Nikon Coolpix 3100 will not turn off or lense retract

Nov 03, 2009

- Hi

Apologies I could not get back to you earlier. With a camera such as this it is indeed likely that the cost of a repair will be prohibitive and your money will be better spent on a new one.

However here are a few things you can try yourself before consigning it to the garbage.

I have listed these in order of least likely to cause further harm to your camera but this advice is given at your own risk. Many of these fixes have been found to work though if you are careful.

Fixes 1 to 5 are relatively unlikely to cause any problems.

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 - try powering up again.

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 mechanism. 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).


With Fix 6 and 7 there is a potential for damaging your camera in conducting the fix 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.

If all of these fail the camera will have to go for a sevice repair to resolve the problem or as suggested it might be better to replace it with a new unit given cost implications. I hope this helps.

If you are happy to do so you can re-rate my answer which is now a bit more comprehensive. Thanks for your patience.