Lens won't close-have to disengage battery to stop mechanism

Stuck zoom is 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.
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.
This part can be easily replaced in most cameras.
The following video shows how to open a Nikon Coolpix P80:

http://www.desmontalo.com/?p=277

The lens may be fixable but most likely will need to be replaced.
If the lens is stuck straight or won't come out at all it needs to be replaced.
If the lens is stuck at an angle then you may be able to snap it back to the center by pressing the edge of the lens back towards center while holding on the outer ring of the lens.
Hope this helps!

Thomas Drayton
Owner, www Darntoothysam com Digital Camera Repair

The lens error is due to failure of the lens control system. You can remove battery and card replace battery and while switching on tap the lens hood on your hands so as to disengage any dirt or mechanism being struck.
Use some air to blow between the lens to dislodge any sand particles struck inside. Unless you are familiar with handling of small devices must the camera be opened. If so check the voltage on the motor drive, check the auto focus and Zoom drives, it must be free with manual movement. If jammed the motor can be removed and realased. If none of these works then you can think of taking consensus with the service centre.
Get estimate before you decide. It will be good to have it checked at the authorised service as you do not have to run around for spares.

The lens error is due to failure of the lens control system. You can remove battery and card replace battery and while switching on tap the lens hood on your hands so as to disengage any dirt or mechanism being struck.
Use some air to blow between the lens to dislodge any sand particles struck inside. Unless you are familiar with handling of small devices must the camera be opened. If so check the voltage on the motor drive, check the auto focus and Zoom drives, it must be free with manual movement. If jammed the motor can be removed and realased. If none of these works then you can think of taking consensus with the service centre.
Get estimate before you decide. It will be good to have it checked at the authorised service as you do not have to run around for spares.

The lens error is due to failure of the lens control system. You can remove battery and card replace battery and while switching on tap the lens hood on your hands so as to disengage any dirt or mechanism being struck.
Use some air to blow between the lens to dislodge any sand particles struck inside. If none of these works then you can think of taking consensus with the service centre.
get estimate before you decide. It will be good to have it checked at the service center as you do not have to run around for spares.

that error code indicates the the Lens of teh camera is already defective., In most cases if the lens is stuckout or stuckin camera will not stay On or It will not Turn On at all. For this case you need to call Tech support to send you camera for repair toll free 1 800 235 6325 extension 12

Zoom error/ lens cover is stuck in open position

There is some kind of grit or something in the lens gearing mechanism, preventing its movement. Take it to a repair facility, or replace it.

you are right it has 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.

It sound like a problem with the zooming mechanism (lens would not retract or extended) Press the power button on and hold it down while extending and twisting the telescopic zoom lens. It might fix your problem. In any case it could not make it worse Good luck!