message "E18" indicates an internal error has occurred,
generally with the shutter mechanism. Sometimes this can happen if the
battery runs very low while the camera attempts to power off.
==EDIT==
The standard labor cost to make the repair will range from $150 to $300.
Parts may be an additional cost. Cameras damaged by impact, liquid, or
sand may have a considerably higher repair cost, depending on the
results of the Factory Service Center's evaluation.
==EDIT==
A written estimate will be sent to you at the address that you have
provided. The repairs to your camera will not begin until you approve
this estimate and make payment arrangements. If, after receiving the
estimate, you do not wish to have the camera repaired, please inform the
Factory Service Center of your decision as soon as possible. If you
decline the estimate, the camera will be shipped back to you unrepaired.
==EDIT==
The second option is our PowerShot Upgrade program. The PowerShot
Upgrade program allows you to replace your current camera with a Canon
refurbished PowerShot S410. The refurbished unit offered through this
program carries a six month warranty. The cost for this program is
$175, plus $10 shipping for Second Business Day delivery.
==EDIT==
So, it appears that you can at least find out how much the repair will cost before throwing down more than the cost of shipping.

[Skatey]

Another dissapointed user with a Canon here.. I have Ixus II from Europe.. i must say that i am a student and bought my camera 'cause i wanted it for documenting fun stuff and everything and hoping it last long.. It lasted me 14 months now today i got the E18 error. At first i only noticed that it didn't want to focus fine, so i turned it on and off a few times, than it just died once, now the lens is fully extended, it doesn't even make a vroom sound or anything, just beeps and shows the error.

Must say that i used the camera in all sorts of conditions, even filmed movies at the sea and stuff like that, partys and everything.. the wierdest thing is that i haven't used it for about a month or more, cause i had to study and now i took it out again and it just died, wierd...

it will be a big expense for another camera, sadly :=

[zero]

Well so far, if i am correct, I think I haven't read any issues with the S500 or G6 in this thread. I asked my friend last week who has an S500 if he had any E18 errors. He said he never had any sort of error like that. He told me that once, the battery ran out while the camera was turned on but it correctly retracted the lens and turned off.

Here are the failure stats I have compiled from this thread:

|....S400....|....S110....|....A85....|....A60.... |....A70....|....Ixus II....|
|...............|................|.............|.. ...........|.............|..................|
|.......3......|.......1.......|......1.....|..... .3......|......2......|.......2.........|


Are S500s safer then the previous "S"es? How about G (G6)?

[D70FAN]

Well so far, if i am correct, I think I haven't read any issues with the S500 or G6 in this thread. I asked my friend last week who has an S500 if he had any E18 errors. He said he never had any sort of error like that. He told me that once, the battery ran out while the camera was turned on but it correctly retracted the lens and turned off.

Here are the failure stats I have compiled from this thread:

|....S400....|....S110....|....A85....|....A60.... |....A70....|....Ixus II....|
|...............|................|.............|.. ...........|.............|..................|
|.......3......|.......1.......|......1.....|..... .3......|......2......|.......2.........|


Are S500s safer then the previous "S"es? How about G (G6)?

Thanks for compiling this list. The majority of the cameras failing in this survey are 2+ year old designs. I just purchased an A510 as a handy pocket cam, for my trip to Japan this weekend, so we'll see what happens (most of the time I'll be shooting with the D70).

The lens is a new 4X zoom design offering 35-140 equivalent focal length. Maybe this was in response to the problems they were seeing with the older design (specualtion of course).

I've only had a chance to shoot 9 frames, but I'll keep everyone posted. It will be a tough transition back to an all-in-one, and it might not work out as I had hoped. But at least I will have a chance to use the camera to see if it lives up to the A75 legend.

[maseace]

I had an E18 error one time on my S50, after leaving the sliding lens cover open (with a conversion lens adapter attached) on a tripod for several days. When I went to turn it on, the E18 error appeared. Powered back off and it never happened again. I think that the lens may have hit the (misaligned) adapter tube while extending and jammed, causing the error.

[zero]

I did a little research and found that S500s are affected by this error too. Simply type in S500 E18 in google and you will see the results. Now type in G6 E18 and there aren't any results related to E18 errors in G6. Type in S410 E18 and results are plenty related to E18 errors in S410.

[sharon]

Wanted a digital camera for so long. Did a long research and decided to buy A95. Sent my husband to the USA (actually, his company sent him, but nevermind that. I stayed home with the kids for two and a haf weeks, didn't I?). He came back a week and a half ago with my new toy. I played during the weekend, and had so much fun.
Today, while taking pictures of my kids, sitting on the carpet, my daughter hit accidently my hand, and the camera fell on the carpet. And that's it. E18.
So sad. It had few focusing problems just before it fell, but I think the fall was crucial here.
Tried to hit it gently with my palm. Took off the batteries....
:(
Now how can I ship it overseas to get it fixed? It's so sad. I want my camera back. I even didn't have enough time to find out about all the features.

[maja]

Hi all. Registered just to report my very own E18-error. I'm the unlucky owner of a PowerShot s40 - so now you can add that model to your statistics. As I'm not much of an activist myself, I dream of some enthusiastic person out there pressuring Canon into replacing all cameras suffering from this very uncool flaw - warranty or no...

I bought my camera from my sister, who had been using it dilligently for appr. 1½ years but taking extremely good care of it. Now, I've been using it for a couple of months, not taking quite as good care of it, I must admit - though not mistreating it either - and it just happened out of the blue 5 days ago. Unfortunately, I wasn't there when the error first showed up, but I was told that nothing unusual had happened to justify an error... I've tried tapping it, removing the battery for 24+ hours and gently manipulating the lens, all to no avail. I'm crushed. Can't afford a new one or even having this one repaired. It sucks. Canon should be held responsible. And PUNISHED! (No, I'm not encouraging the use of violence! =) ... just financial consequences for a major company selling poorly designed products at considerable prices.)

My last option was to try following the repair guide mentioned in this thread, but I found it was only for Ixus models. Can anybody tell me if I can follow the directions anyway, or if there is another repair guide out there? (I'm very new on the internet - and with digicams!) Thanks in advance! And good luck with going through life with a Canon never encountering this extremely frustrating and depressing phenomenon.

That's all for now
- Maja, Denmark

[Brian Jones]

hi - i too just registered to post here about getting the S400 error. same story - i've had this camera since November 2003, loved it, and its worked great for me. But now i'm out $400 for a camera that lasted 15 months. i've done extenisive google searches on this and this problem is all over the internet. i see the repair technique from the German site and will probably try that, but i'm really disturbed by Canon's support of this. i will likely never buy a Canon product again.

i once was a happy user and always recommended this camera and Canon. Now, i'll tell them about "E18" and recommend they avoid Canon.

[ProblemSolver]

I don't think E18 errors come out of nowhere. E18 errors only appear on my S500 (Ixus 500) when I hold the lens barrel tightly when it's retracting. Other than that, no probs for me. For those with E18 errors, I recommend you bring your camera back to Canon and tell them exactly what happened, what you were doing, etc when the error occured. Or just try punching the camera's size ;) . Although I'm happy about my Canon not having E18's naturally, I took lots of continuous shots one day and the lens barrel rim of my Ixus dented inwards - Not sure why :mad:

[Rafter]

My A70 crapped out during a holiday in Chile last week. I also had never heard of the E18 Error, until I started looking online. I've had the camera since May-2003, and it's served me well, but after reading all the posts about this error, I'll probably go to another manufacturer if I can't fix the problem myself. Any suggestions on which camera I should buy next?

[Rhys]

My A70 crapped out during a holiday in Chile last week. I also had never heard of the E18 Error, until I started looking online. I've had the camera since May-2003, and it's served me well, but after reading all the posts about this error, I'll probably go to another manufacturer if I can't fix the problem myself. Any suggestions on which camera I should buy next?

I've had my Nikon 3100 since June 2003. It's still going strong, 3,000 photos later.

[d48]

I just discovered this forum while researching digital camera reviews. My Canon PowerShot S100 stopped working last night and it displays an error code of E18. The lens is open and is extended partway. If I put my ear close to it, I can hear it whirring like it's trying to open or close, but nothing happens. I knew I had a 4 year extended warranty on it, but I looked and it expired 2 months ago. Bummer. I took the battery out overnight and put in a freshly charged one this morning and it still doesn't open all the way or close.

I checked the Canon website and it says the E18 error code means it has to be worked on by a technician. Since I've had it over 4 years, that doesn't sound like a wise investment.

It was a fabulous camera until last night. Even though it is 2.1 megapixels, I frequently made 8x10 enlargements and they were perfect.

I planned to replace it with another Canon of some type, but now I'm reading about the E18 message on other Canon cameras even when they are new.

I've been reading digital camera reviews for hours and I was thinking of the Canon PowerShot A95 or A85. (I'd like to be able to experiment with manual controls.) I hadn't even considered another brand until I started reading about the E18 error in multiple reviews.

An advice for me or questions about my E18 error?

[gary_hendricks]

I don't think E18 errors come out of nowhere. E18 errors only appear on my S500 (Ixus 500) when I hold the lens barrel tightly when it's retracting. Other than that, no probs for me. For those with E18 errors, I recommend you bring your camera back to Canon and tell them exactly what happened, what you were doing, etc when the error occured. Or just try punching the camera's size ;) . Although I'm happy about my Canon not having E18's naturally, I took lots of continuous shots one day and the lens barrel rim of my Ixus dented inwards - Not sure why :mad:


I'm selling my IXUS 500 soon - so far no E18 errors.

[leftism]

Getting an E18 error on an IXUS 400 purchased in Singapore.

The E18 is only occurring when the camera is in 'photograph' mode (taking pictures)--the camera still seems to work fine in 'play' mode, allowing me to review hundreds of photos on the CF card.

The lens will not extend out fully when turned on, and after a little bit of tugging, I'm afraid I've made it worse, as it now will not retract fully either. It is as if the lens is very tightly jammed--I can't move it at all when the camera is on for the few seconds before and during the error. After it shuts off automatically, the lens does move back and forth a few millimeters, but that's it.

E18 is definitely real.

[malefactor]

Sorry to disappoint, but this is the person who previously reported the e18. I took the camera almost totally apart -- a light cleaning with compressed air etc and a reassemble did not fix the problem. The thing was in a thousand pieces when I 1)noticed that not all of the screws are the same size, threading or length, 2)decided to take canon's $175 swap the s110 for an s410 offer.

With my goal as simple to get this thing looking more or less like an actual camera, I start hodge podging it back together, and lo and be hold: the bloody thing actually worked. I have no idea what I did. Half , if not all, of the lens screws are gone. It's probably less stable now, but it still takes great pictures. I think it might have been that I physically, manually, manipulated the lens while it was in pieces. No clue.

The upshot is, you might want to subtract my camera from the stats. Damn. Happy though.

[gary_hendricks]

I don't think E18 errors come out of nowhere. E18 errors only appear on my S500 (Ixus 500) when I hold the lens barrel tightly when it's retracting. Other than that, no probs for me. For those with E18 errors, I recommend you bring your camera back to Canon and tell them exactly what happened, what you were doing, etc when the error occured. Or just try punching the camera's size ;) . Although I'm happy about my Canon not having E18's naturally, I took lots of continuous shots one day and the lens barrel rim of my Ixus dented inwards - Not sure why :mad:

I own an IXUS 500 and never had such E18 errors.

[matsuRD]

So is there any conclusion on this E18 issue? Is there a particular reason of its happening, or does it happen randomly?
I'm planning to buy a camera soon, and this E18 is the only thing left keeping me from taking a A85. I don't want to risk it during my travel. :confused:

[peterborg]

Purchased an Ixus 40 only 10 days ago, to replace an Ixus v4 that has the "CF Card Error" problem.

Ixus 40 is now displaying E18. You'd think they'd get it right after 6 generations of this model....

[dayman]

Like Maja and Brian Jones, I registered at this site just to reply to this thread.

I bought an A70 and was happy until the lens jammed. Sent it in for warranty repair. Then, a little while after the warranty expired the same thing happened. I'm not happy. What a waste of resources. I might open up the camera and see if I can fix it myself. Nothing to lose really.

I was considering buying another Canon but now that I googled e18 it seems like Canon hasn't fixed the problem.

At first I thought that maybe I was a little too rough on my camera. It seems like it wasn't my fault.

[matsuRD]

I'm just imagining things here, but this is my theory on the E18 happenings...

i didn't find anything about E18 in canon's website (US) so here goes...

From the cases, it seems the E18 is related to the lens motors/mechanisms. Most of the people experiencing it had the same symptoms, lens jammed, won't retract, etc. Well, at least Canon anticipated this problem and came up with a name for it...the (dreaded) E18 error.
Is it, a QC issue? Probably since Canon's cameras are so popular, the demands are so high, they just relaxed a bit on the QC in order to meet the orders? Relaxing the QC means, passing QC for products that have potential E18 problems, or other kind of defects. Just maybe.

Anyways, how far the truth and happenings about this E18, it seems real. And it's enough to drive ME away from selecting the greatest camera from canon for a point-and-shoot and enthusiast user like me who doesn't need a high MP, but wants a flexible (manual controls) adjustments on a budget... the A85. I can't risk the E18 during my overseas travel.

I talk too much, excuse me.
Matsurd :cool:

[Rex914]

Just reading through this, it seems that the bulk of the problems seem to stem from one particular model (A70) (although other models are at fault too).

Do take all of this with a grain of salt. It's great that people are reporting this, but remember that defects are a miniscule minority of the total shipped units. You shouldn't rule out Canon just because of the E18 scare. If you're that paranoid about this, then I don't even want to know how you feel about certain notorious computer makers you don't trust. :eek:

[matsuRD]

Hopefully Canon will deal with it soon, and rid of it FOREVER! yay! :D

[thebac]

Canon G2 and S200, and no problems (my Dad also has the S200, and he's never reported any problems, while a friend has the S30 with no problems, either).

On a related note, it's not like other manufacturers don't have that problem. I had an Oly C-700 where the lens will no longer extend, though I could still review the pictures. They don't have an error code for that with the Oly, but the problem exists, anyway.

[d48]

My Canon S100 died of a E18 error a couple weeks ago. (I already reported it here.) I had it a little over 4 years and it performed perfectly until the E18 error. The lens is partly extended and won't go in or out. This had never happened before, but the camera is unusable now.

I had a 4 year extended warranty, but it expired two months before the E18 error. I plan on getting an extended warranty with my next camera too. It's a catch 22: if I don't buy it, odds are I'll need it.

[D70FAN]

I think it has become painfully obvious that Canon has made a mistake on some of their lens designs. While it can be said that other cameras fail I can't think of any other camera which has had the same consistant defect.

Worst of all this problem is pretty insideous, and while I know it would be expensive, Canon should probably make amends to those so afflicted.

Unfortunately, Canon is pretty full of themselves these days, and doesn't seem to care, so it's pretty much not going to happen.

My condolences to those who have run into the E18 error, and those yet to come, as I did not believe that Canon would so totally ignore its customers. It seems I was wrong. :(

[ProblemSolver]

My Canon S100 died of a E18 error a couple weeks ago. (I already reported it here.) I had it a little over 4 years and it performed perfectly until the E18 error. The lens is partly extended and won't go in or out. This had never happened before, but the camera is unusable now.

I had a 4 year extended warranty, but it expired two months before the E18 error. I plan on getting an extended warranty with my next camera too. It's a catch 22: if I don't buy it, odds are I'll need it.

I think it much depends on your luck and camera batch. I've owned an S100 for 5 years and everything's OK - Except the the "IXUS" word coming off and some other labels but that's due to usage. Try hitting the left side of the camera and powering it on.

[ed.lee]

Hi-

I justed joined to respond alittle to the E18s. I have seen the E18s on a few Digital Rebels and a couple of 10D. Just to be fair, these were "factory refurbished" models.

[D70FAN]

Hi-

I justed joined to respond alittle to the E18s. I have seen the E18s on a few Digital Rebels and a couple of 10D. Just to be fair, these were "factory refurbished" models.

??? E18 is a lens error on P&S Canons. How can this be the case on dSLRs?

You need to document this, for me to believe it can happen on a dSLR, since the lens is totally removable and changeable. Please point us to sites where someone has had this happen to them personally.

I know that I started this thread with the intention of proving the rumors wrong, and then finding out that indeed there does seem to be a defect. But E18 on a dSLR just does not make any sense, unless there is more to the E18 error than just the lens...

...the plot thickens. :confused:

[Siivu]

Ive had my Canon ixus i for 15 months now, and the first time the e18 appeared was after 9 months of use. I got it repaired for free because the i had a warranty for 12 months. Today the error appeared again and im in thailand so i dont have a clue what to do, maybe i just have to buy a new camera or try to fix it by myself following the repair site.

[Rumo]

From all I've heard A60 and A70 cameras have most problems with E18.

My A70 died after a year or so. Fortunately amazon gave me full refund!

Now I'm searching for a new camera and can't decide whether I should give the A510 a try or change the manufacturer (it seems that there are still some E18 issues - although less).

[Rex914]

From all I've heard A60 and A70 cameras have most problems with E18.

My A70 died after a year or so. Fortunately amazon gave me full refund!

Now I'm searching for a new camera and can't decide whether I should give the A510 a try or change the manufacturer (it seems that there are still some E18 issues - although less).

