Kodak Easyshare M580 Digital Camera Logo

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Posted on Jun 07, 2012
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Lense Obstructed When I turn on my camera it says lens obstructed and then immediately turns off.

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kakima

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  • Kodak Master 102,366 Answers
  • Posted on Jun 07, 2012
kakima
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5 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 11967 Answers
  • Posted on Mar 31, 2011

SOURCE: my c195 keeps sayin lens obstructed and lens wont

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.
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.

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Anonymous

  • 11967 Answers
  • Posted on Jan 09, 2010

SOURCE: Kodak camera immediately turning itself off.

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 Canon's, 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.

Anonymous

  • 6831 Answers
  • Posted on Sep 13, 2010

SOURCE: lens obstructed.remove lens cap

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.

Hope the advise is useful.

Regards
Andrea

Anonymous

  • 3006 Answers
  • Posted on Sep 30, 2010

SOURCE: what do you mean with obstructed lens,remove lens

Sorry, but your question is confusing. This appears to be your first FixYa question and nobody has answered it yet nor asked for a clarification, but your question appears to be querying an answer which you have already had.

I'm going to assume that you've simply made an error and want to know how to solve a problem with an obstructed lens on a digital compact camera (the heading suggests a Kodak EasyShare C613). Sorry if the assumption is incorrect, but if you have a stuck lens then you presumably want a fast answer.

Obstructed/stuck lenses are such a common fault that I hope you don't mind me pasting my stock generic answer below. No point in reinventing the wheel!

Stuck lenses are probably the most common reason that compact digital cameras get thrown away, but there's a fair chance of recovering use of your camera again

The fault is commonly caused by dirt or grit blocking the mechanism, or due to it having suffered a recent fall. Another common cause is that the camera was in a pocket or bag and the power button accidentally activated and tried to open the lens against resistance. The mechanism may have simply become dislodged or there may be parts which have broken.

If your camera is still under warranty and has definitely not been subject to misuse then contact the Kodak service department in your country to find out about a free repair. If the warranty has expired though a professional repair will far exceed the cost of replacing your camera. You will therefore have nothing to lose by trying to fix this yourself.

Please click here and you will be taken to an excellent article provided by the Camera Repair website. For the most part, you'll be guided on how to physically manipulate your camera to try and clear the fault.

If the link doesn't work then cut and paste the following address into your browser:-

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

Good luck, I hope you manage to use this information to fix your camera. Please take a moment to rate the free answer I have provided for you.


If you really did mean to ask something else, then instead of rating my answer please add a comment to clarify what you want to know and I shall try to offer you further assistance.

Anonymous

  • 34 Answers
  • Posted on Feb 03, 2011

SOURCE: my kodak m580 camera fell,

I'm sorry to bring you bad news, but the mechanism that extends the lens for focusing has become broken, or the pins have popped out of their tracks, or the motor or gears have broken. This kind of problem is very common, and comes under the heading of "Lens Errors". I have searched around the Internet for news of people addressing this problem, and this is such a common problem that someone has written a blog just addressing this one error. You can read it here - it describes it far more completely than I ever could!

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Related Questions:

0helpful
1answer

Message say lens obstructed can not get the lens to do anything

The reason you cannot get the lens to do anything is because, as you yourself have stated, it is obstructed. If you remove the obstruction, the lens should function normally.
Feb 02, 2020 • Cameras
0helpful
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Lens obstructed

Oh dear. Unfortunately this is common with many lenses that extend and retract on these cameras. Fuji is also known to have similar issues.
At some stage, the camera has been knocked while the lens has been extended. You may deny this, however - it doesn't take much to knock those little suckers out of alignment. Even as simple as putting it down on the table will do it! It cannot be fixed with 'layman' fingers and needs to be seen by a technician. Cost can be >$50 and may take a week or more to be returned...worse case - still UNFIXED!
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Will not work

Try to find out if there is something else obstructing the free movement of the lens barrel. And then try to find out if your battery (yes) are still ok. If they can't give enough power, the motor to drive the lens, can't work and the camera also "thinks" the lens got stuck.
Sometimes, a gear that is involved with moving the lens became broke. If that happens, only a repair shop can help.
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My kodak m583 tells me there is lens obstructed,and wont turn on

This video illustrates troubleshooting steps for a lens obstructed error:
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It says, whenever I turn on my camera that the Lens is Obstructed. Is this possible to fix?

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 obstructed 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:
0helpful
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I turn the camera on and the lens goes out and the screen is black and then says that the lens is obstructed (it isn't) and then it turns itself off again

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 obstructed 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:
0helpful
2answers
0helpful
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I dropped my camera now whenever i turn it on it say 'lense obstructed how do i fix it???

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.
0helpful
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Look at http://www.fixya.com/support/t7664765-cannot_turn_camera I cannot turn the camera on. I guess it was dameged during my holidaying. I recall that, the camera was excidently turned on inside its...

This should also work for your camera.

the E18 displayed on the LCD is an error code which means the zoom lens is stuck or obstructed when trying to extend. This is a common problem with many Canon compact digital camera models.

you can read more about this error code and a list of many of the cameras affected on this webpage: www.e18error.com

one possible cause for this error condition is something obstructing the tiny geartrain that operates the zoom lens (dirt, sand, etc). It may be possible for you to recover from this error by dismantling the camera and dislodging whatever is obstructing the lens or lens geartrain. Sending the camera in for professional repair will probably cost you more than buying a new camera, so it's worth your while attempting this repair yourself if you're up to it.

several of the Canon digital cameras I've seen are constructed in a similar manner and luckily use screws to hold the case together, allowing for disassembly.

over in the Teardown section here on ifixit.com, I've posted pictures of the stepsrequired to fully disassemble a Canon PowerShot S500 digital camera. Even if you have a different model Canon camera with an E18 error, you may find these photos give you an idea of what's involved in the repair.

0helpful
1answer

Lense problem

Dear jmgrev,

Whenever you turn your camera on and your lens doesn't go in and out properly you are likely experiencing a lens error of some sort. Look for an error 18 or a "lens error restart camera" message. If either of these appears you definitely have a lens motor mechanism problem and will need to send the unit in for service.

If the lens still functions, but only intermittently - or if there seems to be a functional problem in focusing correctly or in taking an excessive time to focus, then you are in the early stages of what will soon become a fullblown lens issue.

These problems can be caused by a variety of things such as having obstructed the lens when turning the camera at one point, or getting grit in the lens mechanism or during/after a fall or some sort of impact. It can even happen spontaneously due to the tracking mechanism coming out of gear. Hopes this helps.

Sincerely,
HeavyDLB
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