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TRANSLATOR TRADUCTOR अनुवादक TRADUCTEUR TAGASALIN ÜBERSETZER

TRANSLATOR TRADUCTOR अनुवादक TRADUCTEUR TAGASALIN ÜBERSETZER

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Fixing a Lens Error (Stuck or Jammed Lens) on a Digital Camera


(Last Update: 13 February, 2014)
If this information helps you, please pay it forward, and share this article with others who may be experiencing the same problem.   Your help in sharing will be appreciated, and karma will prevail!

This has to be THE most common failure mode for a digital camera, a stuck lens, jammed lens, or a malfunctioning lens. Some common error messages that might show up on the LCD's of cameras with this problem include “E18 lens error” (older Canon Powershot), "ACCESS" error (Sony Cybershot), "Zoom Error" (Fuji Finepix), "Lens Obstructed" (Kodak Easyshare), “lens error, restart camera” or just "lens error" (Nikon Coolpix and some other camera makers lately are using this variation). Some cameras might show nothing at all, but merely make a beeping noise as the lens goes out, then in, then the camera shuts off. Sometimes the lens won't even move.

The problem is actually quite common throughout all camera brands. Usually it's sand or grit interfering with the lens extension mechanism. Or the camera's been dropped with the lens extended. Or the camera has been powered on, but the lens had been blocked preventing its extension. Or the battery ran down with the lens extended. Believe it or not, one BIG contributor to lens errors is using a camera case. Sand, gunk, case fibers, etc... accumulate at the bottom of the case. These materials love to cling to the camera by electrostatic build-up from the camera rubbing against the side of the case (especially those cases with soft fibrous intreriors). Once these materials work their way into the lens mechanism, that's all she wrote. I have many Canon's, and NEVER use a case for this very reason.

Note that this problem applies to ALL cameras with telescopic lens barrel (optical) zoom.  With Samsung's release of the Galaxy S4 Zoom, I'm really curious to see if this will also be a issue/problem with this camera phone (and other phones with optical zoom).  I predict (on June 16, 2013) that it will, as most people carry their phones in pockets and purses.  If it occurs, Fix 5a would likely be the best technique to correct this problem.

A camera owner that suffers this problem may have no recourse for having the camera repaired. Many camera makers will not honor repairing this problem under warranty as they claim it is due to impact damage to the camera, or sand or debris getting into the lens gearing mechanism (neither of which is covered under warranty). The quoted repair cost is usually close to or more than what the camera is actually worth.

Fortunately, about half the cameras that suffer this failure can easily be fixed by one of the following methods. None of these methods involve opening the camera, although some have potential to cause other damage to the camera if excessively done. If the camera is still under warranty, before trying any of these, please please first contact your camera's maker to see if they'll cover the repair, or to determine how much they'll charge for the repair. Who knows, you might get lucky. But if they quote you a number that's higher than the value of your camera, you may want to consider the following methods.

First here's a video summary of most of these fixes, and following that a detailed text description of the fixes.  Recommend reading the text first (along with the reader's comments and tips section) as these provide additional tips for situations that the video does not.  For example, the video focuses on repair fixes for a camera that does not have obvious damage to the lens barrel (such as from a fall). Thus it does not cover straightening the lens barrel if it is crooked, which the text does.  Use the video primarily for further clarification on how to conduct these fixes if you have questions.

Video Summary Fixes 1 through 7

The methods are listed in the order of risk of damaging your camera. Thus make sure you try them in the listed order. And remember, these fixes (especially #6 and 7) should only be considered for a camera that's out of warranty, who's cost of repair would be excessive, and would otherwise be considered for disposal if unrepaired:

Fix #1: Remove the batteries from the camera, wait a few minutes. Put a fresh set of batteries back in (preferably rechargeable NiMH 2500mah or better) and turn the camera on. If using rechargeables, and they're more than a year old, consider purchasing new rechargeable batteries as they may not be providing sufficient power to startup the camera.

Fix #1a: If new batteries didn't work, try pressing and holding the Menu, Function, Function Set, or OK button while turning the camera on. This along with Fix #1c and #2 sometimes work for lens errors that occur from batteries wearing down while the lens was extended.

Fix #1c: For those of you who can still access your camera's menus with this error, try finding and selecting the "factory reset" option to set your camera back to its original factory condition. On some Canon cameras, this requires holding the menu button down with the camera powered on for up to 10 seconds. However note that a lens error might sometimes override the reset option, and thus the option might not appear.

Fix #2: If the camera's batteries ran down completely while its lens was still open, the camera may show a lens error or not start properly when new batteries are installed. Remove the memory card and keep it removed, then install the new batteries. When you turn the camera on with the card removed it may come back to life, as this triggers a reset in some cameras. Error E30 (for older Canon's) means that you don't have a memory card installed, so turn it off, slip in the SD card and turn it on one last time

Fix #3: Insert the cameras Audio/Video (AV) cable, and turn the camera on. Inserting this cable ensures that the camera's LCD screen remains off during the start process. Thus extra battery power is available to the camera's lens motor during startup. This extra power can be useful in overcoming grit or sand particals that may be jamming the lens. If the AV cable doesn't fix the lens error by itself, consider keeping this cable installed while trying fixes 4, 5, and 7 as a means to provide extra power to help to these fixes. But note that I DON'T recommend keeping the cable installed during Fix 6 as you may damage the AV port while tapping the camera. Reinsert the cable only AFTER tapping the camera.

Fix #4: Place the camera flat on its back on a table, pointed at the ceiling. Press and hold the shutter button down, and at the same time press the power-on button. The idea is that the camera will try to autofocus while the lens is extending, hopefully seating the lens barrel guide pins back into their slots.

Fix #5: Blow compressed air in the gaps around the lens barrels with the idea of blowing out any sand or grit that may be in there jamming the lens. Other variations include blowing with a hair dryer in “no heat” setting, or sucking the gaps with a vacuum (careful with this one). Some people also have actually used a "Shop Vac" with this fix to help extend a retracted lens.


Now we're entering into the realm of potentially damaging your camera in conducting the fix. There is definitely some risk here, so take care when conducting the following fixes:



Fix #5a: If you actually do notice sand particles stuck in the gaps around the lens barrel, and blowing air does not help to dislodge them, consider using a thin piece of paper or a sewing needle to help dislodge them. Pay particular care not to scratch your lens barrel with the needle. Also, I do not recommend probing too deeply around the lens barrel with the paper (don't go more than a 1 cm or 1/2 in) . Particularly I do not recommend probing deeply around the most outer (largest) lens barrel gap, as you may dislodge the lens barrel dust gasket that's located just inside of that gap.
Dislodging Particles from Lens Barrel Gaps (Fix #5a)
SAND CAMERA LENS
Fix #6: Repeatedly tap the padded/rubber usb cover on a hard surface with the intent of dislodging any particles that may be jamming the lens. Other variations include hitting a side of the camera against the palm of your hand. A lot of people have reported success with this method. HOWEVER, there is also some obvious potential for damaging or dislodging internal components with this method, such as unseating ribbon cables, or cracking LCD screens.

Fix #6a: This is a variation of Fix #6, and should be tried if the lens barrels appears straight (not crooked). In other words, try this if there's no obvious mechanical damage to the lens barrels that's causing the problem. With the lens pointed down, try "gently" tapping around the lens barrels with a small item such as a pen or pencil. The idea is to try to dislodge any sand particles that may be jamming the lens barrel stuck. Simultaneously try turning the camera on and off as you're doing this.

Dislodging Particles by Tapping (Fix #6a)
SAND CAMERA LENS
Fix #7a: Note that this particular fix is intended only for cameras with lens barrels that try to extend, but then stop partway, and then return to their stored position. Try grabbing and holding the smallest inner lens barrel at its furthest extended position, preventing it from returning to the camera. Examine and clean around the lens barrel any noticed dust or dirt. Turn off and restart the camera again. If the lens extends even further, grab it again at its furthest extension, preventing it from returning. Clean again. Keep repeating until the lens is fully extended. Turn off the camera and restart it to see if the lens error has gone away.

Fix #7b: The most extreme of the fixes. Only consider this fix as an absolute last resort before tossing the camera, as there's some obvious potential for further damaging your camera by using this method. You especially might consider this if the lens barrel appears obviously damaged, bent, or crooked such as from a fall. In that case, try thinking of the lens as a dislocated shoulder. Try forcing the lens to straighten it and put it back in its place. In such cases, the lens barrel guide pins have become unseated from their guide slots (see the below illustration). Your objective would be to try to reseat them by straightening the lens. Listen for a "click" to hint that they've been reseated, and immediately stop forcing the lens at this point. More people have reported success with this method than with any of the other methods (see the polls in the right column).

Variations to Fix #7b include gently pulling, rotating, and/or twisting the lens barrel while hitting the power button. Examine the lens barrels closely for any hint of tilt or unevenness. Again, the goal is to attempt to straighten or align the barrel if it's crooked or twisted. Another variation includes looking for uneven gaps around the lens barrel, and then pushing on the side of the lens barrel that has the largest gap (note pushing the lens barrel all the way in is NOT recommended as it may become stuck there). Again, while doing any of the above, listen for a click that indicates that the lens barrel guide pins may have reseated in their guide slots. If you hear this click, immediately stop and try the camera. The following photo illustrates unseated guide pins that would cause a lens error.

STUCK LENS FIX
If you try these fixes, please vote or post a comment on how the fixes worked for you. Your experience may help others. Note that most of the fixes listed here actually come from my reader's comments. If the above fixes didn't work for you, then please read through the reader's comments, especially the newer ones. There are other techniques listed from readers there that just might work for your situation. When posting a comment, please specify your camera model, and the particular fix that worked. Please also comment if none of the fixes were successful, or if you tried something different that worked.