Post a query in the "What camera should I buy?" forum and see if we have other camera recommendations for you.

[thaibruin]

try this one on for size guys. Ordered the camera two days ago, received it today, charged up the battery without looking at the actual camera first. After the battery was fully charged, I finally look at the camera only to find that the lens is oddly protruding and not fully retracted like i would have expected it to be. I put in the battery, power it on... lens moves a little forward, moves a little back... BEEP BEEP BEEP! E18 error. Luckily Staples has a pretty good return policy. They deliver me a new one tomorrow and pick up the old one at the same time. Hopefully the new SD300 I'm getting will at least work for a day or two. :)

[C_Losito]

Greetings, this will be my one and only post.

I would like to add the Canon A40 to this list. I purchased one new a little over two years ago and it worked flawlessly (and took beautiful pictures) for the next year before finally getting the e18 error. I found this thread because I am finally getting around to looking for a new digital camera and I wanted to see if anyone else still had problems with Canons. No more Canon cameras for me.

[bka314]

Greetings, this will be my one and only post.

I would like to add the Canon A40 to this list. I purchased one new a little over two years ago and it worked flawlessly (and took beautiful pictures) for the next year before finally getting the e18 error. I found this thread because I am finally getting around to looking for a new digital camera and I wanted to see if anyone else still had problems with Canons. No more Canon cameras for me.

The A40?! It's odd. I just thought the A10-40 line were bigger but better. I have an A20, dropped it once (2 years ago), then of course I had the E18 error several times, but it have worked properly ever since (though the zoom makes much more noise). I thought these cams are undestroyable... but now I just think that I am the lucky one.

I will never ever advice Canon's compact cameras to my friends.

Now I have an S1 IS as well, and I've never heard of this problem on that model. Maybe those lens are completely different design (USM, etc).

[D70FAN]

From all I've heard A60 and A70 cameras have most problems with E18.

My A70 died after a year or so. Fortunately amazon gave me full refund!

Now I'm searching for a new camera and can't decide whether I should give the A510 a try or change the manufacturer (it seems that there are still some E18 issues - although less).

NO! The A510 is nowhere near as good as the A75/A85. Start looking at other brands, or look for an A75 or A85 on-line.

[wolfgangk]

NO! The A510 is nowhere near as good as the A75/A85. Start looking at other brands, or look for an A75 or A85 on-line.

WHAT!!??

I'm sorry, this statement is pure nonsense. A510/520 nowhere as good as 75/85? Based on what??

The 510/520 are excellent cameras and for the price, you will not find any current digicam out there with the amount of control the 510/520 offers. Why would you look elsewhere?

[D70FAN]

Just reading through this, it seems that the bulk of the problems seem to stem from one particular model (A70) (although other models are at fault too).

Do take all of this with a grain of salt. It's great that people are reporting this, but remember that defects are a miniscule minority of the total shipped units. You shouldn't rule out Canon just because of the E18 scare. If you're that paranoid about this, then I don't even want to know how you feel about certain notorious computer makers you don't trust. :eek:

I'm afraid that I have to disagree with you on this one. I too thought that the E18 error was a fluke, which is why I started this thread, but it appears that it is a real enough problem, and a consistant problem as well. Of the 64 responses so far, the majority are to report a problem.

You can't compare this to a computer problem. Not being able to download e-mail is one thing, but having your camera fail on a vacation really bites.

This along with my recent experience with the new A510 means that I have quit recommending Canon in general. I still really like the A75 and A85, but unfortunately Canon has replaced them with junk.

I'm not real impressed with the new DReb either. Canon seems to be cutting too many corners on it's newest releases instead of bringing out a quality product. As a former Canon enthusiast I am really disappointed.

[wolfgangk]

[QUOTE=George Riehm]I'm afraid that I have to disagree with you on this one. I too thought that the E18 error was a fluke, which is why I started this thread, but it appears that it is a real enough problem, and a consistant problem as well. Of the 64 responses so far, the majority are to report a problem.QUOTE]

So...what's the point? You basically said that the majority of 64 self-selected responses are reporting a problem. And how do you know these people are reporting the truth?

Honestly, this does not say much about the actual incidence of this alleged problem. This thread's turnout is extremely small relative to the amount of cameras Canon sells.

From a statistics and research design point of view, much more info is needed to really get a good estimate of this alleged error.

[D70FAN]

WHAT!!??

I'm sorry, this statement is pure nonsense. A510/520 nowhere as good as 75/85? Based on what??

The 510/520 are excellent cameras and for the price, you will not find any current digicam out there with the amount of control the 510/520 offers. Why would you look elsewhere?

Based on my own experience of owning both the A75 and the A510. I didn't take this position lightly, as the A75 is still one of my favorite cameras. So I purchased the A510 with great anticipation. How do you improve on the perfect low cost camera? But a few hundred frames shot with the A510 was a sobering experience. Red-Eye was back (in spades), pictures were soft, the zoom is clumsy, and it is painfully slow. Quite an improvement over the A75 eh?

I have to assume that your expert opinion is due to the fact that you also own both of these cameras and use them on a regular basis. Opinions are just that. We now have yours and mine.

[D70FAN]

[QUOTE=George Riehm]I'm afraid that I have to disagree with you on this one. I too thought that the E18 error was a fluke, which is why I started this thread, but it appears that it is a real enough problem, and a consistant problem as well. Of the 64 responses so far, the majority are to report a problem.QUOTE]

So...what's the point? You basically said that the majority of 64 self-selected responses are reporting a problem. And how do you know these people are reporting the truth?

Honestly, this does not say much about the actual incidence of this alleged problem. This thread's turnout is extremely small relative to the amount of cameras Canon sells.

From a statistics and research design point of view, much more info is needed to really get a good estimate of this alleged error.

I'm not sure of what you mean by "self selected". I just started the thread to see if there was a consistant problem out there and I have no editorial control over responses. Read my first post, and you will agree that I did not believe that there was a consistant problem with Canon zooms.

You can read the posts and believe what you want. That's the idea. I have been a Canon fan for many years, but that doesn't mean I won't criticize their failings. Sometimes you need to realize that the king is not wearing clothes. ;)

[wolfgangk]

[QUOTE=wolfgangk]

I'm not sure of what you mean by "self selected". I just started the thread to see if there was a consistant problem out there and I have no editorial control over responses. Read my first post, and you will agree that I did not believe that there was a consistant problem with Canon zooms.

You can read the posts and believe what you want. That's the idea. I have been a Canon fan for many years, but that doesn't mean I won't criticize their failings. Sometimes you need to realize that the king is not wearing clothes. ;)


My point is how can you come up with your conclusion that the E18 error is actually a big problem when you have such a small sample of responses on this thread?

Remember Canon sells a ton of digital cameras every year.....you may get a high percentage of E18 responses to this thread because you asked for it, but an extrememely low incidence of the actual error in the real world. There's a big contrast.

I personally need more information and proof that the E18 error is as bad as people claim it to be.

[D70FAN]

[QUOTE=George Riehm]


My point is how can you come up with your conclusion that the E18 error is actually a big problem when you have such a small sample of responses on this thread?

Remember Canon sells a ton of digital cameras every year.....you may get a high percentage of E18 responses to this thread because you asked for it, but an extrememely low incidence of the actual error in the real world. There's a big contrast.

I personally need more information and proof that the E18 error is as bad as people claim it to be.

While you make a valid case for the number of failures vs. total sales (and this is a position that I supported when I started this thread) would your confidence that this is a minor problem also lead you toward buying a used/refurbished A60 or A70 for your children? Or recommend them to freinds?

In all honesty the problem has been primarily confined to older designs, but a few newer models have had this problem as well. While it may be that this has been blown out of proportion, the doubt is still there.

I am seriously hoping that the number and frequency of new "problem" posts on this thread will diminish to zero in the near future. The object is not to denegrate a good camera company, it is to identify problems so that others are not affected and hopefully Canon redesigns to avoid this problem in the future.

As I have already stated on this and other threads, the 4X lenses on the new A series appear to be an effort to rectify this problem, unfortunatley they forgot to pay attention to their industry leading strong points in the rest of the design.

Finex.

[David B]

I -like so many others who have posted on this thread- have found and joined this board specifically because of an E18 error message. I think I might have the dubious distinction of being the first to report an A80 to have failed, although mine has slightly different symptoms. When powering the camera on, the lens extracts, the Canon opening screen is displayed and then the lens quickly retracts, the screen goes black and in a few seconds E18 appears (lower left in the screen) and the camera promptly powers off. It was purchased Jan, 2004; I’ve taken approx. 2000 photos and have been generally delighted with the camera, until now of course. I also am pretty upset with the responses most Canon owners have posted regarding their contact with the manufacturer. I’m going to try the battery out remedy but with little hope. I doubt I’ll do the repair if it costs the $150 I’ve heard since it seems to not always stay repaired and the repair warranty is only 6 months. I too have not misused or damaged the camera in any way. I’ll call Canon of course and monitor this board to see if someone comes up with a remedy, but most likely this is my last Canon camera for a long while, or at least until they come up with a more equitable solution to what –despite what some people refuse to accept- is a real problem that rears itself with no warning and for no apparent reason.

[BillyGoat]

Add S230 to the list (if not already there). I bought mine May 2003 and thought it was a great camera for the price. It was the first and only digital camera we've owned and I loved the compactness and video mode (except for the 30 sec limit - another story). I have taken thousands of pictures and hundreds of video clips until today it failed me. As far as I know it was not dropped or mistreated in any way (although maybe my 2-year-old got ahold of it when I wasn't looking). This suddenly started happening today and has these exact symptoms.

When powering the camera on, the lens extracts, the Canon opening screen is displayed and then the lens quickly retracts, the screen goes black and in a few seconds E18 appears (lower left in the screen) and the camera promptly powers off.
Anyway, the upgrade of $175+shipping for a refurbished S410 doesn't sound like a good deal when you can buy a new one for $250. I'll try the 24hr thing and then decide if I am going to be really angry or not.

[fatbear]

I registered here just to post my E18 experience.

My history:

We bought an S400 in Feb 2004. Since then we've taken it everywhere and treated it very poorly. We did everything short of drop-kick it into the ocean. After 13 months and 6000 flawless pictures, we recently got the E18 error (no, I wasn't holding the lens - I just turned it on and it died.)

After much angst, we assumed it was our fault due to poor handling and replaced it with a *new* (not refurb) S410. Today was the first day with the new camera. We also bought a new case and resolved to take much better care of the camera. After taking about 300 pictures (while treating the camera with kid gloves) I got an E18 when turning it on to try and review pictures at the end of the day. I have an E18 even in review mode - when the lens doesn't attempt to move!

I am now without a camera for the rest of the trip, as I obviously can't return it to the place of purchase until I get home.

S400- 13 months to E18.
S410 - 1 day to E18.

This sucks.

[BillyGoat]

Well, I'll be darned. Simply leaving the battery out for over 24 hrs seems to have fixed my E18 error. Let's hope it does not come back...

[hagakure]

Register just to say my SD100 got the e18 error after a year of used. My brother has the same camera and he had it for 1.5 year and it still going strong. After doing tons of research online and even on Canon's website, this is clearly a problem that's documented.

From my research, I found out that a lot of people had this problem after they had the camera for an extended period of time. The cause due to the lens mechanism. Many doubter will deny it, but when it happen to them, they'll be kicking themself. If I never had this problem, I would doubt it myself since I love my SD100 before the error.

I only found this forum after extensive searching the internet for 5 days, so i'm sure there are thousand of owner that probably won't ever find this board to post a problem. And now my bday is coming up, I'm not sure if I should try to fix this camera or go out buy a new one for 300+ dollar. I just want a good digital camera that would last 5 plus years.

[mkbcn]

I have an IXUS II (1 1/2 years old) which has an E18 error. Meanwhile I took some photos using the flash, the objective stopped and stocks. There was no possibility to "reanimate" it. The camera always has been treat with the utmost caution. So it is not true that the error only appears, when the objective can not move freely. At canon this error must be well known: When went to my dealer he told me that unfortunately guarantee has elapsed. To repair this error would cost over 250€, because the camera must be stripped down completely. so I asked directly the Canon Service, They told me that for the E18 they have a "special Flatrate of 135€" with 6 month Guarantee. So, I ask you; if this Error is so strange as you say, why does Canon offer a special flatrate? As with this 135€ I nearly can buy a new one with the same properties I am trying to repair it all by myself as explained an the page of www.ixus-world.com. There the E18 error is very well known.
Of course Canon, as said before in the forum, sells "tons of cameras" every year. But us, to whom E18 happens it is very frustrating.

So I wish you happy easter holidays and no E18.

[fretman]

I have an IXUS II (1 1/2 years old) which has an E18 error. Meanwhile I took some photos using the flash, the objective stopped and stocks. There was no possibility to "reanimate" it. The camera always has been treat with the utmost caution. So it is not true that the error only appears, when the objective can not move freely. At canon this error must be well known: When went to my dealer he told me that unfortunately guarantee has elapsed. To repair this error would cost over 250€, because the camera must be stripped down completely. so I asked directly the Canon Service, They told me that for the E18 they have a "special Flatrate of 135€" with 6 month Guarantee. So, I ask you; if this Error is so strange as you say, why does Canon offer a special flatrate? As with this 135€ I nearly can buy a new one with the same properties I am trying to repair it all by myself as explained an the page of www.ixus-world.com. There the E18 error is very well known.
Of course Canon, as said before in the forum, sells "tons of cameras" every year. But us, to whom E18 happens it is very frustrating.

So I wish you happy easter holidays and no E18.

Hmmm....went to the site you mentioned at www.ixus-world.com and it seems like a domain registration site. Couldn't find anything on the E18 error.

[mcc]

I have a Canon A70. I'm not sure how old it is, but I'm guessing we've had it for around 2 years. Yesterday, for the third time, the lens got stuck and it gave the E18 error. This time, I tried everything I've read that could solve the problem except taking the camera apart. It still won't work. I didn't purchase an extended warranty. I guess I'll have to take it apart. :(

[aheart]

I ordered my A400 in a bundle with the PIXMA iP3000 printer online a week ago. They were packaged together in a bundle box when the arrived Tuesday or Wednesday. By yestereday, Saturday, the lens was stuck in the extended position and we've had nothing but the E18 error. Haven't even had time to send in the registration card - and wasn't able to take egg hunt pictures today. Pretty frustrating, and it's going to really tick me off to even have to pay return postage. After reading the postings above, I'm wondering if I want to stay on this Canon route...

[leile]

hi- i have a 6 month old s500 and just encountered the e18 error.. absolutely annoying!.. did anyone encounter the same on a s500 and what can you recommend i should do? love the camera and its features but really dont wanna spend a few hundred bucks getting it repaired :(

[gjordan]

Sounds like there are several people out there like me...

Found this thread while searching the web after getting the E18 error on my A70. Had it about 14 months, I still have to check the warrantee. It had been sitting around for a while, batteries were maybe getting low. Turned it on, then when I turned it off and it wouldn't retract fully, and then showed the E18 error. Sounds like a real design flaw by Canon to me!

So what are the totals now?

[Jmanrep]

Sounds like there are several people out there like me...

Found this thread while searching the web after getting the E18 error on my A70. Had it about 14 months, I still have to check the warrantee. It had been sitting around for a while, batteries were maybe getting low. Turned it on, then when I turned it off and it wouldn't retract fully, and then showed the E18 error. Sounds like a real design flaw by Canon to me!

So what are the totals now?


I have the S110, A70, and G6 with NO problems, none.

I asked a friend who works in a camera shop and sells/repairs a lot of cameras (canon, nikon, konica-minolta, etc.) he said most of the cameras that come in for repair are NOT canon and that the E18 error is not common at all. In fact, he was very suprised to hear about this thread.

[sh28204]

Received my Canon SD500 last Friday, and was very pleased with it. Took about 150 pictures and movies with it, testing out the different functions. Great pictures! However, after about 5 hours of use, when turning off the camera (I had turned it off and on maybe 10 times before this happened), the lens would not retract, and the E18 error showed up in the display. Tried leaving the battery out for more than 5 hours, still the lens won't retract (the E18 doesn't show up anymore though), and the camera is unusable.

Sent it back to the store today, and will receive a replacement in a few days, so all is good there, but it doesn't exactly leave me with much confidence with these cameras, since they have not fixed this problem even with their latest generation ELPH/IXUS cameras. :(

[zero]

I have the S110, A70, and G6 with NO problems, none.

The G6 seems immune from this problem. I have yet to hear this on G6. I haven't heard about this error on A95 either.

[DiJ]

I have own three different canon digicams and none of them has the E18. My friend has one for 3years no E18. Most of the people who posted had E18 because thats what the thread ask for. They actually reperesent a very small percent of all canon users that visit this site.

E18 isnt a strange malicious disease thats hidden in every canon waiting to pop out. The message actually means theres an obstruction preventing lens from extending or retracting as it should. I was once at a shop and the salesperson tried to show me some teleconverters on an A80. He had the wrong adapter ring on(too short) and the lens hit the teleconverter giving an E18 message. He shut it off and on and the camera functions normal again. Sand and particles getting into the mechanism may cause a permanent E18 message. I have been told by a local canon engineer this is usually very easy to fix by and should not return again at least if your camera are in the right hands. Hope this makes you more comfortable about getting a canon.

[thebac]

The G6 seems immune from this problem. I have yet to hear this on G6. I haven't heard about this error on A95 either.

