Merchant Offers
Compare 3 store ratings and prices...
Shop for Canon A570 IS accessories.
eBay	$222.96
Amazon Marketplace	$399.99
Toyzz	$399.99

Wade (wadergrader) 25 pts

May 19, 2007 8:34 AM

24

7

Subscribe for Email Updates for this Question

'lens error restart camera message

I hve a powershot A570IS and everytime I turn it on, I get a "lens error restart camera" message... pressing the menu button for five seconds is impossible since I cant get it on... and even manually pressing the lens quickly is not working... im getting frustrated...

Report Abuse Did you find this question

helpful or

not helpful?

Brenda P (BrendaP) 28728 pts

May 22, 2007 1:07 PM

23

8

Oh, no, the lens error! Did you just buy this camera? If so, please either call Canon or take it to the store where you got it and try to get a refund, as this problem happens sometimes, but should NOT be happening on a new camera. If you're still under warranty, you should be able to take full advantage of it (provided you didn't drop the camera or anything like that). This error isn't a death sentence, but it shouldn't be happening with a new unit.

If you're NOT under warranty or it's not new enough to return, let me know and I'll try to walk you through some solutions. But some of them may void the warranty, so please, try that first!

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Wade (wadergrader) 25 pts

May 28, 2007 12:13 PM

1

thanks brenda for that advice...

i just notice that other canon brands are having the same problem... has this become a universal canon sickness?

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Brenda P (BrendaP) 28728 pts

May 28, 2007 12:45 PM

4

3

Hi Wade,
It's not necessarily a Canon problem- I think we just hear about it more with Canons due to their major popularity. But after answering questions on this board for a long time, I have seen the same issue pop up on other major brands- Kodak has a 28 error, Panasonic also has a "Lens error restart camera," Nikon has its own "lens error," etc. You'll also hear a lot about Canon's E18 error, which is very similar to this. It all has to do with the delicacy of the lens mechanism on digitals, which can be thrown off by bangs and bumps, or even by pieces of dust or sand lodged in the mechanism. So it's really less of a Canon problem than it is a universal issue with digital cameras and their delicate lenses. In cases like the OP, sending it back is best because the problem happening right out of the box indicates a shipping or manufacturing problem; in other cases, it's just a matter of being gentle with your camera.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

vii 3 pts

May 29, 2007 8:19 PM

3

0

i have a SD900
and it's like.. stuck
it won't work.
PLZ HELP!!

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Brenda P (BrendaP) 28728 pts

June 1, 2007 1:02 AM

7

2

What's stuck, Vi? If it's brand new... return it and exchange for another one. If not... give me a few more details and I'll try to help!

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Masiaaa 30 pts

June 4, 2007 9:31 PM

28

8

My camera keeps saying lens error restart how do i restart it ???
my sister dropped it in the house and i don't know what to do???

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

erica 2 pts

June 7, 2007 3:46 PM

3

1

my camera is being stupid and it wont work.
and it keeps showing that message.
and i dont have the warranty thing.
cause i got it for christmas.
i just want to go threw the steps.
so i dont have to buy a whole new camera.
and my camera is a Canon PowerShot SD600

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

allan 3 pts

June 10, 2007 5:07 PM

3

1

My warranty is out. It's been six months. And it looks like it might have been dropped. What are Brenda's other suggestions?

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Brenda P (BrendaP) 28728 pts

June 13, 2007 2:20 PM

49

1

For those of you who aren't under warranty and want to try fixing this yourselves, there are some 'homemade' methods that have worked for other users in the past. That doesn't mean they'll work for you, and if you don't feel comfortable banging your camera around or doing this stuff, I'd advise calling a repair shop and at least getting an estimate. If the camera wasn't dropped or abused, the maker (particularly if it's Canon) may just possibly repair it for free if they think it's a manufacturing error that caused it. Probably not, but it's worth asking before you do any tinkering.

But... if the estimate is more than the cost of the camera (which may happen if it's old enough), or if you just want to try, here are a few methods that might help.

