Canon S2 IS black screen

Posted by frozen80 on Dec 12, 2007

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1. • By frozen80 Jan 18, 2008

   • I have found a solution for my S2IS black screen. The problem is the iris is stuck. I don't know what cause this, it could be dust or wet air or both.
     
     
     
     The solution is:
     
     1. Move the camera to TV mode(the wheel with AUTO,M,TV,...)
     
     2. Set the exposure time to 15 seconds(15")
     
     3. Take a picture.
     
     4. After 7 seconds remove the batteries and put them back on.
     
     5. Repeat the procedure until it works.
     
     
     
     Note: You could also just quickly remove the lid of the baterries and put it back on.Also repeat the above several times until it works.

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3. • By steve gerot May 11, 2010

   • I want to try this trick but can not find anywhere how to set the exposure time to 15 seconds. I can not find my english manual and tried the Canon site but no reference to setting exposure time.

4. • By bartekjan Jul 10, 2010

   • thank you, my canon now works correctly again

5. • By turquoiseblu May 26, 2009

   • I also have the black screen problem with my S2 IS (which is just over 2 years old). Strange as it seemed, Frozen80's solution appears to have done the trick and my camera is now usable again. Not an ideal long term solution but it has certainly got my camera working again. Thanks!

6. • By Guest May 26, 2009

   • I also have the same black screen problem.
     
     
     
     It's not an ideal long term solution, but Frozen80's fix has certainly worked me in getting my camera working again. Thanks!

7. • By madatcanon May 20, 2009

   • same problem on my S3 IS , if i do TV mode 7 second fix i can can it going eventually till camera is turned off, then same thing all over again. Canon support great at answering emails but not accepting responsibility, make have to change brands!

8. • By Guest Apr 13, 2009

   • Canon S2is BSOD- tried the TV mode, 15 seconds setting, clicked shutter button and removed batteries and the sticking aperature began opening again!

9. • By Guest Mar 21, 2009

   • yeah i was pissed when i happened to me. I actually didn't throw it away, I kept it hoping some day canon will come to their senses and put an advisory like they did with the S1 IS. arrg...well i still can't trust it. the trick worked. Thank you soo much! But when I turn it off, sometimes it'll happen again, so it's not like I'm taking this to any important trips anytime soon.
     

10. • By Guest Feb 12, 2009

    • Mine to resolved. I had to repeat these steps several times. Each time I repeated the blackness started reducing and finally I am taking pictures now. Wow!!!! thanks to Frozen80 for the solution.
      
      I had luckily decided to not go for the repair when Canon Service Center here in India asked me to pay 9700Rs.
      
      
      

11. • By Lakecroozer Jan 30, 2009

    • Same issue. Canon denies a problem exists

12. • By Guest Oct 29, 2008

    • Same problem. Black screen with white box. Tried "fix" about 25 times so far and hasnt worked. Wondering if you're supposed to wait the full 15 seconds, then 7 seconds after that (i.e. 22 seconds) before opening battery cover, OR if you interupt the shot at 7 seconds (i.e. before 15 seconds)? I've tried both to no avail. Anyone with suggestions would be welcome. Canon told me they've NEVER heard of this problem and it will be $150 to fix. Given the multitude of responses here, they're obviously full of it!!!

13. • By ravindrasing Oct 09, 2008

    • Its is said that PUT the exposure to 15 seconds... My question is how to do that ?
      
      

14. • By bgurnani Sep 29, 2008

    • Yes. I am facing the same problem

15. • By Guest Sep 22, 2008

    • Same problem, but the fix doesn't seem to work.
      Thanks for trying!
      
      
      

16. • By goose2ca Sep 16, 2008

    • Thanks very much. It worked for me too!
      
      
      
      

17. • By Guest Sep 01, 2008

    • Had the same problem since about a year ago and gave up on it... We have a baby on the way though, so I figured I needed to get an operational camera. Magically, the solution offered here actually works, even after the camera had been left for dead for over a year! Thanks!
      
      

18. • By Guest Sep 01, 2008

    • I had the same problem and was very lucky to find this solution. Thank you!
      
      

19. • By Guest Aug 30, 2008

    • I had the same problem. Couldn't understand why I would have a problem because I haven't used the camera in a while. So much for logic. I am on vacation and did not know what to do other than search the web. This was my first stop. Your solution worked. Thanks for making my day!

20. • By mjames297 Aug 29, 2008

    • Ya KNOW -- IN reading these posts Canon has totally blew it as a reliable company honest toward a purchase of ANY of their products.
      
