Unusable When I turn the camera on, it makes warning type noises that I've never heard it do before, and then displays the code E18 on a black screen in the lower left hand corner.

Hi,

"E18" indicates an error that involves the lens unit or lens cover in your camera .This error appears where the lens is prevented from properly extending or retracting .The error may also be displayed if the lens camera has been subjected to an external shock, or if a foreign substance (i.e. liquid, sand, dirt) enters the camera.Hold the camera so that your fingers do not touch the lens unit when you are shooting. Make sure the camera is off before the camera is placed back in the case. Exercise caution to ensure that the camera does not accidentally power on while the camera is stored inside the case.If you cannot clear the error code by turning the camera off and then on again, or if the error code is displayed frequently, a camera malfunction may have occurred and might require service from canon.Or else try pressing the power button on and held it down while extending the zoom lens. The lens will extend out and the camera will be freed from the error.


Thank you !!

Lens errors (E18 errors on Canons) 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 about 40% of the lens errors, but if the camera is out of warranty, they're worth a try.

Here is some information on the E18 error: http://www.e18error.com
A repair guide (suggestions) http://www.e18error.com/repair.html
Forum for users with the same problem http://www.e18error.com/posts/index.php

E18 is the canon fault number for lens error. Is the lens stuck out? does it click when the camera is switched on? Try lightly tapping the lens on a hard surface. This sometimes resets the lens. If all this fails take it to bits! (but watch the flash module as this can give a nasty shock.Big black capacitor) You will see the lens module take the it to bits carefully and re seat the components. I have done a few over the years. It takes about an hour. If you have any more issues contact me.

this is very easy to fix- switch your camera on, grab then lens around the edges, and carefully give it a firm twist. It should click and turn on.

The E18 error is 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.
Here's some things that you can do to try to correct it. Have already fixed several cameras with this problem by using these methods:
http://www.e18error.com/repair.html

The E18 error is 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.
Here's some things that you can do to try to correct it. Have already fixed several cameras with this problem by using these methods:
http://www.e18error.com/repair.html

Perhaps the lens got bumped (if the camera was one when it was dropped) and is out of place. Mine did the same and I sent it in (it was within warranty) and Canon fixed it.

cannon will repair it free of charge,its a problem with ixus 400.

Your lens is jammed, and needs to be repaired or replaced.