20 Most Recent Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W55 Digital Camera - Page 9 Questions & Answers

Hi,
Follow the procedures given below to have a perfect fix for your problem.

• Press Menu button.

• Toggle across from REC Mode to setup

• Toggle down thrice from camera to setup 1

• Toggle across into sub menu

• Toggle down from four times to Initialize

• Toggle across again to the sub-menu

• Toggle up from cancel to OK

• Press center button to accept the OK choice

• Screen changes and so press okay again

• It should restart the camera

• Opening on the 'Clock Set' screen

Toggle down to cancel and use the camera and make sure that you have the camera to flash, if it works try again in the Auto function. If it is still not working dont worry follow the steps again two or three more times, As this is related to a software error message and not a hardware malfunction. If it is working then don't forget to set your Clock.

I had the same "access" problem as everyone else - but here's the real way to permanently fix this problem when banging and smacking it barely works.


1 - Remove battery and memory stick. Back up the mem stick if necessary or paranoid.

2 - Using a small Phillips head screwdriver, remove all of the screws you see from the front (lens side), right and left sides of the camera. Then remove all three of the covers and place aside. 
3 - Clean and remove all dirt & dust in and around front of camera, paying special attention to areas close the lens and lens housing areas.
4 - Insert battery and close the battery cover and then PLACE THE CAMERA RIGHT-SIDE UP ON A FLAT, NON-METALLIC SURFACE, MAKING SURE THAT YOU'RE NOT TOUCHING ANY OF THE EXPOSED CIRCUITS OR WIRING TO AVOID POTENTIAL SHOCK. This isn't a danger issue, more of a cover-my-*** related note. When I did this for my DSC-W55 I touched it just about everywhere without receiving generating anything close to a shock.
5 - Press the power button. If lens does open fully and you're still receiving the "access" message, continue powering off and on while using a toothpick or compressed air to remove remaining dirt and dust particles.
6 - When you're DSC-W55 is back in business - and after you've tested it multiple times via several on/off cycles, begin replacing the covers one at a time. The trick is to replace one cover, then to test the camera again via several on/off cycles. Do this until you've reattached all covers and camera is fully operational once again. 
Tip - you may find success early by varying the tightness of the screws for each side's cover as you move along the on/off cycle process.

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 Setup 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.

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.

The problem is actually quite common throughout all camera brands. 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. Believe it or not, one BIG contributor to lens errors is using a camera case. Sand, gunk, case fibers, etc... accumulate at the bottom of the case. These materials love to cling to the camera by electrostatic build-up from the camera rubbing against the side of the case (especially those cases with soft fibrous interiors). Once these materials work their way into the lens mechanism, that's all she wrote. I have many cameras, and NEVER use a case for this very reason.

A camera owner that suffers this problem may have no recourse for having the camera repaired. Many camera makers will not honor repairing this problem under warranty as they claim it is due to impact damage to the camera, or sand or debris getting into the lens gearing mechanism (neither of which is covered under warranty). The quoted repair cost is usually close to or more than what the camera is actually worth.

Fortunately, about half the cameras that suffer this failure can easily be fixed by one of the following methods. None of these methods involve opening the camera, although some have potential to cause other damage to the camera if excessively done. 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.

The methods are listed in the order of risk of damaging your camera. Thus make sure you try them in the listed order. And remember, these fixes (especially #6 and 7) should only be considered for a camera that's out of warranty, who's cost of repair would be excessive, and would otherwise be considered for disposal if unrepaired:

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 particles 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.

It sounds as if you have changed the viewing setting so that the camera highlights over-exposed/highlight areas of the image.

While playing back images, press the multi-selector (4 way cursor) up or down to cycle through the various options.

This should be explained on page 51 of the cameras manual.

Hope this helps.

Matt.

Very likely dead.
Did you take out the battery and memory card before drying. Also it should dry for a week.
If you are lucky its just the battery thats dead. So try to borrow a battery from a friend who has the same camera.

