Lens error When I turn the camera on it says "Lens error, restart camera," and turns itself off. When I turn it back on, the same problem occurs. The lens covers aren't completely closed, and the entire lens seems to be sticking out a little bit, like it didn't retract all the way. Please help! Thanks. Turn on the camera, camera shows a canon logo, then before turns off it said lens error, restart camera

Lens errors usually (but not always) occur when the camera's lens has been damaged (from being dropped) or if the lens is hindered from extending. The best way to make sure neither occurs, is to use the supplied hand wrist (which will save it from a fall) or before turning the camera on, make sure it's in review mode and then turn it on, making sure you don't obstruct the lens.

Seeing as this camera is brand new...I would return it, because it could just be a dud camera. If you do get it replaced, make sure you are always very careful with how you handle it, especially when turning it on or off...

p.s. near the back of your User Guide there is a list of Error Messages. "Lens error, restart camera". Canon advises you to turn the camera off, then on again. If the problems continues it will need to be serviced. So, returning it, would be the best option, because it is under warranty.

good luck...

Hi,

This error occured when lens is prevented from properly extending or retracting. When pressure is applied to the lens or the area surrounding the lens while handling the camera. The error may also be displayed due External shock or liquid, sand & dirt etc. enters the camera.

Avoid applying pressure to the lens and surrounding area:

1) Do not touch Lens while shooting.
2) Make sure the camera is off before the camera is placed back in the case.

If you cannot clear the error code by turning the camera OFF and then ON again then your device need to be repaired.

Have a nice day Rating the solution is highly appreciated.

Hi,

This error occured when lens is prevented from properly extending or retracting.when pressure is applied to the lens or the area surrounding the lens while handling the camera.
Avoid applying pressure to the lens and surrounding area:

• Do not touch Lens while shooting.
• Make sure the camera is off before the camera is placed back in the case.

If you cannot clear the error code by turning the camera off and then on again then your device need to be repaired.

Rating the solution is highly appriciated...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 are 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.
　

Lens error is usually caused by mechanical faults concerning lens assembly. The lens cannot extend or retract fully, the error is detected and lens error is returned.
Sometimes this can be fixed playing with the lens during extraction or retraction to help the lens asset getting back to normal.
More often the camera lens must be disassembled and re-assembled by a technician to fix the problem.

This is probably THE 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.

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.

Hi all.

An E18 lens error or a "lens error restart camera" message is almost always a problem that must be sent in to the service center for repair. Though most often the result of a fall or other physical impact, they can occur spontaneously. Like a car stripping its gears, the lens motordrive mechanism has gotten off track. Often the camera will make a grinding noise as the camera lens attempts to track back and forth and occassionally the unit will beep several times and turn itself off.

Unfortunately most point and shoot cameras have very delicate lens mechanisms and it doesn't take much force at all to cause this to happen. Very often you may inadvertantly obstruct your camera's lens with your hand when holding the camera and turning it on. In these cases it is often possible for your lens to correct itself by actually turning the camera on and off several times (restarting camera). In the case of falls or drops, however, the impact damage is often uncorrectable by simply restarting and the unit must be sent in for service at that time.

If this happens to your camera through no fault of your own and you are still within your twelve month warranty period, simply send the camera in for service and the unit will be repaired at no charge. If you are outside of your warranty period OR it is determined by a technician that impact, liquid, or grit (sand or dirt) damage is at fault then you will be assessed a repair charge (even if within your warranty period).

Typically customers with out-or-warranty repairs will have a choice of either repairing their camera at the stated charge or (depending on the camera model) taking advantage of the Canon Loyalty Program in which they may opt to select a specific refurbished camera model of slightly higher model design - at a discounted price.

Hopes this helps.

Sincerely,
HeavyDLB