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Sara Marquis Posted on Feb 08, 2013
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I dropped my nikon coolpix s3300, and the lens is now stuck in the out position. What do I do? I have the limited warranty.

I was getting ready to take a picture with my new (two month old) Nikon Coolpix s3300, when I turned it on and laid it down on a shelf. When I turned back around, I knocked it off, and it landed straight on the lens. The lens was dented, and now when I try to turn it on the screen is black. I can view pictures but not see the screen to take any new ones. I have a limited warranty. What do I do??

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  • Master 2,178 Answers
  • Posted on Feb 13, 2013
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Sounds like the iris is stuck shut - the lens needs to be replaced.

2 Related Answers

kakima

  • 102366 Answers
  • Posted on Feb 23, 2010

SOURCE: Nikon Coolpix S202 "lens error"

This is probably THE single most common failure among digital cameras. There's a halfway chance of fixing it yourself, described here: http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2007/12/fixing-lens-error-on-digital-camera.html

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Anonymous

  • 11967 Answers
  • Posted on May 17, 2010

SOURCE: Nikon Coolpix s220...Lens Error. Camera was

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.

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2answers

The lens does not stay open long enough to pose picture. It closes.

These camera's will do that when the battery is very low sometimes.
I'm not sure that is your problem due to lack of more details, but it is a possibility.
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How and what can I do, to fix my frozen Nikon COOLPIX S3300??

Sounds like internal damage. If you've removed the battery for more than 20 minutes and it still behaves in this fashion your best option is to send it in for repairs or purchase another, which may be a cheaper option.
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Why is my lens still stuck, and why does it not seem to charge?

Send it back to Nikon for repair, or buy a new one.
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Lens error message

It usually comes, after getting pressed while carrying, it need to be worked on its lens gears. Visit a Nikon Service center for more info.
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Coolpix s3300 lense stuck in

Contact the Nikon USA Repair Center at 1-800-645-6687 9AM-8PM EST, Monday to Friday, for instructions for obtaining a free estimate for repair. Your camera has damage that you will probably not be able to fix yourself.
0helpful
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S3300 nikon was dropped and now doesn't do anything but show the on light.

It seems rather apparent that you broke your camera when you dropped it. Since you publicly admitted you dropped it, Nikon isn't likely to cover it under warranty. It looks like you need a new camera...

Sorry if that wasn't the answer you wanted but if you break it, you buy it.
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I dropped my Nikon Coolpix L18. The lens does not come on and it gives lens error. the portion which covers the lens seems to be loos. I am in Africa and ready to try every thing to get it working to get...

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.
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Nikon coolpix L11 Lens stuck

Try jiggling the lens. Use compressed air to blow out any grit around the lens barrel. If that doesn't do it, you'll need to get the camera serviced.
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Nikon lens 18--55mm stuck

Dropping is the most common cause or a knock whilst whilst the lens is out.
Dirt ingress is another possibilty.
It is almost always physical damage - or a low battery.
There is- as always this out of warranty items of this class no repair opportunity
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Lens is stuck open and making a clicking noise!

It costs more to fix than replace. It's quite asinine. And I wouldn't recommend Nikon again.
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