I don't think any of the G Series has this problem. This seems to be mostly a problem with the A series and ultracompact Sxxx series.

[Spore]

Register here just to complain my own E18 error. Got my ixus 400 in December 2003, means that I've got my camera for 15 mths, that is 3 months post warranty. No gripes about the camera except for the slow start up, slow focusing and last minute battery indicator. E18 error just happened after my Thailand trip, thankfully. I carry my camera all over the place within a padded bag. No banging and dropping before. I use it twice on a beach - didn't drop it onto the sand. Tried to power up in the camera mode but the lens refuse to advance fully, then the E18 error appears at the lower left corner of the screen, afterwhich it promptly shuts down. No problem in the playback mode. I've seen the website which suggests taking down the camera and fixing it - doesn't seem easy though. Thought E18 error was peculiar to me until I googled it. If I need to pay a premium to buy Canon cameras, this problem shouldn't exist. In any case, this will be my first and last Canon.

[hagakure]

I have own three different canon digicams and none of them has the E18. My friend has one for 3years no E18. Most of the people who posted had E18 because thats what the thread ask for. They actually reperesent a very small percent of all canon users that visit this site.

E18 isnt a strange malicious disease thats hidden in every canon waiting to pop out. The message actually means theres an obstruction preventing lens from extending or retracting as it should. I was once at a shop and the salesperson tried to show me some teleconverters on an A80. He had the wrong adapter ring on(too short) and the lens hit the teleconverter giving an E18 message. He shut it off and on and the camera functions normal again. Sand and particles getting into the mechanism may cause a permanent E18 message. I have been told by a local canon engineer this is usually very easy to fix by and should not return again at least if your camera are in the right hands. Hope this makes you more comfortable about getting a canon.

Everyone's situation is different. You said your friend had his for 3 years, but if he hardly use it than yes he won't have a problem with you. You have 3 camera, that mean you're not using 1 camera extensive. We all love our cannon when it work properly, we would defend it with our heart, but when a stupid bug like this totally kill our 300 dollar investment than yeah we're going to have doubts about the company. The point i'm trying to make is the problem exist, even if it doesn't effect you yet doesnt' mean it won't. It's all over the intenet, not just this forum. The question I ask is why is this a problem in the first place, when other camera are defect free. It's obviously a bug in the camera. Why risk buying a cannon and having to repair it a year from now.

[wolfgangk]

I have the S110, A70, and G6 with NO problems, none.

I asked a friend who works in a camera shop and sells/repairs a lot of cameras (canon, nikon, konica-minolta, etc.) he said most of the cameras that come in for repair are NOT canon and that the E18 error is not common at all. In fact, he was very suprised to hear about this thread.


Ok, so now we have a camera repairman who repairs cams all the time saying the E18 error is not that common. Does this repairman perform warrantee work for Canon? Maybe people who get the E18 error send their defects directly to Canon and therefore this person does not see many of these repair jobs...to answer this, we would need to know if he performs service for Canon and the avg time from purchase to E18 error for the people who get this error (warantee vs out of warantee service).

All things considered, I would give more weight to a repairman's estimate of the E18 vs a regular digicam user.

If one really wants to find out, it would be nice (and probably difficult) to get Canon's records to really see how many repairs were done for the E18 error vs total units repaired and also vs total units sold. Until then, the claim that the E18 error is widespread has become a rumor rather than a fact.

[Thalas'shaya]

now, i slapped this together while i was at work doing what i get paid for, so i may have miscounted or violated some of my own method rules just because i got distracted by my day job. i do not guarantee it to be error-free, but i do guarantee it to be reasonably close.

so, i totted it up and i've got a rough count:
Canon with no errors (mostly regular/senior members of the forum): 27
Canon with e18 (posted just once or twice, joined to post): 33
Canon with e18 (regular forum members): 2

e18 was reported on A60, A70, A80, A85, S230, S500, IXUS II, and IXUS 400.

method notes:

i discounted completely the one poster who claimed to have seen two e18's on drebs, because those are slr's and the e18 can't happen to them. not sure what that guy/gal was smokin'... :p

anyone who had just one post in their counter, i put in the "joined to post" category.

anyone who had five or fewer posts in their counter and their join date was the same month as their post in this forum, i put in the "joined to post" category.

anyone whose e18 went away after free repairs i didn't count in either category. they weren't exactly "no problem" people, but they weren't "my camera died of e18 causes" people either. this included: leaving out the batteries, power cycling, tapping on palm, disassembling, and warranty-covered shop repair.

anyone who reported on more than one camera got counted for every camera.

i tried to count only firsthand accounts. reports on parents, friends, or acquaintances were not counted.

[D70FAN]

I have the S110, A70, and G6 with NO problems, none.

I asked a friend who works in a camera shop and sells/repairs a lot of cameras (canon, nikon, konica-minolta, etc.) he said most of the cameras that come in for repair are NOT canon and that the E18 error is not common at all. In fact, he was very suprised to hear about this thread.

Not wishing to doubt your motives here but go back and re-read what you wrote. I would take that to mean that he has not seen enough Canon digitals to draw a conclusion. If that is the case then this is a non-source.

It's like me saying that I have purchased 3 A75's for family members (which I have) and none has the E-18 error. So this error is not a problem.

The reason I started this thread was that I have never met anyone with a Canon all-in-one (and there are many) that has had this problem. And I'm still not convinced that it is that widespread, but for those whose camera has bit the dust...it's a bummer. And now this thread has become a place for those people to commiserate. Good therapeutic value if nothing else.

[D70FAN]

now, i slapped this together while i was at work doing what i get paid for, so i may have miscounted or violated some of my own method rules just because i got distracted by my day job. i do not guarantee it to be error-free, but i do guarantee it to be reasonably close.

so, i totted it up and i've got a rough count:
Canon with no errors (mostly regular/senior members of the forum): 27
Canon with e18 (posted just once or twice, joined to post): 33
Canon with e18 (regular forum members): 2

e18 was reported on A60, A70, A80, A85, S230, S500, IXUS II, and IXUS 400.

method notes:

i discounted completely the one poster who claimed to have seen two e18's on drebs, because those are slr's and the e18 can't happen to them. not sure what that guy/gal was smokin'... :p

anyone who had just one post in their counter, i put in the "joined to post" category.

anyone who had five or fewer posts in their counter and their join date was the same month as their post in this forum, i put in the "joined to post" category.

anyone whose e18 went away after free repairs i didn't count in either category. they weren't exactly "no problem" people, but they weren't "my camera died of e18 causes" people either. this included: leaving out the batteries, power cycling, tapping on palm, disassembling, and warranty-covered shop repair.

anyone who reported on more than one camera got counted for every camera.

i tried to count only firsthand accounts. reports on parents, friends, or acquaintances were not counted.

Thanks for tabulating this. My personal feeling still remains that the E18 error is a problem for a very small number of the total Canon all-in-one population. And most of these seem to be older cameras which may skew the meager data accumulated so far.

On the flip side of this I can't remember a more consistant problem re-occurance with any other brand. But it's probably out there without a focal point.

As I said before, I started this thread to disprove the myth. To some degree that has been accomplished, so now this is a place for a small group of owners to commiserate, and compare solutions.

[JTL]

On the flip side of this I can't remember a more consistant problem re-occurance with any other brand. But it's probably out there without a focal point.You are so right. I was thinking about this the other day. This error has a name, a label, so it becomes easy to track and talk about. But what about other problems, any type of problems, (with Canons or any other manufacturer’s cameras) that don't have a name? They could be possibly more prevalent, but because they don't have a label, they get reported by different people in different ways, and thus, do not seep in the camera-buying public psyche the same way as the infamous E18 has. The label has allowed the people with the error to report in a semi-consistent way…but also to see themselves as a “class” of victims in common cause with a convenient rallying point. I’m not saying they shouldn’t be angry and disappointed…I certainly would be…I’m just saying that whatever Canon intended by creating the error message…they probably did not intend to have what is most likely a statistically minor problem turn into a full-blown Internet controversy. Fascinating…

But, every time I turn on my new $500.00 SD500, do I think about it and buy into the paranoia? Do I say "Oh no...my finger just touched the lens while extending!"? I’m only human, right?

[dass]

It seems Canon is in a fix on this whole thing. If they wanted a way to prove that a camera had been dropped or suffered some other impact, removing any warranty claims , it hasn't worked very well. It looks like Canon has decided to cut their losses and let e18 owners leave and go elsewhere. There are no winners in this. The company can't replace every camera with this error. The owner can't prove he didn't drop or misuse it. That leaves the consumers with cameras that have the problem for no good reason...SCREWED ! Look, I see no reason why my S200 and S230 should not last 5 years each without a major problem, as long as they are not adused.If it costs $150+ to fix it, out of warranty, that would bring the total of owning that camera to nearly $400. The number of units effected are low...NOW. In a year or two or three, we will know better how serious this really is or is not !

[Alnath]

I have an A20, had an A80 and now use a G6 and i dont even know what an E18 error is :o

[kryloc]

People who joined this forum to post their problem should be a good indicator to the slant that exists in this topic.

Every camera maker in the world has cameras that fail. I could be wrong but doesn't Canon sell multiple millions of cameras every year? I have a Nikon Coolpix 2500 and after a year and half the LCD is burnt out and it has no optical view finder(fun eh?) Your buying an electronic equipment with many, many parts. And as you may of notice, most of these problems are with lower cost-consumer line cameras. The less you pay for electronics generally the higher fail rate. You want an actual company who should be ashamed of what they sell? Try Samsung digital cameras; but should they be? There is a reason companies like Samsung, Audiovox, etc. are so cheap. QC's as skipped over, substandarded parts and construction to cut back costs. And whose fault is that? Consumers are the ones that constantly demand a lower price product and unfortunately to compete and give you that, quality suffers. Compare even name brand dvd players today to the $300 models of several years ago, I bet you the build quality is not as good.

Canon makes great cameras all across the board. So do other companies. Just because someone, or even you had a faulty camera doesn't mean the entire line or every make and model of that brand is faulty. The less you pay for an electronic product the less likely it will last, but even if you pay 1000's of dollars every electronic item can fail. Many issues beyond the manufactors controls effect this. Dust, electrical surges, heat(not enough air circulation), and others.

I'd like someone to look at how many digital cameras Canon has sold year over year from the earliest complaint of this error.

Canon isn't the best brand for every camera model they sell, but they are a dependable brand that constantly delivers good quality pictures. To give up on a brand just because it fails once is ridiculous, unless it was a bargain rate brand to begin with. Also, for the person who asked would you recommend a family member buy a refurbished camera.... I would never recommend to anyone that they buy something that has already been broken once and was repaired, the chance of further incident is far greater than with a new product.

Incase anyone was wondering, I sell digital cameras at a retailer and pentax and samsung(far in the lead) have been are most returned brands. Do note that we sell mostly lower priced consumer models.

Just my well, 10 cents I guess... :)

[ginsengavenger]

Well I found this thread through a google search and since it's still active I thought I'd chime in with my experience.

I've owned an A70 for about a year and a half now. I'd seen the E18 a couple times and was able to get past it with fresh batteries, but after fifteen months of heavy use it died for good. Buoyed by the IXUS rebuild walkthrough (http://www.ixus-world.de/index.htm?tips/repair_guide/e18_01en.htm) I figured I'd give my A70 a shot.

Today I broke it all the way down and cleaned it out. The zoom apparatus felt pretty well seized and I was unable to dismantle the telescoping elements--the ribbons around the CCD component are arranged differently from the IXUS and prevent complete disassembly without breaking solder points or cutting ribbon. I was however able to work it back and forth to loosen it up and eventually freely move the zoom apparatus back and forth. I think an air compressor may have come in handy here.

If anyone else attempts this, (and this has been mentioned but) keep track of your screws. There are lots of them of different sizes so organize well and label clearly. Also be aware that the sliding element that controls the optical viewfinder can interfere with the zoom's movement so it's best to remove it--there's a point near its apex where it can be popped out of its track.

I put it all back together and it's fully functional again!

I do feel that these are excellent, versatile cameras for the price point and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them. I agree with JTL's assessment that a named problem can become a convenient rallying point--I don't think Canon should be blamed for having built a good error trap into their cameras ;)
I just wish we had more reliable data concerning the incidence rate of these problems.

[jbcm]

This may help some people who have the E18 error. I do not recommend trying the online guide for repairing it yourself use only at your own risk.

First, try hooking your camera up to the TV with the included A/V cable. Rumor has it that this resets the E18 error!

Second, try compressed air. With a fine tip blow off gun and dry compressed air (20 lbs) 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 sand and dust. Turn the camera on and it should function fine.

If that doesn't work, there's an online guide for repairing it yourself (only worth trying if your camera is no longer under warranty).

http://www.ixus-world.de/index.htm?tips/repair_guide/e18_01en.htm

[4corpresp]

I joined to post this comment on two experiences with E 18. I think my Canon S40 just died from E18 for the last time. I have had an E18 twice before and fixed it, but this time its not looking good. What I have learned is that it may be "mechanical" that is related to the state of the case, dust in the lens mechanism, which would argue against taking the battery out for 24 hours - that would imply that some electrical charge needs to discharge, wouldn't it?

I just wanted to add that both times I have had the E18 error I also had problems reading my CF card. This time I got "no image" message from the camera and all other readers. I thought I had lost my photos of my kids and grandchildren at easter - and I had already "lost" photos from a summer vacation from last year's problem. This time I refused to accept the error (you will see why I have this attitude if you read on) and I asked my photo shop about it and they have a program that could "read" my CF card. Guess what! I got the Easter photos back AND the summer vacation photos. Isn't that crazy? And I had used this CF card many times, full, in the year in between.

I totall agree with those who say that expensive electronic products should last more than a couple of years. My Siemens cell phone died after 15 months, and the sales folks said, well, they are only made to last a year.

Consumer products made decades ago, not electronified of course, work well for decades - not years - and will continue working well because they were made to last. That was the social contract until the end of the 20th century. These electronic cameras are wonderful and do a lot for us, but they are not cheap products. They can be made to last, or they can be cheaply made. Canon will cut corners if consumers keep buying stuff that does not last. Built-in obselecense is alive and well but it only serve the producers. As long as consumers accept this we will live in a throw-away society.

These things only "seem" cheaper to toss or to replace rather than repair. But there are major social and environmental costs to this thinking. We pay in other ways, and it will catch up with us. I guess I am arguing for a bit more responsbility, by both consumers and by the producer-corporations. Consumers should demand quality, and use, and re-use more carefully and the producer, should manufacture, sell and repair more responsibly. If the E18 error is a manufacturing defect, Canon should do a "recall."

Lastly, why are posters, presumably consumers, defending Canon? I don't agree with those who say, well, Canon makes and sells so many cameras, we as consumers should put up with a few defects and, well, its the luck of the draw to get a lemon. Huh? Each consumer who pays 100's of dollars for a nice digital camera should get something of quality that lasts - say 10 years. I know that is not how this "are" and that we are on a treadmill of ever more fancy and new gadgets, and use and toss and instant gratification and all that, but is that the way it should be?

Ok, I will get off the soap box. Thanks for the posting of the repair site, I may try taking the camera apart. I have really liked this camera, I just wish I could have enjoyed it longer.

[hartgirl24]

Well I recently bought a Canon A95, I started taking a few pictures with it. When I decided to turn the camera off I noticed that the lense didn't retract back. So I pressed the on/off button again to see if it was just a glitch. Well, the camera made some beeping sounds and the E18 came up on the screen. So I sent it back to the place where I bought it and getting a refund. I think that it maybe be the luck of the draw with people who get the error. My brother has the exact same camera and has had it for a few months now and it is working excellent. I am still debating whether or not to get the same model. :o

[sergema]

I had three Canon Digital Elphs since 2000: s100, s200, s400.

Two of them: s100 and s400 have had e18 errors.
s100 was appr. 6 months old when it developed the problem, was fixed by Canon under warranty.

Yesterday my two year old s400 got sick with the same symptoms. Recharging the battery and a little tap on its left side fixed the problem, not sure for how long, though.

Other people on this thread indicated that the e18 happens when turning the camera off with low battery after intensive use. Seems to be true in my case, too.

A friend of mine has an A70. He has the E18 problem all the time. He has some other problems, too. But he admits that the camera takes a lot of abuse. He has taken probably tens of thousands of pictures with it. He also noticed that the error appears when the batteries are low. Tapping and recharging fixes the problem(s) :)

My 2 cents.

Serge

[gary_hendricks]

Well I recently bought a Canon A95, I started taking a few pictures with it. When I decided to turn the camera off I noticed that the lense didn't retract back. So I pressed the on/off button again to see if it was just a glitch. Well, the camera made some beeping sounds and the E18 came up on the screen. So I sent it back to the place where I bought it and getting a refund. I think that it maybe be the luck of the draw with people who get the error. My brother has the exact same camera and has had it for a few months now and it is working excellent. I am still debating whether or not to get the same model. :o

That's really unfortunate. I'm pretty disappointed with Canon quality control after reading these posts. :mad:

[mistonham]

Was reading the manual of my A520 (so far happy with it, especially at low iso settings) and in the list of messages it notes:

Exx - Camera malfunctioned. Turn off the power... ...take the camera to a Customer Support Help Desk.

Sounds like maybe this issues could rear its ugly head with the latest powershot series...