      I bought this camera like 2 years ago at Circuit City for over $500, and I am having the same problem.
      
      The "trick" did not work, although I know my batteries were getting low anyway.
      
      But the point of the matter is, you spend that much money on a product that takes a dive in such a short period of time -- NONE of their products must be any good,,,,,SO F---- Them!

21. • By Guest Aug 27, 2008

    • frozen80 you are the best. We had the same problem. I called Canon. They walked me through a "fix" with no result. Told me to send it in for repair...at a minimum cost of $150. Then I found this support and it worked. Thanks.

22. • By jurassicpark Aug 24, 2008

    • hey i had d same prblm...but i tried out ur tecnique....frozen80 u ROCK DUDE!!! thanks alot...im in 7th heaven now!!!

23. • By voff Aug 20, 2008

    • Thanks a lot!!! It works!!!!
      
      

24. • By Guest Aug 20, 2008

    • I may be stupid but I cant figure out how to set the exposier time to
      15. Could some one please explain how to do this We need to put
      together a web page on yahoo groups or something where every one with
      this problem can get together for a head count.
      
      

25. • By Guest Aug 17, 2008

    • Worked like magic...3 times. In the steps, you should mention - "do not switch of camera and remove batteries... just remove the batteries"
      
      ms

26. • By Lancefixin Aug 14, 2008

    • Same problem with my S2. Canon refused to fix and I got an estimate of $170 to fix it.
      
      The tip found here worked. I was ready to take my camera apart to fix it myself. I will keep putting pressure on Canon to help with the cause towards getting them to fix all S2s that fail.

27. • By kimOH Aug 07, 2008

    • I have the same problem and thank you so much for this fix! Although the problem returned once since just last night, at least I know how to fix it.
      
      
      
      I did call Canon this morning and explained this ... they really are no help and don't seem to care or understand how common this problem really is. It's only fixable for free if you have the S1. Even though the problem is exactly the same, they claim that the part used with the S1 is not the same as the S2. They are going to pay for the shipping, so I may send it in for service just to see what they say. I won't pay a dime to have it fixed but it sure would be nice if they corrected the issue for free! We'll see...

28. • By imaquila Aug 02, 2008

    • My S2 IS came back from Canon today after I refused to pay to get it working again after only 2 years. This is the first time I've had a camera quit on me in such a short time. I tried this technique and it worked for me as well (after a few tries). Going to preview mode does mess it up again but at least now there's a way to fix it again. THANK YOU so much. You're my HERO!
      
      
      
      

29. • By fdkd Jul 28, 2008

    • I had exactly the same problem and the tick worked after five times removing the batteries.
      Many thanks
      
      
      
      

30. • By imaquila Jul 28, 2008

    • I sure wish I had found this thread a couple weeks earlier! At first it was just intermittent and turning the camera off and on corrected the problem but then it became a permanent problem so I sent it in. Canon still has my camera and wants $158.76 to fix it. I had already decided to have them send it back and start looking for a Nikon (and in the meantime store it away until Canon finally admits there's a problem). I've missed it a LOT. Thanks for this bit of hope. I'll post again if this solution works for me too!
      
      

31. • By KTJ95 Jul 19, 2008

    • This technique actually WORKED FOR ME!! Yippeeee!! 
      
      
      
      
      But one key piece of information: start counting the 7 seconds immediately after pushing the button to take the picture. Don't wait until the whole 15 seconds are up and THEN count. No, push the button, count to 7, open the battery door WHILE the camera is still "taking the picture." 
      
      
      I did this three times and on the third time it worked and opened up the iris. I turned the camera off and then back on, the iris was stuck again. So I did the technique a couple more times and got it back open. Then I took a million pictures to "exercise" the iris. Turned off the camera, waited five minutes and then turned it back on - iris still opened! Yippeee!
      
      
      Good luck!!

32. • By Guest Jul 19, 2008

    • Tanks man, you save me all the trouble of sending the cam to canon...

33. • By fixsirupper Jul 04, 2008

    • Thanks to this website i saved some money on the repair. Took me a while to get the iris working again. After a million tries i finally got a view of a red dot from my laptop. Walla!! (FIXYA!) Now i am a member. good luck to those with the black screen of death . DON'T GIVE UP !!
      
      

34. • By TrainSpotter Jun 12, 2008

    • I have the same problem with my S2 IS, but the battery door trick doesn't work at all for me. Canon wants me to pay for this repair; they won't even negotiate, other than to offer me a refurbished camera at a retail price.
      
      Of course it is my fault that my camera failed: I BARELY USED IT! (That's when they break - when you keep it like new in a safe and fail to use it EVERY DAY!)
      
