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Posted on Feb 29, 2012

Samsung st 65 lens wont retract

Lens won't retract upon powering off

5 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 11967 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 17, 2010

SOURCE: lens wont retract,after dropping it.

Fixing a Lens Error on a Digital Camera

This has to be THE most common failure mode for a digital camera. Some common error messages that might show up on the LCD's of cameras with this problem include “E18 lens error”, or “lens error, restart camera”. 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.
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.
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 that didn't work, try pressing and holding the Function or OK button while turning the camera on.
Fix #2: Remove the batteries, then remove the memory card. Then install new batteries, and turn on the camera. If you get an Error E30, it means you don't have a memory card installed, so turn it off, slip in the memory 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 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 in 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).
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 two fixes.
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 potential for damaging or dislodging internal components with this method, such as unseating ribbon cables, or cracking LCD screens.
Fix #7: Try forcing the lens. More people have reported success with this method than with any of the other methods. HOWEVER, there's obviously some potential for damaging your camera by using this method. Variations include gently pulling, rotating, and/or twisting the lens barrel while hitting the power button. Attempt to gently 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). 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.

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Anonymous

  • 4 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 23, 2010

SOURCE: Digimax S800 Samsung : Lens won't retract

check first if battery is ok, maybe your problem is your barrel, if barrel not function properly you need to change motor or barrel allignment. if barrel is ok you have short circuit in your assy pcb main.

Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on Feb 09, 2008

SOURCE: digimax samsung s500 beeps 3 times lens stuck wont stay on

I had the same problem.....3 beeps, no lens, no screen.  I was ready to shop for a new one, but I wanted to try all the different solutions given on this site. Well, tapping the bottom of my camera on my desk 3 times worked. Now all is well. Thanks to all.

Anonymous

  • 11967 Answers
  • Posted on May 25, 2011

SOURCE: Samsung tl220 lens is stuck

Fixing a Lens Error on a Digital Camera


This has to be THE most common failure mode for a digital camera. Some common error messages that might show up on the LCD's of cameras with this problem include "E18 lens error", or "lens error, restart camera". 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 interiors). Once these materials work their way into the lens mechanism, that's all she wrote. I have many cameras, and NEVER use a case for this very reason.

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.

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 that didn't work, try pressing and holding the Function or OK button while turning the camera on.

Fix #2: Remove the batteries, then remove the memory card. Then install new batteries, and turn on the camera. If you get an Error E30, it means you don't have a memory card installed, so turn it off, slip in the memory 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 particles 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 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 in 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).

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 two fixes.

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 potential for damaging or dislodging internal components with this method, such as unseating ribbon cables, or cracking LCD screens.

Fix #7: Try forcing the lens. More people have reported success with this method than with any of the other methods. HOWEVER, there's obviously some potential for damaging your camera by using this method. Variations include gently pulling, rotating, and/or twisting the lens barrel while hitting the power button. Attempt to gently 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). 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.

Anonymous

  • 489 Answers
  • Posted on Jul 25, 2011

SOURCE: Hi I slipped in the

Sorry about your moms camera Terry... but it sounds like it needs the lens replaced. If the lens is stuck out at an angle you can *SNAP* the inner lens section back into place if you're lucky, and it will work again like normal.

I don't know your model, but a refurb lens can usually be installed for about $75 including return shipping. You should check the replacement cost of a used camera and see which is cheaper in the long run.

Hope this helps!

Thomas Drayton
Owner, Darntoothysam.com Digital Camera Repair

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Hello Doris, You can "GENTLY" try to push the lens slowly back into the camera with the palm of your hand, note I said gently and slowly, do not use force !!! Then turn on camera and see if this helped, if not it is repair time.
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If i on the camera the lens won't work properly and message that turn off the camera and turn on again

Hi there:
If the camera has recently been dropped it may have lens damage that is preventing it from powering up. There are a number of ways with which a lens error can be caused. Particulates might have managed to get into the mechanical bits that allow the lens to retract, a purely physical interference with the lens mechanism. If the camera was dropped, especially while the lens was extended, there's a pretty good chance something might have been knocked loose, such as the guide pins upon which the lens withdraws and retracts.