[OmriY]

we have an A85 ( made in Malesya, online store, lowest price, one year warranty) for 6 months with no problems so far.
we do not belive in being extra gentle, a camera is a tool in house and out, and it should function in all kind of enviroments, kind and hard.
You are on a Tour, you want to enjoy and photo the wonderful views, and not looking after your camera like it was a delicate china.
I would like all owners of Canon DC that got the E18 error to look at the bottom of the camera and see where the camera was made. China, Malesya or Japan.
How long a warranty they have.
I know that warranty can be from 1 to 3 years for the same model. (depends on the cost of the camera and where you buy it from).
OKY.

[EAP]

I have an A95 purchased for work about a year ago, made in China. No problems whatsoever so far.

[hoeijen]

Bought the European ixus 40 in jan. Now I'am on a four month trip. After one month in australia suddenly the E18 pops up end the lens sounds strange when popping out. Still within warranty period but will take me three months
to come back so no help there. Just bought a Nikon coolpix today for the other three months. I liked canon uptill now my old ixus V was fine, but for the moment no canon for me anymore. Certainly not when doing some googling with the E18. :mad:

Hendrik

[carm3123]

bought camera 12-29-04, took about 850 pictures through March 11 of 05, when camera quit. I had just finished taking some long exposure (15 sec)night shots witht he camer laid on its back. Went to shut the lens, and it wouldn't retract - beeped and displayed E-18, and some goofy horizontal bars in the display. Still under warranty - took it in... just got it back - service card said they replaced the optical sensor. How weird is that?

[koori]

I had my A60 for about 2 years, then the E18 error kept recurring almost everytime I tried to switch it on/off. The LCD screen goes black, it keeps beeping and the E18 shows up on the bottom left of the screen.

I didn't realise it is a problem, coz well...after about 2 minutes of 'rest', I can power it up again with no problems. Just irritating though. I never even realised what E18 meant...never bothered to check since the camera still functioned.

But my A60 'died' recently. I can still power up, but the pics turn up distorted with red/green tinges....Not sure if it's a lens problem or something. Warranty long since over. Now pondering whether to get it repaired or buy something new.

[BillyGoat]

Man, I agree with 4corpresp. If this E18 problem is so uncommon as many of you have suggested (which certainly may be true), then why doesn't Canon sack up and replace for free those cameras that get the E18 and don't have any obvious abuse. It's customer service 101. Instead those that get screwed will likely not buy or recommend a new Canon in the future. Seems a very small price to pay for an improved reputation.

Btw, it's been almost a month since my S230 E18 came and went. Keeping our fingers crossed...

[shr30]

alright, i have a ixus V3 (American S230) bought from Japan in 2001 which has well, same symtoms of error but with no error code but the display just went extra blurred and then degraded into horizontal lines and now it is plain BLACK display. The lcd, CF card, battery have all been tested and work.
The lens & shutter SEEM to work fine. The zoom is working. but the picture is plain black. It is either a problem like you all reported with e18 or perhaps something else. I have it on manual tried all manipulation of white balance etc.
It is way past warranty, so i have no chance of repair without paying more than the cost of the camere itself. so any suggestions ideas or so please go ahead and email me or tell me that at shr30 which is my hotmail id.
HOpe that helps!
bye
shreenath

[gham43]

i've had my canon powershot s410 digital elph for 5 months, and got the e18 error yesterday out of nowhere. i take good care of it and am pretty upset to find out that this is a really common design flaw...which is ridiculous considering how much i shelled out for it! i tried tapping the lens but i'm afraid if i apply too much force it will just break even more...i can't imagine hitting it can do any good. i saw someone post about resetting the camera? does anyone know how to reprogram it? or have any other suggestions on how i can fix it myself? i'd greatly appreciate your replies and send my condolences to all the other people with this problem! thanks.

[Beerden]

I have not seen the E18 error on my PowerShot S1 IS (had it for 5 months now), but I have seen the equivalent lens-error on my Nikon 880, which was long since out of warranty, and is now a rainy-day repair project.



But my A60 'died' recently. I can still power up, but the pics turn up distorted with red/green tinges....Not sure if it's a lens problem or something. Warranty long since over. Now pondering whether to get it repaired or buy something new.

This I have seen recently on my PowerShot S1 IS, along with a uniform "banding" problem along the left and right sides, which will NOT go away now. I printed out a sample photo and took the S1 IS to a Canon repair shop and they said it was my printer. Retards run the photo repair shops.

[canydavid]

Though I used an A70 for TONS of pix error free for a year (before I sold the camera) and now have had an A75 for another year, there are loads of people who have had the E18 error (along with various solutions) here (http://blogs.yucs.org/~dwallach/archives/000812.html).

-David

[rocker]

I too registered here just to reply to this one. I bought an S30 almost 3 years ago now and it started acting up about a year ago. E18 error intermittently when I tried to start it up or shut it down and the lens wouldn't extend/retract. I've been here doing research on the newer models as I was about to replace it possibly with an SD200, praying that it doesn't have the same problems. I, being somewhat like a kid, sat there opening and closing it until it finally worked correctly (maybe 40 tries) and the camera works fine for maybe a week or 2. Also been abusing the camera to get it to work (banging it on the side, pulling on the lens mechanism, hell, figured it's that or throw it in the trash at this point) and I am always able to get it to work, somehow. This last go around, I thought it finally died completely as it wouldn't start up, but after pulling in different directions, I found that pulling it upward while starting it got it working again. Mind you, this camera saw absolutely no abuse before the E18 error initially occurred.

On another note, my brother just informed me that his first camera (from a while ago) died with an E18 error, but I doubt he is as much of the "smash the square peg into the round hole" type of guy that I am.

[gary_hendricks]

Brian Jones, yes I do admit its a bad problem, this E18 error. The Canon people are not very proactive in tackling it too.

[ramadude]

I own a Canon A80 since Dec 2003 and I have had no problems until Mar 2005. After a security check (international travel), I got the dreaded E18 error. The camera has been handled with a lot of care and well maintained until then. I could not explain why I got that problem.

I called Canon Customer service and explained what happened and Gary (CSR) asked me to ship it to Canon service center to his attention and that Canon would fix it at no charge.

I sent my camera to Canon and I got my camera back the last weekend and It works like a charm. Canon fixed the camera and did not charge me anything and shipped it back at their cost. My out of pocket expense was only the shipping charge to send the camera to Canon.

Summary, Canon's digital camera is not free of it's flaws but Canon's customer service made up for their production flaw. I am one happy customer and I am sure my next camera will be a Canon.

[hunter53151]

I, as well as many others have had the e18 error on the canon s 400 elph.This is being investigated,and there is a possible class action law suit.Please call attorney Jim Smith at 1-877-667-9489. There is no cost to you.Thanks. :mad: canon e18 error

[trini4ever]

I, as well as many others have had the e18 error on the canon s 400 elph.This is being investigated,and there is a possible class action law suit.Please call attorney Jim Smith at 1-877-667-9489. There is no cost to you.Thanks. :mad: canon e18 error

hunter,

I would like to be added to that list for possible class action suit. My powershot s40 suffered the e18 error after about 18 months of light use. I took the camera in to Canon but the receptionist tried to insinuate that I had dropped the camera. She pointed out a phantom dent after examining the camera all of 30 seconds.

I believe that this error is because of a design flaw. Canon is being very dishonest with its customers. I will never buy another Canon product again and I will discourage others about buying Canon. The worst customer service ever.

[missleigh]

I have had my S40 for 3 years, maybe that's a long time to work with it before suffering from the e18 error, but this is unacceptable. I always shoot with my camera until my battery is out of juice because otherwise recharging resets the low water mark above the actual "dead zone". This was never a problem until 3 weeks ago. Now, after purchasing a new charger and two new batteries I've discovered that my "no longer recharging battery" is not the problem. So, I searched the web for more info (which clearly I should have done before purchasing the replacement batteries and recharger). I am nearly to the point of taking recommendations on how to "alter" my S40 to remedy this issue. The "alterations" could make my camera inoperable, which at this point is no less damaging then it's current state. I've seen postings of a class action suit against cannon for this malfucntion and I've seen a posting for mechanical remedy, which I'll probably try tonight. Sadly, the posting is actually for a IXUS, so I'm entirely unsure of the result. Since it's inoperable now, I'm not sure how it could be worse (being out of warranty). I welcome email from anyone who has recommendations/a solution to this problem, as I really like the camera (when it works).

The error reports are not hype, but they are a sad fate for those experiencing them.

Cheers,
Leigh

[moymoy]

I had a canon S400 a gift from a few friends before my 1 year trip to China. I had experienced intermittent e18 problems, but was always able to resolve them by turning the camera on/off. Soon after the warranty expired, it stopped working completely (e18). So I googled it and found a ton of ppl with this problem, and also found this fix it yourself site http://www.ixus-world.de/index.htm?tips/repair_guide/e18_01en.htm. So since I had nothing to lose I went ahead and tried it, and it worked.. for about 1 month. It died again just as I was about to enter the 3 gorges.. I swear this camera has awesome timing. I was so upset, the 2nd time I took it apart I tore it to pieces. I now have a Pentax.

My bf also has the same camera. When I 1st started telling him about my e18 problems, he blamed it on the fact that I didn't take care of my camera (which is partly true), he kept saying that his camera was fine. To my surprise he calls me today and tells me his camera is not working anymore, you guessed it, e18 error. He's gonna try the same repair guide I tried a few months ago…

Needless to say, I am very extremely disappointed with Canon, and although I was very, very tempted to get the SD400 b/c it looks so cool, I said to myself, Canon has just handled this problem very badly, and they really do not deserve my business again. So I got a Pentax.. much cheaper! :D

[JPW2020]

I had a an A70 for 1 year to july '04 and an S1 IS from then to date.No problems (yet).

[eif]

Bought S1 IS 04/04, had first E18 10/04, not reproducible by the authorized service, another one 02/05, hinted the service people to test it in cold, they agreed, lens replaced. Just my 2 cents, and yep, registered just for this message, while reading the forums sporadically for a few years.

Richard

[hunter53151]

Call Attorney Jim Smith With Any E 18 Errors You Have. There Is No Cost To You. A Possible Class Action Suit May Result. Call:1-877-667-9489.

[fr@nk1969]

I have the Canon A70 for 2 years now and I have E18 errors for the last two weeks. Repair is very expensive so I'm looking for a new camera

[drakesdale]

Hey,

I also found this site by typing in "canon E18." I've had the s400 since Christmas - December 2004 and loved it! A couple of days ago I turn on the camera and bam - E18. Me and my brother recieved the camera as gifts at the same time. Nothing has happened with his, but let just say I'm really disappointed. Most importantly because I really loved the camera! I've been a amateur photographer for years, owning many cameras. I treat them all well. This is the first that has failed. I've already been looking for other cameras to buy cause I don't think it's worth it to get it fixed. I'm not totally giving up on Canon, but through looking around, is seems like it happens with many of their cameras. Does anyone know about the SD500? Haven't seen much on the E18 and that camera. Anyways, just wanted to add myself to the list. So sad though!

Ryan

[drakesdale]

Excuse me, I recieved the camera Christmas - December 2003, so it is out of warranty. That's why I think it's not worth it to get if fixed.

[mcc]

Well I found this thread through a google search and since it's still active I thought I'd chime in with my experience.

I've owned an A70 for about a year and a half now. I'd seen the E18 a couple times and was able to get past it with fresh batteries, but after fifteen months of heavy use it died for good. Buoyed by the IXUS rebuild walkthrough (http://www.ixus-world.de/index.htm?tips/repair_guide/e18_01en.htm) I figured I'd give my A70 a shot.

Today I broke it all the way down and cleaned it out. The zoom apparatus felt pretty well seized and I was unable to dismantle the telescoping elements--the ribbons around the CCD component are arranged differently from the IXUS and prevent complete disassembly without breaking solder points or cutting ribbon. I was however able to work it back and forth to loosen it up and eventually freely move the zoom apparatus back and forth. I think an air compressor may have come in handy here.

If anyone else attempts this, (and this has been mentioned but) keep track of your screws. There are lots of them of different sizes so organize well and label clearly. Also be aware that the sliding element that controls the optical viewfinder can interfere with the zoom's movement so it's best to remove it--there's a point near its apex where it can be popped out of its track.

I put it all back together and it's fully functional again!

I do feel that these are excellent, versatile cameras for the price point and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them. I agree with JTL's assessment that a named problem can become a convenient rallying point--I don't think Canon should be blamed for having built a good error trap into their cameras ;)
I just wish we had more reliable data concerning the incidence rate of these problems.

A few days after I first posted my problem w/ the A70, I took it apart to fix it. The only problem was that no amount of movement would free it. I spent about an hour wiggling the lens and powering the lens motor w/ a battery pack (by touching the leads to the solder on the motor) to try to fix it. The lens still does not work and I have since bought a new (non-canon) camera. After this experience, I will never buy another Canon camera again.

[JayCee]

I bought a Canon PowerShot A70 in April 2003, and have had it repeatedly fail due to "E18" errors. When it first happened, I sent it to Canon to be fixed, and several months after getting it back it suffered another "E18" error, and I sent it in for a second time to be fixed. When it exhibited the "E18" error for a third time several months ago, after already having been previously "fixed" by Canon factory service on two separate occasions, I put it in a drawer in frustration. I eventually decided I should probably have it fixed again (fortunately, I had bought three years of warranty coverage...). Oddly enough, after several months in the dark, it now seems to work! But I don't trust it not to fail again, so I'll be replacing this camera. In any event, from my experience, I can tell you that the "E18" failure is no myth!

[yankeefan96]

I bought an A80 back in August '04...and have never had any problems or complaints about the camera. Yesterday my wife took some pix, downloaded them onto our PC, put the card back in, tried to power the camera on and...the dreaded E18 error message appeared on lower left of LCD. Tried new batteries...no change. We are very disappointed, to say the least!

[tepmurt]

I just bought an sd300... got a 3 year warranty from Best Buy. Any tips???

[Thalas'shaya]

don't let the batteries get so low that the camera has to turn itself off in "self-preservation".

protect the telescoping mechanism from dust and grit of any sort.

don't pick up or grip the camera by its lens mechanism, particularly when it's trying to change position.

hold onto your warranty paperwork!

it really seems the E18 is isolated in comparison to the vast number of canon cameras, but for anyone who experiences failure, that's a 100% personal failure rate. ;) canon appears to be very good at honoring valid warranty repairs on the E18, but if it's out of warranty, you'll have to pay to get it fixed. sometimes it can be fixed by taking the lens mechanism apart, and sometimes by a gentle tapping on the side as you attempt to turn it on. finally, some people have reported spontaneous cures to their E18 prompted by either giving the camera some rest or leaving the batteries out for several hours (long enough for any non-volatile memory to clear).

enjoy the camera!

[David Metsky]

I just bought an sd300... got a 3 year warranty from Best Buy. Any tips???
Don't worry, based on the available evidence you're highly unlikely to have any problems.

While it's clear that the problem does exist, I'm not convinced Canon has any more hardware problems than other camera makes and models. It does have a convienent "label" that is easy to lump a large number of problems under.

I'm not trying to minimize the pain of the people seeing this problem. But they typed in E18 in a search engine and found this thread. What do the people who have a problem with their Sony or Nikon search on? I think having the E18 label makes it appear over represented in problem reports. Just my $.02.

-dave-

[David Metsky]

On preview, Thalas'shaya's suggestions are great, too.

-dave-

[rohun]

Iv picked up on something that no one on this thread has seemed to have brought up so far....

If this defect was only a miniscule, and if Canon sell millions of cameras every year, then surely you would think they would release an official statement outlining the percentage of cameras that suffer the E18 problem. The fact that they have nothing to say about this, and the fact that they havent issued a recall notice kinda tells me that this problem is indeed a substantial one.....Otherwise SURELY they would give the stats to to make everyone feel at ease about buying another Canon camera.....

I was really keen on the SD500, but after reading this thread im not so sure, even though there was only 1 person who has reported a problem with the SD500....Im now thinking about the Fuji F10 or Panasonic FX7 among others although im prob gona search through other forums and most likely find issues with them!

[MacGuyver]

I am a long-standing Canon customer. We have Canon scanners, printers (the i9900 has been fabulous so far), and SLRs (Canon A1, etc.) Before the S400, I have not had reason to complain aboutt anything Canon produces. I posted Feb. 12, 2005 about our S400. We love(d) this camera until the E18 problem.

Please bear with me for a moment while I attempt to convey something. Keep in mind what I said above.

Many good points have been made about the posts in this forum (or any online forums for that matter) in lieu of genuine statistics on the E18 issue(s).

Some suggest slanted postings. Anyone can create an account and post online. Some may be competitors trying to tarnish another company's reputation and in turn boost their own sales. Corporations pay "lurkers" to post glowing reviews and slashing missives. Fictional reviewers have been created for some of these (ie. Sony movie reviews). Other genuine reviewers and industry opinion leaders are paid for their endorsements. Much of our evening newscasts are laced with VNRs (Video News Releases) which are produced by the corporation or manufacturer... Even the White House employs this tactic if you have been paying attention. And more recently, "actors" are paid to hang out in local bars with the sole purpose of striking up casual conversations that happen to mention some wonderful product or service they had fictional results with. This in turn spreads via word of mouth among the general populace and is known in the industry as "viral marketing."

All sorts of fascinating methods to redirect our hard earned money and opinions.