      
      
      NO MORE CANON PRODUCTS FOR ME!

35. • By sreshta baby Jun 10, 2008

    • i have the same problem. i tried as it was told earlier but how do i set the exposure time to 15 seconds? is that in the settings?do i need to go to menu and do that? but i dint find any option in menu for that..

36. • By Guest Jun 07, 2008

    • black screen no picture
      
      

37. • By Marklinty May 31, 2008

    • My screen is dark like black whenever I'm in shoot mode. Every other thing else works well, the flash, play back, speakers and every thing else work. If I record on movie it records the sound but no pictures, just can't take pictures.
      
      I've removed the batteries and replaced it, I've set it in TV mode set the exposure to 15 and taken pictures then remove batteries after 7 seconds several times and it just don't work. Now I don't know what to do.

38. • By Guest May 31, 2008

    • The solution is:
      1. Move the camera to TV mode(the wheel with AUTO,M,TV,...)
      2. Set the exposure time to 15 seconds(15")
      3. Take a picture.
      4. After 7 seconds remove the batteries and put them back on.
      5. Repeat the procedure until it works.
      
      Note: 1. You could also just quickly remove the lid of the baterries and put it back on. Also repeat the above several times until it works.
      
      2. Do step 4 while the screen still blank after taking picture.
      
      
      
      Thank you so much for the above solution. First, I repeated step 1 thru 4 several time, it did not work. Finally, I tried just 1 thru 4 and then just repeat only cycle power by just open and close the battery lid. Picture is back on now.

39. • By Guest May 26, 2008

    • screen appears black along with the view finder also,
      
      all other functions were working fine

40. • By Guest May 21, 2008

    • Works like a charm,
      
      many thanks, just saved me 200€
      
      (estimated cost from service shop)
      
      
      
      Stefan Sweden
      
      

41. • By Elaphe May 16, 2008

    • Just wrote that I tried this (totally illogical to me) approach and had success...but I did not set time to 15 sec (thanks for instructions on that) and then every time I pushed half down to verify focus, etc it went so dark as to be useless. Went back and did the full 15 sec shot, took the batteries out, tossed salt over left shoulder (or was it right?) and now it seems to be fine. Had not been taking pictures for weeks/maybe months. Changing batteries and reformatting 2g card did nothing at all. Thanks. Hope to learn if recall/support from Canon, camera is 25 months old.
      
      

42. • By Guest May 16, 2008

    • This seems to be the strangest approach to problem solving I can imagine - thanks so much, it worked! I did not set to 15 seconds just used default.
      
      

43. • By mjhd May 13, 2008

    • have (had) the same prob with this camera - fortunately the prob. cleared again after repeating the suggested procedure (Tv, 15", batteries out then in again) a few times. Hope it'll work next time i get this prob. too.

44. • By Guest May 09, 2008

    • I have the same problem - S2 IS. The lcd and view finder both go blank. Opening the battery lid and quickly shutting it back on brought the camera back on. I hope the trick works every time, because I am not very optimistic about canon cameras. I had a Canon ZR65MC camcorder too, and this had a problem with the CCD. However, canon repaired that for free since it was a known problem that would show up in all units of the model. Not sure about the S2 IS problem - here too, lots of people seem to be facing the same problem, and the cameras are less than a couple of years old! Keeps me wondering that my dad's 20 year old analog camera is better - it still works like gold!

45. • By Guest May 02, 2008

    • I have the same problem with S2 IS. I sent for repair and Canon came back asking $127 ($119 + $8 -Shipping). Canon just need money and that is it. Is there a way to send a feedback to Canon about this issue? We all have been writing on different sites but I am not sure Canon is aware of it.

46. • By Guest May 01, 2008

    • Having the same problem with my S2 purchased about 2 years ago. Black screen appeared about 6 months ago and have been hesitant to pay for repairs when the same thing could happen again. This is obviously a part failure and Canon need to issue a service advisory for the S2.
      The fix suggested works restores the image but the black screen re-appears when a photo is taken which renders the camera useless.
      

47. • By starblade Apr 30, 2008

    • Looks like it is the same problem I am having.
      
      
      
      Both viewfinder and LCD screen are black. Everything else works fine.
      
      Not sure about the pictures though, did not have a chance to take a look.
      
      
      
      Posted solution did not help. I am thinking it is sensor problem.
      
      
      
      Since I had this camera for 24 months Canon politely told me to send it to factory repair center. Looks like it is going to cost me.
      
      
      
      Is there service advisory from Canon regarding this problem?
      
