When I turn the camera on, the following message is displayed: " Lens Error, Restart Camera" How can I fix this problem?

Hi,

The Lens Error is displayed on the LCD screen when the Lens Mechanism is stuck or when affected by any malfunction. If turning the power on and off again does not resolve the error message, try doing a power reset and Initialize option.
Performing a manual power reset
Turn off the camera.
Remove the battery pack.
Press and hold the power button for 30 seconds.
Allow the camera to remain without power for 60 seconds.
Reinsert the battery pack.
Turn on the camera.
You can reset the Camera back to factory default by performing the following steps:
Press the power button.
Press and hold the MENU button for more than 5 seconds. Default Settings will get displayed.
Use the arrow buttons to select OK and press the FUNC./SET button. This will reset all the settings back to factory deafult.
This should resolve the issue. If the issue persists, service may be required.

Thanks for contacting FixYa

Service & Support Issue: Camera displays "Lens error, restart camera" on the LCD monitor.
Solution: Possible solutions for a Lens Error message PowerShot A480.

The "E18" or "Lens" error message indicates an error that involves the lens unit or lens cover.
This error may appear where the lens is prevented from properly extending or retracting such as, for example, when pressure is applied to the lens or the area surrounding the lens while handling the camera. The error may also be displayed if the lens unit/camera has been subjected to an external shock, or if a foreign substance (i.e. liquid, sand, dirt) enters the camera. Solution
Check the following when you operate the camera to avoid applying pressure to the lens and surrounding area:

• Hold the camera so that your fingers do not touch the lens unit when you are shooting.
• Make sure the camera is off before the camera is placed back in the case. Exercise caution to ensure that the camera does not accidentally power on while the camera is stored inside the case.

If you cannot clear the error code by turning the camera off and then on again, or if the error code is displayed frequently, a camera malfunction may have occurred. Please click here to set up service for your camera online.

Lens error is usually caused by mechanical faults concerning lens assembly. The lens cannot extend or retract fully, the error is detected and lens error is returned.
Sometimes this can be fixed playing with the lens during extraction or retraction to help the lens asset getting back to normal.
More often the camera lens must be disassembled and re-assembled by a technician to fix the problem.

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

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

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

Hi - I found this info on the Nikon Australia website:

"System Error" or "Lens Error" message in LCD monitor Question My COOLPIX camera displays a "System Error" or "Lens Error" message. What should I do? Answer Having a "System Error" or "Lens Error" message displayed on the camera's LCD monitor would generally indicate that your camera needs servicing. A System Error is a general error which can be caused by many things: lens problem, CF Card problem, general camera failure, etc. To troubleshoot, please try the following:

1. Use the memory card that originally came with your camera (or a Nikon approved card).
2. Remove and replace the battery.

On the other hand, a Lens Error generally means that an error has occured during the lens operation. To troubleshoot, please try the following:

1. Turn off the camera.
2. Remove and replace the battery.
3. Turn on the camera.

If the above tips do not help, your camera must be sent to our Nikon Authorised Service Centres, there are no user serviceable parts in our Nikon COOLPIX cameras. We apologize for any inconvenience caused and we will do everything to repair your Nikon camera as quickly as possible. Click Here for our Nikon Authorised Service Centres details.


Sort of like a Windows Restart to reset the memory.

Hope this helps.

Hi I found this info on the Nikon Australia website:

"System Error" or "Lens Error" message in LCD monitor Question My COOLPIX camera displays a "System Error" or "Lens Error" message. What should I do? Answer Having a "System Error" or "Lens Error" message displayed on the camera's LCD monitor would generally indicate that your camera needs servicing. A System Error is a general error which can be caused by many things: lens problem, CF Card problem, general camera failure, etc. To troubleshoot, please try the following:

1. Use the memory card that originally came with your camera (or a Nikon approved card).
2. Remove and replace the battery.

On the other hand, a Lens Error generally means that an error has occured during the lens operation. To troubleshoot, please try the following:

1. Turn off the camera.
2. Remove and replace the battery.
3. Turn on the camera.

If the above tips do not help, your camera must be sent to our Nikon Authorised Service Centres, there are no user serviceable parts in our Nikon COOLPIX cameras. We apologize for any inconvenience caused and we will do everything to repair your Nikon camera as quickly as possible. Click Here for our Nikon Authorised Service Centres details.


Seems you may just have to remove and replace the battery - sort of like a Windows Restart to fix a computer problem! - this would reset your camera's memory.

Hope this helps.

I found this on the Canon Website, don't know if this will help.


Issue: Lens will not move and camera may display an E18 or "Lens" error.

Solution: Possible solutions for an E18 or Lens Error message PowerShot SD600

The "E18" or "Lens" error message indicates an error that involves the lens unit or lens cover.
This error may appear where the lens is prevented from properly extending or retracting such as, for example, when pressure is applied to the lens or the area surrounding the lens while handling the camera. The error may also be displayed if the lens unit/camera has been subjected to an external shock, or if a foreign substance (i.e. liquid, sand, dirt) enters the camera. Solution
Check the following when you operate the camera to avoid applying pressure to the lens and surrounding area:

• Hold the camera so that your fingers do not touch the lens unit when you are shooting.
• Make sure the camera is off before the camera is placed back in the case. Exercise caution to ensure that the camera does not accidentally power on while the camera is stored inside the case.

If you cannot clear the error code by turning the camera off and then on again, or if the error code is displayed frequently, a camera malfunction may have occurred For toll-free technical support, please call 1 (800) 828-4040 during regular business hours (currently Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 midnight. EST, Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., excluding holidays). Good Luck

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