Minolta G530 System error MF00C

This type of fault is not a DIY project. You will need to take it to a Sony repair centre. I suggest you get a quote as it may be too expensive to repair and it may be better to put your money towards a new and better camera.

Hi,

Checkout this tip about digital camera error messages


Lens Errorfix for Digital Camera

heatman101

A lens error can be caused by physical damage to the mechanism that controls the lens, or debris that is interfering with the operation of the lens.

This article may be able to help you with a "do it yourself" solution.
http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2007/12/fixing-lens-error-on-digital-camera.html

In the event that your problem is due to physical damage and not just dirt or debris, you will need to take it to a local camera repair shop for troubleshooting-- though with most consumer digital cameras, labor and parts cost of a repair can easily exceed the value of the camera.

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.
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. Believe it or not, one BIG contributor to lens errors is using a camera case. Sand, gunk, case fibers, etc... accumulate at the bottom of the case. These materials love to cling to the camera by electrostatic build-up from the camera rubbing against the side of the case (especially those cases with soft fibrous intreriors). Once these materials work their way into the lens mechanism, that's all she wrote. I have many Canon's, and NEVER use a case for this very reason.
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.
Fortunately, about half the cameras that suffer this failure can easily be fixed by one of the following methods. None of these methods involve opening the camera, although some have potential to cause other damage to the camera if excessively done. If the camera is still under warranty, before trying any of these, please please first contact your camera's maker to see if they'll cover the repair, or to determine how much they'll charge for the repair. Who knows, you might get lucky. But if they quote you a number that's higher than the value of your camera, you may want to consider the following methods.
The methods are listed in the order of risk of damaging your camera. Thus make sure you try them in the listed order. And remember, these fixes (especially #6 and 7) should only be considered for a camera that's out of warranty, who's cost of repair would be excessive, and would otherwise be considered for disposal if unrepaired:
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.

Your problem is likely due to corrosion on the battery contacts inside the camera which can prevent the full power of the batteries from flowing into the camera. Try this free fix before you do anything else: remove the batteries and wipe the camera contacts firmly with a dry cloth (heavy corrosion may require cleaning with a wire brush, steel wool, or sandpaper). Remove any residue that may have fallen into the battery compartment during cleaning, then wipe both ends of the batteries and place them back in the camera. This cleaning clears the problem about 90% of the time. If it doesn't work for you, the camera may require professional repair.

I had the same problem with the same camera. Ended up twisting the lens by hand back and forth while powering the camera on and off till the lens pins finally realined and let it close properly. Took alot of patience and care but has worked since. Usual cause of this problem is powering camera while the lens is blocked from extending, ie in a case, laying on its face etc.

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

One thing, you mentioned that the lens error occurred after you wer able to take a good picture. This really sounds like your battery ran down during shooting, and did not have sufficient power to properly shutdown the camera. Focus on your battery as the potential cause first. Note that if the battery is older than a couple years, it may be time for a new one. Rechargeable are not meant to last indefinitely.

try these:-

• connect it to pc and on it
• vaccum the barrel of lens
• changing mem. card and batt. for 2min.
• shake it.
• on and off in different positions
• hit the part near lens softly with palm (trust me this made mine work)

Just solved this problem on my Dimage G530. An earlier time the lens (inner part) was cocked to one side after a small drop. Pulling it back straight, out of the outer part, fixed it and the lens closed.

Then just this past trip, the lens was not retracting with the MF00C error and the lens looked straight. It had opened in a pocket and gotten bumped. I had even taken the case off but that did not offer any insight into fixing the problem. (They certainly cram a lot into the case). I was about to give up and just buy a new camera or was going to inquire at vistek to see how much it would cost to have it looked at this Saturday because I really like the camera. Anyway, to make a long story short. I decided to pull hard on the inner part to pull it out - basically try to cock it to one side then the other. The lens popped out to it normal position and now everything works fine. So it appears that if bumped the lens goes to a lock position to prevent any damage to the drive mechanism.

Hope this helps someone else with this problem.

In my case, there was dust in the switches that sense the cover movement.

1. Close the sliding door and wait until the lens is drown inside (timeout).
2. Open the screws that secure the front cover.
3. Remove the sliding door covering the lens. There is no trick (hidden screws etc) so just use the force. The door is mounted by two-sided tape and adhesive.
4. Remove the front cover. This is also mounted by two-sided tape / adhesive in the center, so you have to be a bit brave.
5. The sliding door rails and the movement sensors are now visible. Clean all dirt.
6. Try the door functionality.
7. Mount the front cover after the lens works as it should. Close the screws.
   
8. Mount the sliding door.