References:
Canon E18 Lens Error – This is the big kahuna of all E18 error camera repair sites:
Make sure you also read their post section to hear of other peoples successes and failure in fixing this problem:
More Canon E18 experiences and fixes at The Juggle Zone.
The E18 Error Experience Log. Even more Canon E18 experiences, plus a good listing of E18 errors by Canon model:

Nikon Coolpix L3 Lens Error - This site has a few other fixes not listed here that are applicable to the Nikon Coolpix cameras:

Jancology.com Nikon 5700 Lens Error - More people's experiences with lens errors on Nikon cameras:

SD600 Disassembly - Included this as an example of how sand can easily gum up the small gears within your camera. The website also shows a simple method for cleaning these gears.


Finally, I'm curious just how many people actually read this far down into this article.  For those people, here are two totally unrelated videos (to this subject) on video editing using freeware.  Enjoy!

Free Green Screen Video Editor


Free and Easy Video Editor

By the way, if these videos did interest you, then please visit this other article on video editing from this blog.

1,684 comments:

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Anonymous said...

Thanks for the information - it was very helpful. I had the lens error message with a Coolpix 3700, and after a lot of prying and jolting while powering up without success was about to give up. Decided to do something radical - removed battery and card and put the camera in the freezer for a couple of hours. After chilling out, I replaced the battery and powered up while jarring the camera on my leg.

After a few strikes - success... the lens opened! There was some initial grating in the mechanism and a bit of condensation but its all gone now and working well!

Camera Repair said...

David,
Tried the freezer bit myself with an old/broken Canon A510. Was shocked at the amount of condensation. Really can't recommend that people try this.

Water is one of the three main killers of cameras (water, sand, & gravity). Was surprized at the amount of condensation that can form on the camera. Condensation on the circuit board can result in shorting and permanent cicuit damage. Also, long term effects to the camera may include corrosion damage to the circuitry. Although you may have temporarily fixed your camera, am worried that you may eventually experience corrosion damage.

CR

Anela Deisler said...

I recently dropped my sony W55 while the lens was open. It has a small dent and is crooked. After the drop, the camera could take fuzzy pictures. The inside section is stuck and the outside section will wiggle. When I tried to do #7, I pushed the lens too hard and the outer part is now stuck in the camera and the power will no longer turn on. Any suggestions? THANKS!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the tips. #7 Forcing it closed worked for me. My daughter dropped my brother-in-laws camera last night. I wasn't looking forward to shelling out $180+ to buy him a new one. I figured I had nothing to lose since none of the other steps worked. Thank you so much!!!
P.S. I prayed the Divine Mercy Chaplet before attempting this. I think that may have been the major cause of the fix working!! :) Blessings.

nestr0 said...

I have an S500 camera which works but won't retract the lens without shutting down plus 3 beeps. I have to remove battery cap just to start it again. When I power off the camera, I can't start it again (my guess is about the lens retract sensor). I would like to know any suggestion from you.

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for this helpful information! I was heartbroken when my toddler accidently knocked the camera off my lap while the lens was out. Not only were the repairs out of my budget, but also the camera was a precious gift from a friend. I couldn't bear to tell my friend that it was broken.

After impact, the lens was cockeyed and I gently twisted it into its normal position. The lens wouldn't retract, and a lens error displayed on the screen. After two months of no luck. I stumbled upon your website and tried steps one through seven. Unfortunately, I didn't see any results. Finally, I read a posting from Tony that said his camera worked after he applied even pressure to the lens, gently forcing it back in the camera. After a half dozen gentle pushes and camera restarts, it finally clicked into place and worked!!!! I am so grateful for the advice. The information in your site was a blessing for this poor mom! Thanks so much!

Rachel said...

I ♥ you! You are my digital camera hero!!

Jessica said...

I accidentally dropped my Canon Powershot A510 and got the E18 error. After trying everything. I got to number 7 and went for it. It took about 15 min to fix the camera. I pulled the lens gently all the way out and then turned the camera off. Where it got stuck again. Then I pushed the lens in until i heard a click. I had to then pull the lens out again and push it in again one more time. And it reset and now it works again!!!

Thanks!

Anonymous said...

hey. i have an Olympus fe-340.
and the lens has been filled with sand.


when trying to turn it on, it makes a sound that sounds like the lens is trying to come out, then flashes orange.

i tried the hair dryer, but that did not seem to work.

what is the best do-it-yourself way in order to get my camera working again? thanks heaps :)

djussery said...

Ok I have a Sony Cybershot DSC W1. Some how my 4 year old got a hold of it and it stopped working. After spending about 15 minutes reading the blog I decided that I would skip all the steps that had to do with stuff stuck in the camera because I was sure my son got the lens jammed. Unfortunately my lens was pushed all the way in so, I found that where the shutter opens and closes that I could get my finger nail in there and as I turned it off and on I gently pulled out the lens and then it clicked. I turned the camera off and it the lens went back in and then I turned it on and the lens came out and it is working like a charm. I can't tell you how happy I am. My husband was so upset and now I can tell him I fixed it!!! Thanks so much for people like ya'll that are willing to share helpful tips sparing us the expense of having to get camera repaired and/or replacing camera.

Anonymous said...

PLEASEEE HELPPP MEEE !!!
I have a Fujifilm A120; about 3 years old. And up until recently it worked fine, and took excellent pictures. Now It turns on, and allows me to see previous pictures I've taken and use other controls on there. BUT, When i go to take a picture it shuts off =[
I tried some of your advice and it works for about 3 pictures and then does it again. I cannot afford a new camera, and i need to use this one soon for work, please help me !!!

Camera Repair said...

Anonymous with the Fuji A120. Your problem sounds more like bad batteries. Please see this article instead.

Anonymous said...

Thanks to your web site I saved my camera. I thought I would have to spend another $400 on a camera. My Panasonic DMC-FZ4 was dropped when on and the lens was stuck out. After reading a few fixes on the site, I tried turning the camera on, pulling on the lens hitting it while turning on and it finally worked!!! THANK YOU VERY Much!

Jeremy Werschke Red Deer, Alberta Canada.

Sunny said...

Hi, thanks for the info. I have a Sony DCR-HC90 and the lens cover does not open, it started happening from yesterday. I tried all your steps but have not succeded so far. Can you pls. advise on any specific steps which are applicable to this handycam. Appreciate your help.

Anonymous said...

I got a Kodak EasyShare M753 for Christmas last year and after about a month, it fell off the table and the lens was pushed in on one side and I got the Lens Error Message. I figured it was a goner but today I decided to try to fix it, so I got a small, flat screwdriver and tried to wiggle the lens a bit. After a few minutes, it looked even, so I turned it on and sure enough, it's working again! I'm so happy, because I've been using a cheap camera with very low quality pictures and now I can finally use my favorite camera again. Good luck everyone! :]

Anonymous said...

Samsung Digimax A400. Suddenly had no image, LCD worked OK, lens went in & out, seemed to take picture but was black, also showed that way in LCD. Tried battery change, etc. before finding your site. First try of #4 gave a glimmer, so tried it again & Voila! it worked! Took picture, all seems OK.Maybe I should keep it out of the case?
Thanks a lot for the help----Harv

Amit V Bhalerao said...

I have a Nikon Coolpix S10 camera. My friend dropped it on a marble floor from a height of about 5 feet and I started getting the "Lens Error". I tried tapping it from the side and other directions but I could never get rid of the error. I found a trick though using which I'm able to use my camera. If I keep the button next to "Mode" which is used for selecting between Shoot mode and View picture mode and then turn on the camera, the camera starts in view pictures mode. Then if I press the same button again to go to the shoot mode, I get no lens error. This solve my lens error problem.
I notice that my lens actually has displaced. Sometimes I see black patch on one of the edges while shooting which goes away by trial and error if I tap the camera from different directions.
Is there a way I can permanently fix my problem?

Anonymous said...

Yay! I have a Canon PowerShot SD1000 Elph and had a lens error. I worked my way down to #7. After banging the camera on a towel I turned it on and heard a little movement so I turned it off again, tried step #4 and it worked like a charm! Hooray!

Anonymous said...

Hi there!
Well, since none of this fixes seemed to work for my Sony DSC-S80, I went for a last desperate attempt: I opened the camera, blowed some dirt away, shaked it a little and forced gently the lens. I didn't notice anything in particular that could be causing the problem but the fact is that when I put the camera back together, it was working! I had never opened a digital device before and truly I had no idea of what I was doing, but it was worth a try...
Thanks for your tips anyway! ;)

Anonymous said...

I've waded through a lot of the replies here, glad it's working out! I have a Coolpix S210, it was in my girlfriend's bag, neither of us have any idea whether she might have dropped it or possibly got some grit in it at the beach. However, when turned on, the lens moves in and out, I can hear the motor and then it makes a short whirring sound. It does this a few times, then gives the lens error message. I've tried to push the lens and turn it and I can hear a definitive click. However, this doesn't solve the problem. Any other ideas? Cheers

Anonymous said...

Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you!
Number 7 worked! I have a Canon Powershot A85. Dropped 2 days ago and have been grief stricken:(. With your help, one good turn, a click and I have my camera back.
You saved me a bundle!

Anonymous said...

After thousands of attempts i have decided to open camera. My lens got stuck just a little bit before complete close position. No matter how hard i try to push it in at this stage, it is not coming in. So i thought about opening it. But which part should i focus on? Should I open lens or whole camera and look at the parts there.
Btw. My camera didnt interract with sand, it just did fall on ground. Scince then it is stuck. At one point i made it work for few seconds, but that never happened again. Please give me a hint. There is just a little bit left!

Camera Repair said...

