Lens Error - Restart Camera : Lens remains in extended position.

Hey,

I had the same problem as everyone else regarding the error that would pop up stating that there was a lens error. I had the camera in my pocket when I went to a hockey game, pulled it out to take a picture, and it didn't work. Needless to say I was pissed because I expected far more from Canon. I was just about to go and buy a new camera, and figured that I would try to troubleshoot the problem and stumbled upon this site. Someone suggested turning the camera on and off while twisting the lens, so I figured it couldn't hurt to try it.

Before trying this, my lens would not retract all the way, the cover would not shut, the image was blurry, and I could not zoom in at all or the camera would show the error.

So, I tried the "twisting" solution, and it wasn't working, but I think I was being too delicate with it. I put a little more pressure on it and gave it a good twist. There was a clicking noise as others have said, but in the end, it worked after about 2 or 3 minutes of messing with it. No my lens goes down, the cover shuts and its clear as a bell. Not sure if this is a recurring problem as it appears to be a common problem, I fully suggest trying this before you send it off to get it fixed for a ridiculous amount of money.

Best of luck

I got the same problem..where the outer lens extension would not retract fully back into the camera.  In my case, the camera was not dropped.  It is some how jammed by my kids playing around with it.  I did not see how they broke it.
The symptoms:
*The lens would turn when powering on and off but the small ring would not retract back into the camera as it is powering off.  
*The cover also will not close.
*I still can use the zoom but as I zoom in all the way(the rings extend as you zoom and retract as you zoom out.)  I will eventually get a message on the lcd saying "lens error, camera need to restart." then the camera would power off.
*I realized that the lens is not aligned horizontally as it should once the len became stuck.
The fix(might not work for camera that is dropped.):
I figured that the camera is trying to turn the lens(I force it by doing the zoom in and out) but couldn't do so physically when the operation reach certain point.  
So I tried as the previous post suggusted but also give it some twist on the stucked portion while turning the camera on and off.  Be careful not to apply too much pressure since you can break it more.  Although I heard some clicking noise as I was turning the smaller ring that is housing the lens.  I was trying to realign the lens and turn it back to its original alignment which horizontal.  Some how doing that I managed to get the lens covers to close first.
At this point I am still not able make it retract back all the way in as it is powered down.  I then try to give it some pressure as the bigger ring retract all the way in and at the same time turn and push the smaller ring until it hit or realign the trigger inside the ring.  After a few more tries the lens retracted back it.  I do noticed the lens is in perfect horizontal position as it retracts back and flush with the body of the camera.  
It might be that there is some track mis alignment as the others suggusted.  Some how the lens will not retract(no matter how hard you push it) if it did not grip on some internal mechanism(sensor, or trigger..I can not confirm this since my knowledge is limited and failed to disassemble the entire camera.  Please let me know if you are able to successfully disassembled the camera without breaking it and post the steps if possible.)
Good luck and don't smash it! 

that actually worked, despite what i thought, it sounded a little weird when it retracted but it works fine now, i applied some pressure to the lens when i turned it on and it was fixed, hope this workd

I had the same problem and i just turned it on and off and put a lil pressure to get the lens back in.... but i would suggest sending it into Canon to be fixed

I had the same problem with a Canon IXY 910 IS (same as IXUS 860 IS). I think it occurred because the camera opened in my jean's pocket while sitting down and the lens was prevented from fully opening. I followed the instructions of 'superman gt' and 'jc2080' and managed to fix it. As it is closing you need to twist the inner lens in the direction to make the aperture horizontal. Try it a few times getting firmer each time and eventually it will go with a 'click'. 

Hi

What you are seeing is a generic stuck lens error message:

Your lens needs to be cleaned, repaired or replaced. There are online places that will do it for a decent price and there are others that overcharge by way too much.

I know, because I own one that charges a reasonable price to do the repair! (Google 'darntoothysam')
Just let us know if we can help!

Good luck from

Darntoothysam com

Thomas

Canon Powershot SD870 IS. I powered the device and got the error message "Lens Error, Restart Camera". I've taken the battery out (its fine), reinserted the battery and powered the camera back on...and I continue to get the same error message. The lens remains in the extended... how should i get this problem repair...

I have no solution. I don't know where to send the camera back to fix. Please help

I purchased 2x SD870 over 6 months. Both showed this problem. I returned both the the Canon tech service in Illinois and both were returned promptly, and fixed under warranty. No problems with either after they're fixed.

Man, just after I spent 5 months with this camera and singing its praises, I got the same problem. I tried restarting it, taking the battery out, pushing it in myself, nothing worked. Fortunately I purchased the 3 year warranty at Best Buy..... Best let them deal with it. So I suggest to send that back to get fixed.....

It is really amazing (though unfortunate) - we all have the same problem! This happened to me yesterday (Sep 13). I wonder what Canon means with "restart camera"!

Same problem, lens won't retract all the way. I've only had the camera for two months and I've kept it in a nice case to keep it safe. I don't think there is anything I could have done to cause this.

I've taken the battery out.... restarted it several times. It seems to turn on fine and the lens will extend but it fails to focus. When I turn it off the lens goes back in about half way and stops. After reading the suggestion I tried to gently push the lens back in while pushing the off button but that did not work. I'm hoping there is a solution to this. I am very disappointed in this camera.