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Canon PowerShot A70
Canon PowerShot A70
  • 3 out of 5
"Good camera but CCD failed 4 times"
  • 3 out of 5
"CCD faulty"
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Jeff (JL26) 8 pts
May 28, 2007 8:21 AM
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My A70's screen no longer works, but can view prior photos.

My A70's screen no longer works--When I turn it on, the Canon logo comes on and then the screen goes black with some hazy lines but no focused picture at all. When I take a picture the flash goes off but the "photo" is black. I can still view my previous photos with no problem. I recently erased most of them so the card is not full. I changed the batteries, to no avail. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
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Answers This question has been answered!
Brenda P (BrendaP) 28728 pts
May 29, 2007 11:19 AM
2 people rated this answer helpful, 1 people rated this answer not helpful
 
I was going to suggest that your screen was simply turned off (the button that says Disp next to the LCD) but hazy lines sure doesn't sound like that. Possibly a bad image sensor, which would explain why your past photos are OK? I'm wondering if this might not cost more to fix than it would to replace the camera.

Just for kicks, try a reset (press and hold the Menu button for five seconds).
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Jeff (JL26) 8 pts
May 30, 2007 7:49 AM
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Thanks for the suggestion. I tried the reset and it went to default settings, but the same problem reoccured. I may have to give in and buy a replacement. But any suggestions would still be welcome.
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CK 70 pts
May 31, 2007 5:44 PM
33 people rated this answer helpful, 0 people rated this answer not helpful
 
I just had a similar problem with my camera. Fortunately, I heard about the notice, below, which appears on the Canon web site. I called the number, also below, and they told me I have the CCD problem with my A70 (which is as you describe) and they said they will repair it for free. They will send you an email with a shipping label so you can send it UPS for free. It takes 7-10 business days for them to repair the camera. So, call them and let them repair it before you replace it!


Important Notice About Your Canon Product:

It has recently come to our attention that the vendor-supplied CCD image sensors used in this Canon digital camera may cause the following malfunction: When the product is used in recording or playback mode, the LCD screen and/or electronic viewfinder may exhibit either a distorted image or no image at all. While reports of this malfunction have been rare in the United States, we have determined that it may occur if the product is exposed to hot and humid environments.

Effective immediately, and regardless of warranty status, Canon will repair, free of charge, products exhibiting the above-mentioned malfunction if the malfunction is caused by the CCD image sensor. Canon will also cover the cost of shipping and handling in connection with this repair.

U.S. residents are kindly directed to contact the Canon Customer Support Center for further assistance at 1-800-828-4040. Support hours are Monday thru Friday - 8:00 AM to 12:00 midnight; and Saturday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM (all times EST). Alternatively, if electronic support is preferred, please send your email to carecenter@cits.canon.com

This information is for residents of the United States of America and Puerto Rico only. If you do not reside in the USA or Puerto Rico, please contact the Canon Customer Support Center in your region.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by this issue, and appreciate your understanding in this matter. Thank you for your support and patronage of Canon products.

*************

Best Answer
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Jeff (JL26) 8 pts
June 4, 2007 3:59 AM
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Thanks a lot!
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lee 1 pts
June 6, 2007 12:47 AM
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thanks for the info.
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Brad 0 pts
June 16, 2007 1:52 PM
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Most helpful Thanks!
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Amy 0 pts
June 22, 2007 4:54 PM
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I also had the issue of the black screen. I called Canon and they were very helpful and willing to correct the problem.
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TW 3 pts
June 25, 2007 12:55 AM
3 people rated this answer helpful, 0 people rated this answer not helpful
 
CK,
Thanks for your post. My A70 (just short of 3 years) had the same problem. The screen is black with purple lines but the playback works fine. I will be calling Canon tomorrow but given below is the link to their website (as it lists several models which may be affected by a CCD mal-function).