I'm sorry anonymous, but I can't recommend that you open your camera to fix the lens error. The chances of you succeeding are very slim. It sounds like the internal gear mechanism of the lens is likely damaged. If so, it really can't be fixed, but the lens assembly should actually be replaced. It sounds like you gave it your best. But recommend at this stage to consider giving up. Think you may be surprised by how much that you can get for a broken, but unopened, parts camera on ebay.
CR

Anonymous said...

Thanks!. I have a Nikon Coolpix p2. I just barely tapped the side of it and everything is working perfectly!

Anonymous said...

I bought my Nikon coolpix 3700 about 3.5 years ago.After 3 months of no use, lens didn't open." Lens Error" displayed.I was about to sell it on Ebay as is.Then i encoureged myself and pull the lens with tweezers while opening.Tataa!! It's now functioning. To make a way with tweezers i opened the lens cap(by accidentally actually). Thank u all ppl.

Anonymous said...

Hi, I have a Casio EX-Z75 and suddenly yesterday night for no reason the lens got stuck out and wouldn't retract. I tried everything to do with taking the battery out etc but nothing was working - and then I found your site. I tried all the steps but it wasn't until step 7 that I noticed the inner lens was slightly off centre. So I did as advised and pushed it gently to one side while pressing the on button repeatedly. I took a while for it to work but I just kept pressing the on button repeatedly and every time the lens went in a little more than before. Thank you for your advice, it was very very helpful. I was extremely upset at the thought of my camera being broken. :D

Anonymous said...

Help me ! I need a mode switch for my Panasonic Lumix FX8. Please point me in the right direction as to parts and i will upload my experience on how i get on replacing it.. Mark T

Anonymous said...

This article really helped, thank you. I was totally convinced on needing an entirely new camera. You're amazing.

Unknown said...

Thanks alot!!! i had a big trouble with Canon A570 IS 'lens error retart camera' i tried Fix #4 and it worked.u save my life :-((

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the information. I will definitely follows the steps u have mentioned in your article whenever i will have some problem in my DG cam.

Anonymous said...

My lense was stuck open so I beat the shit out of my Canon A540 and it works great!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for this post.

My son has an HP M547 which he dropped in the sand this summer. We tried all the techniques. We went to our photo developing store and he blew compressed air into the lens area. We used a needle to scrape out any sand we saw. Then I sprayed WD-40 into a dish and used a toothpick to make drops to put around the lens. Then we worked together. I powered on while he pulled on the lens. Somehow, after several tries, it opened. But we still got lens errors. We blew out more sand and kept turning the camera on and off. Eventually the camera started to work. I am so relieved we were able to rescue it. Thank you again and again.

Matt Snyder said...

I have a Canon Powershot SD850 IS in which the Lens won't close. I can't even get the camera to power up, even after the battery has been charged. I tried doing all your steps, even dismantling but no go. If you have any suggestions or know what the problem may be please email me at mksnyder@ymail.com


thanks.

kat50054 said...

I am in deperate need of assistance. I have a cannon a570 IS. I did not mean to but it fell off my desk about a month ago. My old man got it working, and then last night the lense was getting stuck in and then out. I have done everything, and when it does come on it either gives me lense error, and if I am able to get it out of that when I look through the viewer everything is blurry but I aint got the funds to send it to the shop. The old man does not think I can fix it, and I am hoping someone on here will know what I need to do. Please email Kathy Risinger at poston_kathy@hotmail.com Any help would be great as I sell items on ebay and am lost with out my camera, Thanks Kat

Anonymous said...

Thanks for this post!!!
I was giving up and already looking for a new camera, but we've tried the compressed air (fix # 5) e it has FIXED !
I was sad 'cause my Sony Cybershot DSC-W80 is only 17months old.
Thanks for your post I will be using it much longer now.

rugbyjulie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
rugbyjulie said...

Hi, this is a great blog, helpful and interesting, however mine is slightly different (i think). My camera (a canon powershot SD870 IS) was dropped whilst the lens was out, and became a bit skewed. With a bit of 'gentle' force, it was realigned and now goes in and out (most of the time) however when trying to take a picture the screen is black. There is no problem with the battery or the LCD (i can replay my previous pics just fine), so i dont quite know whats wrong with it. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks

J.Baker said...

I have a Canon Powershot G6, which fits your blogs description to a tee. Dropped camera, worked for a few uses, then wouldn't focus, shortly after that, lens won't retract all the way. It can forced, but it doesn't change anything. Next time it's powered on it still won't focus and won't retract all the way. I called Canon. They said lens is off track..arm and a leg to repair.

Any ideas for diy repairs?

Thanks!

Anonymous said...

my camera is a sanyo. could it have the same problem as these canons??

Anonymous said...

THANK YOU SO MUCH!
I have a formal event to take photos at tomorrow, and I just returned from a trip to a beach (a beach with sand...you know the rest...) I never would have thought to use a vaccuum, but it did the trick!
I am so grateful for these tips!
Thanks again!

Anonymous said...

I have a Kodak Easyshare, and #4 worked delightfully!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the tips here. I have a Canon Power Shot A530 and the instructions make no mention whatsoever of a lens error and how to get rid of it, so I thought I was in trouble. Replacing the batteries, taking out the memory card and then blowing the compressed air seemed to do the trick, after a few tries. I'd nearly given up, though!

Glad I'm not buying a new camera right before the holidays...

Anonymous said...

hi. i have a lumix 12 mega pixel.it has been dropped and the lens does go all the way in and out.but it is blurred and asks me to turn camera off and on again.all of your solutions are about freeing the lens but mine is already free.
any ideas would be great.
aaron

Anonymous said...

I have a Canon Cybershot G6 that went out of order after a vacation trip. The camera would not turn on or at least did so partially before turning off again. I could hear grinding sound in the lens spindles, lens would not come out and there would be only word on the display: "lens". After a few beeps the camera would turn off again.

Well I tried solutions #1, #2, #3 posted here but to no avail.

Then I just put my nail between the two lens spindles and dragged the nail between the spindles full circle as if to free them in case they were glued together due to dampness. [We had visited a cave on our vacation]

Voila, after that nail-excercise I turned on the camera and the lens started moving freely again. The camera was back from the grave!


Saved me money - my two options were to send it for repair [Canon quoted $149.00] or buy a new camera.

If not the actual solution, this post really did give me an idea to work out.

Many thanks!

Anonymous said...

Step #6 worked for me.

I suppose my camera turned on by accident in my bag, and when I dropped my bag on the floor..
Eh...the lens must have moved, for every time I would turn on my camera the screen would be white, yet the screen would show previous pictures normally.

But it did work for me.
I simply noticed an extra bit of space to the top right area of lens, and I gently pushed it in that direction when I turned my camera on.

{But please, I do not recommend doing it when you're turning your camera off; mine almost became stuck, and leaving the lens partially sticking out.}

Now, it works normally though.
I can turn it on and off without the screen becoming irrational.

Also, I have a Sanyo...
So, I suppose anyone with a Sanyo VPC-S600 whose lens isn't working properly, try #6.

Thanks.

casual arrogance said...

My lens SOMETIMES doesn't retract fully when I power the camera off. Sometimes it retracts smoothly. I don't know what gets it stuck.

Anonymous said...

I've a sony DSC-W100 I dropped it last year and I've only now found your site. I can view pictures but I get a access denied error then turn off and on again, I can't get into picture taking mode at all the lens goes in and out 3 times then goes in again.I've tried the tapping but it hasn't worked any other suggestions???

Anonymous said...

My niece dropped my Canon Elph Sd240 last night with the lens out. It wouldnt go back in and I thought it would be a goner! Well I charged the battery all the way and then forced the lens and it is completely fixed!!! I am sooo glad I found this blog! Thanks!

Ali4i22 said...

Hi i was wondering do you have any idea on how to fix my digital camera lens cause i try all your method and it doesn't work.
Here what happen i was shoting
a video and then i accidently drop my camera and it went blank and my lens was open and now it won't go in or out. And it say's retry power
and when i retry its say's lens error. I have the Casio:Exilim 7.2 megapixel. I can't do repair cause i'm out of warrenty. i have a blogspot so please contact me as soon as possible - or my e-mail xo_vee@hotmail.com- Ali4i22

Anonymous said...

My dear camera repair,
I have a Canon Powershot SX100 IS and I dropped it with the lenses out and right away tried to force it back inside, which didn`t work.
I have tried several times your steps and didn`t work and I also have no warranty, so I would like to know if you can guide me to open and check the internal mechanisms.
Brgds

Anonymous said...

My son's Casio z80 refused to open and when powered on gives the standard "Lens Error". This started after he returned from a party. He swears nothing happened to it, but if you look carefully, you can see a slight pressure dent in the case.

At any rate, I hooked a fingernail in the lens cover (where the outside shutter pieces are) and pulled as the camera powered up. I heard a "snap" and it opened. When I went to shut if off it only closed halfway. So, I pushed on it and heard another "snap". Now it seems to work normally.

Anonymous said...

Our Samsung L80 had this problem about a year ago. I sent it back under warranty and it came back fixed (minus my battery!), but now it's out of warranty. After leaving it for about 3 months, I finally picked it up & attempted a fix again, anf found this site. Removing the memory card worked in this case, but refitting it causes the lens to extend and stick again, so I reckon it must just be a faulty SD card.

Thanks!

Anonymous said...

I have a Nikon Coolpix P2. I dropped it with the lens open. Repairs would have cost $120. Not good for a camera that is over 2 years old.

Tips worked. Now I can return the replacement I bought but never had to use.

THANKS

Anonymous said...

I don't know if this issues is any different than the others, but i have a Sony Cyber-Shot camera that i just got two days ago. It fell of my desk and hit the ground, whilst the lens was out. It now won't retract and the lens is all wobbley. Which choice is best for me? Help!

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for the helpful advice. I had an E18 error after my aging PowerShot A150 died with the lens still out, and I was about to buy another camera when I found this blog. Thank you so much!!

kejal said...

