Cannon G9 lens error issue fixed?

So I bought a used Cannon G9 camera.
Used it alot for 6 months and sand / dust / dirt got in lens even though I thought I took care of it? :mad:
Lens was fully extended and when turn turned it on I would hear high pitched noise and camera would shut off and display a lens error message and telling me to restart. Tried numerous fixes from on-line search. No luck. Now what?
Fix probably not worth it ($150 is cheapest I have seen and since I paid to $250 not worth it imo).
Got frustrated and tried twisting lens - let's just say there is a reason why my Mom used to call me a bull in a china shop. Did not think I put that much into it. Ooops. Mutha f*cker. So left with broken Cannon G9. :nonono2: Any suggestions? Worth something to someone? It is yours for shipping and a sixer. Or can someone fix it?
Advice - really liked the size and convenience of this camera and the shots were impressive. Looks like this issue is a major problem for this type of camera (from quick search) and active outdoor users. Have things improved with any of the newer models out there? Suggestions for replacement. Need something that can handle climbing / skiing trips. Please feel free to photo jong me and offer suggestions for better cleaning / handling in the future. And thanks.

See what the going price on ebay is for a broken G9. There are a couple a day out for ~$10.

Or use the Canon Loyalty Program and ship it to them and get 15-20% off a refurb of any camera/lens in stock. Using the CLP is an amazing deal if your camera isn't worth anything.

Same problem with my G7. Apparently they never fixed it. From what i've read, the extension of the lens creates a little vacuum, which sucks in dust from the telescoping sections. I'll never buy another canon again. Great pics but the lens errors such as the infamous e13 and the dust problems, i'll stick with nikon.

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Originally Posted by Ripzalot

Same problem with my G7. Apparently they never fixed it. From what i've read, the extension of the lens creates a little vacuum, which sucks in dust from the telescoping sections. I'll never buy another canon again. Great pics but the lens errors such as the infamous e13 and the dust problems, i'll stick with nikon.

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Ya not looking to repeat esp if Cannon has not dealt with design flaw and I will end up throwing more $ away. Nikon's do not have same issue? Can you recommend compact model? Anyone have any experience with Nikon 1 models or should I stick with compact dslr?

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realistically any lens which expands and contracts has that issue.

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Originally Posted by Hugh Conway

realistically any lens which expands and contracts has that issue.

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Agreed and was afraid this was the answer. Which make / model less likely to have happen? How best to clean after use or longer trip? or for regular maintenance to avoid issue asmap? Was pretty anal about caring for camera but not routine maintenance to prevent this - is their any suggestions for this?

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Originally Posted by Hugh Conway

realistically any lens which expands and contracts has that issue.

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In theory, yes, but canons do a much better (worse) job at it. My G7 got dust in it the very first trip i took it on (reason i bought it). Every damn sky shot has flecks in it. I've just finished 2 seasons with my p300 and its still perfect. Lots of biking shots with it too (super dusty conditions). Anecdotal yes, but you can also find lots of anecdotal about the g series on the net. Having said that, canon did honor the warranty to fix the issue in the first year, no questions asked. But the problem returned almost immediately after i got the camera back. I just can't go canon again, except maybe the cheap little sd series or whatever they got now.

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Originally Posted by lynchdogger

Agreed and was afraid this was the answer. Which make / model less likely to have happen? How best to clean after use or longer trip? or for regular maintenance to avoid issue asmap? Was pretty anal about caring for camera but not routine maintenance to prevent this - is their any suggestions for this?

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It doesn't have RAW by my nikon p300 has been the best compact i've owned. Most folks here like the canon s100 in that size. P300 has a big lens, yet pocketable, full manual, really good ergonomics for my hands. The s100 is too small and slippery to me. There are probably newer models of each, i haven't looked around in 2 years. No need to.

I would second the clp if you like the g series or just want a deal on a new camera. If you really want to try something else, it's a bit more point and shoot but the Nikon AW series takes a beating. My survival nut buddy takes his on grueling bushwacking trips and it always makes it back. Picture quality isn't bad either.

Good luck!

I haven't had the problem with my G11. I'm not sure if I have taken it out in a very dusty environment. I took it out once in the rain. Camera got wet. No problems.

G7...G11...hopefully the got a clue how to seal it better after 3 iterations. ;)

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Originally Posted by Ripzalot

G7...G11...hopefully the got a clue how to seal it better after 3 iterations. ;)

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Yah. Hopefully. Or, maybe I don't take it to very dusty places.