20 Most Recent Canon PowerShot A550 Digital Camera - Page 4 Questions & Answers

How long has the lens been open when this happens'? My Canon has a battery saving mode that it goes into within a minute or so. Does it turn off completly or can you 'wake it up again' by pressing the shutter button? It MAY be just a battery saving feature which, I think, you can change that option to a longer time by looking at your setup settings.

One review of this excellent camera said the flash takes a long time to recharge after each shot. Could be you need a freshly charged battery, or that you have inadvertently made a special unfamiliar setting such as long exposure or something? Just guessing.

Canon A550 and A560 have the same body and most of the internal parts, including lens assembly are the same. Canon won't sell individual parts within the lens assembly. There could be two possiblities. One is (unlikely) that the lens assembly components have been knocked off from their position. The other is that because of a knock, or dropping the camera, the gears in the gearbox of the lens assembly are broken. These gears are the same as the ones in A530/A540, and are available from ebay for $12.50 including shipping. Checkout my site for how to open up the camera and the lens assembly to replace these:

http://pkrobot.freehostia.com/MiscElectronics2.htm

For A550 and A560, if you take it to the professional repair shop, it might not be cost effective, since it might cost around $90. Canon does not sell gears, so they might have to replace the entire lens assembly. The new camera is available these days for around $140.

no you will need to replace the lens if possible

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 intreriors). 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 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 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.

While the battery door looks simple the mechanism is assembled in a way to make it a tight fit. Make sure you have all the precise correct tools. Using an incorrect tool might make this worse by not allowing you to remove the current parts. If you are unable to obtain you might want to contact Teleplan Camera Repair and see if they will work with you. http://www.teleplancamerarepair.com/

Yes it can be repaired but can be costly so i would have you research for a good shop with low repair cost.

it indeed can be repaired.


hope this answer the questions please od leave feedback and ratings if it did. Btw, I’m available to help over the phone in case u need at https://www.6ya.com/expert/edwy_1a56970cf1ea4620

Hello

The problem is that the lens has become stuck in the barrel. There are some DIY solutions you could try, but the probability is that you will have to get it fixed by a professional.

Use these at own risk as it may further damage the camera.

Firstly , try connecting your ac adapter or usb cable.

Try holding the shutter button while switching on the camera.

Look at the lens , and if some of the lens 'circles' is misaligned or not concentric then try wiggling it (while holding camera lens down).

Try gently pushing or pulling the lens when it extends but this is risky as it may cause the lens barrel to slip out of its guidance system.

Another way to do this is to place the camera lens down on a hard surface and then power it up. Be sure to use a soft cloth or something similar as to not scratch your lens or casing. Let the lens push the camera up and down a few times and sometimes the little resistance provided by the camera is enough to get things going again.

Try hitting your camera near the lens on the body with the soft tissue on the palm of your hand.

Other than that , I would take the camera to a repair center for a evaluation to see if it would cost more to repair than to replace the camera.

If it is still under warranty I would suggest you take it in before trying any of these steps and remove any off-brand batteries or accessories as some stores are really fussy about warranty repairs on camera's with non-brand accessories.

You can also have a look at THIS link.

Hope the advise is useful. please do not hesitate to let me know if you need any further assistance.

Regards
Andrea

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. Or you can use any photo cataloging program.

Hi,

Some memory cards have a Write Protection switch on them.
To check this please remove the Memory card from the camera. Check if there is a "lock" switch on the left side.
Slide this switch to the "Unlocked" position, and reinsert the card into the camera.

This should resolve the issue and the error should go away.

In case the issue persists, it could mean the the write protect on this card was perhaps set by mistake while it was connected to the computer.

You will need to use the computer to cancel the read-only setting.
Please connect the card to your computer through the camera or a card reader and cancel the write protect on the card.

If this doesn't work for you, please comment and let me know, and I will be more than happy to assist you to further resolve your issue.
I will appreciate your feedback and positive rating.

Your camera uses SD memory cards. On one edge is a slider switch: towards the electrical contacts is the unlocked position and away from them is locked.

Unfortunately, the switch is easy to move accidentally and it's also easy for it to appear to be unlocked when it isn't. Like any mechanical component it's also possible for the switch to fail.

If the switch is in the locked position then slide it fully to the unlocked position; if it's already in the unlocked position, slide it fully to the locked position and then fully back again. There should be a soft click at each end of the switch travel, if not then the switch is definitely faulty or obstructed.

If that fails, then try looking closely at the switch in both positions to ensure that there is no debris obstructing its movement, if not then check the electrical contacts to ensure that they're completely clean and grease-free. Don't touch the contacts with your bare skin, but if the contacts need cleaning then a cotton bud (Q-tip) moistened with a little alcohol or methylated spirits can be used to clean them.

If you still have no fix, then try a different SD card as yours may have an irreparable faulty switch. If the card does prove to be faulty then on most major brands you may be able to return them to the manufacturer for exchange: I've found that they will often do this on a goodwill basis even if the card is out of warranty.

If all options regarding the memory card are unsuccessful, then you have a faulty camera and further remedies require either a professional repair or replacement of the camera.

I hope that my answer has been of use and has given you additional options to fix your problem. Please take a moment to rate my reply.

Think that you might have accidentally pressed the DISP or DISPLAY button on the back of your camera. This manually turns the LCD display on and off to save batteries. You would then use the optical viewfinder in its place. To turn the screen back on, just press the DISP button one more time.

Hi,

If you are having trouble with your data cable, might be better to replace it with a new one that is compatible wit your camera. Try visiting the authorized dealer of canon near your place.

Thanks.

You might want to consider NOT connecting the camera to the 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. Or you can use any photo cataloging program.

If you're a camera technician, we should be coming to you for camera gears.

Hi,

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. 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.

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 auto focus while the lens is extending, hopefully seating the lens barrel guide pins in their slots. 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).

Thank you!

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/support/consumer

First of all, stop hooking the camera to the computer to download pics. That's not the best way and obviously, your computer doesn't like it. Get a separate card reader and use it instead of your camera. This one is only $13 at Walmart.

Hi there,

Well if you are not able to charge your camera or your camera not respond at all then first of all you can try to change the battery of your camera, most of the time it works........

Good Luck!!

Thanks for using FixYa!!

sounds like a bad memory card