Canon PowerShot A470 Digital Camera - Page 6 - Answered Questions & Fixed issues

Did you format the card in your camera before you started taking pictures? If not, that's why this happend as the file structure was not setup. But no sweat. First you'll need to recover your lost photos, and also save/backup all of your photos onto your computer. You'll likely need to use recovery software. Here's some very good freeware. Now AFTER you've saved all your photos onto your computer, format the card in your camera to rejuvenate it, and properly setup the file/folder structure to prevent this from happening again. Note that this will erase the card, so only do this after you've saved/recovered all the photos onto your computer.

The best way involves putting the memory card into a card reader (either built-in to the computer or connected via USB or FireWire). This is likely to be faster than connecting the camera to the computer, and won't run down your camera's batteries.

Once the card is plugged in, it will appear to your computer as a removable drive. You can use the operating system's drag&drop facility to copy pictures from the card to the computer's hard drive, the same way you copy any other files. Or you can use any photo cataloging program, such as iPhoto on Mac or Windows Photo Gallery on Windows.

My solution is to unistall your current canon software that holds 15 canon components in your computer. You will find them under system task and select remove programs. After you have uninstalled the program, reinstall your "Canon Digital Camera Disk" and follow their prompts. Now you should be able to transfer images again as per normal.I have answered this question in detail under another question postered by "whitecar631" under canon "save folder not found" canon sd1100.This worked for me, but I don"t know how to prevent it happening again. I do know the day I lost all "my pictures", I had previously deleted a large file in my documents. I also experienced "save folder not found" when I tried to transfer images from my canon ixus 100.I was lucky enough that I had all of my original SD Flash Media Cards, so could transfer all my photos again. I have since put all my photos into labelled folders instead of dates and images.Hope this helps, it appears to be a problem in the canon program. Joyce

Shutter flex cable failure, a problem that's particular to nearly all the Canon A4XXX series cameras. See this link for more info. The part is extremely inexpensive (see here), and can even be bought from Chinese websites for $2 with free shipping. But repair is not for the amateur, as the part is buried inside the camera. For your model camera, would instead recommend considering retiring it, and consider purchase of a new camera.

you need change a lcd screen,some lcd screen is easy to broken or black. it affects the function and beatuty of the picture.http://www.digitalcamera-parts.net/www.skiliwah.cn/msn/e-mail:[email protected]

First thing to check is make sure that the camera is in "Auto" mode, and not in "Manual". Next is to check for stuck shutter symptoms, and if so try the corrective fixes at this link. Recommend paying particular attention to Fix 5a. But if it doesn't work after many repeated tries, keep in mind that the Canon A4XX series cameras are all susceptible to another type of failure. A small ribbon cable that controls the shutter can break after much use of the camera (or from repeated exposure to extreme temperature changes). If that is the case, repair would cost more than the value of the camera, and you may want to then consider purchase of another camera.

Move the slide switch on the side of the card.

Hello,

Remove the battery and clean it very well. After that, get a small screw driver that can fit into the screws, unscrew all the camera screws, remove the camera cover (pry from the side to take it apart) in order to gain access to the panel/board inside the camera. Gently remove/detach the board.

Get a methylated spirit and a soft tooth brush, dip the tooth brush into the spirit and use the brush to clean the board. Wash/brush every part of the board with the spirit.

After that, dry the board under an electric bulb or under sunlight. Allow it to heat and dry very well. Let the board get hot. Then leave the board for 5mins or more to cool.

After that, couple back the back, fix in the battery and try again. Then power on.

Good luck.

Consider NOT connecting your camera to your computer.

The best way to download pictures from your camera to your computer involves removing the memory card from the camera and plugging it into a card reader (either built-in to the computer or connected via USB or FireWire). This is likely to be faster than connecting the camera to the computer, and won't run down your camera's batteries.

Once the card is plugged in, it will appear to your computer as a removable drive. You can use the operating system's drag&drop facility to copy pictures from the card to the computer's hard drive, the same way you copy any other files. Or you can use iPhoto or any other photo cataloging program.

There are several possible causes for "memory card locked", "memory card error", or "no memory card". The most common cause is having the tiny slide switch on the side of the card in the wrong position. The second most common is trying to use a 4GB or higher SDHC card with an older camera made before SDHC format came out. There are also other common causes if the above didn't help, with troubleshooting steps for this problem listed here.

the flex cable is in a bad condition.please change it or it will affect other part's functioning
http://www.digitalcamera-parts.net/
www.skiliwah.cn/
e-mail:[email protected]

Hello

Thank you for using FIXYA!!!

This is a suggestion. If you do not feel comfortable trying it, you will need to take the unit to your nearest service centre. Feel free to let me know if you need any assistance.

The problem might be that the lens has become stuck in the barrel. There are some DIY solutions you could try, but the probability is that you will have to get it fixed by a professional.

Use these at own risk as it may further damage the camera.

Firstly , try connecting your ac adapter or usb cable.

Try holding the shutter button while switching on the camera.

Look at the lens , and if some of the lens 'circles' is misaligned or not concentric then try wiggling it (while holding camera lens down).

Try gently pushing or pulling the lens when it extends but this is risky as it may cause the lens barrel to slip out of its guidance system.

Another way to do this is to place the camera lens down on a hard surface and then power it up. Be sure to use a soft cloth or something similar as to not scratch your lens or casing. Let the lens push the camera up and down a few times and sometimes the little resistance provided by the camera is enough to get things going again.

