Camera suddenly began reading "lens error - restart camera" and lens will not retract. camera was not dropped and no foreign material was introduced to lens (as far as I know) please help! i love my camera and am very distressed! thanks, bee

Try to push or pull lens while turning camera on and off

Hi

This error may appear where the lens is prevented from properly extending or retracting such as, for example, when pressure is applied to the lens or the area surrounding the lens while handling the camera. The error may also be displayed if the lens unit/camera has been subjected to an external shock, or if a foreign substance (i.e. liquid, sand, dirt) enters the camera.
Solution
Check the following when you operate the camera to avoid applying pressure to the lens and surrounding area:

• Hold the camera so that your fingers do not touch the lens unit when you are shooting.
• Make sure the camera is off before the camera is placed back in the case. Exercise caution to ensure that the camera does not accidentally power on while the camera is stored inside the case.