So many different people have asked us about fixing the built in lens covers/barriers/flaps on their Canon Powershot SD series digital cameras that I’ve gone ahead and written some instructions. The barrier kit on most Canon PowerShot SD series cameras is a little tricky but not impossible to replace yourself. You will need patience, a good eye and a steady hand as well as a small screwdriver. We’ve been using dental picks for some time, they do a good job!
To get things started, turn on the camera to extend the lens and then open the battery door and remove the battery so that the lens stays out. This allows you to easily work on the lens barrier assembly.
First the part we need is the ‘barrel drive ring’, it’s the ring with the small piece that sticks down into the lens. Some cameras don’t have one, so if there isn’t one in your kit then your camera doesn’t need it. Make sure it rotates slightly once it has been inserted, otherwise it’s not in properly and can jam the lens.
Next we will install the barrier plates or ‘flaps’ with the springs attached. There is a small little tab that holds the spring in place when you put it on the ‘flap’ or ‘barrier plate’ as they are actually called. They are TINY, they are hard to hold and if you drop it… lets just say DON’T drop it on the carpet, ok? We do have just the springs available for purchase, but please try not to lose them.
Gently put the flap in the hole with the spring laying towards the post that the free end will mount on; then with something with a very small tip (we use dental picks!) gently grab the loop of the spring and stick it on its post.
If you do this with the lens covers or ‘flaps’ in the open position they will stay in place once you get them properly seated. If everything pops off, just start again. Try not to stretch out the springs, they need to remain tight for the assembly to work properly.
Then gently put on the barrier cover, it’s a flat plastic ring. The tabs on the outer barrier cover match up with small slots in the lens housing and it will lock into place. Be gentle, don’t force anything too hard or you will break it and the parts will not hold it place.
Now you may test your repair prowess! Put in the battery (cross your fingers) and press the power button! Did it work? Did it go *SPROING!* and maybe all the parts scattered all over the place? I hope not, but you’re not alone I’ve been there too.
Once it’s working nicely …you’re almost done with your first camera repair!
Next put the dual sided tape on the barrier cover. CAUTION: Make sure to take the tape off of the backing paper but DON’T remove the paper that matches the shape of the tape on the other side!! If you take off the small paper part it will ruin the tape because it will fold and stick to itself. Bye bye tape!
The tabs fold over the edge, don’t let them stick out or the lens cover won’t fit and the lens will jam. Line up the tape tabs, starting at the 11 o’clock position and then fold down the tabs and press them in.
Now put on your chrome or black lens cap, line up the cap with the small indentation at the bottom, you’ll see how it goes on easily.
Fire up the camera again and admire your handywork! Congratulations you now know more about Canon camera repair than the Geek Squad, and they told you it would be two hundred dollars and take 3-4 weeks to repair. Whatever Geek Squad… Whatever.
Hmm… I think I’m seeing the beginning of something big here; affordable do it yourself Canon camera repair!