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Posted on Apr 22, 2010
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After turning it on, the lens keeps on zooming out then closing in three times then it displays ''Turn it off and on again'' on its shooting (standby) mode. All other buttons functions well except for Menu button.

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  • Master 11,967 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 22, 2010
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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.

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1answer

Zoom adjustment wont move, chg battery and no help. help

  1. In many apps, you can zoom in or out on specific items. For example, you can double-tap or pinch to look closer in Photos or expand webpage columns in Safari. You can also use the Zoom feature to magnify the screen no matter what you're doing. You can magnify the entire screen (Full Screen Zoom) or magnify only part of the screen with a resizable lens (Window Zoom). And, you can use Zoom together with VoiceOver.
  1. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Zoom, then turn on Zoom.
  2. Adjust any of the following:
    • Follow Focus: Track your selections, the text insertion point, and your typing.
    • Smart Typing: Switch to Window Zoom when a keyboard appears.
    • Keyboard Shortcuts: Turn on keyboard shortcuts to control Zoom.
    • Zoom Controller: Turn the controller on, set controller actions, and adjust the color and opacity.
    • Zoom Region: Choose Full Screen Zoom or Window Zoom.
    • Zoom Filter: Choose None, Inverted, Grayscale, Grayscale Inverted, or Low Light.
    • Maximum Zoom Level: Drag the slider to adjust the level.
  3. If you use iPhone with a pointer device, you can also set the following below Pointer Control:
    • Zoom Pan: Choose Continuous, Centered, or Edges to set how the screen image moves with the pointer.
    • Adjust Size with Zoom: Allow the pointer to scale with zoom.
  4. To add Zoom to Accessibility Shortcut, go to Settings > Accessibility > Accessibility Shortcut, then tap Zoom.
  1. Double-tap the screen with three fingers or use accessibility shortcuts to turn on Zoom.
  2. To see more of the screen, do any of the following:
    • Adjust the magnification: Double-tap the screen with three fingers (without lifting your fingers after the second tap), then drag up or down. Or triple-tap with three fingers, then drag the Zoom Level slider.
    • Move the Zoom lens: (Window Zoom) Drag the handle at the bottom of the Zoom lens.
    • Pan to another area: (Full Screen Zoom) Drag the screen with three fingers.
  3. To adjust the settings with the Zoom menu, triple-tap with three fingers, then adjust any of the following:
    • Choose Region: Choose Full Screen Zoom or Window Zoom.
    • Resize Lens: (Window Zoom) Tap Resize Lens, then drag any of the round handles that appear.
    • Choose Filter: Choose Inverted, Grayscale, Grayscale Inverted, or Low Light.
    • Show Controller: Show the Zoom Controller.
  4. To use the Zoom Controller, do any of the following:
    • Show the Zoom menu: Tap the controller.
    • Zoom in or out: Double-tap the controller.
    • Pan: When zoomed in, drag the controller.
While using Zoom with Magic Keyboard, the screen image follows the insertion point, keeping it in the center of the display. See Use Magic Keyboard with iPhone.
To turn off Zoom, double-tap the screen with three fingers or use accessibility shortcuts.
Jul 29, 2018 • Cameras
1helpful
1answer

LENS PROBLEM

The slightly open shutter is the reason for this problem. Thank God you mentioned it.
Solution: Try with your fingers to shift the shutter “blades” back and forth to see if they move freely. If they do no move freely it maens the shutter “blasdes” and stuck by particles/dust/something. So you just continue to shift them like that untill they are free again. Once they are free turn your camera back on and it should perform as normal.
0helpful
1answer
0helpful
1answer

Konica Minolta Zoom 160c won't turn on--lens stuck out and open

There is some kind of grit or something in the lens gearing mechanism, preventing its movement. Take it to a repair facility, or replace it.
0helpful
1answer

Lens/zoom wont come out

The lens mechanism inside of the lens unit is damaged. The fix is to change the lens. You can send the camera to authorized service rep for an estimate. I believe that the cost of service many be close to or even more expensive than replacing the camera.

Jerry G.
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Canon S2 problems

Low battery power ? (rechargeables do not last forever).

Try a brand new set of batteries
0helpful
1answer

Zoom broke

Solution: Procedure for setting Digital Zoom PowerShot A520

Digital Zoom When the LCD monitor is on, images can be zoomed with the combined optical and digital zoom functions as follows (figures are approximate): 5.7 times, 7.1 times, 8.9 times, 11 times, and 14 times 1. Press the <DISP.> button to turn the LCD monitor on.
2. Turn the shooting mode dial to any Shooting mode except for stitch_assist_icon_a70.gifor movie_icon_a70.gif.
3. In the [ rec_icon.gif(Rec.)] menu, select digital_zoom_icon_a70.gif(Digital Zoom).
digital_zoom_menu.gif 4. Select [On] using the left_arrow.gifor right_arrow.gifbutton and press the <MENU> button.
5. Press the zoom lever toward tele_icon_a70.gifand hold it.
  • The lens will zoom to the maximum optical telephoto setting and stop. Release the lever and press it toward tele_icon_a70.gifagain to further zoom the image digitally.
  • Press the lever toward wide_icon_a70.gifto zoom back out.
digital_zoom_lcd_a70.gif 6. Shoot the image.
  • Shooting procedures are the same as for the auto_mode_icon_a70.gifmode.
caution_a70.gif
  • The digital zoom cannot be used when the LCD monitor is off.
note_icon_a70.gif
  • images become coarser the more they are digitally zoomed.
  • Since camera shake may become a factor when using the digital zoom, the use of a tripod is recommended.
  • Digital Zoom is disabled when the [Postcard Print Mode] is selected as a image quality setting.
IF this fails, your camera is in need of service.


0helpful
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Can't take picture

Needs to go back to Panasonic- an inherent fault.
2helpful
1answer

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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