On the other side, genuine owners (ie. consumers) are posting a real issue with their cameras, but perhaps are Inadvertently misrepresenting the nature of the problem and its origin. This may or may not be due to precognitive intent or emotional frustration. These E18 errors may be from various causes and, as has been pointed out, are being unfairly lumped together by a generic error code.

The simple fact is, there are a LOT of folks posting about E18 errors. Even accounting for possible competitors, user error, disgruntled customers re-posting under different names, lawyers trying to make a buck, etc. you still have a percentage of owners with a "known issue." The manufacturer, Canon, responds *immediately* to current requests for service with an option to upgrade. I find it fascinating that they have "refurbished" equivalent models available for every retractable-lens camera before it is even sent to their repair facility. I was dismayed at how quickly they dangled the two "options" of repair for this much $, or "upgrade" for this much $.

Perhaps I am reading too much into this. Others have suggested that in a large quantity of mass produced product there are bound to be some lemons. The problem is not D.O.A. products that would be repaired under original warranty, it is when the product exhibits a problem much later from normal use (again, an assumption that dismisses those who "abused" their cameras). Further, it is a problem when a corporation that does business in the U.S. does not respond to a potential issue in a timely manner. Each attempt I have made to get a response to just WHAT is causing this E18 in my S400's case has been met with responses similar to what "David Wallach" experienced:
http://blogs.yucs.org/~dwallach/archives/000812.html

I see that at least one lawyer has started looking into the possibility of class-action status for this issue. I would consider joining if it appears there is a genuine defect that Canon is overlooking or not handling properly. I have seen too many corporations spend ungodly sums of money to simply avoid admitting they did anything wrong. They do, after all, have high-paid law firms and teams who spend their time batting away problems... some should be knocked down, after all. Some, however, should not.

One would like to think Canon would come out and say something--ANYthing--to address this E18 nightmare, but they are in business to make money and corporations have developed over the last century into the entities that can do what they want as long as they don't slit the throats of their customers within view of TV cameras. In short, they do not feel they need to. Partly this is sound logic: don't respond to the complainers, for it will just fan the flames and create more attention. The other side of the coin is to respond to problems and eliminate the ill feelings from the start. I am uncertain at this moment where Canon truly stands, though I have a pretty good idea.

My concern in looking at the repair / upgrade options, is how do I know this will not happen AGAIN with either choice? How do I know the next Canon I carry with me to our big trip this summer will not fail on the second day? We have seen accounts of E18 recurrences after repair and upgrades here and elsewhere. I have actually spoken to one of these poor souls myself.

I will admit, it is unlikely that this issue is of "epidemic proportions." A close friend has the same S400 model and loves it to death. No problems. However, I also have seen quite a number of products that were recalled for horrific failures, sometimes resulting in deaths, while the bulk of product never exhibited the failure. Does this mean only a few whiners soured an otherwise flawless product release?

The smart businesses will look seriously into a potential issue and respond immediately, even if merely with premature caution. Perhaps this "sucks" for those trying to make a profit. It certainly isn't fun for those who gave patronage to said business. Perhaps Nikon and Olympus and others have crappy customer support as well. Are their products failing at this rate? I do not seem to be able to find the same furor over any other common camera issue.

Perhaps I am being unfair, but while I have been a loyal customer of Canon for years, at this point in time, I am directing my future loyalty elsewhere.

Fool me once...

[LANNY R]

I actually have been reading this forum for a while to get buying advice, but this thread got me to join so I can add my experience to the list.

I got the SD300 the week it was released here in NYC in November after eagerly awaiting its release. Within 3 weeks, I was at a holiday party and the camera failed with the E18 message about 3/4 way through the party. The camera was not dropped or bumped or exposed to sand, since I had only taken indoor pics in the few weeks I owned it. During the party, it was either in my pants pocket, or in my hands (most of the time) so I could take pictures and show off my new prized purchase. When the problem started, the camera would power up, then the error E18 would display and the camera would shut off, very quickly. Never got a low battery inicator.

The camera was under store warranty, and when I mentioned that error code to B&H Photo the next day, they told me I wasnt the first with that problem and to just took it back for exchange, no questions asked. I had no problems with the replacement unit, at least till it dissapeared off my belt on the way to the city 2 weeks ago. Sigh. The camera case attached to my belt with velcro and must not have been attached as firmly as I had thought.

I am DEFINITELY replacing it with another Canon SD model, just need to decide between the SD300, SD400 and SD500. I have had a Canon A-20 since 2001 that was great so I am sold on Canon from that experience, plus I love the panorama feature that I dont think most other cameras have. I just suggest making sure to have an extended warranty like I did to anyone else buying one of these.

[tepmurt]

Yup, I got a three year warranty :D

[PMR]

My SD400 is fine but the model at our Wal-Mart has the E18 error. I found that kind of hilarious.

[xoltri]

My Powershot A60 had E18 errors after about 5 months of use. It started as a fairly rare occurance, but now after having the camera for 2 years it happens almost every time the lens retracts to the resting position. It will even happen if I am in preview mode and the lens retracts.

It is quite the annoying problem. I have also noticed the focusing ability of my camera go downhill as the frequency of E18 errors rises.

When I buy my S2 I am probably going to follow the online guides to correct the E18 errors by taking the camera apart. I guess that's another sign that it isn't some fake made up error.

[shutterbug22]

I joined the forum to get some advice on a new digital camera, but just discovered this thread. We've had our Powershot G2 for a little over 2 1/2 years. Since our daughter was born nine months ago, it's gotten very heavy, daily use. It also gets lugged around in our diaper backpack every day. Yesterday, when I pulled it out and turned it on, I could hear the lens trying to extend, but failing. Followed by the bleep, bleep, bleep error sound and the word lens on the display. Same thing happens if you try to "play" the pictures to view them. We contacted Canon and they said leave the battery and memory card out for 20 minutes, otherwise send it in for a minimum repair cost of $175-$400 or an upgrade to a refurbished G5 for $300. I know this thread is going to mostly have attracted people unhappy with their Canons, as opposed to the no-doubt millions who aren't having a problem, but I can tell you, it's making me think twice about getting another Canon. Maybe it's our fault for using it so much and taking it everywhere, but that's the kind of camera we need! If anyone has any advice on a new camera, I have a post under "what camera should I buy" -- it's only been broken since yesterday and we're already going through withdrawal!

[woodsey]

we'll i dont see how its a myth, ive had an ixus 40 sinse christmas and on friday night it stopped and flashed up e18 on the screen. The lense stuck out and the only way i could get it in was to pull the battery out at the moment in readjusted to in. Ever sinse its done the same thing. Everything i do to try and reset has the same problems. So i'm gunna have to contact a canon dealer and hope they can fix it.

[Flip2.0]

ok I've been reading this thread from almost beggining to end. I've been considering buying a new camera, nothing to fancy, just a nice point and shoot. And i think I've finnally found one the Canon SD200 and I was wondering if there were any problems with this camera and the e18 issue...just asking...thanks

[Mike in Michigan]

I have an Canon A-75 and I never got the error message until the lens would
not come out when i turned it on, now it does it when I shut it off even if i help the lens go back in, SOOOOOOOOOO i think the error message might have something to do with the lens not working right :p

[mhoff]

I've been searching for guidance on the Panasonic FZ5 vs. Canoon S2 IS for the last couple of days. I was leaning toward the Canon until this thread reminded me of my past problem...

I bought an A70 and got the E18 message a couple of days after purchase. I put in new batteries; that took care of it for a couple of days. Happened again and I scampered back to the retailer and swapped for an Olympus. She told me they had "several" come back for that after Christmas sales.

Now, I'm ready to buy a new camera. I didn't get here with a "Canon E18" search, but rather with a Canon problems search. I also got to the "broken LCD" after being in the cold problem with the Canon. I didn't find similar problems searching on the Panasonic. However, surely there are vastly more Canon's out there than Panasonics. So, while there are likely more unhappy Canon owners than Panasonic owners, the real question is the proportion of unhappy owners of each type.

What to do, what to do...

[shl2000]

I have an S200 that I have loved for 3 years. I had just taken a picture at the Boston Marathon this year and got the E18 error when I tried to shut it off. I stumbled upon this site while shopping for a (never Canon again)replacement. It was a nice camera but just a paperweight now. I'll probably call one of those class-action lawyers on the other forums and end up with a useless credit for another Canon product someday.

[jedimusik]

Add mine to the list.

My Canon A70 kicked the E18 bucket last week after 14 months of use. What's irritating is the perfect timing of the E18 after the warranty expiration.

Of course Canon is still refusing to take responsible for this well documented defect - they are claiming "no known issues." blah blah blah.

So now I'm trying to find a good reliable digital camera. What company (besides Canon, obviously) would you guys recommend?

[gnu]

I had an A70 for one year and had no problems, then sold it on ebay. I got a S500 to replace it for another full year, also no problems. I just sold that on ebay and upgraded to the sd500. I've used my cameras a good amount, and for the S500, carried it in my pocket sometimes.

So maybe selling your cameras after a year would help alleviate some of the trouble. You'd get good use of it while you have it, and the person who buys it used at a steep discount would get enough out of it probably to make it worth what they paid. I personally like having the newest toys, so the extra cost of a new camera, usually half-way offset by the sale of the old one, doesn't bother me too much.

Hopefully I get a good amount of use from my new sd500 without incident, because I really cannot imagine getting anything but Canon, and I hope nothing happens to make me change my mind in the future.

[jhl]

Had mine for just under 4 weeks when the E18 struck. This was just after shooting a video clip and turning the camera off, nothing spectacular. After researching the number of issues with the Canons on Google, I will be looking to get it fixed which takes 4 weeks, sell it off and buy the Casio EX Z750 instead. Liked the SD500 but can't afford to take any further chances with it.

I think Canon should take more accountability for the quality of their products especially being an ongoing problem.

[growan]

My A40 just came up with the E18 error and I can't get the lense back in. I've had it for a couple of years but haven't used it that much.
Don't think i'll bother fixing it as it's out of guarantee. Probably best to get a new camera.
I must admit admit that this problem will make me think twice about going for a canon again and, rightly or wrongly, the number of people claiming to have encountered the same problem will influence my decision.

[MacGuyver]

Just a note about the Canon factory service...

We recently sent our S400 in for repair, but missed our deadline for authorizing service (our fault due to insane schedule) and the E18 camera was sent back. I was told that they had done no work on the camera, simply checked it in and sent the letter with flat rate estimate.

When I received the camera from the factory I was just about to repack and send back for repair when I noticed what appeared to be scratches from some kind of blade near the top seam (for front and back casings) and an obvious cut at the collar around the power button (now looks like a barb on a fishing hook). The front and rear casings are not seated together properly now as there is a visable gap between them on the top side.

When I called Canon and asked what happened they continually repeated their policy statement to me (that they do not open/work on the cameras until repair has been authorized). I could not get any acknowledgement of the damage nor an alteration in the price of either repair or upgrade. Theoretically all damaged areas would be repaired under the flat rate, but if they cannot even recognise this incident, I have to question their ability to provide service in good faith or deal with any new issues after repair/upgrade under the new "warranty."

I am presently thinking about abandoning Canon altogether. This is the first time I have had to deal with their customer service in my years as a continual Canon customer. *sigh*

[tian]

What is the E18 error? Can someone please describe it? Cheers

[David Metsky]

What is the E18 error? Can someone please describe it? Cheers
It appears to be the error code that Canon cameras report when it is unable to extend the lens. There may be many different causes for that error code.

-dave-

[kohane]

Count me among the unlucky recipients of the E18 code. Lens will almost retract all the way but then bounces back out. Can still review all the contents of the SD card. Very disappointing. Was my 4th Canon camera purchase and perhaps the time to change.

[love4canon]

Hated when my A70 failed to work because of E18. Its not the money part of replacing the camera, but it failed when my kids birthday was due.

Enjoyed the A70 in all its glory when it worked - No complaints at all.

[june05]

I purchased S500 two weeks ago and stopped with E18. The store policy is to return within a week and so I am out of luck. Can those having e18 join as a group and sue Canon for free repair/replacement. They have to take care of S&H also. If Canon can not fix the problem then they can close the products that get huge E18s. Any thoughts?

June05

[LANNY R]

I purchased S500 two weeks ago and stopped with E18. The store policy is to return within a week and so I am out of luck. Can those having e18 join as a group and sue Canon for free repair/replacement. They have to take care of S&H also. If Canon can not fix the problem then they can close the products that get huge E18s. Any thoughts?

June05
Try contacting your store anyway. I bought my SD300 in November at B&H Photo. They also have a 7 day free trial period. 4 weeks later I got the dredded E18 error message and B&H swapped the camera out, no questions asked even though it was after the trial period. If your retailer wants to keep you as a customer, they may do the same. Another reason why I will be a loyal B&H customer for life.

[Akysten]

I've had a Canon A70 and S1 IS.
I have taken thousands of shots and what has to be hours of video since I've had my s1 is(about 10 months). I have never had the error on either camera... until this past weekend.

I got it while trying to film an event. If I recorded video for more than say, 20-30 seconds.. the camera would lock with an e-18 error. I restarted the camera, and the video was gone, but all other pictures and videos were in tact. I changed memory cards and got the same error!

After taking several more pictures... I was able to take long videos without error. I completely filled up 3gb's of video and photos.

I believe it had something to do with the memory cards. While they were both formatted recently. Is it possible that taking the camera from an A/C room into the morning air could ahve caused some sort of performance issue? My reasoning is that as time went on, the problem went away.. almost like it had become acclimated.... and it was only happening when recording large amounts of data(long videos)....

Still. I think The S1 IS is a wonderful camera, and the S2 IS LOOKS to be as close to perfect as you can get.. I just wish they had stuck with the CF cards... I don't want to buy new media!

[inhants]

I have had my Canon Powershot A75 for 14 months now. I genuinely LOVE it!
I'm sure that I have sold many of my friends on digital cameras and probably this one in particular. ( I know of two for sure)

Anyway, yesterday while taking a few pictures, the camera kept shutting off with decreasing delays between the shutoff and me turning it back on. Eventually it seized with the lens open and seemed to be deader than a doornail.

I changed the batteries, charged fresh batteries and tried them, checked the terminals, checked the troubleshooting manual, called the dealer (after warranty service they would only look at it and I don't have a lot of confidence in them...I knew more about the camera when I bought it than they did ) and ended in frustration...that is until I read one posting about it possibly being dust. That in mind, I gently(and with much love) tapped the camera into the palm of my hand a couple of times then, very carefully, wiggled the lens...and..voila! It retracted, turned on and is working great!

Thanks for forums like this. Otherwise I would have been out of pocket for at least $50.00 for someone to look at it for a simple problem like it ended up being. (I was not going to send it away for 6 weeks to Canon after the warranty had expired. I can't do without "my third arm" for that long!)

Thanks again and I will keep checking this forum in the future!

[seemolf]

My first A70 lived for 4 months and stayed in heaven afterwards. ->E18
Canon changed the camera after they tried to repair it for 7 weeks!
The new camera lived for 1 1/2 years and died 2 Years and 5 days after the buying the first A70.
This camera had no mechanical stress. It died in the middle of a photo session. I guess the focussing motor blocked. ->E18. The lens stayed outside/unprotected.
My local dealer paid half of the repair (1/2 * 70€). This seems to be quite cheap!
But I will not buy a Canon camera again with this limited quality/warranty!

Greetings to jedimusik who wrote:
What's irritating is the perfect timing of the E18 after the warranty expiration.

The so called "warranty" in Germany is 2 years and canon did not mind the well documented 7 Weeks of useless repair.

[ProblemSolver]

My first A70 lived for 4 months and stayed in heaven afterwards. ->E18
Canon changed the camera after they tried to repair it for 7 weeks!
The new camera lived for 1 1/2 years and died 2 Years and 5 days after the buying the first A70.
This camera had no mechanical stress. It died in the middle of a photo session. I guess the focussing motor blocked. ->E18. The lens stayed outside/unprotected.
My local dealer paid half of the repair (1/2 * 70€). This seems to be quite cheap!
But I will not buy a Canon camera again with this limited quality/warranty!

Greetings to jedimusik who wrote:
What's irritating is the perfect timing of the E18 after the warranty expiration.

The so called "warranty" in Germany is 2 years and canon did not mind the well documented 7 Weeks of useless repair.

Maybe you bought a lemon and received another lemon. Not all Canon cameras have E18 errors.

[seemolf]

Ok problemsolver, but you forgot the third lemon: lamon, lanon, .... something like that...

They should confess their problems. For many owners of consumer cameras it´s just time for an update. But the old camera should still work for more than 2 years.
My next camera is a "long" zoom. I had to buy it, expecting 7 weeks of repairs.
This time it has a leica lens...
In about one or two years I will return to nikon SLR...

Canon could have been first choice, but not with this warranty policy!!!

[Ultanor]

Hello all! I just registered today because of this error. I read on CNet forums a fix, and it worked for me. My lens was retracted all the way out and wouldn't go back in. I hit the power btton and could here it working but it wouldn't budge. So I took the lens and twisted it in a circular motion. Kind of risky I know...but it worked. I suppose it's worth a try?

Hope this helps!

[seemolf]

Nice and risky trick ultranor.
I used that trick and managed to retract the lens. But afterwards the camera did no more focussing!
But at last I did not have to carry an open camera.
Thanks

[Rhys]

I'm a year into my Canon S1 and no sign of any E1 errors. Now my wife's automatic coffee-maker on the otherhand keeled over and died without letting me see whether the LCD was displaying E-18 so we just don't know there.