Additional details could find in this article link: fixing-lens-error-on-digital-camera.html

Hope this helps; also keep in mind that your feedback is important and I`ll appreciate your time and consideration if you leave some testimonial comment about this answer.

Thank you for using FixYa, have a nice day.
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Try resetting the camera by removing the battery for 20 mins. then replace the battery go to the camera's menu and set the Date and Time.
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Hi Connie:
Lens stuck, is common defective that need new lens unit replacement or just repairable.

Causes of a Lens Error: There are a number of ways with which a lens error can be caused. Particulates might have managed to get into the mechanical bits that allow the lens to retract, a purely physical interference with the lens mechanism. If the camera was dropped, especially while the lens was extended, there's a pretty good chance something might have been knocked loose, such as the guide pins upon which the lens withdraws and retracts.

How to Repair a Lens Error: As scary as a lens error might seem, there are some easy fixes. Before trying any of them out, however, first take a good long look at your camera warranty and maybe have a chat with the company. If the lens error will be covered under the terms of the warranty, go for it. Even some of the simple fixes mentioned below might void the camera warranty. Sincerely, however, it's unlikely that a lens error will qualify for the warranty.

Hope this helps; also keep in mind that your feedback is important and I'll appreciate your time and consideration if you leave some testimonial comment about this answer.

Thank you for using Fixya, and have a nice day.
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My wb 210 got wet and now the zoom lens wont retract.

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Unfortunately that isn't repairable. The most likely reason as to why the lens won't retract is because the water fried its circuit board and that is a costly repair.
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Hi I slipped in the garage and dropped the camera when it was on==batteries came out and lens of course didn't fully retract. Put batteries back in and the green light comes on and beeps but won't...

Sorry about your moms camera Terry... but it sounds like it needs the lens replaced. If the lens is stuck out at an angle you can *SNAP* the inner lens section back into place if you're lucky, and it will work again like normal.

I don't know your model, but a refurb lens can usually be installed for about $75 including return shipping. You should check the replacement cost of a used camera and see which is cheaper in the long run.

Hope this helps!

Thomas Drayton
Owner, Darntoothysam.com Digital Camera Repair
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Canon g10 lens error.. lens fully extended then won't take a photo.. then the lens error appeared

Causes of a Lens Error: There are a number of ways with which a lens error can be caused. Particulates might have managed to get into the mechanical bits that allow the lens to retract, a purely physical interference with the lens mechanism. If the camera was dropped, especially while the lens was extended, there's a pretty good chance something might have been knocked loose, such as the guide pins upon which the lens withdraws and retracts.

How to Repair a Lens Error: As scary as a lens error might seem, there are some easy fixes. Before trying any of them out, however, first take a good long look at your camera warranty and maybe have a chat with the company. If the lens error will be covered under the terms of the warranty, go for it. Even some of the simple fixes mentioned below might void the camera warranty. Frankly, however, it's unlikely that a lens error will qualify for the warranty.

Try just some basic things first-just to make sure it's actually the lens that's broken. Replace the batteries with fresh ones. Failing that, replace the memory card.

Additional details could find in this article link: fixing-lens-error-on-digital-camera.html


Keep us updated.
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My samsung st700 is brand new have it only a week and it has stopped working. when i turn it on the lens extents and then it stop, i have no screen and it will not respond and then the lens wont retract....

Hello,

If you have been using this camera outdoors, then the one causing your problem is a grit of sand jamming the lens. Hold your camera with your right hand with the lens facing the ground. Next, tap the camera's base to your left palm while powering on the camera. You might want to do this several times. If it still wont work, and you can avail of the warranty to save repair cost.

Hope this helps.
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