The lens is stuck out from the camera and I get a warning message telling to "turn off the camera and turn on again". I do this but the lens still sticks out and doesn't retract however it does move occasionally about half a centimetre. the digital screen appears black besides the settings i.e. SR Auto. I can still access the menu whilst it is on.

SOURCE: coolpix lens opens retracts opens then closes again and lens error appears

Hello

When you turn the camera on the lens comes out and has parameters when extending to focus, if the lens does not open fully it sees a problem and then closes.

there are tiny plastic gears inside and may have chipped or a piece of sand got in causing the lens to jamb. "very fragile"

one solution is to ask a camera repair shop how much a lens mechanism would be to replace. (if cost is more than 1/2 of what you paid dont bother)

another solution is to have someone sell your camera on an auction site for parts, to make some money towards another camera purchase

SOURCE: Sony DSC W50 - lens stuck

how do i fix my lens if its stuck? please respond i am in need of assistance..

SOURCE: Access Message

Could not believe it but it worked for me as well. First time I see that a good smack makes it work

SOURCE: lens stays open, won't retract when camera turned off

If your camera is still under warranty, the best thing you can do is to take it to the nearest official Canon repair shop and Canon should fix it for free.

If your camera is out of warranty, or if Canon refuses to repair it for free (happens sometimes if for example they suspect the camera has not been treated properly) you can try some of the methods listed here to repair it yourself. These simple methods have helped a lot of people fix their cameras.

Before trying any of the suggestions, make sure your Canon has fresh batteries and it is in recording mode.

1) Remove the batteries from the camera, wait for a couple of minutes, then put them back in and turn the camera on.

2) Try compressed air. With a fine tip blow off gun and dry compressed air (20 lbs) set the tip between the lens turret and the camera body and turn on the air while moving the tip around the lens. It should remove all dust and sand. Turn the camera on and it should function fine.

3) Another method is to tap the padded USB cover part on a hard surface, for example, a desk. It sounds so simple, but very often in works.

4) Try forcing the camera lens:

Turn off the camera. Place it on the back with the lens facing up and take a look at the spacing between the lens and the lens housing. If you notice that the gap is not even all the way around the lens, the problem should be easy to fix. This type of a problem usually occurs if the camera was dropped while the lens was extended.

Simply - VERY GENTLY - press down the lens on the side where the gap is the biggest. You should hear a "click" as it pops back into place. Try powering the camera back on.

If the lens doesn't extend at all or it extends, and then retracts again, do the following. Turn the camera off. Take the camera in one hand and with the other gently take one part of the lens and gently move it round in a circular movement. Do so with both sections of the lens. You will hear a "click" as it pops back in place. Power the camera on.

Another version of this fix would be to pull and twist on the largest ring of the lens while turning the camera on. Listen for a "click". If at first the focus seems to be off, turn the camera on and off and take lots of pictures, close ups and distance. Focus should slowly start improving.

5) If that doesn't work, there is an online guide for dismantling Canon cameras and fixing the E18 error. (NOTE: Try this only if your camera is no longer under warranty!) It is a great guide with pictures and it can be found here.

regards iversh
a very helpful rating is apreciated for answering ur query.....

SOURCE: turn the power off and on again message

Hi,

Error: TURN THE POWER OFF AND ON AGAIN is displayed on the LCD screen when the Lens Mechanism is stuck or when affected by any malfunction. If turning the power on and off again does not resolve the error message, try doing a power reset and Initialize option.

Performing a manual power reset

Turn off the camera.

Remove the battery pack.

Press and hold the power button for 30 seconds.

Allow the camera to remain without power for 60 seconds.

Reinsert the battery pack.

Turn on the camera.

To reset the Camera back to factory default, select the INITIALIZE Option from the Main Settigs 1 Menu of the Camera to OK.This will set the user defined settings back to factory default. The images and videos will not get deleted.

If the issue persists, service may be required.

Thanks for contacting FixYa