      
      
      There was one for S1 IS.

48. • By Nez61 Apr 26, 2008

    • I did the fix(iris)...worked the first time. Now I can view through the viewfinder and the lcd screen and take indoor pictures. Outdoor pictures take only with an almost total white wash out. Is there a fix for this, without sending the camera in for repair?

49. • By gossjenn Apr 26, 2008

    • I have had my Canon S2 for about 18 months. It just having this black screen problem. My viewfinder is a black screen with icons and it takes a black picture. I am able to see my other pictures with no problems. I tried the solution, but it only worked for a few shots. I called Canon and I sent my camera off on 4/23/08. I am waiting for a response from them. I will post when I get results.

50. • By Nez61 Apr 25, 2008

    • I had the same problem, black screen on the view and lcd display also..Sent it to canon for repair, they confirmed it was the ccd image sensor, wanted to charge me $127.00 to repair or they would sell me a "refurbished" S3 IS for $175.00. Needless to say, I had already paid out $349.00 for the camera and I sure didn't want to put out any more money for the same camera or buy a refurbished newer model only to possibly have the same problem. I had the camera for 18 mos before this problem developed. Now thanks to your sight I can use my camera again. Not sure how long it will work, but at least I got results without any extra added expense...Thank You so much...

51. • By Sapphire46 Apr 22, 2008

    • OMG! I have been goin crazy for the past half hour or so! Kid you not, In tears crazy. I'm going to a concert tonite and I was like arrggghhhh now what am I gonna do!
      
      I've been opening the battery door quickly in hopes the dreaded black screen would go because unfortunately this has happened before and doin so with the battery door always solved the problem. Needless to say tonite I did the same thing but to no avail.
      
      So I did some searching and found this solution and it worked! I can breathe now.. THANK YOU!!!

52. • By myob9a Apr 22, 2008

    • Worked well. Thanks as I was dreading a need to send the camera to a service centre with its delays and costs.
      

53. • By Guest Apr 18, 2008

    • Opening and closing the battery cover is what brought the viewfinder back to life for me. The problem was that the problem would come back all the time! The real trick (again, for me) for the fix to stick was to use the camera on a regular basis, several times a day, for several days. I would take pictures several times a day, 7 or 8 shots at a time. After a few days, I cut back to once a day and then to every few days. It is totally fine now. I do make a point of snapping a few pictures at least once a week...I don't want this problem to come back to haunt me!
      
      
      

54. • By TrainSpotter Apr 10, 2008

    • I have the same problem with my S21S. A long time ago, I tried to find-out what size SD cards would work on this camera. Since there was NOTHING listed in the specifications, I tried a 4GB card. The camera simply would not recognise it, but worked fine when I returned the 1GB card to it. A few days ago, I popped-in a 2GB card to see if that would work. The camera seemed to accept it, and created a directory on it, but this is when my screen went blank. the only thing that is constantly present is a small hand symbol. The stored images can be displayed, and the menus work... I think its locked-up. Is there an "all reset" button, or sequence somewhere? I tried the "15 second exposure - pop-out the batteries" fix about 97 times; next I'm going to slam it against the wall...!

55. • By curtkim Apr 09, 2008

    • When I turn on my camera it is just a black screen. I tried the TV mode, 15 second thing, but Im not real sure on how to set the exposure. The only manuals I have for the camera are in spanish. Help??!!

56. • By WmTH1032 Mar 19, 2008

    • 
      
      
      I have a black screen on my camera.The pictures takes black. Everything else works fine. .
      

57. • By Guest Mar 18, 2008

    • frozen80's procedure worked for me after 5 tries - thank you for such a straightforward solution to a problem that would have been very expensive to get repaired.

58. • By Guest Mar 16, 2008

    • Thanks! The fix worked!

59. • By Guest Mar 13, 2008

    • black screen will not take any pictures

60. • By Guest Mar 13, 2008

    • Thank you to everyone who posted...I am another Canon S2 owner with the black screen problem...My problem occured while I was on vacation...Luckily for me I had a backup camera to use...Frustrated as I was I happened to find this web site...Surprised to read about the same problem shared by many...I tryed the solution offered and it took care of the problem...I'll now keep my fingers crossed for continued proper working...Shame on Canon for putting S2 users through this...Cheers to you who offered and provided solutions...Thanks again.

61. • By Guest Mar 10, 2008

    • Have had the same re-curring issue for several months. Turning on and off would normally help but then this AM it would not. I originally thought it may have been my rehargeable batteries so I went out and spent over 20 bucks on new ones. Checked the internet only to find out that this is more of a common problem than you would imagine. Thanks to whoever suggested opening and closing the battery door - at least for now that seems to have solved the problem.