1. If you can get the camera to turn on, go into the Setup menu and do a factory reset/ restore defaults. If you can't get it to turn on, remove the batteries, wait a few minutes, then put them back in. If you are just getting the error message and the lens isn't making a weird grinding noise or anything, what you have may just be a technical glitch, and doing one of these two things may put it back to normal. Try this first.

2. Didn't work? OK. Next idea: take a look at where the USB plugs into the camera on the side; if it's a Canon, there should be a soft padded cover there. Take that side and rap the padded part gently against a table top. Sometimes this works, I don't know why.

3. Next idea: If your lens moves at all when the camera is turned on, watch how it moves. Does it come out and then back in? If so, turn it on and, as it comes out, grab it and hold it for a few seconds, preventing it from going back in; then let it go. You may also try holding it a few centimeters above a table top, and as it comes out, let it hit the table top and be forced back in before it is fully out.

Those are the top things that seem to work for people. But... if they don't work for you, there's still more you can try.

Here's the thing: most of these errors that you all are getting are related; the 'lens error, restart camera' is very similar to Canon's old e18 error, and various other manufacturers have the same issues. So even if you're not seeing the E18 error message on a Canon camera, the problem you're having is very similar to that one. So take a look at http://www.e18error.com/repair.html

That website outlines multiple methods to fix the E18 error (and therefore similar lens errors). Some of those methods I've just described here, but there are others, right down to a guide on how to dismantle your camera. Read that site carefully as it explains things in pretty good detail, and give them all a shot and see if anything works.

Good luck!

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Lauren 4 pts

June 17, 2007 8:27 PM

4

1

So bizarre. Same thing happened to my Canon Powershot A640 - taking photos and the lens hiccuped. This - oddly - worked just wonderfully:

2. take a look at where the USB plugs ...rap the padded part gently against a table top. Sometimes this works, I don't know why.

I'm sure this isn't supposed to be a legitimate solution and I hope there isn't other damage. Oh well, it worked!!

Thanks so much, Brenda P.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Lauren 4 pts

June 17, 2007 8:45 PM

0

Hmmm spoke too soon. Repeat lens error. But I can't keep hitting the side of my camera, so it's off to the repair shop.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Jo 1 pts

June 19, 2007 3:59 AM

1

0

hi i have a ixus i7 and my the lens i stuck out and is showing 'lens error, restart camera' how do i fix this i am on hols and i need solutions fast!!!! If anyone can help me please do.
thanks
Jo

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Bosnianboy 2 pts

November 11, 2007 11:22 AM

2

0

I had the same problem with my kodak easy share C330 digital camera and i was looking at the lens from the side and it wasnt even so i pushed on the side that was more up so it was about even and i pressed on and i fixed it! if that helps anyone?

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

chump 1 pts

December 20, 2007 1:35 PM

0

I rapped it on a fridge magnet strip ( softer than wood ) while turning it on. Maybe 15-25 x's and all of a sudden the lense went in and it's working great.
Thanks!
Chump

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Lara 0 pts

February 24, 2008 9:24 AM

0

My A460 Powershot camera is about 8 months old. While using the camera one morning, I received this error. I switched off the camera, restarted it, and it worked for about another hour, until it threw this error again and I have been unable to get it to work.
It is still under warranty, but my local Canon have stated to me that they will not honour the warranty, and repairing the camera will cost about 75% of the original cost of the camera (I can get a much better camera for the same amount).
I won't be buying Canon again.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

katie 39 pts

March 9, 2008 1:19 PM

3

0

i have a canon powershot a550, and i dropped my camera last night.
i tried all the above solutions, and i still am recieving the "lens error" message.
i dont know what else to do!

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

john archibeque 2 pts

March 10, 2008 1:07 PM

2

0

I will not be buying another for my schools. we bought 12 and have this problem so far with 2....not a good camers canon a560

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

katie 39 pts

March 10, 2008 8:30 PM

2

0

but with my camera, the lens isnt even coming out of the camera AT ALL.
i dont really know what to do!
brenda p? got anything?

