Lens error for coolpix l3. The lens won't retract and the camera won't work. took batteries out and put new ones in. nothing is working. is there a way to reset the camera?

This is a delicate operation but you can try this: tap the camera lens up on a towel over a hard surface (counter top or floor) while you expect the lens to retract as in turning off. It may be enough jarring force to get cams back in the helix that moved the lens. Hit it hard and flat. IF that doesnt work, try tapping the lens down while it tries to retract. I have heard that people get so frustrated with it that they slam the camera lens up on a desk and that fixes it!

Hi Connie:
Lens stuck, is common defective that need new lens unit replacement or just repairable.

Causes of a Lens Error: There are a number of ways with which a lens error can be caused. Particulates might have managed to get into the mechanical bits that allow the lens to retract, a purely physical interference with the lens mechanism. If the camera was dropped, especially while the lens was extended, there's a pretty good chance something might have been knocked loose, such as the guide pins upon which the lens withdraws and retracts.

How to Repair a Lens Error: As scary as a lens error might seem, there are some easy fixes. Before trying any of them out, however, first take a good long look at your camera warranty and maybe have a chat with the company. If the lens error will be covered under the terms of the warranty, go for it. Even some of the simple fixes mentioned below might void the camera warranty. Sincerely, however, it's unlikely that a lens error will qualify for the warranty.

Hope this helps; also keep in mind that your feedback is important and I'll appreciate your time and consideration if you leave some testimonial comment about this answer.

Thank you for using Fixya, and have a nice day.

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 ...
Here are some troubleshooting steps that you can try that may (or may not) correct it. They only seem to work for less than 40% of the lens errors, but if the camera is out of warranty (or repair cost approaches that of the camera), they're worth that try. Some of the later steps do involve some risk to the camera, so carefully weigh your options before deciding to conduct them.

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 ... Here are some troubleshooting steps that you can try that may (or may not) correct it. They only seem to work for less than 40% of the lens errors, but if the camera is out of warranty (or repair cost approaches that of the camera), they're worth that try. Some of the later steps do involve some risk to the camera, so carefully weigh your options before deciding to conduct them:

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.

This is probably THE single most common failure among digital cameras. There's a halfway chance of fixing it yourself, described here: http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2007/12/fixing-lens-error-on-digital-camera.html

See my posts on this problem. By forcing the lens with you fingers into the camera, it may put it on track. This can damage the camera even further, but may be worth a try. You can try to pull it out when starting, and then pushing in on turning it off.
Worth a try, may work.

The following blog outlines some repair options for a lens error:

http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2007/12/fixing-lens-error-on-digital-camera.html

This worked for my camera, Nikon Coolpix L10!! I'm so happy I didn't go out and buy another camera!!!
Remove the batteries, then remove the memory card. Then install the new batteries, when you turn it on it should come back to life. Error E30 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.
Kathy

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.