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. Our lens barrier repair kit is a little tricky to replace on Canon SD series cameras but definately not impossible for you to do yourself. All you need is some patience, a steady hand and a small tipped screwdriver. We use dental picks, they work great!

To start, you will need to turn on the camera and extend the lens, then open the battery door to turn off the camera and keep the lens out. This allows you to easily work on the lens barrier assembly.

The first part that goes in is the barrel drive ring; it has a small part sticking down into the lens. Most cameras have a drive ring, but some do not. If you don't see one in your kit then your camera does not need one. 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… please take my advice and don't drop it, ok? If you do lose some springs, we have them available on their own in our store for you to purchase.

Carefully put the cover or 'flap' in the hole with the spring pointing towards the post where the other end will connect, and then with something with a tiny and pointy tip (we use dental picks!) gently grab the loop of the spring and stick it on its post.

Do this with the flaps in the open position, they will stay in place if you get them seated properly. If everything pops off, just start again. Do not stretch out the springs as they must remain tight or nothing will 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! Now we put the battery in and while crossing our fingers, turn the camera on! Did it work? Did it go flying across the room with a cute little *SPROING!* and all the parts flew across the room? 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 digital camera repair!

Next put the dual sided tape on the barrier cover. VERY IMPORTANT: Peel the tape off the yellow backing paper but DO NOT remove the paper from the side that is cut to match the shape of the tape!! Removing the small paper part will cause the tape to fold up on itself and stick together. Bye bye tape!

The tabs of the tape fold over the edges, if they stick out the lens cover will not fit properly and can jam up the lens. 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! Good for you! You now know how easy… and yet still hard Canon digital camera repair can be, and the "Geek Squad" said that it was either unfixable or would be two hundred dollars and take several weeks to complete. Whatever Geek Squad… Whatever.

Hmm… I think I'm seeing the beginning of something big here; truely affordable Canon digital camera repair