Zoom Error Okay, I've looked all over this thing on how to fix the zoom error and nothing seems to work. I have a finepix a205 and the zoom is extended and won't retract. No matter what I do I can't get it to go back in. I've tried turning it on and tapping gently and that doesn't help. I've also tried the can of compressed air and that didn't help at all either. Any other ideas? The thing is this isn't my camera and I have no idea how but one day it just wouldn't work and it hadn't been dropped or anything. I was going to switch her with my camera (we have the same ones) but mine is seeming to have problems too. I can take pictures and all but the LCD display has this huge white line across it so it cuts through the picture when displayed. Anyone have any advice??

Try these procedures.

I have seen instances where people managed to get this problem fixed themselves. the zoom mechanism, it seems, is not all that complex. If you think you've got nothing to lose (there is a risk factor) just take it apart and have a look. Good luck!

I fixed the "zoom error" problem..but to be honest I'm not exactly sure how..i found some "jewelers tools" and following instructions found on this sight,ever so carefully,started unscrewing screws.First I removed the lens shroud,made sure it was clean...nothing..still had zoom error so then proceeded to remove the back of the camera..looked around and kinda "shook" it out.There was one little screw left that was preventing me from getting to the gear box but it wouldnt budge and i was afraid of stripping the screw so I said heck with it and reassembled it..figured what the heck and turned it on OMG! imagine my thrill when the lens zoomed in and out just like it is supposed to! But then i inserted memory card,turned it on and got the "zoom error"message again followed by "no card". Now what?

What has worked for me and what seems to work with both the Sony and Fuji cameras I have had problems with is to get physical with them. Their case is built like a tank but inadvertently jolting, or impeding of the lens during operation, seems to cause zoom problems. If the lens is stuck IN the case (happened to my daughter's Fuji ), then hold the camera in one hand, turn it on and smack it firmly into the palm of your free hand. If it is stuck OUT which is what happened to my Sony Cybershot when it was knocked out of my hand and the lens was skewed to one side was to grab the lens and use reasonable force to realign it, both cameras are now working. In both cases I had little to lose as the Fuji had once before gone in for warranty repair for two months for the same "Zoom error" and the Sony was still under warranty and insured so if I did damge it more after bouncing it off concrete, it would not have been apparent to the repair centre.

These fixes may not cure everyone's ills but I hope my experiences will give you the courage to have a go if you have nothing to lose.    

I saw another post in this forum were someone suggest banging it on a table a couple times, not to hard that you'd dent it but a good enough bang. Worked like a charm! I tried the trigger and slide method but while the error message went away the zoom wouldn't focus. Try banging it, it sounds bad but it worked wonders!

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.

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 they're still worth a try:

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

When you first turn the camera on, grab the lens, pull on it slightly. Turn the camera off and try it again. If it doesn"t work the first time , pull on the lens slightly again. It worked on mine

I just got one from Newegg.com. It was a refurbished item so I knew I was taking a chance. Straight out of the box it gives me a "zoom error" and will not take pics or even display an image. From what I've read about this it is most likely something in the zoom mechanism and needs to be fixed by the factory.
The only thing you can do is send it back to be fixed. I know this isn't much of a solution.

Try Fuji website for tech help - looks as if this needs some surgery. If it is a recent purchase they may fix it for nothing - depends where you are.

Check out this link: www.digitalcamera-hq.com/digital-cameras/fuji-finepix-z1_question.html?qid=4289

After the basics (cleaning the lens, replacing the batteries, etc.), try dropping the camera on a carpeted area from about 2-3 feet. It worked for my Fuji A500 and 90% of the responders on the link. Everything on the web said it would cost ~$100 to fix. I was in the process of researching new cameras to buy and had nothing to lose by dropping it on the floor.
The error may be caused by debris in the zoom mechanism preventing it from working. Dropping the camera loosens the debris and voila!