[NDIrish2006]

I had my A60 for 15 months. One day, out of the blue- E18 errors. None of the suggested fixes worked. So, I dissassembled the camera piece by piece. It was therapeutic.

I am looking at the a510... but... well I am hesitant. Do these new Canon's have issues? I posted a thread in the "Which Camera should I buy" thread, but no one responded- is there another companies' camera I should be looking at?

[Michael Nagel]

I'm doing all technical work for a physician. Yesterday, he showed me the Ixus 400 he bought mid-April (not even two months old now). The lens is stuck halfway out. When switched on, the lens moves forward and backward some millimeters, without reaching either full out or full in position, then stops and the display shows E18. He swears there were no impacts or other physical influences. Good thing it's still under warranty.

[Jerry98]

I had my A60 for 15 months. One day, out of the blue- E18 errors. None of the suggested fixes worked. So, I dissassembled the camera piece by piece. It was therapeutic.

I am looking at the a510... but... well I am hesitant. Do these new Canon's have issues? I posted a thread in the "Which Camera should I buy" thread, but no one responded- is there another companies' camera I should be looking at?
I was wondering the same thing with the A510 or A520, perhaps its too soon to tell with these newer line of camera's, I havnt read about any E18 problems with these camera's so far unless I missed a post about it. I wonder if they made some improvements with this line? Anyone heard of E18 with these?

[ibarbar]

I bought a Powershot A80 last year in april from Germany, took over 8000 photos with it in all kind of conditions and it's still in excellent condition, didn't have any kind of trouble with it. I.ve also convinced a friend to buy one before I bought mine, last year in february, from New York, he took over 6000 pics, still no problems. I've also convinced my uncle to buy the new A95 this year, in april, still no problems, and I've also convinced another friend to buy another A95 a month ago, from the US and still no problems.

Canon should give me a discount (for the free advertising I've been doing for them :D :p ) since I'm gonna buy another Canon this summer, a G6 or a S2, maybe an Eos XT if I'm lucky :D

Canon rulez ! And I bet other brands have their flaws too, everybody does.

[rhodrie]

Absolutely gutted. Had my IXUS 700 for two weeks. Lovely pictures. Dropped the damn thing lense first on to a concrete pavement. Yep. E18. Any hope?

[hornw]

I got here because today I saw Consumer Reports gave the Cannon A60 a very favorable rating and it showed a price of $135. At last a good camera that I can justify even being as poor a photographer as I am. (My most frequent photos are of my thumb or fingers).

Searching other reviews of that camera suggested I search on e18 error, and here I am.

My conclusion after reading these is the same as what I advise my computer customers: "We aren't buying a piece of hardware called a printer (or whatever). We are buying the longest term warranty with it we can get, because we are buying the use of a printer for as long as the warranty is in effect." Most people say warranties are bad financially; obviously I see them from a different perspective. Sadly, we can't buy long term reliability in hardware. The digital camera is no exception.

This raises the question in response to the e18 problem, which prompted my joining this forum: Which decent quality digital camera comes with the longest term and best warranty?

[debonanni]

I bought eleven Canon Powershot A70 cameras for the company I work for after doing extensive research on digital cameras. The A70 seemed the clear winner, providing excellent features at a reasonable cost. They were all purchased between October and December 2003. Of those eleven, two of them have had the E18 error, and the lens will no longer retract. New batteries didn't help, and I'm not one that resorts to hitting or smacking a camera to try to fix it.
The other two cameras have the LCD problem, with the display getting purple lines and then going completly black.
Both of these issues seem to be well documented on the Internet on a number of different sites. I find it distressing that some senior members of this forum have taken a derogatory attitude towards anyone reporting these issues. The problems do exist, we have experienced both on our company cameras, and Canon will absolutley not acknowlege that there are real defects in their product. The E18 error is not limited to the A70 - it seems that is can happen on any Canon model that uses the same lens retraction system.
I contacted Canon, have talked to a Customer Service supervisor, and will pursue this with them. There are seven more cameras that may develop the same problems, and I am not looking forward to having to pay $100 to fix each of them. Defects should be acknowledged and units replaced at no cost to the customer.

[hornw]

Here is a post that I read today about the Casio Exilim EX-Z750 digital camera:

"I got my camera several days ago. Then I got this "lens error" during the lens was extruding, then the camera shutted down. Then I could not make it work any more.
Appearently, this happened to many people.
Cann't believe it!!! So, all the good features this camera offers just became a dream for me. I suggest you google "EX Z750, lens error" before you make you final decision. "

[ProblemSolver]

Absolutely gutted. Had my IXUS 700 for two weeks. Lovely pictures. Dropped the damn thing lense first on to a concrete pavement. Yep. E18. Any hope?

If the lens didn't break, then yes, you still have hope.

[cvicisso]

I'm in the Navy, and was in charge of purchasing digital cameras for the command that I just left. We shifted from Kodak to Canon shortly after I got there (about 4 years ago) starting with the A20 and then transitioning to the A40 and eventually the A70 - which we were still using when I left. We always had about two dozen cameras on hand - a mix of the three models I mentioned, and I used all three models EXTENSIVELY (thousands of pictures). These cameras were used by sailors, so I saw my share of cracked LCDs, 'submerged' cameras, and just-plain-dead ones that I could only get a shoulder shrug from the operator when asked how it died. However, I NEVER saw the E18 error.

I did notice that LCD problem on one A40 and several A70s though. I'd usually get purple lines just before the screen would go black. This may sound harsh, but since these cameras weren't really 'mine'... I had no problem at all in giving them a firm SMACK! to see if it would clear the problem. On the A70 - it ALWAYS cleared the problem right up (I did it alot), but the A40 LCD never regained consciousness. Not sure what this means... probably different problems.

But... I was satisfied enough with all the Canons that I used while there that I had no reservation in purchasing one of my own a few weeks ago (S2 IS).

[c1eddy]

I have owned the A80 for a couple years, now. It did get the e18 error after about 10 months of use. Not really sure why I got the error. Canon was good about taking care of it under warranty. No problems in last 14 months.

[John Shannon]

I can give you an example of E18 error messages. I'm on my third Canon PowerShot, currently an S500 (up from an S400 and, before, an S20). I never saw or heard of an E18 error until I got the 500. The lens doesn't want to retract; and the device makes a buzzing noise which only stops when "E18" appears in the screen. (There is no picture in the screen.) I have tried pushing the lens back in, as suggested by other users on te Internet. When I turn the camera back on, it starts buzzing right away, the lens comes back out and stays out, there is no picture on the screen, and the error message appears again. What is this problem? I never expected this because my other two Canons worked perfectly.

[bblount]

This link takes you to a questionaire from a Law Firm investigating E18 errors on Canon Cameras!

http://www.girardgibbs.com/canon.html

[tripper]

My S1 is failed with a E18 message on my disney trip. The lcd screen kind of gets static/snow before E 18 comes up. I haven't seen this on previous posts. Anyone? I remove the memory card and it resets a little. Camera will power up but acts up again immediately. Letting the camera sit for a few days and sometimes it will work fine. Very sporadic. Pick it up again, E18! I bought the camera new 6 weeks ago. I have been a Canon customer for over 20 years. (A-1, T-50, etc..) Right now more than a little disappointed.

[AlDCu]

I've had a canon G3, A80, and A60 for 3 years now and thousand of pictures in each of them and no errors what so ever ... btw the A60 is the take everywhere camera and it has gotten some abuse I have to admit, dropped, some sand in the beach and it has yet to died on me.

From what I've read here is obvious that the error is caused by the lens. Now I just want to ask all those that have had the problems with the IXUS after more than 1 year have the check that the problem is not the battery not getting enough charge? Because I work with laptops and cellphones and I can tell you that most of them start having battery problems after the first year (not taking care of them of course). So it makes a lot of sense to me that if the camera, from what I've read here, give the error when batteries are low after three years or two of use it might be the battery it self not getting enough charge anymore. I refer to the IXUS because it uses proprietary batteries so it's not that you'll go and by some spares.

I don't know it's just some idea that pop in my head. BTW English is not my native language so if there is something that doesn't make sense is probably me LOL.

[geraldj]

Ok guys...please update your data on this site:

http://www.girardgibbs.com/canon.html

It belongs to a law firm of Girard Gibbs & De Bartolomeo LLP that is investigating consumer complaints concerning the Canon "E18" error. I encourage every person who has posted a complaint on this thread to visit this site!!! At least SOMEONE is taking the trouble to take legal action against Canon for these damn "E18" errors!!!

[uhennings]

I've got two Canon Digicams:
- one Ixus bought Dec. 2000, about 4000 pics: NO E18 errors
- S1 IS bought Sep. 2004, about 1000 pics or movies: E18 errors while powering off. It takes several trials to power off, each time the lens is moved in one or two milimeters. Brought camera to repair today.

[mrtmn]

I had, had my Ixus II (sd100) camera for about a year when (on my birthday) it broke. Lens won't contract and is stuck not fully out, but somewhat retracted. When powering on it sounds like the engine is running, but nothing happens, except it beeps a few times and the screen says "E18" and the camera powers off. This camera has been treated very gently and has never caused problems before. I was chocked to learn that people have this many problems with the Canon camera range - I thought it was supposed to be a quality brand, guess not.

So you guys suggesting this is all a hoax, drop it it's a real problem - and it sux!

Kind Regards

[Manks]

I bought my wife a Canon A80 for Christmas 2003.

The camera was a pain in the backside from the start. Batteries would last five minutes and some batteries would not work at all. Eventually, we bought some expensive batteries and it worked OK. Not great, just OK.

Yesterday, the camera stopped working again with an "E18" fault. I blew my top and emailed Amazon, where I'd bought it. I demanded a refund, which they agreed within twenty minutes.

I will not buy another Canon as long as I live. The service from them, on the occasions when I needed to speak to them, was rubbish and what the flip are they doing still selling cameras with a known problem. E18 has been going on for years now.

Manks

[Blair T]

I bought a Canon A75 in September 2004 and experience the E18 error. After having the camera for about 2 weeks it started to be unable to focus and made grinding noises when the lens extended. Restarting the camera fixed the problem temporarily a few times but eventually it would no longer work at all (and displayed the E18 error). This was particularly bad timing for me since I was vacationing in Paris at the time.

When I got back from vacation, I took the camera back to the store and got a replacement A75. The replacement camera has had no problems since.

The salesclerk at the store told me that the problem likely happened from some particles entering the lens gear mechanism - and that this is a vulnerability of the camera's built-in lens cover.

[Elizabeth]

Anyone have this dreaded error with the S2 IS. I am considering purchasing this model and wanted to find out ahead of time.

Thank you!

Elizabeth

[fruser]

hello there,

I have 4 digital cameras at home and they're all canon's :

- Powershot A300 bought september 2003 in San Francisco
- Powershot A75 bought january 2004 in Tokyo
- Digital IXUS 500 bought july 2004 in Paris
- Powershot A95 bought december 2004 in Paris

Mine's are the A300 and the ixus. A75 is my wife's and the A95 my son's.

A300 ( my first digital ) has been in a very long "coma" and was my motivation for purchasing the ixus, but suddently works again. It actually "died" around june 2004 mentionning "E18" in the bottom left corner of the LCD. I had noticed it had great difficulties focusing the week before. But to my great surprise, it works again today.

My Ixus screen showed the "E18" last week while I was on holidays in Portugal. I took shots and showed them to a friend in view mode. Lens retracted as usual but making abnormal shatter. Since it had retracted, i thought it wasn't bad, continued showing pics. The screen went suddently dark, the thing shouted "pee pee pee" and showed "E18". Tried to turn it on again without success. Since retailer warranty has run out (one year), and canon wants me to pay grossly the price of a new one, I'll try that repair guide before heading to the mall.

As for my wife's A75 and my son's A95, they work perfectly.

greetings from France.

[rei_vilo]

Bonjour,

I am currently using two Canon cameras:
- S10, purchased February 2000, no problems,
- A70, purchased April 2003, with many E18 errors.

I have noticed the E18 error appears more often
1. when I haven't used the camera for a while,
2. when I use the zoom to the max and back,
3. when I use the converter and the telelens.

After switching the camera off and on and playing with the zoom, the E18 error desappears. So I haven't tried the after-sales service, since the error is not 100%. The cost of fixing is higher than the actual value of the camera.

I am a bit disappointed since the A70 is a great camera. I am considering changing for a S2 IS: does this model suffer form E18 error?

Best regards from France,

[a75owner]

I got the e18 error with a Canon A75 withing 5 days of buying it. The lens is extremely sensitive to dust and I believe some got in there. I took it back to the store with a print out of all the stuff from Google and they gave me a cash refund.

[Rob vdKam]

Just read a discussion on the diff between lens IS and CCD IS. Canon uses lens IS and it may be the cause of E18-type difficulties.

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1024&message=14097805

[canydavid]

Just read a discussion on the diff between lens IS and CCD IS. Canon uses lens IS and it may be the cause of E18-type difficulties.

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1024&message=14097805

Not likely, given that the E18 problems occurs on Canon cameras that lack IS, e.g. the powershot AXX series (e.g. A60, A70, etc)

[Koufax]

Just to share another E18 experience.

I got my A70 about two years ago, and actually got E18 errors in the first week I had it. Turning off the camera and back on or waiting a couple seconds would fix it. The camera endured a lot, with thousands of great photos. It actually got soaked with water (dripping out of open spaces, but not quite submerged) a year in, but after an hour or so of drying it turned back on. After another year of great photos, it began to act a little strange, showing horizontal lines, wierd colors, and spooky bluriness on the viewfinder, which for a couple weeks would go away after a little bit. Last week it officially died. On a day when working great, it gave an E18 error, and after turning off has not turned back on, despite everything I have tried.

I'm disappointed, but given all it went through, and its soaking a year ago, I don't have a major problem with the failure. The class action law suit stuff is completely out of line, and just a way to make some ambulance chasers some money, and I would never think of adding my name to it. I'm deciding between getting an S1 IS for the price, or an S2 IS for the features (looking at Pansonic FZ05 and Sony H1 as well), and from my research and experience the E18 error wouldn't affect me choosing Canon at all.

[TSki]

Hey!

Got the A75 for Christmas and after seven months and hundreds of great pictures the camera has coughed up the E18 error. It was working great, I switched CF cards and E18!

Is this something that can be fixed or should I be looking for my money back?

[a75owner]

TSki, in your case you can probably get it working again by tapping it and trying to power up and power down repeatedly. For people whose lens gets the E18 because of dust getting in the gearing, your only recourse is repair.

[DaMomb]

I got the Canon A60 for Christmas 03. Have had for about a year and a half. Have absolutely loved the camera. Worked great until about 3 months ago. When i turned the camera off, it beeped and the e18 code showed on the LCD. Took out the batteries and put in freshly charged batteries, still nothing. Just beeping and the code. Put the camera up for a couple of days, and tried to turn on again, and the lens retracted and the camera worked fine again for about 1 month. Now it has done the same thing. Except this time it will not retract. I have waited for several days, and tried again, and still nothing. Trying for over a month. Still nothing. Very frustrating because I have encouraged several friends and relatives to purchase the Canon because I liked it so much. I am hoping they do not experience the same problem. The is not a rumor. It is a fact. A really sad fact because I just purchased a printer for the digital camera this past christmas and now I have no digital camera to print pictures from. :(

[David Grant Stewart, Sr.]

I bought mine earlier this year at Wal-Mart for about $250. Scarcely had the 90 day store return period expired when it began to require absolutely new batteries or it simply would not work (E18 error appeared in lower right). Following the store personnel's recommendation, I bought lithium batteries and it worked for another seven shots, then failed. Conjecturing that perhaps something was wrong with the battery box circuitry, I bypassed it by buying a power transformer, which made no difference. I had also bought a half gigabyte removable card, but have hardly gotten to use it. The display came on briefly once and never again.

The camera is absolutely unusable and of course I am very sorry I ever bought it. Perhaps my case is unusual, though. It would be interesting to conduct a statistically significant poll and get an accurate percentage of failure rates during the first year or two. I would be happy to buy another camera on that basis rather than any individual's anecdotal experience, if I could find such information anywhere.

I should add, to put things in perspective, that the camera has always been treated with the care due a fine instrument, and I have only taken a few dozen pictures on it since it was new.

Update: 9-11-2005
Since this posting, I checked for any warranty service. Wal-Mart has a 30 day return policy for this item, so that was no good. I found the warranty card that came with the camera "1 year limited warranty." I called the number given there and was given instructions as to how and where to ship the camera, which I followed.
The initial response I got was, that the camera could be repaired for approximately one hundred and ten dollars. My response was that the "limited warranty" really was LIMITED! I expressed my decision not to pay that amount, and asked that the camera be returned to me in no worse condition than how I had sent it. At least I could sometimes make it work by giving it a sharp rap.
Then I got a note from warranty service requesting that I send (again!) a copy of my sales receipt and a copy of the warranty card, which I did.
Then I got an e-mail response that it would be repaired at no cost.
After that, I got a mailed letter with a form saying once again that it could be repaired for something over a hundred dollars. I mailed that letter back with a printout of the e-mail saying it would be repaired free, and put a note on the top of the mailed letter saying "What am I supposed to believe?"
About a week later my camera arrived, repaired and functional again, at no charge.
I used it once since then and it worked like it did when it was new.
Thanks, Canon.

