Dmc-fs15 lens locked out - Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15 Digital Camera

Hi.

It is called a lens error. Problem is called by dert inside lens gears or by a part that has became defective. In some case, the lens try extending, as they cannot reach full extension they retract or stall, until the camera shuts down. In your case the lens extended and got stuck.

First step is resetting the camera by removing battery for one minute. Ensure that you put fully charged battery and restart. In some occasions the reset may work.

First try removing internal battery and restarting the camera, also ensure that the camera is not set in PC mode, but in shooting mode.

You can attempt pushing the lens gently back in the camera while turning the camera off. Sometimes this can help the lens back in.

If that does not work, then the lens must be taken apart.
The lens assembly is very delicate and it is made of small gears and parts. If you do not have enough experience, with DIY disassemblying there is always a good chance that you end up with the camera turned into a bulk of tiny bits and pieces.

I summarized the problem in this article: Lens Error.

Try following the steps in the article if that does not work I suggest calling Panasonic at the number listed on manual. You can also get a quote from a third party service here: Repair.