Upon turning on my camera the message 'lens error restart camera' appears against black screen. I've turned off the camera and have tried turning on again. Still same message. Prior to the above message, my camera displayed a message 'memory card error card locked' and I was not able to see view my photos. I took out the card to see if it was in a locked position to which it was not. Please help as I have vacation photos on this memory card!

Try these procedures.

Unfortunately, many cameras that fall prey to lens error problems can only be corrected by professional repair. But, here are some last resort troubleshooting steps that you can try that may correct it. They only seem to work for less than 40% of the lens errors, but if the camera is out of warranty (or repair cost approaches that of the camera), they're worth that try.

CANON IXUS 561
Lens sometimes does not extend and error message 'lens error restart camera' appears when camera is turned on. This does not work without several tries and much button pressing. Problem is not caused by finger(s) in front of lens barrel.

Lens errors are fairly common. 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 ...

Here's some things that you can do to try to correct it. They only seem to work for less than 50% of the lens errors, but if the camera is out of warranty, they're worth a try:

http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2007/12/fixing-lens-error-on-digital-camera.html

When the lens will not retract and camera is not functional (no picture on display, and does not shoot) , and you already tried replacing batteries with a new fresh set (ensure please) , and then restarting camera with no memory card inside, then camera is faulty.

Try an easy fix by pushing gently the lens (do not force them, just help them) while you turn off camera at same time. Try also switching the mode selector.

If still no luck , then the camera must be disassembled to fix the problem.

Possible reasons are :

• Faulty lens mechanism or jammed lens (camera usually turns off by itself in this case)
• Main board faulty.
• Ribbon cable to main board broken or connector defective.
• If there is no power at all it is the connector from batteries to main board, this is also a ribbon cable.

If the camera is less than one year old will be replaced by manufacturer.

If your warranty is expired you can get an estimate for repair from manufacturer, or from a third party like Advance Camera here :Advance Camera Repair you can book the repair online.

This is probably THE single 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

Try the procedures in this tip.

Hey Wiggs12485,
This error message appears when the camera detects a problem with the lens when it's turned on. This is often caused by the user pressing on the lens when it is trying to extend, or the camera is being used in a dusty or sandy environment. When this message appears turn the camera off and back on, and this should resolve your issue. If this message continues to appear you should have the camera looked at by an authorized service technician because there is probably a problem with the lens.

Sincerely,
Allan
Go Ahead. Use Us.

The following blog outlines some repair options for a lens error:

http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2007/12/fixing-lens-error-on-digital-camera.html

Try these procedures.