Hi i m havin Casio EXILIM digicam its now showning 2 errors
1 Retry Power om
2 Lense Eroor

Plz help me out on this

Anonymous said...

Forcing the Lens repaired my Canon SX110 IS. Few months old camera that just stopped working all od a sudden. Didn't dropt it or anything like that. The lens didnt 'go in' properly. I tried to bang it gently but it didn't help. After that, I
Forced the lens out by gently pulling it with my nail. It didn't need much strenght and it gently came out. All is well now :d

On more expensive camera, I would suggest the "insurance" method to fix it. Take the accident to your insurance company for somesort of refund. That is, if your camera maker doesn't repair it for free first.

Anonymous said...

I have a Casio EX-Z80. I went snowbaording in minus 27 and when I turned on the camera the lens stuck a 1/4 of the way out. I left it in a warm room over night but still had no luck.

I managed to get it open by turning it on and switching to the play mode before an error came up. then left it in this mode until the power save kicked in an sucked the lens back in. Then i was able to switch over to photo mode and the lens is operating perfectly.

I wont take it out in the cold again!!

Rocky said...

Camera Repair, I have a Sanyo camera that I got from WalMart. It cost me eighty dollars (yes that's a lot when you're twelve) and it's a really nice camera when its working. But here's the thing: the first time, it starts with 'Lens Error: 1250'. Then it usually just shuts off and pops the lens out. Then when I turn it out, it comes out a little more then goes back to normal. It got worse and worse, there were different kinds of errors like Lens Error: Restart Camera, and Lens Error 306, until it finally just wouldn't even turn on. A man at our church was able to fix it in three days. I was extremely careful with it, but now it's doing it again!!!!! And I really would NOT feel comfortable asking the man again because he's already invested his time so much into it. Please pleaSE PLEASE can you help me????????? I love my camera, and I love taking pictures...I would hate to see my money and time go to waste...please help.....

Rocky said...

Camera Repair, I have a Sanyo camera that I got from WalMart. It cost me eighty dollars (yes that's a lot when you're twelve) and it's a really nice camera when its working. But here's the thing: the first time, it starts with 'Lens Error: 1250'. Then it usually just shuts off and pops the lens out. Then when I turn it out, it comes out a little more then goes back to normal. It got worse and worse, there were different kinds of errors like Lens Error: Restart Camera, and Lens Error 306, until it finally just wouldn't even turn on. A man at our church was able to fix it in three days. I was extremely careful with it, but now it's doing it again!!!!! And I really would NOT feel comfortable asking the man again because he's already invested his time so much into it. Please pleaSE PLEASE can you help me????????? I love my camera, and I love taking pictures...I would hate to see my money and time go to waste...please help.....

BaNvErTz said...

Hey Dude i know your good...but my digital camera is broken can you help me can you message me...it is a GE camera

heres what happen, i drop my camera in a jacuzzi.. when i got it, it went off and it wont open. after a faw days it when i turned it on it says lens error but if i switched it to my pictures i can see my pictures i cant take pictures anymore...what should i do here is my email adress..a

andrewcruz52@yahoo.com

im waiting for your reply thx alot dude

BaNvErTz said...

hey dude...your the great guy who fixed my friends camera...

can you help me...coz my camera is broken the brand of my camera is GE...it fell in a jacuzzi...but now its kinda fix coz it opens now...i can see my old pics...but i cant take new ones coz it says lens error then it turns off...what should i do...

can you e-mail me...

andrewcruz52@yahoo.com

i hope you can help me thx dude

Anonymous said...

Hi, I have a Nikon Coolpix S500, with the lens stuck out and display reading lens error. Having read this thread a couple of times I tried all of the suggestions to no avail. I finally took my camera apart and cleaned around the lens barrels with a fine artist's brush to try to remove any sand (I had spent some time on a sand island when the problem started). I put the camera back together and got a slightly different problem: the lens extended and retracted repeatedly for a few seconds, showing a blurred image on the viewfinder, followed by stopping and then showing lens error.

So I tried all the steps again, focusing mainly on seven. I turned the lens, pushed it in several times and eventually the camera just started working again! After a couple of power ups I got another lens error, I pushed the lens in and it's working again, don't know for how long though. I may resort to taking it apart again if the problem comes back. Thanks for the tips.

Anonymous said...

great! I have a HP Photosmart M415: its lens was stuck and there was no way to turn it on. I looked for hints on HP site, but it was completely useless.. :(
Luckily I found this blog I tried steps #1 to #5 with no result, but #6 worked fine!

Thank you so much!
D.

Anonymous said...

Hi there! I have a Sony DSC-W5 and tried all the fixes listed here. And finally, after a few taps with one of the batteries I have, it started to work again. At the begging the focus was a litter blur, but then it started to work better and better.

Thank you so much!
Happy New Year! :)

Anonymous said...

I have a Samsung NV40, which I haven't seen in the comments yet, but I didn't read all of them. I didn't drop it, I just had my finger in front of the lense when it was trying to extend so it only came out part way. When I turn it on it looks like its trying to extend but none of these solutions worked. I got the camera for Christmas so it's literally right out of the box, and I'm wondering if I should just send it to be replaced instead of trying to fix it because it's under warranty.

Camera Repair said...

Olivia,
As it is so new, would simply recommend returning it for exchange from where you bought it.
CR

Anonymous said...

my kodak m753 has lens problem 130,0,0,0 i opened the camera with a pocket knife and slid the blade in between the lenses and turned it on and the lens came out and the camera works fine. i tired to use my warrany but they told me it didnt cover that problem, so if you have nothing to loose i would try doung this.

Anonymous said...

i have cannon powershot SD1000. I have tried EVERYTHING! wen i turn my camera on i cannon logo somes up and then the "lense error, restart camera" appears. the lense is completely extended and i cant force it back in. i've tapped, wiggled, and pushed. nothing seems to work. anyone have any other suggestions?

Anonymous said...

a lot of thanks,i use the fix4 and fix7 at the same time,thanks
sorry,my english are very bad

saludos desde spain

Unknown said...

Hi,
We were on our way out to a New Year's Eve party and I dropped my Canon 870IS with lens extended. I got the error message. I tried blowing air around the shaft of the lens to no avail. I finally resorted to twisting and pushing oh so gently. It now appears to work again although I am not sure if this will work indefinitely. Seems a little bit noisier than before. THANKS and happy 2009!

Anonymous said...

hey, i have a sony cyber-shot DSC-N1 and the other day (NYE to be precise) it was dropped while the lense was extended. I've had a look through the site...including posts and it doesn't seem to be doing much for my lense. the lense is only slightly sticking out now and has the same message when i switch it on...to turn off the power. The lense was much looser before and i could pull it out and push it in, but now it seems to be stuck and quite tight. at one point when it was looser i shook it a bit and something inside seemed to be rattling. i'm not really sure what to do with it now, if you could help at all i would be so greatfull!!! thanks. shivani

pineapple said...

I have a casio exilfilm. I had dropped my camera while the lens was still deployed and everytime I turned my camera on I would get "lens error" and the lens would not go all the way back. I tried your steps one by one and nothing worked. I was fearing the last step as I did not want to damage the camera. I pussed the lens with gentle even pressure and "click!". I turned it on and the screen said "retry power". When I turned it on again it worked perfectly. Thanks for you help!!!!

Anonymous said...

Step 6 worked on a Exilim EX-Z3, and pulling/bumping on the lens worked on a EX-Z70.

I was only going to use the batteries from both cameras and the Z3 charger, and now I have three of them to play with...

Thanks for the tips!

Camera Repair said...

Here's a new fix I just came upon today at "MyBiggestComplaint.com". I'm posting it here until I hear of some successes with it from our readers. If it shows promise, I may upgrade it to Fix #8. Let us know how it works out there:

"Author: R McAfee
Comment: Lens stuck opened? Try this. Hold power button in and see if the lens cycles in and out. If it does, have the battery cover open and when the lens is in the retracted position, pop the battery release and remove the battery. May take a couple tries to time it right Wait 10 seconds or more and then insert battery to reboot camera. Hope this helps, it worked for my canon sd750."

Anonymous said...

AWESOME! my Nikon Coolpix S200 is working well now! #4 did the trick!
thank you! =D

Unknown said...

#6 took care of the stuck lens on my Canon Powershot A75. Thought it was toast and hadn't used it in quite a while until I sought out some self repair tips. Took a few twists, turns and pulls, and I was too hesitant/gentle at first. Gave it one last firm twist and I heard the "click". Seems good as new. Thank you for the tips here!

Anonymous said...

The lens was stuck open and crooked on my Olympus and I discovered a gentle way to force it back. I used a padded visegrip woodworking clamp (similar to a caulking gun type action) and squeezed it very slowly on the highest side until the lens sleeves aligned. I also used a scrap block on the other side to protect the camera.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for this site! my grandson got my HP M425 camera and I don't know if he held the lens in when turning the camera on or if the batteries died just then. I wouldn't have know what happened but the error message got me to this site. removing the batteries did work so my husband pulled on the lens as he turned the camera on. he did it several times. though the lens were stuck out that helped them retract.

now to keep the camera away from the 3 year old. "I take papa's picture" he said.

RAB said...

I HAVE a casio exilim , none of the reparation posted by you guys helped me to put the camera zoom back.
But i managed to fix it in a different way , i unscrewed the camera box, went through the zoom gears , forced the gears to roll while pressing the power button on,once i heard the gears rolling, i released the pressure and Bang zoom is operating normally and the camera is repaired,guys do not try to bang the camera on your palm , you will damage the screen.
good luck for all of you

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for the info!!! Fix #3 worked for me!

Anonymous said...

