Lense won't open.

Hi,

Checkout this tip about digital camera error messages


Lens Errorfix for Digital Camera

heatman101

try to take out the battries for like 5 minites and so on if there is no obstuction with the lens there will be a fault in the camera and will be difficult too relace your self its better off sending it back as it seems the sensor inside for the lens is buggered thanks from chris plz rate

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.
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.

The problem is
1- some dirt somehow got on the outside of the lense. After it was retracted fully in, it prevents the camera from opening again. When you turn it on, if it opens a little bit, try to pull it out NOT too hard and let go a few times. If it opened, clear the outside of the lense. Your camera should be back to normal.
2- If you droped the camera, you probably damaged or dislocated a mechanical part of the lense. You may have to take out the lense by unscrewing it and inspect it for damged parts or disconnected cable. Make sure clean the lense and test it by moving it in and out a few times, before puting it back on the camera.

Good luck!!!!!!!

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

Lens jams can happen without dropping the camera. The lens motor is bad, or a grain of sand has got stuck in one of the lens cogs. Either way will need lens repair/replacement.

Dear jmgrev,

Whenever you turn your camera on and your lens doesn't go in and out properly you are likely experiencing a lens error of some sort. Look for an error 18 or a "lens error restart camera" message. If either of these appears you definitely have a lens motor mechanism problem and will need to send the unit in for service.

If the lens still functions, but only intermittently - or if there seems to be a functional problem in focusing correctly or in taking an excessive time to focus, then you are in the early stages of what will soon become a fullblown lens issue.

These problems can be caused by a variety of things such as having obstructed the lens when turning the camera at one point, or getting grit in the lens mechanism or during/after a fall or some sort of impact. It can even happen spontaneously due to the tracking mechanism coming out of gear. Hopes this helps.

Sincerely,
HeavyDLB

Hi

You need your lens replaced but we cannot get the P200 lens at this time. You can look online for a defective camera with a good lens and make one good camera from the two.

Hope this helps.

Thomas D.
Owner, Darntoothysam com
Affordable Digital Camera Repair

Defective mechanism, a stucked mechanism is present. camcorder are smart it can detects error and shuts down itself for safety. earlier models dominoes the defect if the user is not quick enough to react when something goes wrong with the camera. You need professional service to fix it.

*&%[email protected]#%^&*&^% !!"It's working!!!! Turn your camera on and put it near your ear. Did you hear a softly motorized sound in the lenses area and the green LED is flashing? If you hear this sound do this. Do it under your own responsability. (any way your camera does not work). When you turn on the camera wait until the lenses come out, in that moment grab the lens with your hand and don't let it go back. The camera will turn off but the lens will stay out. With the camera off push in the lens with your hand. Turn on the camera and that's it. I had to do it 2 times, but now my camera it's working again. This system error could be caused because the lens get out of it rail and the camera can not set the focus system.