Canon IXUS 970 IS Digital Camera Lens error? Any ideas on how to fix this?

Here are some troubleshooting steps for a lens error:

Sounds like a hardware issue. Contact Canon if it's still under warranty.

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.

Good day,

This is a common problem and sometimes can be fixed.
Please see details on my tip on how to fix this error here:

http://www.fixya.com/support/r7041378-digital_camera_lens_problems

Let me know if my tip was useful for your problem!

Regards

LENS EROR

Hi!
This is caused by malfunction lens mechanism please clean the lens area with can air and check the issue.

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's some things that you can do to try to correct it. They only seem to work for less than 50% of the lens errors, but if the camera is out of warranty, they're worth a try: http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2007/12/fixing-lens-error-on-digital-camera.html

Has anyone responded to you on this yet - I have had the same problem and don't know what to do?>

I've had similar problems with various versions of this camera. Here's the fix, if all else fails. These are step-by-step instructions to take apart and fix the camera's lens error. http://johnsmouth.wordpress.com/2010/12/01/lens-error/

maybe the lens has shifted, try taking it to Canon Service Centre, (it will be fixed FOC if it's under warranty) as it does not need any spare parts, just reassimbling the lens with the body.