A stuck shutter is another common failure mode for digital cameras. The symptoms of a stuck or "sticky" shutter are very similar to CCD image sensor failure. The camera may take black pictures (for shutter stuck closed), or the pictures may be very bright and overexposed, especially when taken outdoors (for shutter stuck open). Not sure what causes this issue, but some say it's heat, others say it's dust.
But anyways, to confirm a stuck shutter, put the camera in any mode other than "Auto", and turn the flash OFF (you don't want to blind yourself for the next step). Next look down the lens and take a picture. You should see a tiny flicker in the center of the lens as the shutter opens and closes. If no movement is seen, then you likely have a stuck shutter. If so, please see the following for further info and a simple fix that may help:
http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2009/05/simple-fix-for-stuck-shutter.html
Hi Scrajmer,
Thanks for your input.
I had suspected as much.
Is it something that a competent technical person (ie me) could repair and, if so, is it possible for an individual to get the parts from Canon?
Just been into Jessops and they quote £100 just to get it looked at. A new equivalent camera is only £175.
QP
I thought that I'd have a look inside the camera to see if there was anything obvious. The actual switch is part of the circuit board and thus it's replacement is not cost effective.
However, I found that the toggle which is part of the case had simply jumped out of alignment with the switch.
After carefully putting it all back together I have had no further problems.
Removing the back. however, was VERY tricky. I think I found a site that gave some hints but cannot remember it now.
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