When i press the power button to turn on the camera, the lens does not come out as it should - I get a "Lens Error - will shut down automatically - restart camera" appear on the screen - My Camera is the PowerShot SD1400 IS Digital ELPH - I have only had this camera for a few months

hi, the camera must also be giving a lens error and must be making a whirring sound when turned on, hold the camera with camera off bang it with flat of hand , a few times , if this does not work , repeat it with camera on, even if this does not, when turning the camera on gently apply pressure on the front of the lens, do this just once , all the above fails , camera has to be service , lens unit may have to be changed

Hi,

The Lens Error 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.
You can reset the Camera back to factory default by performing the following steps:
Press the power button.
Press and hold the MENU button for more than 5 seconds. Default Settings will get displayed.
Use the arrow buttons to select OK and press the FUNC./SET button. This will reset all the settings back to factory deafult.
This should resolve the issue. If the issue persists, service may be required.

Thanks for contacting FixYa

I suggest check in this link, some tips about fixing-lens-error-on-digital-camera.

Hope helps.

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.
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.

Remove battery and memory card, keep aside tap the lens on the palm and insert the battery as you repeat the tap. Repeat to see if there is any foreign particles that has stuck on the lens mechanism. If these steps dont work thenthe camera must be opened to check if the motor drive, motor is faulty.
Advice help from Cano service support.

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.

Hi,


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. 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.

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 auto focus while the lens is extending, hopefully seating the lens barrel guide pins in their slots. 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).


Thank you!

Press the "MENU" button and navigate to the reset command and reset the camera. That may get the camera to function properly.

A lens error has to be sent into repairs or else you need to buy a new camera. Repairs is 800-706-2534 and then choose extension for repairs.

Place the camera flat on its back on the kitchen 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.