D.G. Stewart
Evergreen, Colorado

[Ben Oostdam]

I have enjoyed my Power Shot S 410 for about 3 months, taking several thousand shots.
However, last week, for no apparent reason, it started beeping and ended up with an E 18 message. For the rest of my tour in Holland I had to use a disposable camera to my great regret.
The lens is almost completely retracted, but protrudes more than I remember it should.
Changing batteries and cards did not work, and I have not yet contacted CANON. Instead, I searched Google and came across www.bitnet.cx/canon.html which certainly does not look very encouraging - though well documented. Also found your rebuttal and decided to let you know and to ask what you recommend I do next.
Thanks!

[webtow]

Well sad to see i found my error to top the canon boards. I have a 4 month old s500 and lo and behold E18 and a funny buzzing sounds. I had a sony for 2 years prior to this one.. and never had an issue.. i just sent it to service center in IL ($13.00 shipping) it should be covered under warrantee but 4 months out of the box equipment shouldnt have to be taking this trip. :mad:

[lcole66]

I have an A75 that was purchased in June of 2004. The e18 error started in April of '05. I thought it was just a random error and it didn't happen again for about a month. Byt eh timeit happened for a third time I was close to goin on vacation so I held it for another coupel sof weeks beofre calling Canon. By the time I called Canon my warranty had expired. They said I could send it back and have it looked at. the charge to fix would be any where from $100 to $200. Or if I preferred I could get a refurbished A95 for $150. I sent it in with a note about how the problem had started 2 months before the warranty expired and mentioned all the "E18" posts (like this one) on the interent and all the problems people were having with there Canons. - I recieved an email saying after the initial inspection that there would be no charge for the repair unless once they got into it they found evidence of sand, dirt or moisture. I had camera back within a week with a new optical unit, adjusted focus CCD, cleaned and all functions checked.

5 days later, while at the NY Giants training camp in Albany, My wife was about to take a closeup picture of one of the players and guess what E18 AGAIN ! ! ! ! I called Canon and they were very sorry for the problem, they are shipping me a FEDEX label and will take another look at it. They said it will go to the next level of the factory repair team. If it goes back a third time it will go to management.

I appreciate them fixing it at no charge since technically it was out of warranty, but I would be real upset if I had paid $200 to get it fixed and it had the error again. I got to say I will never buy Canon again.

[3Ls]

Still counting the number of E18's?? One more. I, personally, have an A60 that I've had since May of 2003. It's worked fine, and I've taken 1500+ pix. However, we needed a digital camera for work, so I recommended the A60. This one is less than two years old, very little use, and it has the E18 error. And I found this forum by googling Canon A60 e18... Maybe this one is toast. We probably won't spend any money to have it fixed. However, now I'm worried about my personal camera. When is it going to happen? Should I just upgrade NOW?? It is, after all, 2.0 megapixels. I will be checking out the rest of this site for recommendations. And I thought Canon was a good brand...

I'm going to check out the repair guide. Thanks to whoever posted this link.

[Alien Zulu]

i found this forum because i bought an sd300 in december and just today i got an e18 error and my camera won't work

does canon cover this sort of thing? this camera is 9 months old. no problems till now

[sifumo]

my S400 had the E18 error for the first time this last spring... thankfully i purchased the extended coverage through the retailer and they were able to get it fixed(took a couple weeks).

it seems to be holding up so far(ive taken 100 or so photos with it since) but with any luck it can happen a couple more times so the no lemon policy in my extended coverage can kick in and ill get credit from my purchase towards a new cam :)

[Gasbull12]

Is there anything different about the SD550 lens mechanism to suggest that the E18 problem may have been solved. I've read enough here to conclude I'm not willing to chance $500 + on a Canon until it is resolved.

GB

[Bao]

I am a owner of S1 IS since June04... It just die like that last month. ALLBLACK is all you can see from LCD or viewfinder when you turn it on. It can show pretty good pic (taken before burned out) in playback mode.

I sent it back to Canon Service Center in my country (Malaysia), they informed me that the CCD sensor is burned...
:eek: Way to go! Canon QC!!

[McGoal]

I to have received the E18 erro on the s30 after 3 years of regular use. No factor prior to the error that I can attribute it to!

[McGoal]

By the way I assure you that I am not anti canon. I just purchased the S2 as a replacement to the s30.

[ajax]

My wife and I have a Canon S1 IS that we bought refurbished Christmas 2004. We have used it alot in the last 9 months without any problems. On her last birding trip this last weekend she had problems zooming and the camera would shut down. She changed batteries with no help. She ran it without running the zoom in video mode as that is when it would happen the most.

Upon return I tried it and found that it would zoom in an out a few times then beep and give the E18 error on a blank screen.

It is still on warrenty and so I think I will return it to the retailer and see where it goes from there.

Colin

[Brett]

Hi. Purchased an IXUS 2.1mp on ebay. Had E18 error message. Checked the repair page info at http://www.ixus-world.de followed instructions it's working fine now. Only had 1 screw left over, not bad for a 1st attempt.

In doing the repair I noted that the camera has an internal battery. It has no markings on it to say what model battery it is. Can anyone tell me more about it and possible where to get a replacement?

[raffius]

Sorry for my english!
I've found this forum searching for e18 error.
I've bought the powershot a520 ten days ago in my country ( Italy ) and the first day after few minutes working when the lens are fully extended the camera beeps an poweroff displaing e18 error . This happend several times randomly in the next days. I shipped forward the camera asking total refund ( I've a 15 days warranty satisfy or refund )

Ciao

Raffius

[mplewton]

I bought a Canon A70 in June of 2003. I took about 500 pictures and the lens would not retract all the way. E18 Error.
I forced the lens to retract and got rid of the error. It would power up Ok from then on but I always had to force the lens to retract all the way. I used it during my vacation in Europe for 3 months this way and took about 8000 pictures. When I returned in September I e-mailed Canon to tell them about the E18 error. They said send it in. I did and got it back in about 2 weeks with a note that the lens assembly was replaced and the firmware was updated. The camera still works good and is over 30,000 photos. I did buy another Canon, A80, as their waranty is one of the best. I can't say the same for a Sony that I had.

[surfaf44]

my roommate jsut dropped her Canon PowerShot SD300 tonite.. it took the picture but then afterwards there was the E18 error. the lens wont shut and we haven o idea how to fix it. It is no rumour.. it DOES happen. She's had the camera for about a year.

[JTL]

my roommate jsut dropped her Canon PowerShot SD300 tonite.. it took the picture but then afterwards there was the E18 error. the lens wont shut and we haven o idea how to fix it. It is no rumour.. it DOES happen. She's had the camera for about a year.No one ever said it was a "rumor". It's the error that appears when the lens mechanism is broken. Plain and simple.

[mqc40]

Hi all,
I have a canon powershot a95, after 8 months of ownership I caught into the e18. Fortunately it was in warranty, but I'm really disappointed with this issue by canon.
I also had a powershot a80 that now is owned by a friend of mine and he caught in the e18 error too, but he's out of warranty and the repair center asked him 180euro to reipair!!!

[PumaForever]

:mad: I got my SD300 on September 24 and I got the E-18 screen on Sept 30. How unlucky is that? I don't think this should happen in less than a week. I barely even used it!

[BottFodder]

IXUS 40 - 2 months old now showing E18. When I power it up the lens retracts, re-emerges, makes some strange sounds in the mech, displays E18 and then powers off. I cannot get the lens to retract so I can pack it. I'm going to try repeating the cycle and flipping the battery out when its trying to retract.

It started with an out of focus shot and then quickly got worse.

Not really game enough to attack the insides (still in warranty) but dreading Canon's response to the call tomorrow. I have tried the AV cable thing but its still not happening...

I (like some other posters) still own an AE-1 (with a good collection of lenses) and never had an issue - completely different style of camera but the amount of agro on the net about E18 makes me wish I had gone elsewhere.

[akatschi]

I too have the error in an S200. Love the camera but the error will probably cause me not to buy Canon again. My lifestyle is such that I will undoubtedly get dust in the lens mechanism which is what I suspect happened to cause it not to work. I don't have the cable so can't try that but have tried beating on it and twisting it and generally having my way with it all to no avail. Actually I did get it to extend and retract, but it shows E18 in the lower left corner anyway and does not work. No myth whatsoever.

[oldvamboo]

Its an IXUS 40 (300 in US)? I had it for less than 10 hrs, worked again a couple of times after reset but now I just get it every time and the lense is stuck. I'm sending it straight back for a refund, never buying Canon again, I'm sure this doesn't happen too often and most of the people on this forum are very happy with their product so its just bad luck. My wife owned an ASP Canon Ixus (not sure exactly which model) and the pop up flash became stuck on that and had to get fixed at some expense (albeit after about four years!) This has scared me off Canon I'm afraid. While it worked it took great, great snaps though, so its a shame.
So, just in reply to the original post, this isn't a conspiracy, there do seem to be some build issues with Canons relating to the gearing that controls the lens.

[alliecat8979]

um, was i not supposed to take my sd300 to the beach... or the sand dunes monument in colorado? because apparently an active lifestyle is not condusive to this cameras lifespan... i' ve had my sd300 since february and have loved it until i just got the E18 while at the sand dunes last night... i was literally only there for an hour and a half and careful to keep my camera tucked away in its case except when using... but just as i was taking a shot on the way out of the park i got the E18... good to know it seems to be a case of camera vulnerability as opposed to misuse... any idea what canon will say if they find a grain of sand in the component?

[superstar905]

If anyone has information that can help me, either a) get a new Camera from Canon, or b) information on legal action against Canon, I'd greatly appreciate it. Have the Canon s400, got the error e18, although the camera lasted 2 yrs. Still, paid $700 CAD for the damn thing.

email me at superstar905@sympatico.ca

[Mick Guinea]

I have just purchased a A95. It arrived today. I loaded the batteries and switched it on and got the canon screen followed by E18. I will be sending it back to the agents.
:(

[sdshortcake]

This is actually the second time I've had the E18 error w/ my A95 camera. The first time it was easy to fix; I took the batteries out and let it sit for a couple of minutes. But now I have the problem again but I can't seem to fix it. I took it out of the case after not using it for three days and the error occured. I can take pictures but when i try to view them or download the pictures the error comes up so I'm unable to do either of those. The error comes up everytime the lens trys to retract and when the lens cover tries to close but it doesn't close all the way the error comes up. It's very frustrating. So I ensure you that this error is for real and I do wish it wasn't so I wouldn't have to deal w/ this. You're lucky you didn't have to deal w/ this.

[Aliehs88]

To all those who are skeptical about the E18 error, please let me confirm from first hand experience that it is for real... .

I have been a faithful Canon camera user for many years - even before digital cameras came along. I am usually very brand loyal (eg. I only use Nokia mobile phones), as long as the brand does not fail me. I have had no reason to be unhappy with Canon, nor felt the need to attack them in any way. Until E18 struck, that is... .

My first Canon digital camera was the Powershot S110. I had it for around 3 years without any problems (except for batteries which die out pretty fast). I decided to upgrade to a newer camera with better features, and I naturally chose to remain faithful to Canon.

Powershot S400 became my upgrade choice, and I was very happy with it because it was a good upgrade from the S110. Unfortunately, around 6 months later, I started having problems with the lens and it kept giving me E18 messages. After several attempts at turning the power on and off, it finally worked again. This was even though I had not dropped it or banged it anywhere... .

Thinking that it was just a one-off incident, I let the matter rest. However, it came back again every now and then until my warranty no longer covers repair costs. Now, I just live with its occasional hang ups by turning the power on/off, removing/putting back the battery, removing/putting back the compact flash card, force pushing the lens back in when it won't retract, even upgrading the firmware thinking that this might help, but it is REALLY getting more frequent now and it is making me worried as I start my 3 weeks vacation in Brazil really soon. Don't want Canon to screw it up for me... .

I had until now considered buying another upgrade camera by Canon (SD550) before I go to Brazil because I thought that my E18 error was an isolated case which is limited only to my S400 model, and I wasn't counting on having the bad luck of E18 again happening in a brand new Canon camera... . However, after reading so much of other people's frustrations with E18 across the world and across various Canon digicam models, I am sadly considering leaving Canon unless I can be sure that SD550 will not have this problem (or any other).

It's a real shame....because I really do like Canon's design and quality apart from the E18 caused by their badly made lens parts. My husband wants to consider a switch to Sony (which will be a good match to his PS3 when it comes out into the market ;) )....but a part of me still wants to remain faithful to Canon... .

[Aliehs88]

Hmm...just wanted to correct this paragraph from my post above:

"My first Canon digital camera was the Powershot S300. I had it for around 3 years without any problems (except for batteries which die out pretty fast). I decided to upgrade to a newer camera with better features, and I naturally chose to remain faithful to Canon.

Powershot S400 became my upgrade choice, and I was very happy with it because it was a good upgrade from the S300."

Quite confusing with the Powershot being called Powershot in some countries, and IXUS in others, especially when the numbers don't always match ;) ... .

[larry20]

Ahhhhh! Count me in as another victim of the infamous Canon E18 error after some normal use for some Halloween photos. Why did it have to happen on Halloween day? Is it a ghost? After warranty expired? Unfortunately, I was not aware of E18 so I also recommended Canon to my two sisters some months ago. If my sisters call me because they see E18 on their Canon's LCD screen, I probably will lie, perjure, obstruct justice with "I told you girls to buy Sony, and you didn't listen"

[Aliehs88]

Right....so after posting in this thread yesterday about my E18 problem, I just got off the phone now with my mum asking me if I can let her have my camera if I get a new one because hers (Powershot S330) has just "broken down". She said it won't turn on anymore since the lens won't come out so she's going to send it for repair.

Sounds familiar? Well, it did to me, so I asked her if it says "E18" on her screen and you guessed it - it did. I said it's the same problem my camera has, so she just needs to meddle around with hers to get it working again.

She's been having her camera for around 3 years now, so it's not under warranty anymore. I told her that it's no use to get it repaired since it'll not be a guaranteed solution and will be expensive, and besides, it might be time for her to get a new one anyway (though she might consider a non-Canon one this time).

I know this is not "first-hand" experience, but I just thought it was funny how I was posting my experience with this problem yesterday, and now my mum (finally) got this problem too today.

For those of you who have yet to experience this problem, it will only be a matter of time when E18 catches up with you, even if it's up to 3 years from the time you got yours. I will make sure to check with my brother (who has my old Powershot S300 from 4 years ago) if his camera is still behaving ;). But for now, out of 3 Canon cameras in my family, 2 have the E18 disease. That in my opinion, is too too high a probability for Canon to ignore.

[Aliehs88]

I think not....

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000101&sid=a7ZasbVwQsQg&refer=japan

Maybe it's about time they wake up, smell the E18 coffee, and drink it away... .

[hddfox]

I've had my S2 IS now for a few months, taken so many pictures I can't even begin to count, and never, never had any E18 Error. I talked to other Canon Owners, camera repair folks, and read a small novel of posts concerning the Canon S2 IS and other Canon camers and no one has ever seen this problem occur at all. I never knew there was a problem of this nature until I read about it on this Forum. And this Forum is the first and only place I've heard anything about it. This Forum itself is an excellent Forum which supplies a great deal of very good and useful information to it's users. I've seen things like this on other Forums and in most cases it's just started by someone who has a case of the butt with whatever company they feel has done them wrong. If these people really have the problem they speak of, they should just go to the companies support section, get help and/or repair as needed and stop all the rumors that has done nothing but feed this rumor mill and cause camera owners that are really here to learn and help others to worry about a problem that just doesn't have any merit or base of fact. It's just wrong to cause people to worry theirselves sick. There's plenty of camera owners out there (myself included) that would just like help and answers for their questions, not to listen to a bunch of junk from someone wanting only to stir things up. Just my 2 cents.

[wmd1942]

Bought my S2 just over two months (through Amazon) and took 1700+ pictures. I love this camera. However, during the past week, E18 error occured twice right after battery ran out while I was taking pictures. S2 didn't give any low battery warning before shutting off itself. After put new batteries in and turned it on, S2 was having trouble to have its lens extended and making some grinding noise. After tried about 10 seconds, it gave it up and LCD was displaying "E18" at the lower-left corner. I turned it off and on two or three times and it finally got back to working state. It seems picture quality is still the same but zooming of lens (especially during fast zooming) is having much louder noise than before. I also noticed that when S2 powered on and off. I'm not sure what I should do. Obviously I can't return it back to Amazon any more. Can I send it back Canon for repair? Any advice or suggestion is appreciated.

[Aliehs88]

Dear hddfox,

Are you basically calling all of us who HAVE experienced E18 errors liars? Just because you don't have it (yet) does not mean that no one has had it.

1. Since you've had your S2 IS "for a few months", it does not qualify you to brush off the fact that E18 does exist. Come back to this thread in 5 years time and THEN tell us if you "never, never had any E18 Error" with your S2 IS camera. You might want to put this camera in a museum for display then since it seems so rare that the affected Canon camera models last through at least 5 years without E18... . In which case, your camera would be the "exception" instead of the "norm"...and that's not supposed to be how products from a reputated company should be in terms of quality... .