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=PgComSmModDisplayAct&keycode=2112&fcategoryid=221&modelid=8776

As per the Canon USA website - they are repairing them FREE of charge irrespective of the warranty status (including free shipping). Hats off to Canon!!!
It will only make my buy another product from them knowing I'm in good hands. If I hear anything else when I call them tomorrow I will update this post - if not things worked out!!!

Thanks,
TW
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CK 70 pts
June 25, 2007 1:27 AM
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Yes, they did repair my camera for free. They sent me a shipping label for UPS for free shipping to them. They repaired the camera for free, sending me updates via email, and have shipped it back to me. I haven't been able to see if it's working, since I ran out of batteries! But I'm assuming it works... At least Canon did come through here. Considering I've had this camera about 3 1/2 years, I think it does show that they care about their products and their customers. CK
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ksstudios 0 pts
July 28, 2007 5:04 AM
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I also have the same issue with my image sensor on my Canon A70 and will be shipping my camera back for repair soon. I recently had a Canon ZR60 mini dv camcorder repaired for free for the same issue. The shipping label was sent quickly and I mailed it back to them at which point the repairs were delayed for 2 months. After a few phone calls, I found out that the repair dept was waiting for payment before fixing the camera. I had to have a supervisor call the repair dept. and authorize the repair. The camera works fine now, after being broken for over a year, I'm glad to have it back again. If you don't get your camera back in about 2 weeks, I would suggest calling them. I realize this post is a bit old, but others with this issue will probably see this too. Good luck.
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AndyMc 0 pts
August 1, 2007 6:42 PM
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Thanks everyone for the useful postings on this forum. My A70 just died after having it for over 3 years. I was about to throw it away but saw these postings and called Canon. They are still taking repairs to this model as of August 2007, i am awaiting the email with details on where to download my ups label for free shipping.

Hopefully they will be able to fix it, if it turns out they cant then no loss, I'll just have to hold off on an excuse to buy a new camera for a few more weeks and see!
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MS 0 pts
August 14, 2007 11:31 PM
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Awesome information! Thanks so much!
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wm 0 pts
August 24, 2007 2:43 PM
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Thanks from me, too.
My 3 1/2 year old a70 developed the same problem last month. I saw the posts here, called Canon to confirm, and mailed my camera to their suggested repair shop. One week later, to the day, I have my camera back, working as it once used to.
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Ernesto P 0 pts
September 12, 2007 8:25 PM
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Thanks!

i just called them and will be sending it in soon for service.
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ade 0 pts
October 13, 2007 4:09 PM
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I just called mine in for a repair shipping label. They also offered an upgrade service to the A540 for $150 plus $10 shipping which is pretty cool. I'll keep you guys updated on the whole process.
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Spaceghost 0 pts
October 22, 2007 9:25 AM
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Thanks so much everybody! My a70 died on Sat (same issue, black screen, with purple lines etc...) and I just hung up with Cannon, they are going to send me the label to have it repaired free of charge. What a relief with Christmas coming, I was dreading having to buy a new camera. KUDO'S!
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Clayton 1 pts
September 17, 2008 7:44 PM
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Canon is still offering the free repair as of today's date. So glad I found thispost before I went and bought a new camera
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Walk'N 1 pts
September 22, 2008 11:27 PM
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Much thanks for the info. I'm calling them tomorrow!!
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gmp 0 pts
December 23, 2008 11:19 AM
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I made the same call on 12-23-08, and Canon was really friendly and helpful. They are going to replace the CCD at no charge and promise a 2 to 3 week turnaround. They were great, thanks for the excellent post!
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yoaomom 1 pts
March 7, 2009 5:02 PM
1 people rated this answer helpful, 0 people rated this answer not helpful
 
They are still making the free repair. I just called them today 3/7/09, and they are sending me a shipping label and are going to take care of it without charge if it is the CCD problem in the recall. I, too, was about to buy a new camera, and was checking to see which one I wanted to replace my well loved A70 when I came across this site. Nice to save money in these times! Thanks!
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The J 0 pts
August 6, 2009 3:47 PM
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As of August 2009, the repairs are still being made. Nice job, Canon.
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