Olympus FE-230 Digital Camera Logo
Anonymous Posted on May 29, 2010

My camera focus dose not open upon turning on. What do you think is the problem?

1 Answer

Anonymous

Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Brigadier General:

An expert that has over 10,000 points.

  • Master 11,967 Answers
  • Posted on May 29, 2010
Anonymous
Master
Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Brigadier General:

An expert that has over 10,000 points.

Joined: May 11, 2009
Answers
11967
Questions
0
Helped
2201137
Points
38521

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.

Testimonial: "I have just read the idea and I will execute this at once. I will give my testimony once it is succesfull.Thank you very much for the quick reply and help."

Add Your Answer

×

Uploading: 0%

my-video-file.mp4

Complete. Click "Add" to insert your video. Add

×

Loading...
Loading...

Related Questions:

0helpful
1answer

My canon 550 d camera lens dose not zoom autormatically

a 550D is a detachable lens camera and will not auto-zoom (it has a rubber ring that you turn to accomplish this with most lenses). are you sure you have an EOS 550D, or did you mean auto-focus?
1helpful
1answer

Sony a200 Flash pops up then flashes as if its shorting and I am unable to take any photos.

Are you shooting in low light? Sometimes the flash will fire multiple short bursts to aid in focusing. If the camera is not in focus, then depending upon your setting it will not fire.
0helpful
1answer

The rocker zoom in and out on the top has frozen and doesn't work suddenly :(

Hi,

I think focusing ring got stuck or jammed. What you can try to do is spray some compressed AIR into the lens to try to free up any sand or dust that may have worked its way in. If that doesn't help, you can gently bump the camera to try to free the focusing ring.


or.......

You can try to turn camera ON at the table (facing it to the ceiling), don't put camera down face to the floor when opening.


Else your camera need to be disassembled to get at the focusing ring at Service Center.



Good luck and have a nice day.


Rating the solution is highly appreciated.
Jul 03, 2011 • Cameras
1helpful
1answer

We have 10 Bosch WZ16 cameras that are completely blurry at night, but look fine during the day. Is there a setting we are missing?

I'm thinking this is a depth of field problem. The lens iris will be opening up fully at night reducing the depth of field the set focus point will then not be in the focus range.
Possible Solutions:
Use a ND filter in front of the camera during the day and refocus the camera this will ensure you are in the focus with the lens iris fully open. The WZ16 has an IR corrected lens so you should not be seeing focus shift problems.
Focus the camera at night.
Ian Crosby Product Marketing Manger EMEA Bosch Security Systems >>> For the WZ series amongst others
0helpful
1answer

Hello, while vacationing in Hawaii I my camera would not auto focus. I was using my 18-135 lens. It will go in and out of focus rapidly but never stop to focus. Upon my return home I tried another lens...

I do not think your lens is out of order.
Sometimes this happens.
If your lens is not out of order then lets think the problem is another thing according to the user.
Autofocusing is great but under some conditions such as below you may consider.
Shooting in dimly lit environments can be difficult for some cameras and lenses when it comes to focusing.
You’ll know when your camera is struggling in Auto mode when every time you go to take a shot the lens will whirl from one end of it’s focusing options to the other and back again before deciding on where to focus.
This can really lengthen your shooting process and make taking quick candid shots quite frustrating.
Switch to manual mode and you can quickly find your focusing point and get the shot you’re after.
0helpful
1answer

Same exact thing......My mom thinks it needs a new battery.

Hi!
It sounds like your camera lens focus is stuck - could be sand or something in the focus gears - that's the weak spot of these lens. If you can't open the lens and check your lens focus gears yourself, you should contact your local Olympus service center or other camera service center. You can contact me too at [email protected] and I can give you a good price.

Hope this helps!

Tom
1helpful
2answers

All of a sudden became blurry when viewing through lcd screen and the pictures are blurry when downloaded on the computer

hi..
You can try a different memory card, but I don't think the problem is memory card, if pictures look scrambled, and colors and brightness are not uniform, that is either a problem with CCD sensor (optic sensor that takes the picture), or logic board.
In either case, this is not an easy repair.

Reset the camera to default settings from camera menu, and try a different memory card, but the camera will probably need to be sent in for repairs...

thank u
rate me!!
0helpful
1answer

Display of my Cannon Power Shot SD 630 Digital ELPH: NO IMAGE

i think you camera,s software is corrupted
go your canon customer center for repair it
Not finding what you are looking for?

388 views

Ask a Question

Usually answered in minutes!

Top Olympus Cameras Experts

ZJ Limited
ZJ Limited

Level 3 Expert

17989 Answers

Grand Canyon Tech
Grand Canyon Tech

Level 3 Expert

3867 Answers

Cindy Wells

Level 3 Expert

6688 Answers

Are you an Olympus Camera Expert? Answer questions, earn points and help others

Answer questions

Manuals & User Guides

Loading...