When this camera is turned on, the lens comes out and then immediately retracts and closes. The viewing screen comes on in solid white and then turns off when the lens retracts and closes. The camera then turns itself off.

it sounds like it has slipped a gear in the lens.. you could try to manually push the lens in when it comes out and that might reset it but it also might break it.. best is to send it back to panasonic.. is a easy fix

I thimk your problem is that you have sand betwin the lens mechanism and that cause the immediately retract.you can try to apply air pressure near the lens but with care

Hi. I actually have the same EXACT problem. DId you end up fixing it. If so, how?

same here

In My case, the lens was coming out part way a start up and pulling back in without camera coming on. Some times the screen would stay a dark blue and could not be shut off. Ensure batteries are new or remove and replace existing. Lens will come out part way and retract when the battery door is opoened and closed. Press "on" button and as the lens comes out touch and hold the lens, with a finger placing pressure on the side of the lens. The lens will stay out. With camera upside down blow into the sliding mechanisms of the lens. Grip the furthest most extened lens with two fingers and pull the lens all the way out with steading pressure. The pressure should be equivalent to lifting one to two pounds of bread with two fingers. Perform this with the camera upside down so that any dirt particles can fall out. A slight rocking (side to side motion) of the lens may help. Once fully extended, open and close the battery door. The lens should retract. Turn on the camera. A couple of ideas relatd to this problem 1) If the concentric circles of the lens are not even, this could indicate a large grain of sand. After lens is extended or partialy extended push the lens on the side where the largest gap is while the camera is upside down. This may provide a larger gap for the grain to fall out. 2) Dirty camera case. I turned my camera case upside down over a piece of white paper and was amazed at the particles of sand that fell out. I turned the case inside out and completely brushed and vacuumed the case.

Try the procedures in this tip.

the camera should be brought to a repair shop since it might be a mechanical problem or parts may need to be replaced already.

Belikes, any external object is trapped in between your Lens Motor and Camera Body. You should consult Authorized Service Personnel to handle this trouble.

Hi,

Tentative solution:
I had the identical problem. I went as far as disassembling the camera ... not recommended.

Instead of fussing with the lens cover, I pressed on the lens assembly (gently), the lens retracted and the lens cover closed.

My camera works now. It will be my last Kodak.

Good Luck,
Mike

The following blog outlines some repair options for a lens error:

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