Hi,
Zoom switch need to be replaced and it comes in complete top cover along with power button etc.
Let me know if you need part number info.
Thanks.

The DSC-W55 does not contain any charging circuitry. Connecting the camera to a computer makes the battery drain faster, since the camera must use juice communicating with the computer (even if only to say it has nothing to say). You need to use the supplied battery charger to charge the battery.

If you need a battery charger, here are some:
http://www.overstock.com/Electronics/Compact-Battery-Charger-Set-for-Sony-NP-BG1/4397985/product.html

http://www.overstock.com/Electronics/INSTEN-Compact-Battery-and-Charger-Set-for-Sony-NP-BG1/5938447/product.html

Hi, I've seen that a lot on Sony's usually it's caused by the motor that runs the lens being jammed. There's nothing you can really do to fix it, the best bet would be to have a professional look at it in person, if you let me know your area I can recommend places to you.

Try clean contacts of the battery. If problem persists, note what is on the LCD when it turns off. Only symbol of an empty battery, or is there any text? If there is written "For InfoLithium/compatible battery only", it does not mean that the camera thinks the battery is empty, but that the battery do not communicate with the camera. If other batteries are OK, you should replace the bad one.

just go to sony care center. They can fix your camera problem. If they don't get the solution try to visit another camera care center in your place. they probably can replace your camera lever if they have same model(damaged one). Thankx

There is no such thing as "the right setup". If there were, there would be no need for any of the different settings.

The appropriate settings depend on things such as the subject, the light, and the message you want your picture to convey. Would you want a picture of kids playing ball to look the same as one of a couple cutting a wedding cake?

Sometimes you want a picture to have a deep depth of field, other times to have a narrow depth of field. Sometimes you want a picture to be bright, other times you want it to be dark.

Check out your local public library. You'll probably find several books on introductory photography. They'll tell you what effect the various settings have on your pictures. Then you can start applying them to your pictures to make them say what YOU want them to say.

It's not a single button.

Press the MENU button. Press cursor-right, select Setup (toolbox icon), press cursor-right. Use cursor-up/down to select "Initialize" and press * at the center of the cursor pad. Use cursor-up to select "OK" and press *.

Press [MENU]. Press cursor-right, select Setup (toolbox icon), press cursor-right. Use cursor-up/down to select "Initialize" and press * at the center of the cursor pad. Use cursor-up to select "OK" and press *.

Press MENU to display the menu. Press cursor-right, select Setup (toolbox icon), and press cursor-right. Use cursor-up/down to select "Clock Set" and press * at the center of the cursor pad.

Press [MENU] to display the menu. Press cursor-right, select Settings (toolbox icon), press cursor-right again. Use the cursor keys to select the "A" icon and press the button at the center of the cursor pad.

Check/clean the battery connections (use a cotton swab with a tiny bit of rubbing alcohol). Also if that doesn't work, is the battery as old as the camera? If so, it definitely may be time for a new battery. Here's some to consider from Amazon.

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 SET UP1 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

Try NOT connecting your camera to your computer.

The best way to download pictures from your camera to your computer involves removing the memory card from the camera and plugging it into a card reader (either built-in to the computer or connected via USB or FireWire). This is likely to be faster than connecting the camera to the computer, and won't run down your camera's batteries.

Once the card is plugged in, it will appear to your computer as a removable drive. You can use the operating system's drag&drop facility to copy pictures from the card to the computer's hard drive, the same way you copy any other files. Or you can use iPhoto or any other photo cataloging program.

Try NOT connecting your camera to your computer.

The best way to download pictures from your camera to your computer involves removing the memory card from the camera and plugging it into a card reader (either built-in to the computer or connected via USB or FireWire). This is likely to be faster than connecting the camera to the computer, and won't run down your camera's batteries.

Once the card is plugged in, it will appear to your computer as a removable drive. You can use the operating system's drag&drop facility to copy pictures from the card to the computer's hard drive, the same way you copy any other files. Or you can use any photo cataloging program.