Olympus FE-170 Digital Camera Logo
Posted on Feb 15, 2011
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My Olympus FE-170 camera will turn on but the lens barrel will not extend and the shutter will not open. It seems like it is stuck.

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  • Posted on Feb 15, 2011
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Good day,

This tip will explain a few methods on how to try and fix your lens if it is stuck or you get a lens error on your screen.

Please note that all these methods are used at the users own risk and that I can not be held responsible for any damages or losses that occur while trying these methods.

1. If your camera is still under warranty, send your camera to the manufacturer to be replaced or fixed professionally.

2. If your camera is out of warranty try these methods.

  • Make sure your batteries are fully charged.
  • Remove the batteries for 10min. Replace the batteries and see if the problem persists.
  • Try compressed air. This method can be useful if there are any sand or any other object stuck in the lens motors. Use compressed air with a fine tip. Direct the air between the camera body and lens and move in a circular motion around the lens to complete a full rotation.
  • You can also try to tap the padded USB cover firmly on a flat surface like a table. This is sometimes a surprisingly effective method.
  • The last method is to try and force the lens. Turn of your camera and place it on its back on a flat surface. Look at the spacing between the lens and the body and see if the gap is consistent all the way around the lens. If the gap is not even it is likely that the camera fell while the lens was extended. Now VERY GENTLY push down on the lens were the gap is the biggest until you her a "click". This will indicate that the lens is back in place. Try powering back on.
  • If the lens does not extend or it extend and retracts turn of the camera. Hold the camera in your one hand and with the other hand turn the one part of the lens in a circular motion. Rotate both sections of the lens until you hear a "click". This will indicate that the lens popped back in place. Power the camera back on.
  • The last method you can use is to turn the lens while powering on the camera until you hear a "click". Power the camera of and back on to see if it works.
If any of the methods listed above failed to work for your lens problem it would be wise to take it on to a professional to get your camera repaired.

Thanks for taking the time to read my tip and feel free to let me know if it was of any help.

Regards
15073327

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My olympus FE-140 the lens will not open but it start

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.

Hope the advise is useful.

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I have an olympus Fe-230 and when I try to turn it on the lens goes in and out several times before just closing. Is there any way to fix this?

If you have tried running the camera on Brand New Duracell, or Energizer or equal batteries with a Full and complete charge, and the camera tells you to turn it off, or simply as you say, Shuts down, then consider the following.

High Risk Solution.

This may or may not work, but it has worked for me twice on two different cameras.

The problem you have originates from the lens being bumped when the camera is on, and the gears that extend the lens skipping over a few teeth.

To set it back, watch your lens as it move in and out. Notice which way each of the barrels (levels) of the lens turns while it moves out.

Since the lens cannnot extend to it's full functioning position, (Because the gears are missaligned), it will require a little help. While it is extending, assist the barrel as it moves outwards with a small force turning the barrel in the direction it is moving while it is extending.
A click or two will tell you the gears have jumped a tooth or two, and the lens may be able to extend to it's proper postion.

Turn the camera off and on again to see if there is any difference. Perhaps repeat this several times.

Be VERRY Carefull about this and Use it Only as a Last Resort. Rely first on your warrantee if you have one, and second on your cash, if you can take it to a repair shop where they can do this.

With Great Caution, I hope this helps.
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or

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