Canon S3 clicking during lens retraction

[shinnen]

Hi,
My S3 is making a clicking sound, for a few seconds, before the lens retracts...... not all the time, but often. Sounds like it's missing a gear and a timer is kicking in. It also sometimes catches when partly extended, then continues to extent all the way. Occassionally I get the 'lens error restart message'. So far, it hasn't completely refused to run, but I have a feeling that this senario is just around the corner.. Any suggestions on what it might be would be appreciated, and what I can do (myself) to fix it? I've tried the suggested methods on the net for dislodging dirt, but they didn't help.
Thanks,
.... john

[speaklightly]

Welcome to the Forum, John-

Thanks for dropping by. I am sorry to say that one of two things could be happening. (1) it is just the sound of the IS system working during lens extension or retraction. That is nothing to be concerned about. (2) The more ominous scenario, if the camera has a lot of miles on it, and because you are receiving error messages during lens extension and retraction, the camera made indeed be headed for a crash.

However, there is a Canon Loyalty program that you may benefit from in a crash event. I would guess that Canon is now longer repairing the S-3 model. So you will be offered a refurbished current model SX-10 or SX-20 at a much reduced price. So there is a silver lining if you want to stay with Canon. If you want to jump to the DSLR world, lately thay have been offering a Canon XTi option, again at a greatly reduced price.

Have a great day.

Sarah Joyce

[shinnen]

Hi Sarah,
"The more ominous scenario, if the camera has a lot of miles on it, and because you are receiving error messages during lens extension and retraction, the camera made indeed be headed for a crash." Yes...... that's my fear. It is quite old and has a lot of miles on it.
I also have an S2 which works fine, but doesn't have all the options of the S3. So.... it's possible that I could marry the two into one happy camera.
If anyone would care to jump in wrt to how I might diagnose my problem, I would appreciate the help.
Thanks Sarah,
...... john

[FamilyGuy]

My camera is starting to do something similar. I've had an S2 for about 4 years. Lately I've noticed a "grinding" sound when the lens opens or retracts. It's also killing batteries at breakneck speed.

I just bought new rechargeables yesterday, charged them all night, and when I put them in the camera it did nothing. The batteries work in other devices.

I'm wondering if I might need to change the internal battery, and if that might be the cause of the issue with your S3.

It might be a long shot, but probably worth looking into before springing for a new camera.

Has anyone else had this problem, and if so did they try replacing the internal battery?

And if I have to replace the camera altogether, do the SLRs have a better life span than the P&S cameras?

Thanks, and good luck with your S3.

[G_lock]

Maybe I am stabbing in the dark, but look at the picture of S2 battery door. Here:
http://www.dpchallenge.com/forum.php?action=read&FORUM_THREAD_ID=418140&page=2

I have a S2 (with a lot of miles), with a famous E18. After moving the plate it started to work, ... well, better anyway.