I have a lens error. The lens is stuck and will not retract or close although does attempt to. It makes a lot of noise gets so far then concedes defeat.

I had the same problem with a similar Coolpix model. It's an error on the lens mechanism. Maybe you pressed the lens by accident while they were retracting, or something like that... It's really a delicate mechanism. I think you have to send it for a service... Sorry!

There is a possibility that a bit of grit or debris has got stuck in the retraction mechanism or the lens has been knocked out of alignment.

The camera will have switches inside to tell it when the lens is retracted or extended and if it doesn't make contact within the expected time then it will give this error.

If the there is no warrantee or you dont mind voiding it then I would suggest carefully disassembling the camera and turning the retraction motor by hand to see where the problem is.

 

Please comment again if you discover anything.

Good luck

 

 

I've got the answers...

Problem: Lens error.
Symptom: Lens will not extend upon power up.
Cause: Lens is impeded while trying to extend.
This is usually caused by one of two circumstances. (1) The user dropped the camera while the lens was extended causing a mechanical failure. (2) The lens attempts to extend while in a pouch or pocket without the user's knowledge. This usually happens when the user is carrying the camera with the battery in. When/if the REC button or power button is pressed accidentally, the lens will attempt to extend but can't. This causes the main drive gears to be damaged.

Solution: Replace the main drive gear assembly. This should only be done by a qualified tech.
If you've experienced this you know exactly what I mean. This should clear up any notion that the "Lens Gods" have cursed you. Although this may have appeared to be a mystery, it's always caused by something!

Problem: Lens error.
Symptom: Lens extends, makes a few buzzing noises and retracts, resulting in "lens error" message.
Cause: This is caused by damage to the focus lens often by impact, or sand in the mechanism.
Solution:The focus lens gears either need to be replaced or the assembly completely rebuilt. Again, this should be done by a qualified tech. It's a very delicate process.

Problem: Aperture unit failure
Symptom: images appear to be washed out, over exposed and often have horizontal lines through them.
Cause:The aperture unit is either stuck, damaged or not receiving the proper electrical signal to activate. The result is that the aperture remains open after the picture is taken and CCD is over exposed.
Solution:Completely rebuild the aperture unit, which requires complete lens dis-assembly and rebuild. Again, this should be done by a qualified tech. It's a VERY delicate process.


Additional details in THIS LINK.

Hope this helps.

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.

You can also have a look at THIS link.

Hope the advise is useful. please do not hesitate to let me know if you need any further assistance. Also, please be so kind to let me know if you found this helpful.

Regards
Andrea

The lens has probably got something in the retraction mechanism that is stopping it retracting. This can be something as simple as sand or grit or as a result of a drop or knock. In most cases the camera will need to be stripped apart to remove the lens assy before it can be repaired. This is best left to a professional camera repair shop.

The lens has probably got something in the retraction mechanism that is stopping it retracting. This can be something as simple as sand or grit or as a result of a drop or knock. In most cases the camera will need to be stripped apart to remove the lens assy before it can be repaired. This is best left to a professional camera repair shop.

Hello

When you turn the camera on the lens comes out and has parameters when extending to focus, if the lens does not open fully it sees a problem and then closes.

there are tiny plastic gears inside and may have chipped or a piece of sand got in causing the lens to jamb. "very fragile"

one solution is to ask a camera repair shop how much a lens mechanism would be to replace. (if cost is more than 1/2 of what you paid dont bother)

another solution is to have someone sell your camera on an auction site for parts, to make some money towards another camera purchase

You may have the same problem that i had. It does involve taking the camera apart. Not overly difficult - just fiddly.
Let me know and i'll talk you thro' it

Hey,

I had the same problem as everyone else regarding the error that would pop up stating that there was a lens error. I had the camera in my pocket when I went to a hockey game, pulled it out to take a picture, and it didn't work. Needless to say I was pissed because I expected far more from Canon. I was just about to go and buy a new camera, and figured that I would try to troubleshoot the problem and stumbled upon this site. Someone suggested turning the camera on and off while twisting the lens, so I figured it couldn't hurt to try it.

Before trying this, my lens would not retract all the way, the cover would not shut, the image was blurry, and I could not zoom in at all or the camera would show the error.

So, I tried the "twisting" solution, and it wasn't working, but I think I was being too delicate with it. I put a little more pressure on it and gave it a good twist. There was a clicking noise as others have said, but in the end, it worked after about 2 or 3 minutes of messing with it. No my lens goes down, the cover shuts and its clear as a bell. Not sure if this is a recurring problem as it appears to be a common problem, I fully suggest trying this before you send it off to get it fixed for a ridiculous amount of money.

Best of luck

Same problem here - the forum posting on the SD 500 seems to be a bit more active (for the same problem).

http://www.fixya.com/support/t102982-e_18_problem

I have been trying to get some images or a service manual for the SD 700, with no luck...