Best Solution
posted on Jun 23, 2009
Rank: Wiz
Rating: 91%, 41 votes
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.
Fix #2:
Remove the batteries, then remove the memory card. Then install the new
batteries, when you turn it on it should come back to life. Error E30
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.