20 Most Recent Canon PowerShot SD500 / IXUS 700 Digital Camera - Page 4 Questions & Answers

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.And here's a 16 minute video summary of the info shown in the link. But note that the article link above goes into even greater detail than this video: You-Tube video "AkEfnF6zVxc" placeholder (do not delete)

Copy and paste this website into your browser for solutions:

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

Go to this website for the solutions:

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

Sounds like a stupid question, but, if the camera is operating correctly in all other ways, have you checked to make sure that you didn't smudge the lens at some point?

The lens error indicates that the movement is inhibited possibly by sand or grit. It also may be misaligned or an internal component has failed. Here are a few links to some other things to try. With newer cameras I am usually hesitant to suggest these options since they include some more extreme procedures that may cause further damage if not done correctly, but since yours is probably no longer under warranty, they may save you an expensive repair bill. An older Canon camera is used to demonstrate these procedures but, the lens structure of these compact cameras is the same so the examples do apply to this unit. These procedures are effective about 60% of the time. Click on or copy and paste the links into your browser.

* Lens Covers
* Lens FIX 1
* Lens FIX 2

Additional details also can read in this previous post: support/t10373115-nikkon_s3000

Hope this helps.

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. Now as the SX1S has a particularly high zoom power, its lens barrels move quite abit and are particularly sensitive to sand or grit interference. Pay particular attention to cleaning around the gaps of the barrels as shown in the link.

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.

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

Hi,

This is a common problem. There is a fault within the lens mechanism. The lens error is common for cameras with telescoping lenses.

• You can help the motor by connecting the AV cable --- this keeps the LCD off and not draw power away from the motor.
• Remove the batteries and insert freshly charged batteries.

Few more tricks that you could use :-

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: If the camera's batteries ran down completely while the its lens was still open, the camera may show a lens error or not start properly when new batteries are installed. Remove the memory card and keep it removed, then install the new batteries. When you turn the camera on with the card removed it may come back to life, as this triggers a reset in some cameras. Error E30 (for older Canon's) means that you don't have a memory card installed, so turn it off, slip in the SD 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 power to 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 back into 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). Some people also have actually used a "Shop Vac" with this fix to help extend a retracted lens.

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 #5a: If you actually do notice sand particles stuck in the gaps around the lens barrel, and blowing air does not help to dislodge them, consider using a thin piece of paper or a sewing needle to help dislodge them. Pay particular care not to scratch your lens barrel with the needle. Also, I do not recommend probing too deeply around the lens barrel with the paper (don't go more than a 1 cm or 1/2 in) . Particularly I do not recommend probing deeply around the most outer (largest) lens barrel gap, as you may dislodge the lens barrel dust gasket that's located just inside of that gap.
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 obvious potential for damaging or dislodging internal components with this method, such as unseating ribbon cables, or cracking LCD screens.

Fix #6a: This is a variation of Fix #6, and should be tried if the lens barrels appears straight (not crooked). In other words, try this if there's no obvious mechanical damage to the lens barrels that's causing the problem. With the lens pointed down, try "gently" tapping around the lens barrels with a small item such as a pencil or a teaspoon. The idea is to try to dislodge any sand particles that may be jamming the lens barrel stuck. Simultaneously try turning the camera on and off as you're doing this.
Fix #7: The most extreme of the fixes. You especially might consider this if the lens barrel appears obviously damaged, bent, or crooked such as from a fall. Try forcing the lens. More people have reported success with this method than with any of the other methods (see the polls in the right column). 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 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. The following photo illustrates unseated guide pins that would cause a lens error.


More tricks :-

Try compressed air. With a fine tip blow off gun and dry compressed air (20 lbs) set the tip between the lens turret and the camera body and turn on the air while moving the tip around the lens. It should remove all dust and sand. Turn the camera on and it should function fine.

Another method is to tap the padded USB cover part on a hard surface, for example, a desk. It sounds so simple, but very often in works.

Try forcing the camera lens:

Turn off the camera. Place it on the back with the lens facing up and take a look at the spacing between the lens and the lens housing. If you notice that the gap is not even all the way around the lens, the problem should be easy to fix. This type of a problem usually occurs if the camera was dropped while the lens was extended.

Simply - VERY GENTLY - press down the lens on the side where the gap is the biggest. You should hear a "click" as it pops back into place. Try powering the camera back on.

If the lens doesn't extend at all or it extends, and then retracts again, do the following. Turn the camera off. Take the camera in one hand and with the other gently take one part of the lens and gently move it round in a circular movement. Do so with both sections of the lens. You will hear a "click" as it pops back in place. Power the camera on.

Another version of this fix would be to pull and twist on the largest ring of the lens while turning the camera on. Listen for a "click". If at first the focus seems to be off, turn the camera on and off and take lots of pictures, close ups and distance. Focus should slowly start improving.


