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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" (older Canons), "ACCESS" error
(Sony), "Zoom Error" (Fuji), "Lens Obstructed" (Kodak), "lens error,
restart camera" or just "lens error" (nearly all camera makers lately
use this variation). 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.
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 (lens obstructed on Kodaks) 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:
Typically when this happens with digital cameras there is some sort of dust or dirt that is lodged in the lens moving mechanism. This can usually be corrected by blowing into the lens as the camera is turning on. If a more powerful gust is required you can use either compressed air or a cheap can of duster.
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:
Unfortunately, many cameras that fall prey to lens error problems (Lens obstructed on Kodak's) can only be corrected by professional repair. But, here are some troubleshooting steps that you can try 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 (or repair cost approaches that of the camera), they're worth that try.
A recycling lens is usually caused by either a low or worn out battery (how old is your battery? If more than a couple years, it would be definitely time for a new one. Here's a selection.). If a new battery doesn't help (but it really does sound like you need a new battery), the next problem that could cause this is a lens error. Unfortunately, many cameras that fall prey to lens error problems can only be corrected by professional repair. But, here are some last resort troubleshooting steps that you can try 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 (or repair cost approaches that of the camera), they're worth that try.
You must lock the aperture ring to f/22, so the camera can engage the aperture adjustment lever on the lens. Then, you can change the aperture with the command wheel.
When you change the aperture with the command wheel the aperture ring on
the lens doesn't move when the camera actually adjusts the lens
aperture.
Take the lens off and locate the aperture adjustment lever on the lens mount.
Unfortunately, this won't work with older AF lenses. So if you are using an older lens, the only thing you can do is change the camera setting to M (Manual) to adjust the aperture on the lens yourself.
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