I just purchased this camera used, and I don't know how to work it. Is there a manual that Canon can send me? Is there a recall on these cameras

I was initially going to say this sounded rather like a switch error but I'm thinking this is a motherboard problem inside the camera.

A switch will either work or not. When they break they tend to stay in the on or off mode or in this case zoom or not. The fact that the camera is unzooming itself suggests to me that there is a signal or command if you will coming from the main board. I'm curious if the camera will even take pictures as this almost sounds like behaviour I would expect to see when turning the camera on.

Unfortunately I do not see any other option other than sending it in to Canon for repair. If you have warranty they will of course repair or replace the boards inside or even the switch. If you don't have warranty you need to be cautious about any repair costs. The camera is selling for about $450 and depending on what needs to be done and if Canon is offering a flat repair fee for this now then you can get them to fix or replace it. I've not had to replace a board in this model so I don;t know what the cost would be. It can be more than the camera is worth which is why you need to be cautious.

I've used Canons all my life and Canon support has always been fantastic. So I would call the store you purchased and see if you have any warranty either extended store warranty or just Canons. They will probably know if Canon has any repair deals but I wouldn't hesitate to contact Canon support. They may ask you to try a few things over the phone before sending it in. Make sure you ask about any fixed repair fee if it is available. If not keep in mind the repair verses replacement cost before spending any money. I don't work for Canon but have used their cameras for years and anytime I have had problems they have always done more than I expected. A couple of examples was asking about a driver for a used camera and they sending a new driver cd at no charge. They even repaired a camera that was just out of warranty at no charge. Canon will treat you right so don't hesitate to call them.

I suggest you to use a 1GB SD card. Even 2GB might be supported. Don't use SDHC cards. They are incompatible with older cameras.

Sensor gone bad. Factory defect. Canon had recall about that a few years ago. A bunch of sensors produced by one of their suppliers (also used in other brands) turned out defective. They repaired my A95 (well past warranty) for free a couple of yeas ago when it developed that problem. Don't know it they still would. Contact them.

The "Ixus ii" (Europe) is also known as the "Canon Powershot SD100" (US), and also as the "IXY Digital 30" (Asia), depending on where in the world it was purchased. This camera is no longer in production, but can be found used on eBay. It's an OK camera for being 7 years old. But really, with technology advancements, it can't compete with the current performance of many of today's low-end cameras from reputable manufacturers (and I don't mean the no-name brands). But if you have your heart set on this camera, here's some used ones from Amazon. Note that this camera was subject to an advisory recall from Canon for CCD image sensor failure. If by chance you purchase a used one that produces black or distorted pictures, Canon will repair for free up until August 31st (see this article).

The camera has a recall issue, it's called a CCD sensor. Your problem is better known as the black screen of death. To date Canon is the only company that will repair this issue for free, Call Canon and they will send you a shipping label that you can print out on your computer and send them the camera and they will fix it and send it back free of charge. Canon has excellent customer support, I would never purchase any other brand of camera other than Canon because of the lack of other companies not standing behind product repair issues that are a result of poor design flaws on parts.

HI PATRICK,
I think there is some internal problem.However try resetting the camera.That is first remove the memory card if you are using one,and then just check if the camera is working fine.Because there might be possibilities of the memory card being defective.So if the camera is working fine without the memory card then use a different memory card.But if the camera is still not working try removing the batteries and put them back in.If its still not working then you have to service the camera.

Here is Canon Support for your Canon camera. Ask them for nearest Canon service center.
Regards,

Your Canon A70 is one of those camers made with bad CCDs. That is the image sensor has known defect after production and market launch. Instead of recall their products, Canon offer owners to send/bring in their camera for CCD replacement without service/parts charge. Go to Canon web site to find an authorized service centre nearest to where you live, phone them up to confirm free service. You may either mail in or bring it to them in person. As far as I know, Canon will reimburse the shipping cost to you as well as sending the fixed camera for free.
Take a look of a third party comment/information regarding the bad CCDs by clicking here before taking further action. It didn't show black/blank screen as a symptom, but individual manufacturer web site did mention them as symptoms.

Display went purple with lines then finally died this year, contacted Canon at the link below and they paid all shipping (both ways) in less than 10 days I have the camera back and working like new for $0.00, these guys care about their products and customers. If you have this issue contact them and they will handle it right.

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=PgComSmModDisplayAct&keycode=2112&fcategoryid=221&modelid=9828

canon does repair it free of charge even after warranty I just sent back my powershot a75 I got almost 3 years ago!! (that stopped taking pictures all I got was some Pink & Black lines across the screen) they even paid for the shipping of both ways!!!