Focus error Until last week it was working well. Unfortunately I dropped my camera, and since then it is not working. Whenever I try, it gives the message "Focus error". And when I try to close it, the lens does not close properly. ANy solution? Please.....

Lens errors (zoom errors on Fuji's) 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 ... Unfortunately, many cameras that fall prey to lens error problems can only be corrected by professional repair. But, here are some last resort troubleshooting steps that you can try that may 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.

Try formating the storage card on your computers card reader.

Unfortunately, many cameras that fall prey to lens error problems can only be corrected by professional repair. But, here are some last resort troubleshooting steps that you can try that may 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.

Yes, try returning it first. If less than 30 days, AND you didn't drop this camera, your store should accept it for exchange or refund.
But in the case that your store gives you a hassle and directs you to the vendor under warranty, AND the vendor refuses to repair the camera saying it has dirt accumulation or was dropped, see the following:
Unfortunately, many cameras that fall prey to lens error problems can only be corrected by professional repair. But, here are some last resort troubleshooting steps that you can try that may 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.

All auto focus cameras use contrast to focus so if you are attempting to focus on glass, chrome, blank sky, large body of water, painted wall, mirror, or any other low contrast subject the auto focus will fail. Another place auto focus will fail is when you are to close to your subject you my not be physically to close but have used the zoom to give a closer shot.

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 ... Unfortunately, many cameras that fall prey to this can only be corrected by professional repair. But, here are some things that you can do that may correct it. They only seem to work for less than 40% of the lens errors, but if the camera is out of warranty, they're worth a try.

Gee I have one of these. Nice camera too.

Check you don't have the auto focus switch on the left side of the lens barrel switched to manual. I've knocked that switch when getting it out of my bag and it took me a minute to find the fault. Very easily knocked so keep an eye on it. Go through your menu and make sure everything is as it should be. If everything checks out I'm afraid it's a Sony repair agent you'll be saying hello to. I wouldn't advise trying to pull it apart yourself unles you are confident. I pulled my second one apart and had a great time getting it all alighned to put back together. Mainly because I pulled it down one week and waited another 3 weeks until I tried reassembling it. Always try to reassemble straight after fixing it. Don't give that brain time to forget important parts and where they go.
If there is a fault it would be in the lens area but after owning 2 of them and the 818s I found no problems in this area and never had a customer have any problems there either. But there's always a first time.
Try that darned switch first though. One other thing it's just possible to try. Make sure your battery is fully charged and in good health. They can cause some weird faults if the voltage is getting low. The focus motor does draw a bit of current.

There's another thought. If the auto/manual switch isn't the culprit. Actually switch it to manual and see if you can focus it by hand. If you can't then it's definitely something major and one last thing. Check your Diopter.The little adjustment alongside the viewfinder. If this is out of adjustment it will give an out of focus blurry look too.

If this has been of any help would you mind letting me know what the exact fault was. It will come in handy with mine. Thanks and good luck

I have the same issue with my 3 month old Lumix DMC FS15 plus it won't focus and gives the error message to "turn camera off and then on" This doesn't fix it.

Bottom line fix: Don't buy this camera again and don't recommend other buy it.

return it asap. It could be something going on with the auto focus or the CCD unit. If you can get it replaced it's easier to do now than later.

i think that the focus is no good, probably dropped it. it happen to me before.