62. • By spawar2 Mar 09, 2008

    • Hey , after approx. 10 tries it worked ....awesome.....Thank you very much for this solution!!!

63. • By spawar2 Mar 09, 2008

    • I have the same problem of Canon S2 IS black screen but I couldn't get my camera work by the offered solution. Could you please suggest any other solution

64. • By meepster Mar 07, 2008

    • I have the same problem with a black screen. I tried the fix others have described by turning it to TV, changing the exposure and removing the batteries. It worked the first time but then the probelm came back. It worked the second time but it is no longer working at all.
      
      I spent too much for this camera and have not had it long enough or taken enough pictures for this to happen.
      
      WHAT A RIP OFF !!!!!!!!
      
      My old cannon AE1 camera has worked for more than 25 years !!!

65. • By Guest Mar 04, 2008

    • black screen

66. • By TK101 Mar 03, 2008

    • This was the same issue I had - Ritz camera wanted $139 to fix it, regardless of the issue.  Your tip fixed it after 2 tries - THANK YOU!!!!!
      
      
      
      
      Todd

67. • By Guest Feb 27, 2008

    • I had the same problem and was getting ready to pay for repair.
      
      Your solution worked the first time.
      
      thank you......
      
      JC
      
      
      

68. • By thelongs Feb 23, 2008

    • Had the same problem and the solution worked very well.
      
      Thanks. Father daughter date night tonight would be no good without pictures.

69. • By dazsimmo Feb 20, 2008

    • 20/02/2008 Just tried my S2is and found to have the same problem as everybody else, everything seems to be working fine but you get a black screen and the shutter won't open. Tried a few things mentioned but nothing seemed to work.In frustration I've switched on and off a dozen times or more and it's now finally working. Hope this helps somebody else. Cheers Daz.

70. • By Rebekka Feb 19, 2008

    • I've had my camera for about 1 1/2 years. I used the camera on
      Christmas this year, and didn't touch it for one month. I've now had
      the same problem with the black screens and it hasn't corrected itself
      unfortunately.
      
      I found many webpages where many more people have had the same
      problem. Many people contacted Canon receiving different results such
      as free shipping and repair (even outside the warranty), to no help at
      all. When I called they said that they will repair the camera for $119
      or offer the S3 for $175, but they will not acknowledge any recurring
      problem.
      
      I will not settle for this, especially considering that this was a reason that the S1 was being recalled. I'll write again when I get more results.

71. • By 1camerashy Feb 10, 2008

    • I get a white outline square in a black screen in the view finder. that's it. I changed the batteries, and memory card but to no avail.
      

72. • By mrcouey Feb 06, 2008

    • I have had my PowerShot s2 for 2 years and it had worked fine. I tried using it this week and it powers up fine. I can view pix on the memory card, but all it see is a black screen with the little icons showing.
      

73. • By bcbikemn Feb 03, 2008

    • I have taken my S2 all over the eastern sea board and into the Carribean to take some of the best pics around! It wasn't until I got back tothe states that the same thing started happening to me. I tried batteries, ac/dc adaptors. and another camera buff said that the iris is stuck. I bought mine at Best Buy with the 4 year warrenty and thank God I did that. I just sent mine in thru Best Buy and hopefully the a S5 will return in its place. Either way it will either get fixed or replaced due to the Best buy policy. Sometimes its worth the extra $$ for the warrenty. I am pretty hard on cameras. and I wanted to piece of mine to make sure that i am covered. I just sent it in last week so I'll let you know what happens. They told me two weeks and call them. I got one week left.

74. • By clbailey Feb 01, 2008

    • Yes, we bought this camera in September 2006 & by Dec 2007 it was experiencing the black screen problem. We contacted canon immediately and all that they offered was a very expensive process of them looking at the camera to see if they could fix it. We were not willing to put that much more money into a camera we had had only for 1 year. We were very disappointed with canon's warranty/repair program. We bought another camera and are hoping that eventually they will recognize the problem & fix it!

75. • By Guest Dec 27, 2007

    • |I ahve the same issue, My viewfinder is black, even if I take pics, this seems balck as well. ANy help appreciated.

76. • By ricardosan Dec 14, 2007

    • I have the same problem. Some technical service told me the problem: the sensor unit is damaged and the cost is more than $300. Any body have any solution?

77. • By Guest Dec 13, 2007

    • black screen when looking through eye sight ,symbols are shown ,will click but shows black squre instead of photo on computer ,have formated?