While on a trip, I was constantly taking my camera out of its case, and putting it back in again. At one point, when I took it out, I got "lens error, restart camera." I have not been able to boot into capture mode since. The outer casing did seem a bit crooked, so I forced it back on, and that didn't help. Since then, I've been trying different web solutions. It's definitely possible that there is a mechanical problem, even if it's only as a result of my clumsy fix attempts. But, the weird thing is, I get the error when I try to start into playback mode, too. I have to take out the batteries, including the back-up, and re-insert them, then load into playback mode without attempting to load into capture mode first. Then, I can usually access the playback. Given this, I have maintained a faint hope that the problem may actually be software related. I've tried downloading CHDK to get around that, but it won't work for my camera. I can't even find the version, because pressing FUNC. SET shows me a little digital clock, but pressing the DISP button after doesn't do anything more. I've looked it up, and that should be the correct key combination for my camera. I've been struggling with this for sometime. Now, I have a trip to France this Friday. If I can't get my camera working again, I would like to know in time to buy a new camera before I leave. So, any help would be really appreciated!
From your description it appears to be a mechanical problem. I doubt you can get it repaired in time for your trip.
I suggest you put your money towards a new camera and you maybe able to use the SD memory card from the old camera after you format the SD memory card in the new camera.
SOURCE: Canon IXUS 100IS - 'Lens error, restart camera' message
Lens errors are fairly common. 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 ...
Unfortunately, many cameras that fall prey to this can only be corrected by professional repair. But, here are some things that you can do that may correct it. They only seem to work for less than 40% of the lens errors, but if the camera is out of warranty, they're worth a try:
http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2007/12/fixing-lens-error-on-digital-camera.html
Hi,
Probably not.... there are many things that can cause the lens not to function properly...
Here is a tip that I wrote about How to get a Digital Camera Lens to work again
Steps to Repair a Digital Camera Lens
heatman101
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