Kodak C195 Digital Camera Logo

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Anonymous Posted on Jun 27, 2014

The screen says Lens obstructed and the lens is still extended, how do I fix this?

5 Related Answers

camerac613

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on Jun 15, 2008

SOURCE: Lens stuck open

I have a Kodak C613, it was dropped down the stairs and the lens in stuck out, and will not come in. When I turn it on it says "Lens Error: 123, 0, 0, -23" It fixed itself once, but now it will only let me view picture when I go to favorites mode before I turn it on, then press review. Any ideas on how to fix it?

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Anonymous

  • 11967 Answers
  • Posted on Mar 27, 2010

SOURCE: press pwr button the lens extends lcd

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.

Anonymous

  • 6831 Answers
  • Posted on Sep 13, 2010

SOURCE: lens obstructed.remove lens cap

Hello

The problem is that the lens has become stuck in the barrel. There are some DIY solutions you could try, but the probability is that you will have to get it fixed by a professional.

Use these at own risk as it may further damage the camera.

Firstly , try connecting your ac adapter or usb cable.

Try holding the shutter button while switching on the camera.

Look at the lens , and if some of the lens 'circles' is misaligned or not concentric then try wiggling it (while holding camera lens down).

Try gently pushing or pulling the lens when it extends but this is risky as it may cause the lens barrel to slip out of its guidance system.

Another way to do this is to place the camera lens down on a hard surface and then power it up. Be sure to use a soft cloth or something similar as to not scratch your lens or casing. Let the lens push the camera up and down a few times and sometimes the little resistance provided by the camera is enough to get things going again.

Try hitting your camera near the lens on the body with the soft tissue on the palm of your hand.

Other than that , I would take the camera to a repair center for a evaluation to see if it would cost more to repair than to replace the camera.

If it is still under warranty I would suggest you take it in before trying any of these steps and remove any off-brand batteries or accessories as some stores are really fussy about warranty repairs on camera's with non-brand accessories.

Hope the advise is useful.

Regards
Andrea

Anonymous

  • 11967 Answers
  • Posted on Mar 31, 2011

SOURCE: my c195 keeps sayin lens obstructed and lens wont

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.
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.

t00nz

CameraR

  • 4738 Answers
  • Posted on Jun 30, 2011

SOURCE: Lens obstructed..daughter got camera for

First contact Kodak to see if they'll honor warranty repair. But if they don't, many cameras that fall prey to lens error problems (lens obstructed on Kodaks) can only be corrected by professional repair. But, here are some last resort troubleshooting steps that you can try 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 (or repair cost approaches that of the camera), they're worth that try.

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Related Questions:

0helpful
1answer

Turns on for 1/2 second and turns off

It sounds like the focus element inside the lens is stuck. This is usually either due to an impact knocking the elements out of alignment, or to sand/debris entering the focus motor's gear drive and preventing it from rotating. The buzzing sound you hear is the focus motor attempting to rotate, but buzzing up against some obstruction. When the lens extends, you hear a buzzing sound, and then the lens retracts - this is usually the cause of the issue. Unfortunately there is not much you can do externally to fix this problem. The camera will need to be taken apart and repaired by a professional or by the manufacturer. David Millier http://advancecamera.com/repair
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Lens barrel wont extend

You have a problem with your lens, maybe a decentered lens. Make sure there are no obstructions in the way of the lens. It may need to be serviced.
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Kodak m532 lens obstructed

Lens errors (lens obstructed on Kodaks) 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 ... Here are some troubleshooting steps that you can try that may (or may not) correct it. They only seem to work for less than 40% of the lens errors, but if the camera is out of warranty (or repair cost approaches that of the camera), they're worth that try. Some of the later steps do involve some risk to the camera, so carefully weigh your options before deciding to conduct them:
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L18 lens error

From Nikon site...

Why does my camera show "lens error" on the screen?

Having a "Lens error" message display on the camera's LCD display indicates a problem with the camera lens mechanism. This situation generally requires that the camera be sent to a Nikon Service Department for repair. Before doing this however, be sure to check these situations below:

One possible reason for this error is if the camera is switched on and the lens unit is prevented from extending. The camera will struggle for a second to extend the lens, then report the problem. Inspect the lens for any obvious obstruction, then turn the camera off, then on again. Usually, simply switching the camera Off then On again is enough to correct this problem.
Remove and recharge the battery. Retest.

If this does not help, then we regret the camera must be sent to our Nikon Service department as there are no user serviceable parts on Nikon Coolpix cameras.

Additionally, this link could helpfull: fixing-lens-error-on-digital-camera.html

Hope helps (remember to rate and commet this answer).
0helpful
1answer

I dropped my camera now whenever i turn it on it say 'lense obstructed how do i fix it???

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.
1helpful
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I have a canon powershot sx100 IS the lens is

Here is a site that discusses things you can try to fix this for free. They do a much better job than I could, and they let you know the risks and steps to take, in order. Try this first, you might get lucky- they say 50% of stuck lenses or lens errors can be fixed.
http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2007/12/fixing-lens-error-on-digital-camera.html
Don't worry, this is a huge problem with extendable lenses, due to their construction with small, plastic gears that are easy to break with a bump or fall, or obstruction while extending.
0helpful
1answer

My polaroid i633 won't work!

YOur camera is looking for verification that the lens is extending. Once it sees the lens has extended when you power on, the sensors in the lens tell the Operating system that the lens is Ok.
If it does NOT see verification from the lens, it shuts down. Never force your lens back in. You may have to take the camera apart to reset the lens. you do this by removing the Zoom gear drive assembly and free you lens up by hand. 1 grain of sand or grit is like a Monkey Wrench in a Gear cog. Clear the obstruction with a can of compressed air, and work the lens with your hand. once you can that put it all back together and it should work.
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Sorry to say but a lens error actually is a problem that you cannot fix at home. When a lens error occurs, the motors inside that make the lens retract and protract were some how damaged, usually caused if the lens try coming out when you have it in your pocket or against a surface so it cant fully come out. You will have to send the camera in for service and you can do that by calling 1-800-706-2534, option 1.
2helpful
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Zoom error

I had the same problem with mine and I tried several suggestions, BUT the only one that has worked is to gently grab the lens, pull it out as far as it will go until fully extended. While keeping it extended turn the lens to the right until you hear a click. Once you hear the click, release the lens and turn the power button on and then back off again. This should take care of the problem. A word of warning. ALWAYS make sure your fingers do not touch the front of the lens when you power on the camera. Even the slightest bit of obstruction seems to make the problem reoccur. Another note. I had tried this several times until I finally heard the click, so please don't give up on it, just keep trying. This will work and it will save you a lot of time and money having it fixed.
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