My nikon coolpix L4 lense will not open.... the lens extends itself but the actual screen will not open, therefore all I can see is black.

A stuck automatic lens cover is a fairly common problem, but it is normally easy to fix. A single grain of sand jamming the cover mechanism is normally the culprit, and you want to try to dislodge it: 1) Try blowing lots of compressed air around the lens cover to clean the mechanism. Or use a hair dryer for a few seconds (don't want to heat up the camera). Use no heat mode if possible. 2) Slide a thin strip of paper between the lens cover shutters and the outer support ring. Work it around 360 degres to clear out any debris that may be in there. 3) With the lens barrel extended and pointed downward, tap the lens barrel with a pencil while you extend and retract the lens by powering the camera on and off. Repeat the above three steps several times. If repeated tries don't work (keeping in mind that it usually does), it then may be necessary to open the lens barrel to access the lens cover mechanism.

Try blowing lots of compressed air around the open lens shutter to clean the mechanism. Or use a hair dryer for a few seconds (don't want to heat up the camera). Also with the lens barrel extended and pointed downward, tap the lens barrel with a pencil while you extend and retract the lens by powering the camera on and off. A grain of sand in the mechanism is usually the culprit, and you want to try to dislodge it.
You can open it up, but this would void your warranty and i would not recommend this unless you are comfortable handling the interior optics of the camera. The above procedures usually work if you try them enough.

if ur very sure that the battery is fully charged... first we would advice you to change the batteries and see ...... if that doesnt work... the battery contacts may be corroded or bent and hence not making correct contact with the battery
.... sometimes there cud be dust or sand particles in the lens retraction passage... blow out air in those places..... this cud help a great deal.... I was able to fix a similar problem by wiggling the outermost part of the lens.as its trying to go in....
also try 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.
if that doest help
Remove the batteries, then remove the memory card. Then install the new batteries, when you turn it on it should come back to life. turn it off, slip in the memory card and turn it on one last time.
if that doesnt help

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 the above fixes 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.



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.

regards iversh

Hi,

I am Sorry to hear regarding the Problem.This is a ' Lens Problem ' which is Quite Common on these Models.

It is not worth to get it Repaired, as the Cost of repair would be quite high as compared to the cost of the new camera.

There are a number of things you can try:

1. Ensure batteries are fully charged

2. Look carefully between the lens and the camera body for any sand or other dirt etc

3. Try turning the camera with the lens facing down and shake to dislodge anything stuck

4. Try removing batteries and memory card, wait 2 minutes and refit



If no luck then we have to try some things that could possibly result in damaging your camera so should only be tried if happy to take that risk...



5. Try thumping the camera into your other hand, by thumping into your hand you are trying to jar the mechanism loose, by using your hand you will hopefully not do it too hard or it will hurt. You may need to do this a dozen or so times in different places to work. I have found the flat of the camera bottom into the flat of your hand best..

6. If the lens is stuck in the out position then remove the batteries and try twisting the lens first one way then the other, do not apply excessive force when doing this or you can break gears, you are trying to reposition not force... Likewise if the lens looks like it is crooked you can try pushing it back into position. This has a higher chance of doing more harm than the thump so please be careful...

7. Dismantle the camera, not for the faint hearted, you need to dismantle the lens assembly into the main body of the camera



If no luck then only other option is a serviceman I'm afraid, be sure to get a quotes as camera repairs can be uneconomical

Let me know,if needed further assistance.

Hope i helped you.

Thanks for using ' Fixya ' and have a nice day!!