It worked. I have a Canon Ixus 70. I was quite careful with the tapping and forcing, obviously not wanting to cause further damage to the camera. Once I'd tried all the steps with out success, I gave the camera 2 quick taps (not too hard) on the edge of my desk and DONE.
Thank you very much, it has been out of action for ages because I couldn't afford to send it off to be fixed. Very pleased.

Anonymous said...

Thhanks for the post! It really helped. I gently pulled on the lens and it fixed the proble.

AcuDocKate said...

I have a Pentax Opti S and FIXED IT with pushing the lens in. THANK YOU for sharing your knowledge and keeping me out of buying a new camera!!!

Anonymous said...

Oh My God. You just saved me 135.00 MINIMUM repair job on my Kodak z740. I love this camera and my daughter recently dropped it. I JUST bought a new camera last week and in a last ditch effort decided to google and see if I could find a solution. I ran across many websites that stated NO ONE has been able to fix a lens issue with a digital cam. Bullshit buddy! I read all the steps, I tried them all. I got to step 7. I played with the lens (which was stuck in the open position) while turning ona nd off the camera. KACHING it worked.

Thank you SO very much!

Anonymous said...

I have a Sony Exilim EX-z9 lens error and none of the fixes worked.
additional problem: besides lens error this is no motor sounds.
I disassembled the camera and found that the lens body could be moved in and out with ease, once I removed the main lens gear. I opened the gear box and found the motor could spin freely, so I reassembled the whole thing, and nothing changed.
I was wondering if the motor could have burnt out, and if you would know where to get a replacement motor. It’s stamped with the number 8403 on the motor, not sure if that means anything but if you can help it would be great.

dr.Linda.R said...

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Anonymous said...

Thank you! The lens was stuck shut on my Fujifilm A850, and the first fix on your list solved it. Hooray!

Anonymous said...

nice post

Anonymous said...

Ok, so I got the lens to open...But the image is permanently blurry and way out of focus now...anything I can do for that?

Camera Repair said...

Alyssa,
By any chance does your camera have optical image stabilization?
CR

Kent and Leisy said...

I don't know which step worked but something did- I think it was pulling and twisting at the lens. thanks.

Anonymous said...

WHOO!
a friend at work gave me a coolpix L6
cuz he had dropped it and lens was stuck out (im the work "geek")
my frist thought was push on the front didnt move...google took me here gave me an idea for what side to hit hit it while it turned on heard the click lens went down most of the way gave it a slight push and it closed battery out reset and its been working great
what a happy ending!
tryed to give it back to my friend and he had already bought a new one
YA i have a nice camera now...thank you

Anonymous said...

Dear Camera Repair,

Thanks for the solution! Though the display of our Samsung NV10 functioned, the lens refused to deploy more than 1/8th of an inch and beeped.

We fixed it by holding the camera lens-side down over the small nozzle of a powerful vacuum cleaner. After we tried to turn on the camera a few times, the vacuum sucked out the lens. While the lens was still deployed (take a few photos to keep it open), we cleaned the camera with a Q-tip wet with alcohol.

The Spaids said...

Thanks for this information on the E18 error. I have Canon Powershot S2 IS that is 2 years old, and just started getting the error this week. I tried all the optino except the compressed air, and whacking the lens body (I know - bad bad camera owner) indignantly on the coffee table worked. It either dislodged the junk in it or realigned the gears, but it works.

Anonymous said...

I have a Canon A5660 that had the thin, black, outer, metal leaves of the lens cover mechanism collide and hang up, which gave a lens error too. I tickled it with my fingers and snapped the thin metal leaves back to their rightful positions and turned the camera off and on again after a short pause. I have not had any problems with it since, and that was almost 1 year ago.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for share great knowledge about technology world.

one2travelfar said...

Thanks a million. My Olympus Fe-230, which has been a powerhorse, got stuck with the lens open - no trauma, probably some accumulated grit. Charging the battery and removing the memory card didn't work. I jiggled the lens while I tried to zoom in/out and that did the trick. It still gets stuck occasionally but it's an easy fix.

Anonymous said...

Hi,

I just want to say I tried all the fixes here, but nothing worked, so as a last resort I sent it in to Canon expecting them to say it would cost me hundreds of dollars to fix. I was pleasantly surprised when I got a fixed camera returned within a week with the following note: "We have examined the product according to your request and it was found that the optical assembly was bent causing an error to be displayed. The optical assembly was replaced. Other inspections and cleaning were carried out. Thank you for choosing Canon." I was especially surprised they did this because I was one month past the end of the warranty. Anyway, I thought I would post this to show that (at least some fraction of the time) Canon does the right thing.

Camera Repair said...

anonymous,
That's a jaw dropper. Apparently they honored the repair under warranty. Please if you could post a little more details. Like the model of your camera, what happened to cause the error or details on your particular problem. Did you just box it and send it in, or did you contact Canon first to arrange the inspection/repair? Are you in the US? Did you send it to the Illinois repair center? I have a million more questions, but this does show Canon stands behind their product more than other camera makers (and as I've stated before, I am in no way affiliated with Canon hehehe).
CR

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for all the fix solutions #7 worked for me I was scared at first but it was my last resort. I have a Canon powershot sd1000 and I was going to be so sad if I couldn't fix it. Thanks again!!!

Anonymous said...

Fix No 4 worked great for me! I have a Panasonic DMC-FS3 and i dropped it and the lens refused to go in. Panasonic refused to acknowledge the warranty and wanted to charge me 120 euros. in asia u can buy the same camera with that money. I was very upset. So just about to buy a new camera and decided to give the fix a try! NO 4 worked wonderfully. My lens had gone in on one side and when i opened the on switch then applied pressure and presto! it clicked and my camera lens went back into place! SO very very HAPPY! xxx

Anonymous said...

Hi Friend
Thanks for this post.
Really great work.
keep it up.

Anonymous said...

Thanks a lot! Step 6 fixed my problem :o)

Anonymous said...

Hola, muchas gracias, mi camara a730 general electric tenia el mensaje de error de lente, y no podia fotografiar, pero si podia ver las fotos almacenadas.Prendi la camara y presione para disparar al mismo tiempo de encenderla, varias veces, y a la cuarta vez, funciono! eso si, con la camara acostada, mirando hacia arriba. Adios!!!!

Anonymous said...

el paso que use fue el fix#4. Chao!!!

Camera Repair said...

anonymous,
Am happy that fix #4 worked for you, and note that it took several tries. This brings up an important point. Each of these fixes should be given a good chance before moving on to the next fix. Give each one a few tries before moving on.
CR

Marc Kupper said...

I had a Canon A540 that had gotten immersed in mud. After cleaning things up the camera was working except the shutter like camera lens cover was sticking and not closing. I was able to repair this.

Tools used were a fine sewing needle, dental excavator (spoon type) or margin trimmer, and flat wooden toothpick (not a round one). You can replace the dental instrument with a jeweler’s screwdriver. The instrument makes working slightly easier as you can push in and turn to release tab locks and it’s a one handed flip to use the other end should you need to press/turn in the opposite direction.

The lens cover is a shutter mechanism with four parts. There are two large pieces that swing into place from the top and bottom but also at 5 and 11 o’clock are a couple of smaller sections. The bottom and 5 o’clock sections definitely had something jamming the works.

I powered the camera on to extend the lens and removed the batteries so that if I hit the on/off button while working it the lens would not retract on me.

I was able to fix this by first working off the chrome ring that's on the very front of the lens. I discovered the ring comes off as I was going around the camera with a sewing needle scraping mud out of the switches and other cracks. As I scraped around the ring it shifted forward a fraction. Using the needle to first open a tiny gap I was then able to work the gap wider, and finally working the ring off, using the dental excavator. The ring is held in place by compression and a couple dabs of glue at 3 and 9 o’clock on the front of the ring (break the glue seals by sliding the excavator under the front of the ring).

Next is that at about 2 and 8 o’clock there are small rectangular holes in the lens barrel at the front. Press in there with a small screwdriver or dental excavator and push towards the front of the camera a little and you can release the front bezel slightly. You’ll find it’s still locked in place at 12 and 6 o’clock. I did not figure out how to release this but by pulling the bezel forwards a tad and holding it open with a thumbnail I was able to reach in with a needle and to pop the small shutter part that normally fills in the gap at five o’clock off its pin. This part of the shutter is small and shaped like a scythe. There was mud on it which I cleaned off with a wet toothbrush. To avoid loosing the piece I held it using a needle threaded through the pivot hole.

Getting the shutter piece back in was delicate. I used the needle to carefully nudge it around until the hole was aligned with the pin. Note that there’s a peg sticking out of one side. The peg points towards the camera body. I still had the shutter sticking out over the lens. Once it was on the pivot I was able to lift the shutter slightly and to work and swing it over the main shutter on the bottom and back into its resting place.

The spring for this the shutter was next. I used skinny end of a wooden toothpick (the flat kind, not the round ones) to push the spring back in and behind the shutter I had just installed. The toothpick was inserted from the lens side and was at about 4:30. Once the spring was back I pushed the bezel back in place which knocked the spring off the toothpick and it landed on the peg that sticks out of the bottom of the small shutter. Maybe I was lucky as I hit this the first time. While holding the bezel with a finger I worked the retaining ring back on. Note there is a small indent in the ring and a corresponding detent on the bottom of the lens barrel.

I believe it would have helped a lot had I been able to figure out how to remove the bezel entirely. I pushed and prodded without success and so ended up doing the work by prying it forwards a little and working in the 2mm gap. The camera works fine now.

Camera Repair said...

Marc,
Great input. Thank you. Was wondering if you could also post here:
http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2007/11/repair-of-stuck-lens-covers.html

CR

Bobby said...

