Lens won't retract

First make sure your mode selector dial is set to the red camera WITHOUT an M next to it (ie it's in Auto and not Manual mode). If so...

A stuck shutter is another common failure mode for digital cameras. The symptoms of a stuck or "sticky" shutter are very similar to CCD image sensor failure. The camera may take black pictures (for shutter stuck closed), or the pictures may be very bright and overexposed, especially when taken outdoors (for shutter stuck open).

To confirm a stuck shutter, put the camera in any mode other than "Auto", and turn the flash OFF (you don't want to blind yourself for the next step). Next look down the lens and take a picture. You should see a tiny flicker in the center of the lens as the shutter opens and closes. If no movement is seen, then you likely have a stuck shutter. If so, please see the following for further info and a simple fix that may help:

http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2009/05/simple-fix-for-stuck-shutter.html

Now the A430 is not capable of taking 15 second exposures as recommended for the fix. Instead try setting the camera to manual mode, turn off the flash, got to a darkened room, and take a picture. Open the battery door while the red and yellow light are flashing. If after many tries this does not work, then consider trying Fix #5a on the site. But do so with the camera turned off and the lens retracted to lessen the chance of damaging the lens mechanism.

If your images are blurry and the lens wont move smoothly it is very probable that some kind of force on the lens has damaged a gear, barrel or even dislodged an element internally. When the lens detects an obstruction in its movement the camera reports accordingly,"lens error". You should have the camera checked by a service centre, it will most likely need the lens replaced as they are not serviceable.

get a bucket full of water, with a little bit of dreft. gently wash your camera; if this does not work, call thomas the camera-repair guy: he has 5 years of online-camera-repair-experience.

Hi!
I had a similar problem with my powershot A430 recently. I took it to a canon service center and they identified the problem as "shutter unit problem". My cam was under warranty so they fixed it for free and also replaced my lens (even though i didnt ask for it!). :-)
Take your cam to canon; they will fix it. All the best!

-Aashish.

The lens on my canon camera power shot A430 wont open and when I try to start it is says lens error restart the camera

Hi

It sounds like your aperture is stuck open inside the lens due to the impact damage. The lines and washed out pictures are exactly what happens when the aperture is stuck...

The only solution is to replace the lens. You can look for a defective camera online and switch out the parts yourself, or if you can't do the repair then let us know!

We are an affordable digital camera repair business, (Google; darntoothysam) we have your lens repair listed in our store for $70. This includes a new lens, return shipping of your camera and a 45 day warranty.

If we can help then please let us know. Good luck from Darntoothysam com

Thomas

It sound like a problem with the zooming mechanism (lens would not retract or extended) Press the power button on and hold it down while extending and twisting the telescopic zoom lens. It might fix your problem. In any case it could not make it worse Good luck!

Try these procedures.

Since your camera should be still under warranty, best thing will be to conntact to the appropriate factory service center for correction of the problem. Good luck!

My Canon A75 has the EXACT same problem. I have always handled it with care. When I was taking photos with it, the camera suddenly started shutting down without a low battery warning. It just started shutting down, but it stopped with the lens still sticking half way out. Like yours, the top green light flashes when I try pressing the power button. Any ideas?