2. So...you've talked to the following people:
a. Other Canon owners - anyone with an affected model who has had the camera for 5 years or more?
b. Camera repair folks - from Canon itself? Or the shop down the road which probably doesn't have people going directly to them but to a Canon dealer instead when their camera has this error while under warranty?
c. And you read a small (key word) novel of posts....

3. "This Forum is the first and only place (you've) heard anything about it"???
How did you come up with it being the "only" place when a "Canon E18" search on Google gives you close to 80,000 hits?!? Selective reading, perhaps?

4. "..in most cases it's just started by someone who has a case of the butt with whatever company they feel has done them wrong"
This I truely do not believe you. When I did a search on the Internet on the E18 error, it was to get HELP, and I believe 99.9% of people who has had this same problem did the same. That's when they read about how they are not the ONLY ones having this problem, and hence we exchange solutions plus share frustrations with the camera and/or Canon's way in dealing with this in various forums... . If you had really read the posts of people with this problem, you would see that most used to swear by Canon products. And yes, because of this E18 error, we DO feel that Canon has done us wrong by not correcting this known problem. Don't accuse us of putting the horse before the cart when the cart has been behind the horse all along. We DO have the right to feel cheated (AND make an issue out of it) when we spend hundreds of dollars on products which do not last as long as they should, especially when the company who makes these products tries to ignore the problems instead of solving them after pocketing our money.

5. "If these people really have the problem they speak of, they should just go to the companies support section, get help and/or repair as needed..."
Right...again, you haven't really been reading what people have been writing... . There ARE people who are "fortunate" enough to have the problem occur while under warranty and they HAVE gotten the help they need (though not all the repairs were 100% guaranteed to solve the problem once and for all), but there are also a vast number of people who experienced the problem AFTER warranty, in which case the COST of repair was almost at much as paying for a BRAND NEW camera. Do you expect them to "just" keep their mouths shut and buy a new camera? I don't think so. They are bound to tell their friends, family, even the WORLD (as is possible in this day and age) how pissed off they are that their camera (in this case, expensive CANON) didn't last as long as it should before going out to buy something new. It's called (negative) "word-of-mouth" and it is a VERY recognised form of advertising in the marketing world.

6. "stop all the rumors that has done nothing but feed this rumor mill..."
Sorry, can't do that. Why? Because number 1, it is NOT a rumour, and number 2, as long as E18 is still occuring, Canon is keep going to have these unhappy customers complaining... .

7. "a problem that just doesn't have any merit or base of fact."
Do you work for Canon??? Maybe have shares there? Seems like you want to ignore the FACTS just like them. "If I ignore it, it doesn't exist."

8. "It's just wrong to cause people to worry theirselves sick. There's plenty of camera owners out there (myself included) that would just like help and answers for their questions..."
Don't you think WE want help and answers to our E18 questions too?!? We've been looking through various forums (besides this one) for "help and answers" too, just like you yourself would. This particular thread though, was calling out to people who HAVE experienced E18, and judging from the response, it's a pretty real fact. We are not out here to make people worry themselves sick. People can judge for themselves and take their own risks - we are at least being honest in sharing our experience with the existing problem which we hope will help people make a more educated decision after knowing that there ARE risks involved. I would rather hear an honest opinion from a user of the product than hear a one-sided sales pitch when I attempt to weigh the pros and cons of buying an expensive product. Wouldn't you?

9. "....not to listen to a bunch of junk from someone wanting only to stir things up."
You can actually learn a LOT of things just by listening....but I'm sad that you have chosen "not to listen" because if you really did, you will learn that we're not here to "stir things up", but to honestly share our experiences and offer solutions as much as possible.

Anyway...to wrap things up, I can only say that the way you are trying to brush away this fact of the E18 error is almost like the image of an ostrich burying its head in the sand to what's going on around it. Now THAT kind is chosen ignorance is baseless and carries no merit... . Canon cameras are not perfect, and neither are other makes. However, if you look through this forum on every individual brand name, Canon seems to have the MOST problems compared to the rest, and I'm not just talking about "E18". Please don't accuse us of making up folklore.

[Micht]

Hi

Ironically enough I just came to this site today because I've literally just had an E18 message on my Ixus 30 and I wondered if anyone else had had experience of this or not! Had the camera for 9 months - absolutely fab up until now!

[brimoody75]

I may be buying a Canon Powershot A620 in the future? Has anyone heard of this problem with the newer cameras, or did Canon address it? Thanks!

Brian

[lumbarpuncture]

I purchased a Powershot S410 less than 1 year ago. I registered the camera faithfully and now have experienced the E18 error. I can still take pictures, but I can't download them directly from the camera. I have to take the memory card out and use a reader to do that. The lens does appear to retract and extend all the way, and the pictures seem fine. I've tried resetting the camera by taking the card and battery out for 24 hours, to no avail. I tried hooking the camera up to the TV which was suggested by one website, and it gives me the E18 error. I contacted Canon USA and was told that the registration was for marketing purposes and not for warranty purposes, and so I would have to pay for a repair.

I have to agree with Aliehs88 - well posted! I've been a loyal Canon consumer up until now - scanner, printer, and camera. I searched for E18 on the web so I could fix it without bothering Canon. I tried all of the suggestions without help. So I called, and given the response I got from Canon USA, I won't be purchasing Canon again. I just can't afford several hundred dollars a year for a new camera. I am a polite person, and I could tell the CSR helping me was not happy about another E18 call. His tone darkened considerably when I mentioned that it seemed like a common problem.

[Bmackey]

Had mine for over two years, with no problems, hadnt even heard of "e18" before, then all of a sudden I turned it on and was hit with the e18. Now its a paperweight. Whats more disturbing is Canons customer service on this issue. I've been a loyal canon user for 15 years, and now I'm forced to look elsewhere for a new camera. I cant have a camera only last two years, thats just not acceptable. And with the increase incident of this, I just cant take a chance again with that kind of money. And for eveyone saying that "we" are inflating the problem to give canon a bad name, the reason the incidents reported are increasing, is becasue THEY ARE INCREASING. I hadnt heard of it at all before this. I just wish that canon would be forthcoming with it, so I wouldnt have to buy from another manufacturer. sigh

[David Metsky]

Again, no one is saying that the problem isn't real. E18 is the error message that Canon camera dispaly when the lens won't retract or come out. It can be caused by many things, including trauma, dust/sand in the lens mechanism, manufacturing fault, or others. Other camera brands don't appear to generate a single error code (or any user visible codes) for such a wide range of problems.

As a result, it may appear that there's a single problem that occurs only with Canon cameras. The Internet tends to amplify any problems like this since obviously only people who have problems with their cameras post. Since I've seen plenty of reports of sudden and severe failures for all camera brands, I would contend that Canon's get some notoriety because they are one of the most popular camera brands and they use a single user-visible error code across most of their models.

My conclusions so far:

Some Canon cameras have failed with the E18 code
Many problems can be lumped under this code due to the fact that it seems to occur when the lens cannot extend. Many different things can cause this.
Without industry wide figures, it's impossible to say whether Canon's are any better or worse than other brands.
Many people have years of troublefree use from their Canon cameras


I own a Canon SD300 and have had 1 year of excellent use out of it. I would not hesitate to buy another. I don't think there is a single "E18 Problem" so much as there are any number of things (like with any complex consumer electronic item) that can cause problems, all of which get called by the same name.

-dave-

[Titus]

As a result, it may appear that there's a single problem that occurs only with Canon cameras. The Internet tends to amplify any problems like this since obviously only people who have problems with their cameras post. Since I've seen plenty of reports of sudden and severe failures for all camera brands, I would contend that Canon's get some notoriety because they are one of the most popular camera brands and they use a single user-visible error code across most of their models.
I think you are missing the point here. We are not arguing about other brands being better than Canon or vice versa. Simply, my Canon digital camera no longer works after 2 years of use. It doesn't really matter what error code I'm getting or not. The camera is either broken or not. In my case, it's broken and I am unable to use it. I paid $500 for S400 which only lasted 2 years. With the broken camera, per Canon my options are: 1) pay $200 to fix, or 2) not pay to fix.

I cannot speak for others, but for me the numbers don't work out.

By the way, I still think S400 was one of the best camera (relative to size, functionality, photo quality), but I am unwilling to risk anymore of my hard earned money for a product that might continue to work or not.


My conclusions so far:

Some Canon cameras have failed with the E18 code
Yes and my S400 is one of them that failed exactly 2 years after purchase.

Many problems can be lumped under this code due to the fact that it seems to occur when the lens cannot extend. Many different things can cause this.
Non-working camera is a broken camera in my book.

Without industry wide figures, it's impossible to say whether Canon's are any better or worse than other brands.
True, but that's not the point. More importantly, what percentage of camera sold breaks down by time? For example, they sold 1 million S400 in 2003. Of which X number was broken in 2003, 2004, 2005, etc... If the number is any significant than Canon should own the responsibility.

Many people have years of troublefree use from their Canon cameras

Once again an actual data might be more appropriate. At least in my household, I have S200, S230 and S400. S200 and S230 are going strong. Both of them were bought around 2 years ago. S400 lasted exactly two years.


I own a Canon SD300 and have had 1 year of excellent use out of it. I would not hesitate to buy another. I don't think there is a single "E18 Problem" so much as there are any number of things (like with any complex consumer electronic item) that can cause problems, all of which get called by the same name.
That's great. I sincerely hope that E18 error or any other code does not occur to you. In my case, my S400 is broken after two years of use after having paid $500 for it. Repair of $200 is out of question. Although I have used Canon for years, when it came down to purchasing another point & shoot digital camera, I didn't want to risk my hard earned money on another Canon. So I got a new Nikon 7900. I am hoping that this camera will last more than 2 years ;)

[David Metsky]

Although I have used Canon for years, when it came down to purchasing another point & shoot digital camera, I didn't want to risk my hard earned money on another Canon. So I got a new Nikon 7900. I am hoping that this camera will last more than 2 years ;)
And what if it doesn't? Will you then move on to Panasonic, Sony, and Casio in order?

Consumer electronics fail. It's a fact of life. Some are better than others, but buying a $500 camera (or cell phone, iPod, or laptop) comes with the risk that it will fail when out of warranty. No manufacturer can guarentee that a 2 year old camera will always work, some percentage of every make and model will fail.

You are risking your hard earned money with the Nikon. I can point you to people who've had their Nikon fail after 2 years with no apparent reason. The question is, are you risking more with the Nikon than with the Canon? I haven't seen enough data to say that one is better than the other, and I think you are making an unwarrented assumption if you believe you are "safer" with the Nikon.

-dave-

[tedward]

Hello - I am a happy man:D

Got the dread E18 on my Ixus 400. Tried 24 hour re-set - nothing. Beginning to despair.

I do a lot of kayaking and the camera often lives in a waterproof (but not condensation proof!) case.

Thought about it - contemplated the "take it apart" option and went for one last try.

So......

Hung camera above a radiator for a few hours to dry out any damp.
All below done with lens facing down to let gravity help.
Inserted battery. Powered on. As usual lens extended a wee bit then stalled and got E18 (sigh). Before camera shut down again and with lens still a wee bit out quickly extraced battery. Re-inserted battery and pressed the power button. BINGO!

Then with camera still on used my Dyson :eek: and gave lens a good vacuum in hope any gunge would shift, then wiped anyting showing with microfibre cloth.

It worked - at least for now. There is probably still dust/gunk in there which will combine with moisture to cause code so will invest in silica gell for waterproof case!

Hope this helps someone.

[rhythmace1]

Well I've just discovered "the E18 problem", and I've been a little surprised to see that that innocuous little message that I saw on my Ixus/Elph/Powershot (SD)400 was the subject of such a raging debate!

I had mine for almost exactly 2 years before it stopped working, and was really happy with it and the pictures it took. I suppose it *might* have something to do with falling down a (water) well in Thailand with the camera in my pocket..... :rolleyes:

Seriously though, it's a little worrying that it seems as though quite a lot of people are finding their Canon cameras don't last as long as they should, though I'm not yet regretting having ordered a Powershot S80. But I'll be making doubly sure I register the warranty!

[Aliehs88]

I've been wondering... .

Why doesn't Canon include E18 in the troubleshooting pages of its users' manual when they should know by now that it's a pretty real problem??? At least that way, there won't be so many people coming online to find out how to fix it, and then there won't be such a big "hoo-ha" about it either. It will be a problem which everyone can silently fix themselves at home... .

Oh, wait - is it because Canon doesn't have any real solutions to give us on how to fix this manufacturing fault ourselves :confused:

I suppose it would be funny to write "E18 - Just bang it a few times on the table, turn it on and off several times, and if all else fails, send it to us for expensive repairs" in the manual ;).

[frozenupnorth]

I bought my S400 two years ago and loved it. I paid $450 at Circuit City for it. All of a sudden I have this E18 error and I can't use it. A $450 camera should last longer than 2 years and I shouldn't have to pay $150 to fix it.

I was going to buy another Canon figuring this E18 is just a fluke, but the Internet is flooded with E18 errors -- across multiple Canon models. I'm just glad they don't make heart defibrillators!

Loved the camera -- but alas I'm moving on ...

Jim T

[Streaky]

Hi

Just joined this forum to say that 2 days ago I got an E18 error message on my Ixus 40, bought 11 months ago. Camera lens was stuck out when the camera was switched off. When switching on it would retract and then extend again, beep a couple of times and go dead.

Having read through this thread I decide that 'gentle' manipulation of the lense extension might work, and it has. Tapped it on my desk a few times, nothing. Twisted the lens housing during extension, nothing. Waccled the lense housing every which way, nothing. Wiped the lense housing all round and when I turned the unit off the lens retracted and stayed there. This was only 10 minutes ago, so no long term prognosis just yet, but at least for now I'm back in business. Guess it was a combination of all of the actions, seems as if I might have dislodged whatever piece of gunk was jamming up the mechanism.
Good luck to all of you still having E18 problems.

[SkiRacer2144]

Well, I'm new here, but i stumbled upon this site back in the begging of November when I got the E18 AND E21 Error messages on my PowerShot S70. So no problem, It was under warranty. I sent it back to Canon, and three weeks later on 11/30 I got it back. Looked like a brand new camera, new serial number, labels, the works. BUT when I turned it on it DIDN'T WORK! SAME error message. but this time, the lens wouldn’t even extend. It sounds like the gears are grinding for about 15 seconds, then it throws the E18 message. And now the wife and I are going on a cruise in 2 days, with no camera. I called Canon, and they basically said, Sorry. Send it back. And I said How do you send a camera back to someone without inspecting it? And they said I must have done something that have caused it. I HAD THE CAMERA FOR 2 HOURS BEFORE I CALLED!! :mad: BLAH BLAH BLAH

I've had it with canon. I have a 4 year Warranty from Best Buy, but they said they have to send it to canon for evaluation. It's just one endless loop after another. I have 3 gigs of Compact Flash memory for this cruise that is worthless now. Thanks for nothing Canon. Better Business Bureau here I come.

[jakoky@shaw.ca]

Hi, owned both the canon a75 and a610 and never had a problem with the that error. I also owned a fuji e550 til the lcd broke, and with it came instructions to always leave the camera in playback mode when turned off, i guess that way if accidentally bumped on in the case, it wont hurt it as the lens will not come out....great advice, i use it always....:o

[chiliman]

Hi all, like so many of you I was directed to this site due to an E18 error on my ixus (500). I flew to New York from London last weekend and didn't get a single photo on my camera. I was standing admiring Grand Central Station when I discovered the problem. I flew home Monday and have tried several times to get the camera working. In frustration I just squeezed the power button and the shutter button together (from 'off') and the camera sprung instantly into life.

I hope this works for someone else and enables you to capture some moments which might otherwise be lost.

I'm so frustrated, all my images of NY are on my phone/disposable camera. Still, the money I've saved in (hopefully) fixing my camera can now go towards another flight.

Good luck.:)

[Fixmycar]

I have a Sd200 and have been getting the e18 error. I have never droped it. The lens would comeout half way and stay. then i would get the e18 error. Now it wount do anything, i can hear the motor but nothing happens just that the error comes up.

[smudgeshouse]

Been getting the E18 fault on my A70, intermittantly for the last few weeks now, just searched the net today and found out that i'm not alone, with this problem, i don't think its down to low batteries like some have said.
My camera exibits the the following simptoms: When i power it off the lens starts to retract but then the camera dies, but when i power it on again the lens retracts fully and then extends, so i'm left wondering how can it be the mechanism sticking when it retracts fully and extends again?
Not sure what i'm going to do yet as its aout of warranty (convenient), but i might take it apart. Unless cannon admit to faulty parts or give help to all those out there with this e18 fault, then i won't be buying a cannon again.
Ade

[dunwich]

any case of the E18 error on the poweshot A410? planning to buy this camera and would like to know before doing it.

[chippengael]

First posting here. A sad day.

Bought my brilliant little Ixus 40 in Germany last Xmas, took 2000 pics without a problem, cared for it like it was made of glass, then dropped it 2 nights ago from waist height taking it out of the belt holder.

The lens was stuck out and somewhat at an angle to the body (not the best scenario). Immediate E18 error.

Tried to manipulate the lens manually - heard a click as the lens body straightened up. However now there is a click click clicking sound when you boot it up and the E18 error remains.

I am still in the 1 year warranty - should Canon fix this? Can't find the receipt, and I don't want to fly to Germany to bring it back to the shop.

Am very bummed. Any magic fixes?:(