Thanks a bunch for the tips! However, I still can't seem to figure this one out. This is our second Kodak with the same problems...ugh, I know. We just really liked this V1253 that can shoot HD video as well. Well, it worked great until one month after the warranty. We tried to turn it on the other day and the lens refused to come out. I tried all your tips with no luck. From there, I pulled the back off to take a looksie. Don't worry, I repair all sorts of electronics, iPods, PSPs etc as a hobby. Anyway, I was trying to find the motor or some sort of manual crank to get the lens to start. Well, on the bottom of the lens inside, there is an itty bitty, from what I could tell motor with a long flat head screw sticking out. I thought bingo. There it is. I turned it a few times but it didn't appear to do anything. I put everything back together. Well, I think that may be some sort of adjustment or something because now, when powering it up, the lens will fully extend then retract and ask to set the date. Once the date is set, the lens comes all the way out and the camera turns off. OOps. It appears that something is out of sync. Have you any tips? Should I throw in the towel and send it in somewhere? Or how can you tell where this little setting should be?

Any help or tips would be great!
Thanks much,
Robert

Camera Repair said...

RRack,
You'll likely need to adjust the "lens position sensor". Unfortunately, I'm not entirely knowledgable on this subject myself, and have been looking for additional info (particularly regarding the sensor and its adjustment on Canon A510/A520 cameras). But as for Kodak, I did find the following. Pay attention to the July 23 2006 post from Marty. Hope it helps, or gives you a clue:
Kodak Lens Position Sensor Post

AFECKS TUIN said...

If non of this works (like in my case) to make your lense extend properly then try sticking your mouth into the lense (NO SALIVA, OPEN YOUR MOUTH BIG) and then suck really hard, NO SALIVA CONTACT. Just as if you were trying to suck air out. it totally worked for me :)

(since my lense had sand in it)

Anonymous said...

hiya, well firstly what a great site. Great the little man can help each other, not rely on the big boys to fix every little thing.
secondly exilim z75 pressing power on button and menu button at same time brings up version number and pressing power and menu and display button(i think bottom button on back. hard to remember) displays a bunch of numbers. do you know what these numbers are for? also none of the fixes has helped my lens stuck out. obviously lcd works and camera works it just doesnt turn on. double beep then triple beep then nothing. cheers for any help

Anonymous said...

Thank you sooooo damn much!!! I tried all the steps and works at #7... I almost got a new cam because I've droped my sony DSC-W80 and the fix will be really expensive so I have nothing left to loose trying.

It's works just fine!!! I have to do the #7 2 times to make it go true and I'll do 20 if I have to.

I'm going out for a trip this days and will try it better.

Thank you 4 the helpful "do it yourself" Blog!

Vanessa (Brazil)

Anonymous said...

wondering while tapping the USB cover as in #6, should I turn the camera on?

lady_tt said...

hi is there any way i could posibly send u my camera to have a look at...i dont trust myself to follow the intsructions carefully and fear i might just break it...i lost my reciept and kodak won't look at it without the proof of purchase otherwise i would have to pay them a fortune!!!
please help

Camera Repair said...

I'm sorry lady, but I cannot help you there. It defeats the dedicated purpose and actual name of this blog site. Would also be very wary of anyone that does reply to your request. There are a lot of sharks out there.
CR

Anonymous said...

Thank you! I fiddled with the lens while pushing the power button after trying the other suggestions. It worked, hallelujah!

Anonymous said...

My Canon Powershot SD600 got the "lens error, restart camera" message in August. I live at the beach so it was probably sand. I had tried pushing it in but that never worked. I tried everything on your site last night and nothing worked. I decided to give it another shot today. I turned it on, put the camera lens down to the table, started banging and then hit the power button. Totally worked!

Unknown said...

Tried to fix the Lens of a dropped HP Photosmart M525 with #7.
Didn't work - broke the lens.
Guess there was no chance for success.
Good site! (at least a guidance for "something to try")

Anonymous said...

I have a canon sd630, and I loaned my camera and when I got it back I had some pictures to upload and I use my usb to do that through the camera, and I guess my friend dropped the camera or banged it up, so when I turned it on, the lens came out half way, and wont budge at all. it has 2 parts of it to go in and out and one is slightly offline and the top one is pushed down slightly. Everytime I turn it on, I hear what sounds like stuff turning, but no movement seen from the outside and then it beeps twice, and a lens error message "lens error, restart camera" is shown and it goes black. I tried the steps but got nothing.
i dont think it has dirt or anything in it either.

Anonymous said...

I have a canon SD1100 IS. the problem was the lens would open a tiny bit and then say lens error. so i tried prying them open gently for a minute it looked like the problem was worse but after turning the camera on and off again, it worked!!

Anonymous said...

this is great. i tried shaking it around myself, and hitting it myself. i was just watching the video and hit it again...and it worked! talk about luck!

Anonymous said...

sony dsc-w80

Unknown said...

NEW TIP: My poor Canon SD1000 gets stuck all the time, usually with the lens out. Take out your battery and charge it for a couple of minutes. Then, put the battery back in. Hopefully, now when you turn the camera on, it'll work.

Anonymous said...

I have canon powershot sx100 1S, and experienced this stupid problem. I found that it is not so easy to reassemble it, and at first gave up, deciding to find professional service. But after removing and reinserting all batteries, and playing around with knobs and buttons, at least already captured photos appeared. After some half an hour of switching on and off, objective moved for a little. Rest is a history. I shook objective a little bit with my fingers, then repeated swiching camera on and off. And then... o what a happy day!
But it seems, that canon is very vulnerable not only to sand but any dust. Its a real shame.
Canon company tends to suck, but you, guys, rule! THANKS!

Anonymous said...

Yess! Fix #2 incredibly worked fine.

Anonymous said...

Hi

I used fix #7 (after the others failed).Very GENTLY pushing on the side didn't work. What worked was PULLING on the lens barrel. I didn't hear a click, but felt the pins slip into place. Kinda reminded me of movies where someone puts a dislocated shoulder back in place. = 0

Anonymous said...

Hi, I have a Sony Cybershot DSC-200 and I recently dropped it. It still works but it makes a buzzing noise, only when the shutter is open. I assume it is the lens motor or something. If you know this camera, you know its lens is inside, so I dont know how to go about the twisting step and such... Should I try unscrewing it to get to the lens?

Anonymous said...

I had dropped my Canon PowerShot SD 880 IS Digital Elph on its lens when it was on, bending the lens so much it couldn't go back in. Pulling on the bent part worked for me. I had just gotten the camera as a gift and I couldn't bear the thought of admitting that I had already broken it! Thanks so much!

Anonymous said...

Dear all,
I need some help with a kodak v550.
The lens goes out and immediately back in again. We tried some of the fixes, but unfortunately did not work.
Any advice is very much appreciated.
Kind Regards
Frank

Bobby said...

Well. I've had no success with the tips so I sent our worthless Kodak V1253 to Digitech in California to take a look at it. They called me and said that they reset the lens (I'm not even sure there was anything wrong with the lens) but couldn't get it working so I paid another $12 to have is shipped back. It's still doing the same thing. Completely backwards and out of sync...when powering off, the lens extends. When powering on, the lens will move a millimeter then shuts down. After turning it off and on about 15-20 times I can finally get the lens to inch its way back in then it will ask for the date to be set. Then starts back over. Digitech told me that there is a circuitry problem that isn't sending the correct signal and would be too costly to fix. Ugh, any suggestions? Or maybe another place to send it that specializes in junky Kodaks? Kodak themselves wants $110 to fix it but I really hate giving them anymore of our money. This is the second Kodak to die exactly one year and one month after purchase! ie no warranty. We are looking to replace it entirely with something that shoots HD video with stereo but haven't found anything good yet.

Any info or tips would be great.

Thanks much,
Robert

Anonymous said...

I drop my Casio Exilim camera while the lens were open. And after trying all the tips it still makes that weird noise. Nothing seems to have worked. Any other suggestions?

coachbundy said...

I have a rebel xti. it was dropped, and the filter was broken, but not the lense. I removed the filter, but now when taking pictures the view that I see before snapping the picture is blurry, but the picture turns out in focus on the screen and on the computer. Any suggestions?

alissa kei said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Hi, I have a Nikon Coolpix and it fell forward off of a shelf while the lens was open. I don't get a lens error at all and it opens and closes fine, but when I turn the camera on, the viewfinder is all blurry and the lens is a little crooked. Also, it does give me a lens error if I try to zoom it too much. I tried all the tips and nothing has helped. Any ideas?!

Unknown said...

I dropped my Canon Powershot A540 while turning it off and the lens got stuck half way in, with the smallest part of it crooked. I tried all of the steps, nothing worked. Then my husband tried steps #6 and #7. One of them worked. So sometimes you might just need a little extra muscle or someone new.

It works fine now. Thanks so much. This is a great site.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Rekka-Shinen said...

Thank you so much!! You and suggestion #7 totally saved me!

I had given up on poking around the options and menus to try to find that magical option that just may fix it. I finally called customer service who told me to mail it in for repairs; but I needed it that night!

When I started pushing the lens around gently, I was scared to hear what I thought was a giant snap; it sounded like I had broken it and I thought my warranty was shot at that point! Imagine my joy when I turned the camera on and it worked as if nothing had happened!

Thank you so much for posting this!

Anonymous said...

Bangerang! I pulled out on the lens while pushing the "on" button and all systems are go. Spread the love

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for this post! My Nikon Coolpix P60 had a lens error. I figured I'd be taking the camera in for its second repair in less than a year. But your Fix #3 worked and saved me mucho money and time! Thanks so much!

Anonymous said...

PLEASEE HELP ME!! i WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF TAKING A PHOTO WHEN I DROPPED THE CAMERA. I THEN LOOKED AT THE LENSE AND IT IS STICKING OUT AND ON AN ANGLE. I HAVE TRIED ALL OF YOUR METHODS BUT NOTHING HAS WORKED! PLEASE IF ANYONE HAS HAD THE SAME EXPERIENCE AND THEY HAVE FOUND A SOLUTION HELP ME!! I HAVE A CASIO EXILIM EX-Z80. THANKS!