Try hitting your camera near the lens on the body with the soft tissue on the palm of your hand.

Other than that , I would take the camera to a repair centre for a evaluation to see if it would cost more to repair than to replace the camera.

If it is still under warranty I would suggest you take it in before trying any of these steps and remove any off-brand batteries or accessories as some stores are really fussy about warranty repairs on camera's with non-brand accessories.

You can also have a look at THIS link.

Hope the advise is useful. please do not hesitate to let me know if you need any further assistance. Also, please be so kind to let me know if you found this helpful.

Regards
Andrea

Hello

Thank you for using FIXYA!!!

This is a suggestion. If you do not feel comfortable trying it, you will need to take the unit to your nearest service centre. Feel free to let me know if you need any assistance.

The problem might be that the lens has become stuck in the barrel. There are some DIY solutions you could try, but the probability is that you will have to get it fixed by a professional.

Use these at own risk as it may further damage the camera.

Firstly , try connecting your ac adapter or usb cable.

Try holding the shutter button while switching on the camera.

Look at the lens , and if some of the lens 'circles' is misaligned or not concentric then try wiggling it (while holding camera lens down).

Try gently pushing or pulling the lens when it extends but this is risky as it may cause the lens barrel to slip out of its guidance system.

Another way to do this is to place the camera lens down on a hard surface and then power it up. Be sure to use a soft cloth or something similar as to not scratch your lens or casing. Let the lens push the camera up and down a few times and sometimes the little resistance provided by the camera is enough to get things going again.

Try hitting your camera near the lens on the body with the soft tissue on the palm of your hand.

Other than that , I would take the camera to a repair centre for a evaluation to see if it would cost more to repair than to replace the camera.

If it is still under warranty I would suggest you take it in before trying any of these steps and remove any off-brand batteries or accessories as some stores are really fussy about warranty repairs on camera's with non-brand accessories.

You can also have a look at THIS link.

Hope the advise is useful. please do not hesitate to let me know if you need any further assistance. Also, please be so kind to let me know if you found this helpful.

Regards
Andrea

Guess you have turned off the preview feature by mistake. This will make your batteries last longer but make it difficult to take good pictures.
Turn on the Preview feature.
Refer to User Guide. If don't have it, download from http://support-asia.canon-asia.com/contents/ASIA/EN/0300075301.html

Yes, but what batteries have you been changing? If the AA's, those aren't the clock battery. Open the battery door, and notice the tiny door inside labeled "CR1220". Pry that door open with your fingernail, and take the enclosed CR1220 battery down to your local drugstore to purchase a replacement clock battery. Drugstores seem to be cheaper for this battery (~$3) than retail outlets like W-Mart (~$7).

Does your mac have an available USB port? If so, download your photos with a portable USB card reader. Please see this blog article, as it describes the use of a USB plug-in card reader as a much easier, faster, and less error prone way to download your photos. Note that card readers are also VERY inexpensive (some places, like Amazon, less than $2 online with shipping).

Hello

Thank you for using FIXYA!!!

This is a suggestion. If you do not feel comfortable trying it, you will need to take the unit to your nearest service centre. Feel free to let me know if you need any assistance.

The problem might be that the lens has become stuck in the barrel. There are some DIY solutions you could try, but the probability is that you will have to get it fixed by a professional.

Use these at own risk as it may further damage the camera.

Firstly , try connecting your ac adapter or usb cable.

Try holding the shutter button while switching on the camera.

Look at the lens , and if some of the lens 'circles' is misaligned or not concentric then try wiggling it (while holding camera lens down).

Try gently pushing or pulling the lens when it extends but this is risky as it may cause the lens barrel to slip out of its guidance system.

Another way to do this is to place the camera lens down on a hard surface and then power it up. Be sure to use a soft cloth or something similar as to not scratch your lens or casing. Let the lens push the camera up and down a few times and sometimes the little resistance provided by the camera is enough to get things going again.

Try hitting your camera near the lens on the body with the soft tissue on the palm of your hand.

Other than that , I would take the camera to a repair centre for a evaluation to see if it would cost more to repair than to replace the camera.

If it is still under warranty I would suggest you take it in before trying any of these steps and remove any off-brand batteries or accessories as some stores are really fussy about warranty repairs on camera's with non-brand accessories.

You can also have a look at THIS link.

Hope the advise is useful. please do not hesitate to let me know if you need any further assistance. Also, please be so kind to let me know if you found this helpful.

Regards
Andrea

Do you push the shutter button half-way and allow the camera to lock in the focus (it will beep) before pressing the rest of the way or do you just press the button and hope for the best?

Time to start using a separate card reader.

Sounds like the aperture is stuck open and not able to adjust for different light conditions.

It can be difficult to see, but look down into the lens from the front and turn on the camera. Do you see a small circle open and close in the very center of the lens? Try pressing the shutter button half way (not all the way or the flash will go off in your face) while looking into the lens. See any movement? Try this in light and dark conditions.

The lens assembly will most likely need to be replaced. I took the liberty of looking up the repair price on the usa.canon.com website for you and it looks like they may repair it for a $58 flat rate!! Call 1-800-OK-CANON and ask for repairs.

Hope this helps!

Thomas Drayton
Owner, Darntoothysam.com Digital Camera Repair