I am having the same problem mentioned by the others about a black screen and not being able to take any pictures. I have a 256 card in it. You can see the camera settings but no picture. I did not see anyone come up with a solution yet. Help! Please!
Bought June 2006, have not used much, but like(d) a lot. Turned on the other day, screen & viewfinder black, but can see white square & icons (just not anything I want to take a picture of). The LCD screen can't be burned out -- I never use it -- just use the viewfinder. Called Canon, a tech walked me through "resetting" the camera -- no change. I sent it in, & got an estimate of $150.00 to fix it.
Called Canon (it seems to be same problem described for the S1 IS -- see "CCD Image Sensor Advisory" on their support site) to suggest they fix it for free, & was told that the CCD in mine is different from the one in the service bulletin, so they won't. I'm going to tell them to send it back, & I'll toss it some day.
And like other frustrated Canon owners whose posts I've seen, I really liked the camera, but will never buy another Canon. I'll also make it a point not to spend a lot on a type of equipment that's apparently not intended to last.
This is a common problem in older Canon S2 IS cameras, especially ones that have not been regularly used. What happens is that the lens iris gets stuck at a small aperture. Most often you can get function back. Here's how:
Turn the camera on in shooting mode.
Turn the mode selector to shutter priority ("Tv").
Use the four-way button on the back to set the shutter speed to 15 seconds. That's right, 15 seconds.
Press the shutter release. Count to seven, then pop open the battery compartment.
Wait several seconds, then close the battery compartment.
You may need to repeat the above sequence several times to unstick the iris. If that does not accomplish it, you will likely have to send the camera in for repair.
Once you have it working again, you should use the camera regularly to keep it from sticking again.
If it's anything like the Canon Power Shot S15...the same thing happened to me!!!...Turned out to be that I had simply pressed the little "DISP" button on the back of the camera by accident....Pressing it once or twice more will bring your image back...Hope this helps.
It worked the 2nd time, great thank you! this is awsome
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I have the same problem. When you open the battery compartment and close it quickly, it will sometimes work. Called National Camera Exchange, where I purchased it, and they said it would have to be sent in
for repair and take 6 to 8 weeks if I have them send it in. Canon site says about 7 days after they receive it. What's the reason to buy where I did if
they can't help when I'm having trouble. Very disappointed in Canon and retailer.
Did anyone ever find a solution for this? I have it too.
Changed batteries recently and now I have a black display. The icons show but it will not take a picture. The playback feature works fine and the image quality is the same as it has been. Just no ability to take pictures...
I had the same problem and had to send it back in March of 2008. I could preview old pictures but couldn't take pictures, received the message "batteries need changed" even though they were fine. I had to pay canon $127 to fix it when the camera cost $499 new. Now I am having the same problem again after only a few months. I will look into this recall stuff. I am pretty upset at the expense. But I do like the camera, but I can't afford to be ripped off by Canon again.
Have the same problem with the display black except for settings. Display works fine in review mode. I could turn the camera off and on several times and the display would finally work for a while (faded from black to display). I also enjoyed this camera but apparently something is wrong with the quality if so many people are having this problem.
This did work -- briefly -- for me. I can't imagine how you figured this out! I was elated when it worked, took a couple of pictures, then put it away for 24 hours. When I tried the camera again, it was back to the black screen. Unfortunately, this means to me that the camera is no longer reliable, and I'll have to toss it. I'm thoroughly disgusted with Canon, and though I loved the camera, I'll never again buy a Canon.
I have the same problem. The solution works, but I have to redo the procedure. I will see if frequent use makes the problem go away. Thanks for the help!
I have the same problem with my S2 IS. The Canon factory service people would only fix this problem for $140, plus $22 for tax and shipping. They did offer a 20% discount on the labor after I pressed the issue. I will never buy another Canon product again.
I have the same problem, tried the fix and now I can take pictures but on the display there are light  blue and dark blue lines when I review the photos.  What is wrong now???  Please help if you can!!!
My Canon S2 IS LCD and view finder are black only icons show. Have tried turning on and off, but no luck. Also tried opening and closing the battery door several times. No luck! Appreciate any help.
I have the same problem. Checking on-line, this seems to be a widespread problem. The Canon Factory Service Center would not fix it for free. I will NEVER buy another Canon product again.
this worked, youre awesome
Well, I have the same problem. After a while my S2 IS started acting up and finally only showed the black screen when I powered it on.
I have tried the solution given here and it works a couple of tmes, but it is not a permanent solution.
I can't understand that Canon leaves its costumers in the cold, especially when you read in different posts that this is a wide spread problem.
I'll never buy a Canon again for sure. This is so dissapointing !!!
Same here, Canon made great copiers and I had hoped for the same quality with their cameras. I agree that you can tell Canon is hiding behind this defective unit on their Support page. No details to the problem are provided. Canon has lost my business not only in cameras, but also all other products they manufacture.
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