20 Most Recent Nikon COOLPIX S200 Digital Camera - Page 3 Questions & Answers

Try the procedures in this tip.

One source for the part is here.

Try the procedures in this tip.

Take a look at this.

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 interiors). Once these materials work their way into the lens mechanism, that's all she wrote. I have many cameras, 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 particles 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.

HI,Try using a different SD card and check if it will work.

You may download a copy of the manual from here.

One source for the MH-63 charger is Nikon. You could also get a third-party charger here.

Go to this website for the solutions:

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

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 are some troubleshooting steps that you can try that may (or may not) 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. Some of the later steps do involve some risk to the camera, so carefully weigh your options before deciding to conduct them:

Try NOT connecting your camera to your computer.

The best way to download pictures from your camera to your computer involves removing the memory card from the camera and plugging it into a card reader (either built-in to the computer or connected via USB or FireWire). This is likely to be faster than connecting the camera to the computer, and won't run down your camera's batteries.

Once the card is plugged in, it will appear to your computer as a removable drive. You can use the operating system's drag&drop facility to copy pictures from the card to the computer's hard drive, the same way you copy any other files. Or you can use Nikon Transfer or any other photo cataloging program.

No easy fix. Pressure or impact is the usual cause of a cracked LCD. Try not to get the black stuff on anything....it's pretty toxic! The screen needs to be replaced (assuming there's no other, internal damage). They are usually in the range of $75 US.

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 are some troubleshooting steps that you can try that may (or may not) 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. Some of the later steps do involve some risk to the camera, so carefully weigh your options before deciding to conduct them:

Hi,

Checkout this tip about digital camera error messages


Lens Errorfix for Digital Camera

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Sound like some internal obstruction on gears. Having a lens error problem on digital camera would typically mean the camera needs to be serviced. Most often but not always, this is a physical problem with the lens assembly on the camera. The lens is usually replaced, many shops will look after this for you.

Your previous diagnostic definitely indicates a mechanical problem, once the possibility that a false sensor signal to the main board as the cause by resetting all functions. It is very likely that there is a blockage or a broken internal part that is preventing the correct positioning of the lens which triggers the shutdown and error display.

You can try some of the procedures listed below to fix it yourself. These simple steps have helped many people restore their cameras to functionality.

Before trying any of the suggestions, make sure your Camera has new or fully charged batteries and it is in recording mode. Try compressed air. With a fine tip can of dry compressed air (not a blow dryer) set the tip between the lens turret and the camera body and turn on the air while moving the tip around the lens. It could possibly remove all dust and sand. Turn the camera on and it should function fine.

The links below give additional step by step DIY instructions on troubleshooting and attempting to fix this problem. A Canon camera is used to demonstrate these procedures but, the lens structure of these compact cameras is the same so the examples do apply to this unit. These procedures are effective about 60% of the time. Click on or copy and paste the links into your browser. Pay special attention to the opening statement at the first link if there is any chance of warranty repair.

Check this links for additional details that could find in this article link: fixing-lens-error-on-digital-camera.html

Additionally, here is a video of the normal power up sequence of the camera and there other moethods:
1. Here is the first alternate method
2. Here is the second alternate method

In addition, I attached one answer and comment:

On the service sheet it said this:
Examination/Request Details:
LENS ERROR MESSAGE. LENS IS EXTENDED. CHECK ALL FUNCTIONS, REPAIR TO GOOD WORKING ORDER.

Service Details:
We have examined the product according to your request, and, it was found that the optical assembly was inoperative there was no display on the LCD. The optical assembly was replaced. Other inspection and cleaning and parts replacements wer carried out.

And the best news was the cost: $0.00. Everything is back to normal and in good working order. So, if you have the same problem that I did, I recommend going to the link I had in my first post and going through the repair process. Overall, it took 10 days to get it fixed and back in my hands.

While it was really annoying that this problem happened, I have to say that Canon was satisfactory in repairing the problem, getting the camera back to me in a decent amount of time and NOT charging me. They were also good at emailing me when they received my camera and when they had shipped it back to me (complete with 2-day delivery thru FedEx and a tracking number).

So if this happens to you, I wish you the same luck that I had!
END.

Hope helps.

Your camera needs technical repair from the Nikon Service centre

Having gone over two months without a response to my query, I assume my suggestion to use a card reader solved the problem.