Unfortunately, there is no one good trick. This is a common problem and you could try to use any of the above tricks that you could find it comfortable to use.

The best advise would be to contact the manufacturer and get the camera replaced/repaired if under warranty.If out of warranty and the above tricks would not work, repair is usually not advisable as the cost of repair would be high as compared to the cost of the camera.

Let me know,if needed further assistance.

Hope i helped you.

Thanks for using ' Fixya ' and have a nice day!!

E:18 is a standard "lens error" message for Canon cameras. If the lens is stuck at an angle, then sometimes you can SNAP it back towards center and make it work again. If it's not at an angle then you will need to replace the lens assembly. A good refurbished lens install is about $75, so you have to weigh that against buying a new camera for $200 or sending the camera to Canon to fix for $125.

Hope this helps.

Thomas Drayton
Owner, www.darntoothysam.com
Affordable Digital Camera Repair

Right click on the picture then access your properties option, then it will say the program that is running from, (making it able to come up when double clicking on it), change it to a photo shop as it's main program. Through the setting of the Photoshop ( after image is pulled up in the new main properties program you have chosen, referring to most commonly used, Photoshop, it will allow you to do as you please as far as proportions. It is a easy back- door route to reset sizing on pictures very quickly, and effortlessly. Easier done, then said, in this scenario.

Your previous diagnostic definitely indicates a mechanical problem, once the possibility that a false sensor signal to the main board as the cause by resetting all functions. It is very likely that there is a blockage or a broken internal part that is preventing the correct positioning of the lens which triggers the shutdown and error display.

You can try some of the procedures listed below to fix it yourself. These simple steps have helped many people restore their cameras to functionality.

Before trying any of the suggestions, make sure your Camera has new or fully charged batteries and it is in recording mode. Try compressed air. With a fine tip can of dry compressed air (not a blow dryer) set the tip between the lens turret and the camera body and turn on the air while moving the tip around the lens. It could possibly remove all dust and sand. Turn the camera on and it should function fine.

The links below give additional step by step DIY instructions on troubleshooting and attempting to fix this problem. A Canon camera is used to demonstrate these procedures but, the lens structure of these compact cameras is the same so the examples do apply to this unit. These procedures are effective about 60% of the time. Click on or copy and paste the links into your browser. Pay special attention to the opening statement at the first link if there is any chance of warranty repair.

Check this links for additional details that could find in this article link: fixing-lens-error-on-digital-camera.html

Additionally, here is a video of the normal power up sequence of the camera and there other moethods:
1. Here is the first alternate method
2. Here is the second alternate method


Hope helps.

This sounds like it might be a defective CCD imager, and is a known defect for your particular model camera.. If so, Canon should fix this for you for free if you live in the US, Canada, and a select few other countries. If you live outside the US, contact Canon support for your country to see if they'll still honor the advisory (some still will, especially if you stress you knowledge that this is a known defect of the camera). They may also include free shipping both ways (free shipping varies with countries). This is regardless of your camera's warranty status. Please see this link for more info.

No. The camera does not contain any charging circuitry. Please use the supplied CB-2LV or CB-2LVE charger.

Press down on the cursor pad (marked with a one-handed clock). Use up/down to select the delay. Start the self-timer by pressing the shutter release button.

Full details are in the "Using the Self-timer" section of the manual (page 78 in my copy). If you need the manual, you can download it from the manufacturer's web site at
http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/support/consumer/digital_cameras/powershot_sd_series/powershot_sd500#BrochuresAndManuals

hello mjrefran,
it's hard to diognisticate from distance, but i will try to help you. if you connect your cam with a cable to your pc and it recognize it and you dont see any pics, then try to remove cams driver and reinstall it. you can also check the memory card with an optional card reader directly on your pc. the problem can also be with the card itself, try reformating card but you will lose the data on it (do it at least)
feel free to contact me if something is unclear or you got questions.
regards

I'm sorry to say this, but cameras die. It could just be that your camera was well loved, and has been affected by everyday wear, or it is suffering from water or other damage. In any case, you would have to replace the screen, which would be more hassle than it's worth. If you remember any sort of water damage, though, than you try try taking all memory cards and batteries from the camera, then putting it in a bowl of dry rice for about 2 weeks. I had an iPod touch 3rd Gen that suffered SERIOUS water damage and this perked it up.
I'm sorry to say their isn't an immediate fix, but this can hopefully help a little.

Hi,

Here is a tip that I wrote about How to get a Digital Camera Lens to work again

Steps to Repair a Digital Camera Lens

heatman101

Take the memory card out of your camera and look at it. SD cards have a slide switch along one edge. The position farthest from the contacts locks the card, protecting it from writes. The position nearest the contacts unlocks the card.