The lens will not retract when the camera is turned off. the screen says focus error when the camera is turned on. is there a way to fix this problem?

The systems control board has detected a problem with the auto focus lens, the focus is controlled by a tiny motor that has jammed or there is a mechanical issue with the camera lens. It will require a technician that is highly skilled to deal with the situation, but the repair cost would probably not be justified.

Focus problems are quite common after a lens error, it sounds like you still have an issue with that lens unit. If you need help, there's a great site taht just specializes in the powershot problems, nothing else at all. Try going to www.camerasandparts.com and you'll see the fix for this for your SD890 camera. I hope that helps, that site is amazing for the powershots and that's where a lot of people go for help with these. Good luck with it.

It won't focus because ya lens is out of focus due to it being stuck had same prob wig my Sony worked out cheaper to buy a new camera than have it fixed.very fiddley to repair hope if bin some help

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.

there is a small logic circuit that controls the motor that retracts the lens and a sensor that tells it the lens is retracted, it is a lens position sensor, one of these two components is most likely defective, the thing is there are no consumer service info provided by panasonic, they will not sell you parts either, the camera is a mystery to take apart and repair without the tech manual which u can't get, so u see the delima here, u must either have this camera fixed by a panasonic repair station or see if it qualifies for a upgrade exchange program for a newer model.

Here is a quick fix to try. If you attempted to remove the focus error doing the 3 times on and off, and it didnb't help to this. Power the camera on, you will hear the gear skipping as if it is slipping. Right at the moment you turn of the camera push the lens in manually slightly and gently. This will reposition the timing of the lens to focus. This usually fixes the Focus error when the lens is stuck in the out position and never retracts. I have had this happen twice, and it cleared both times by doing this. Good Luck

Lens error is usually caused by mechanical faults concerning lens assembly. The lens cannot extend or retract fully, the error is detected and lens error is returned.
Sometimes this can be fixed playing with the lens during extraction or retraction to help the lens asset getting back to normal.
More often the camera lens must be disassembled and re-assembled by a technician to fix the problem.

No solution you can make- The motor mechanism is shot Depending on how long you have had the camera you may get it replaced or a repair price quoted. The repair price will be horrific buy the next camera.

The most common cause of this issue on the L3 is an impact which dislodges the focus element in the very front of the lens. The metal platform that the focus system is mounted to is attached with 1 screw and is able to flex slightly under stress. When impacted it flexes and allows the focus drive to become misaligned. The lens still technically works but the camera senses that the focus is jammed and leaves the lens extended so no components will be damaged by retracting. This repair costs $145 at my shop, not an economical repair for this camera. Some parts of the focus element are accessable from the front of the lens. You can remove the metal cover (it is glued down). Generally you will not be able to re-install the lens barrier, but it can be removed without harm to the camera. When you remove the plastic plate which carries the lens barrier you will see a small metal gear, this is the base of the focus drive.

Usually down to the lens block assy being faulty.Is the lens retracting and opening properly?.It usually turns out to be worn gears in the lens drive assy or the result of a fall.Either way will be expensive repair!My advise is check and see whether camera is covered by insurance for accidental knocks.,