Hi,
I Hope the steps below should be helpful in fixing your camera issue.
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.
Regards,
Ron
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