This is a relatively common problem with all retractable lens camera's.
Most of the time the problem is that sand , dirt and grit gets lodged
in the camera lens barrel thus keeping it from extending properly.
There are some DIY fixes you could try but use these at own risk as it may further damage the camera.
Firstly , try connecting your ac adapter or usb cable. The logic here
is that it will provide more power to the lens extension mechanism
which could possibly then overcome the particles lodged in the barrel.
Try holding the shutter button while switching on the camera.
Try using compressed air (best is a clean air can bought at a
electronics store) and blow between the lens and the casing. This
should help dislodge some of the particles.
Then, there is always the option of simply gently pulling the lens when
it tries to extend but this is really risky and not always a feasible
option.
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. It will probably end up being cheeper to bin it and get a new one if these DIY tricks don't work.
Hope the advise works and please tell me how it goes.
Comments:
Sep 06, 2009
- It's a pleasure , sorry it didn't work. What camera did you buy to replace it?
Regards
Stephan
Sep 14, 2009
- Sony is a good make and is one of my top 5 recommended camera brands. You should stay off the site for a while ;) but feel free to come back if you have any problems with any of your other gadgets.