Lens error When I turn my camera on an error message reading, "Lens error, restart camera" appears. And then it shuts itself off. What do I do?

If the camera was dropped it can somehow seize the lens related parts since they are mostly made from plastic. It is also possible that particles like sand grains can go between the moving parts of the lens and seize the mechanism. Either case the repair could be expensive and may not worth having it done.

CANON IXUS 561
Lens sometimes does not extend and error message 'lens error restart camera' appears when camera is turned on. This does not work without several tries and much button pressing. Problem is not caused by finger(s) in front of lens barrel.

Hello

Unfortunately a "lens error" message is not something that you will be able to fix. This error indicates a system failure and requires the camera to be sent in for servicing and repair.

You may find it more cost effective to purchase a new camera as opposed to the repair price on your current camera.

Turn off the Camera, remove the Battery pack, then press and hold the power button for 30 seconds.

Reinsert the Battery, then buzz around the lens for a few times then check if it works. Make sure that the Battery is fully charged.

The error message indicates that the lens is not able to adjust itself.

Press the "MENU" button and navigate to the reset command and reset the camera. That may get the camera to function properly.

I have a 3 year old Canon PowerShot SX100 IS. While testing an external battery power supply I built, the external power connector pulled out while the lens barrel was extending just after I turned on the camera. Power to the camera was lost before the lens barrel fully extended and wouldn't reset when I repowered the camera. The dreaded error message "Lens error, restart camera" appeared and the camera shut down. I restarted the camera over and over and over again but the lens wouldn't reset. I was extremely lucky to find the information here and read various fixes. I didn't want to take the camera apart so I tried various fixes others have successfully used. I first tried smacking the bottom of the camera hard with the palm of my hand just after pushing the on/off button but that didn't work. The one which worked was smacking the camera on the side immediately after I pushed the on/off button. I smacked it quite hard twice with the palm of my hand then, suddenly, the lens barrel began to move and the lens reset itself back to its starting position. Thanks to everyone who has posted here!

This is probably THE 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

When the lens will not retract and camera is not functional (no picture on display, and does not shoot) , and you already tried replacing batteries with a new fresh set (ensure please) , and then restarting camera with no memory card inside, then camera is faulty.

Try an easy fix by pushing gently the lens (do not force them, just help them) while you turn off camera at same time. Try also switching the mode selector.

If still no luck , then the camera must be disassembled to fix the problem.

Possible reasons are :

• Faulty lens mechanism or jammed lens (camera usually turns off by itself in this case)
• Main board faulty.
• Ribbon cable to main board broken or connector defective.
• If there is no power at all it is the connector from batteries to main board, this is also a ribbon cable.

If the camera is less than one year old will be replaced by manufacturer.

If your warranty is expired you can get an estimate for repair from manufacturer, or from a third party like Advance Camera here :Advance Camera Repair you can book the repair online.

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

If the pictures are on an SD card you can simply remove the card and use a card reader on your computer to copy the pictures off.
Stores will often also have picture printers that can read the SD card.