Anonymous said...

okay well I burrowed my friends camera cause mines busted. And well I was going to take a pic on autotimer and it fell. I picked it up the lens didn't want to retract back in. (This is the second time it's happended, first was her fault lol.) And well should I give number 6 and 7 a try I'm super scared.

Sunny said...

I have a Nikon Coolpix 3200. The lens assembly jammed on Day2 of our Mexico vacation ARGH! Luckily I went photo crazy on Day1 and had my camera phone with me for pics I wanted to capture later.

A week after I got home I discovered your tips and managed to free the lens shutter protector by continuing to flick my finger around the entire lens. After about 30 seconds, some sand grit came out and the jam was fixed.

Thanks for the tips!

Anonymous said...

Fix #7 worked for me! Had to try this gently several times until it worked. Kodak Easyshare C613. Error code 115,0,0,217. My daughter dropped this with the lens open while proudly showing her mom her camping pictures. You and the Kodak engineers made her (and my) day!

CrzyMarine said...

Hello,

I have a Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ18

Unfortunately I went out on a limb and bought the Display camera since it was the only one left. And I cannot return it because I opened some of the packaging which here voids the return.

My problem is that It won't power on, AND the lens is stuck about 1/3 way out. From past experiences I think the lens being stuck out may be the reason it won't turn on. However pushing on the lens is not fixing this one.

And the battery is completely charged. PLEASE HELP!!!

-CrzyMarine
-crzymarine19@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the info. My daugter dropped her canon powershot. The lens was stuck out and wouldn't retract. I held tight to it, actually pulled on it, while I turned it on and the alignment pins reseated themselves. Saved me money and my daughter heartache.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the help! Fix number 7 (forcing the len) worked for me. Kodak easypic or whatever its called.

martbgt said...

Hi I have a Samsung S500, the lens was stuck out and it was giving three beeps then switching off, a combination of method 4 and 7 sorted it just dont get too enthusiastic with method 7 gently does it. Martbgt.

Anonymous said...

This was SO helpful! #4 did the job! :D Thank you so much!!! You saved me $6 LoL!

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much! I have a Canon Powershot SD1100 and I had the lens error for several days...until I found your blog. I was freaking out that my BRAND NEW camera of only 3 months was broken forever. But, I tried a few light taps (after trying the first 5 steps) and it works once again! Thank you for making this blog! You have saved a LOT OF PEOPLE A LOT OF MONEY! Thank you! - Meghan

リン said...

Thank you SO much for the tips (:
I love my Kodak Easyshare M1033, but after an unfortunate run-in involving foam (don't ask), it just wasn't the same. Recently, when pressing the "zoom" button, the lens would lock up, and the camera would shut off. I tried your compressed air tip and then tried gently rotating the bottom third of the extended lens a bit, and now, except for a small noise when zooming (I suppose unavoidable), it works just fine. Thanks again for the ideas!

george said...

I have a Pentax Optio S5i.
The barrel was stuck. I twisted the barrel to correct the alignment, then pushing it all the way in and it seemed to work. I used this as a last resort as there was a good chance it would break it rather than fix it. Worked for me though, although afterwards the lens still wouldn't open fully when the camera turned on! So I used the bang technique, banged it firmly, many times, and finally the camera is completely fixed!
Thanks!

Anonymous said...

I took my camera to Venice Beach last weekend and fell in the sand while holding it. I took a picture about 10 minutes later and it worked fine. The next time I turned the camera on it automatically zoomed in to 16x and none of the buttons would work. The camera turns on fine but in every setting it just zooms in! The only button that works once zoomed in, is the button to change to view mode, and then I can only see the last picture that was taken. I don't get any error messages when I turn on the camera so I'm not even sure that it is a lens error. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Sorry, I forgot to mention that my camera is a Canon PowerShot A560.

Camera Repair said...

Anonymous from Venice Beach,
No this is not a lens error. Sounds like you're zoom switch may be jammed in the on position, also causing these other symptoms. Sounds like some sand may have accumulated there jamming it open. However, to correct it may require opening the camera case to clean around the zoom switch.

The following will give you pointers on how to do this for your camera. If you decide to try this, recommend proceeding only as far as removing the front case. Also check the copper foil mentioned in the article. It's very fragile, and could have also been damaged in the fall. If it is damaged you can easily replace it by wrapping a small piece of aluminum foil in the same spot. Keep in mind it is intended to make an electrical connection when the case is closed. Also keep in mind there is a danger of electrical shock with the case open, so be careful and read the warning posted on this blog site. Good luck, and again remember it's your decision if you decide to proceed. Here's the article.

John Delaney said...

You helped me fix my Nikon Coolpix 8700, about 4 years old.

Was on 31 day trip to Argentina this March-April 2009 when dredded "lens error" message appeared after 20 days. No drop, no sand, no idea what happened. Four different batteries, no change. Lost many great photo ops.

Then found your site. Removed the card, twisted on lense barrel, slightly more forcefully than before, and suddenly "click" and all is well!

You've helped so many people, I know. Thank you.

John

Unknown said...

Thank you for the great tips and for putting this blog together. I had lost hope with my Kodak V1253. The last time it worked was at the beach. I let my uncle use it and am not sure what happen to it. Don't know if it was dropped or just got sand in it.

I was getting the same problem many have with this camera. I power the camera on, the lens would extend and retract then power down. The only way I could access anything from the LCD was through the favorites button. The fix that worked for me was #4 placing the camera flat on its back and holding the shutter button down while powering on the camera. LCD is now functioning and the lens functions like its suppose to; However, I am unable to use the zoom now. When I push the switch to zoom the camera powers down. I'll continue to look for tips on this matter on the blog. Thanks again!

Nick Smith said...

I've got a GE A830, just got it out of my camera case after not using it in months and had this lovely lense error :) I was doing number 6 method of bashing it on a table. I laid down a triple folded microfiber cloth to protect it while I pounded away. The method that finally got it was slamming it face down (lense into the cloth, lcd towards the ceiling) after a few bashes i tried it and it came out, but wouldn't go back in fully. I just shoved it all the way back in when it was powered off, now it fully functioning no problem. Thanks for the help!

Anonymous said...

This site is awesome! Thanks so much. I have a Casio Exilim EX-Z80 and the battery died while the lens was out. I've broken about 3-4 digital cameras in my time and CAN NOT afford another. I did every step and finally the lens came out!! I also think that pressing the red button with the camera on it to start the camera works better than the actual on/off button. Thanks, again!

Mikey said...

Well I have little hope, but Last week I had some friends over and we were all using my camera to take pictures. At some point in the night two of the girls who were over decided to have their own photo shoot and I believe they may have dropped it and didn't tell me. However I found the camera today and the lens is out and bent down and to the left. I have tried pushing it back in while pressing the power button with no success. The camera is less than a year old, it is an Exilim EX-Z80. Any suggestions are welcome!

Wotan said...

Canon Powershot a590 is

#7 worked for me... I took it to a concert the other night, and as far as I know it was not dropped, but working with lens like in #7 made it work again. Of course then it got stuck sticking out, but finally after a half hour it worked!

Thanks

Anonymous said...

The lens on my daughter's Samsung S860 was stuck and crooked, I was able to finally get it to go back in by using a #7. The camera actually will turn on now (while the lens was stuck out the green light would come for a second and that was it). I can now take a picture but it is blurry because the lens now will not extend out more than about 2mm. Any ideas on what I could do next? Thanks.

Unknown said...

Thanks a lot for your blog!!!! I had almost lost hope for my Canon SD 600. I tried all the steps you suggested and I think Step 7 really set the stage for what I did next. I kinda slipped a paper edge through the crease of the camera's lens....almost like flossing the barrel....n voila the cam started working...

I still think the problem with my camera is more than just sand stuck between the barrels coz they still struggle to move back and forth...and I am not sure when it will give up on me....but as of now...I'm happy coz it's working!!!!
Thank you...u saved me a lot of money..n above all I love my cam!!!

Anonymous said...

I have a Canon PowerShot A70 with a lens that would not extract. After I bought a new camera (A590) thought what the heck, will try to fix the A70. I used a shop vac which just fit over the lens with a tight seal then powered on a few times while camera had the lens facing down. I gently tapped on the back of the camera body. After that, plugged in the AV cord and lens opened. Used compressed air to clean, works fine. Thanks for great suggestions. Wish I read them before purchasing new Canon.

Anonymous said...

I have a Powershot SX110 IS. The lens retracted, then the batteries died. Replaced the batteries, then the lens wouldn't retract and I got the dreaded Lens Error Restart Camera screen of death. The only thing that worked was pushing the on/off button and then IMMEDIATELY whamming the fucking hell out of the left side of the camera with the palm of my hand. TA DA!!!!!!!! Wish I would have known this when I was in Paducah this weekend unable to take pictures of my prize-winning quilt.

Anonymous said...

#6 Did the trick, I have an old but trusty Fuji FinePix A205 that I use extensively for my work. I closed the lens cover and rapped it against the palm of my hand on all sides and problem solved.

Thanks again,

Stan

Anonymous said...

Thank you for this post- it gave me the confidence to mess with the camera. My husband and I tinkered with it and nothing. Ready to recycle it I threw it across the room a couple times. Then threw it in the kitchen, the dropped it off the stairs. Just as my husband was shaking his head at me for being so crazy- POOF! It works. I have broken the entire face off the camera, but it works. :)

Anonymous said...

