Nikon coolpix won't focus - Nikon Coolpix S210 Digital Camera

SOURCE: my coolpix camera reads lens error

This is probably THE most common failure among digital cameras. There's a halfway chance of fixing it yourself, described here: http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2007/12/fixing-lens-error-on-digital-camera.html

SOURCE: Focus error

The lens is having a problem in the track. That can be similar and possibly the same as lens error. that could be caused by dirt or sand inside the camera. What happens is that the dirt or sand can get on the track which has oil or other lubricant and will cause problems with focus and other lens errors.

See my posts on these problems.

You may try to pull the lens as it starts and then push it as you turn it off.
This may also cause more damage, but can be worth a try.

SOURCE: nikon coolpix s630, lens error, blurry, ticking sound

The following blog outlines some repair options for a lens error. They won't work for all cases, but they're worth a try if the camera's no longer under warranty:

http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2007/12/fixing-lens-error-on-digital-camera.html

SOURCE: Intermittantly does not auto focus

Hi,

Your Nikon Coolpix 3200 Digital Camera is equipped with a AF assist illuminator which makes focus easier when shooting in darker situations.

In spite of that, on occasion, it is quite possible that the camera will fail to achieve sharp auto-focus.

Point and Shoot cameras use a contrast-based focusing system: this works only when the contrast in the composition is high.

When you press the shutter halfway down the camera attempts to focus, but if it shows red brackets it implies that the focus has not been achieved.
Please take care to note this indication, and if you do not see the Green "Focus Lock" indicator, please attempt to recompose the shot.

Release the shutter, press halfway through again and wait for a focus lock.

The sensor on a P&S camera is very small (about 8-9x smaller in surface area compared to DSLRs)
In low light conditions achieving focus can be a challenge for P&S cameras.
These are technical limitations which are not specific to your camera but common to all cameras in the same segment across various camera manufacturers.

SOURCE: Nikon coolpix S3000 won't take a picture when the

Assuming you have new batteries and the camera lens cover is opening when turned on. Try switching to any mode other than automatic, turn off the flash, and press the shutter button. Many cameras have a safety feature that prevents the flash capacitor from charging if the case is opened. This is to lessen the chance of electric shock. They usually use one or two of the screws along the perimeter of the camera to complete a circuit that lets the processor know that the case is closed. Verify that all the screws are in place along the perimeter of your camera, and that there are no gaps along the perimeter seams. If you're missing a screw, try using one of the others to replace it.
If they're all there, next thing to check is the batteries. The brand that you're using may have reached its shelf life, or just may not have sufficient power to charge the flash capacitor. Try a better brand, or better yet rechargeable NiMH batteries.
If the above didn't help, then the flash tube or its circuit is probably at fault. In this case, would then recommend professional repair. This repair is somewhat difficult, requires some soldering, has some danger of electrical shock, and goes beyond what I'd like to describe here

Testimonial: "Many thanks, the camera is fairly new but just out of warranty. I have tried all your suggestions but still no luck. Off to he repair shop!"