Canon Si5 Lens Error message. Have tried suggestions on line

What is the error message? Usually, it is because the contacts have eroded away, or not the correct lens for the camera type. If it's 999 .. usually that is contact error.. cleaning can help.. both at camera and lens. If it's ERR, sometimes, it is the Card... which runs the entire camera. check to see if it's card and go on line to see if there is a new firmware update for you make and model.

This is basically the infamous Canon "E18" error, which has been around for quite a while.
I would type out my own suggestions but since it's such a common error I'll just direct you to a nice long list of solutions already compiled elsewhere: http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2007/12/fixing-lens-error-on-digital-camera.html

Have you cleaned the lens contacts where they meet the body with a cotton swab lightly dampened with rubbing alcohol?

Try these procedures.

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.

Not a solution, but a smilar problem with Canon Power shot A2000IS. Same lens error. reset camera message. Lens alos in fully open position.
Also in Costa Rica.
Any suggestions?
Neil

Lens errors are fairly common. Usually it's sand or grit interfering with the lens extension mechanism. Or the camera's been dropped with the lens extended. Or the camera has been powered on, but the lens had been blocked preventing its extension. Or the battery ran down with the lens extended ...

Here's some things that you can do to try to correct it. They only seem to work for less than 50% of the lens errors, but if the camera is out of warranty, they're worth a try:

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

The following blog outlines some repair options for a lens error. They won't work for all cases, but they're worth a try if the camera's no longer under warranty:

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

I agree with dovi. I actually emailed canon and here is what they said and how to do it; Thank you for your inquiry regarding your digital SLRs. We value you asa Canon customer and appreciate the opportunity to assist you, and I'm sorry to hear that you're running into the "error 1" message. From what you mentioned, it sounds like the lens might be having problems communicating with your cameras. One thing you could try is toclean the contact points on your lens and your camera. If you have not done this yet you can do so by turning the camera off, removing the lens, then brushing those copper points on both the lens and the camera body with something like a clean eraser. Should problems continue, I would suggest that you go to a local camera shop and try a different lens. That way you can determine whether the problem is due to the lens or to your cameras. I hope this is helpful Jason

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!