After hours of trying to fix my jammed lens (a drunk friend DROPPED it at a party!) I put it face down-ie the lens touching-the kitchen table like you are going to look at the LCD screen. Then I pushed the on button and pushed the camera down. It moved a little! I did it again pushing harder and it went right in! Camera works just fine now! And I wont be handing it over to any more drunk friends- I am turning in to my mother with my "PUT THE CORD AROUND YOUR WRIST!" Thanks for your help!

Toby said...

Hey i have a samsung L200
lens jammed with some sand on a beach.
hit against the side of my hand until the lens popped halfway out, then hoovered it face down.
works amazingly.

i also had a canon and would recommend trying these approaches 1st beacuase i sent mine off with warranty and they offered a price to repair worth more than the camera. Complete scan artists.

i wish i had just tried a few of these in the day.

oh how i miss that beloved camera...

THANKS :-D

Camera Repair said...

I don't agree with scan artist. A professional repair would replace the entire lens assembly with a new one. The camera would thus be almost "good as new". And yes, this would be labor intensive and costly, especially for older cameras where such parts may be scarce.

The fixes listed here are not professional repairs. They may get your camera running again, but maybe not as good as new. You may here grinding noises, etc... but at least you're able to take a picture again. As such, these fixes (especially #6 & 7) should be considered only when the cost of professional repair becomes more than the value of the camera.
CR

Anonymous said...

OMG thank you so much for this site!! ive been trying to figure out how to fix my camera forever!! after trying to turn it with no budge,, tapping it etc.

but by doing #7 ( pushing the side of the camera lens with te biggest gap i heard the click, turned it back off and it worked!!!!

Anonymous said...

Canon Powershot A560 - To fix the lens error problem:
1 - Open the camera.
2 - Lay the camera flat with lens towards the celling and the bottom towards you.
3 - Locate the optical encoder connected to a ribbon cable on the left side of the lens, right above the motor, take it out is it isn't already and reseat it again in the slot.
4 - OPTIONAL: glue the optical encoder in it's seat, but DO NOT get glue inside the seat itself.
5 - With the camera open turn it on and off a few times.
6 - put the camera back together.

That fixed the problem for me, but thank you for all the suggestions in this blog.

Soma said...

Fix#4 worked for our Canon SD 1100S camera. Great tip! Saved us few hundred dollars on a new camera.

Katie said...

Thank you so much!! I really thought that I was going to have to have my camera taken in, resulting in very expensive prices, my dad doesn't even know that I broke it ;P Methood #7 works perfectly for Nikon Coolpix! Thanks agian!

Unknown said...

#7 fixed it. 2 year old daughter threw the G7 to the floor - lens would not fully retract. took a few tries to really force it but now its fine.

Melle said...

I had just bought a Nikon coolpix camera and I dropped it while the lens was extended. The lens was on an angle and I was panicking, so I very harshly jammed the lens back into the camera. It still doesn't work and I am going to try to return it to FutureShop. HOPEFULLY they won't know. But is it easily broken on all cameras? What is the best camera brand?

THE DUMB ONE said...

PLEEEAASEE HELP MEE!!!!
MY BEST FRIEND LET ME BORROW HER FUJIFILM CAMERA AND I DROPPED IT WHILE WALKING TO SCHOOL :(
WHEN I TURND IT ON IT SAID ZOOOM ERROR..
THE LENS IS STICKING OUT AT AN ANGLE, IVE TRIED EVERYTHING!!well sorta.. AND IT WONT GO BACK IN!!!IT TAKES A PICTRE NOW BUT ITS BLURRY..UHH I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO OR HOW TO TELL HER
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE WITH A CHERRY ON TOP
HEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLPPPPP MEEEEEEE

Once Sad Man said...

My Olympus Stylus 1000 broke the other day, it fell on the lens (which was on full zoom). I tried everything on this site, but it did not solve the problem. That was when I noticed that my lens (the part of the camera that protrudes) was tilted. I managed to physically force the lens back into shape, so that it was no longer tilted. I recommend pushing slightly on the lens, but if a slight push doesn't do the job, don't be afraid to use more force. I had to use my teeth in the end, but I was able to get it realigned. Don't be afraid to get desperate, since if all else fails, your better off tossing the camera and buying a new one. Repair costs are non worth it. Hope this helps.

Anonymous said...

Thanks, my casio exilim lens would not go back into the camera and then the camera just made this hum hum click sound then nothing. but the i got to looking at your site and about the pins so i tapped it on my desk. on one side then the other while pushing the on button.
sweet, i dont have to throw this camera in the garbage and buy a new one for my wife. you just saved me at least $300.00. many mahalos

Anonymous said...

Thank you! I nervously tried to force the lens back in. On the third try it worked and my camera is fixed! I had the lens error after the camera was dropped. The lens would not go in or all the way out. But thanks to you fix info. #7 I fixed it. You gave me the confidence to manually force the lens in. Thanks again!

emorej said...

Mannnnnn! this ish worked. I went to the beach and sand got trapped in the lens and it refused to open. I took it to a few stores who said they dont fix digi-cameras. I search it, found this and to my amazement it worked. I dont know which on in particular worked for me but i tried everything. I played with the lens trying to move around the sand, i knocked it up, i replaced the batteries, removed and reinserted the memory card. I replaced the batteries and it worked! thanks cause i really need it!

Anonymous said...

Fix 7 did the trick and i get to keep my parents camera now! ;) haha, thank you!! :)

Anonymous said...

I have a canon sd1100 is
i tried the battery.. no luck
i tried pressurized air.. no luck
i banged the bottom side flatly against a book with a good amount of force.. presto camera lens opened up.
used the pressurized air to blow around the lens.. and i am going to quit using my camera case
thanks for the tips

Alyssa M said...

I have a Nixon Coolpix S210 and it dropped face flat on the cement. When I turn it on it makes weird beeping noises and zooms in and out then says lens error. Nothing is cracked, but is there any way I can fix this asap?!

Anonymous said...

okay i dropped my friend camera on the floor, in the girl's locker rooom at school and the camera was on and now the lens isn't trying to close, or the display sceen won't show up on the camera either. is their anything i can do before i have to go to the store to get it repaired? Please and Thank you

Hakan Cezayirli said...

Thank you for your helpfull post. I repair my Nikon Coolpix L11. The official service ask $100 for repair but i did it with your help...

Best regards from Turkey
Hakan

Anonymous said...

My FE-230 olympus camera's screen is white. I can not take pictures or view anything! I need help. It would be my 4th time repairing it if i can not fix it in a few hours.

Anonymous said...

Thank you, thank you. I had all but written off the camera (Canon Powershot A720). My hubby had let our 18 month old child play with (!!!) so I wasn't even going to bother calling Canon, even though the camera is fairly new. Fix #7 was the one that worked for me.

Unknown said...

Thanks a lot I tried all the methods and the tapping one worked.But i had to tap really hard.I tried tapping gently but after hard tapping the lens closed and its working fine now.
I dropped my sonycybershotdsc h10 and the lens is stuck fully out. I can still view the pics on camera but as soon as i change it to take a picture, it moves slightly and i can hear a noise but then it just switches off. I`m getting a message saying turn off and trurn on again.
Hary

x said...

hi, i have a sony cybershot DSC- t200 and the lcd touch screen is spoilt. do you know of any way i could fix it on my own? everything is in perfect condition, its just that i cant change the settings due to the spoilt screen and repair costs 400 bucks. any idea?

Cecilia said...

was out with friends and my friend was passing her camera to me and our hands hadn't quite met and we'd been drinking, so the camera dropped...still not sure who's fault it was. Hah.

BUT, the same "Lens error, restart camera" message kept coming up and the lens wouldn't retract on her SD 1100, so I googled how to fix it and this site came up. I used the last method of forcing and twisting the lens, basically pushed it back in while pressing the power button repeatedly and it worked!

Thanks sooooooo much and good luck to those who need to channel these methods in the future!

Paul said...

Great post! The lens was stuck on my Casio Exilim, and a combination of #6 and #7 fixed it :). I'm in the middle of a vacation in Stockholm too, so fixing it for the rest of the trip is awesome.

Thank Great Camera Dude!

Anonymous said...

thank u, thank u ur information was very helpfull the 6 one.

Kimmie said...

I have a Sony Cypershot DSC-S500, and unfortunately to the end of my holiday I dropped it.. and the lens stayed out, and it turned itself off.. and when I pressed the power button, it would flash red.

I tried all the tips, but none worked.. at least I tried... then I followed your further advice to read other people's comments, and one of them took me to a site which suggested being a bit more vigorious bashing it against a hard surface.. since I was planning to throw it out in despair and saving for a new one .... nothing left to lose !! It now works!!

Thanks for sharing the wisdom.. I'm SO HAPPY!

Brian said...

Thanks a million! Fix #2 sorted out my canon IXY. Go raibh maith agat!

British said...

I have a Nikon Coolpix S1 (which has no retractable lens)and thought that it was history when the lens error message popped up. I gave it a good 'whack' on my palm as it was turning on, which seems to have done the trick... Thanks for the post!

Nadia said...

I don't even know how it happened, but maybe i left the camera on in the case? anyways lens error, camera would work but the picture was out of focus, when u zoomed in all the way it would shut off saying lens error restart camera.
oh and the lens was sideways. when i saw the diagram i knew it had to be #7... but i was worrried i'd break it. tried everything else, and well #7 worked for me!
I twisted it while i turned it on.
and its back to normal. a little sluggish but i think it's fine. :) thanks so much for the help

Nadia said...

Oops, was a canon sd800 is

Anonymous said...

Thank you very much for this post. I have a Coolpix S500 that had Lens Error. I read on another site that it would cost nearly as much to fix as it was to buy so I tried the solutions you suggested. I went down your list of things to do and the one that worked for me was pushing on the power button and gently twisting the lens. I should stress that it was a very light twist and the lens went back in as soon as I did it. Wonderful - Thanks again!

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