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

chump 1 pts

March 10, 2008 9:08 PM

1

0

my camera has worked since i smacked it 25 to 30 times on a soft fridge magnet strip.
i hit it on the lower right corner looking from the back of the camera.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

jasdeep sahni 0 pts

March 16, 2008 7:17 AM

0

1

hiee i hav ixus 860is.. cannon... it is showing a lens error restart camera.... wht to do??? the lens is not going inside,,, whn i off the camera... can anybdy help... thnx in advance.....

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Brandon 1 pts

March 26, 2008 4:36 AM

1

Wow, I just bought the A570IS camera and within 24 hours I had the lens problem, and I didn't hit the camera against something. To be honest, you shouldn't have to hit the camera just for the lens to pop open, I'm sending this camera back and getting my money back as well.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

shiji thomas 2 pts

April 7, 2008 2:28 AM

2

0

My camera keeps saying lens error restart how do i restart it ???
my brother dropped it in the house and i don't know what to do???

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

katie 39 pts

April 12, 2008 10:07 AM

35

2

I FOUND THE SOLUTION!!!!
it worked for my problem, when i officially gave up hope.
hold your camera parallel to the floor with the lens facing upwards.
there should be two silver rings that the lens is surrounded by.
push and twist left on the outer ring WHILE holding the power button.
it took me two tries, but it worked!

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Mary 1 pts

April 14, 2008 9:26 AM

1

0

I have A canon A570is ,after 3 months of hardly any use lenserror ,sent it back and repaired for free. Don,t trust it now.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

dilyan 4 pts

May 28, 2008 2:43 PM

2

Thanks to Brenda,
i dropped up my camera a couple of hours go and went to the internet to check out what 'do-it-yourself' repair techniques i could apply (camera was beyond return period and it was me who dropped it).
the 3part lens structure had troubles getting inside - error message "lens error, restart camera".
well, hat i learned is to adjust the normal state of lenses and to push it a little bit until it fits.
I used a knife to make the aluminum cover of the lenses to fit in.
here is a picture made with the freshly repaired camera : http://www.flickr.com/photos/dilyan/2531061143/ (any of the admins, feel free to post the pic here for future reference to fellow mis-fortunate droppers if you wish )
have a great day,
D.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Irate2008 25 pts

June 13, 2008 4:53 AM

0

Just bought an Canon Powershot A470 on Sunday. I didn't drop it or mistreat it. Now, 5 days later it has completely stopped working with this Lens Error message. What a piece of junk. I am shocked at how many people have this problem and yet Canon still manufactures cameras and sells them with this being an obviously very common problem.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Anh 0 pts

June 28, 2008 12:41 AM

0

Thanks heaps to Brenda P - the tap on the USB side did the trick for my Canon IXUS that was getting the lens error.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Lisa 1 pts

July 28, 2008 10:17 PM

1

0

THANK YOU to Katie who wrote "I FOUND THE SOLUTION!!!!" on April 12, 2008. My daughter dropped our Canon and when we tried to turn it on we got the Lens Error message. We thought we were going to have to replace the camera because my daughter and husband are getting ready to go on a 10 day trip through Alaska and Seattle... I followed Katie's instructions and the camera now works. Daughter and husband are both relieved!

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Ashley 0 pts

August 5, 2008 3:48 AM

0

katie's solution worked!! after all of those other tries...katie's worked!! thank you katie!

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

elle 0 pts

August 9, 2008 8:43 AM

0

it appears to say lens error restart camera it is not under warranty ive tried to take the camera into the shop i purchased it from but they couldnt do anything about it. how do i restart it myself?

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

tyler 1 pts

August 14, 2008 10:58 PM

1

0

I just tried banging the USB port on the table and miraculously it worked! Thank You soo much that was amazing advice, it doesn't make any sense why it worked but somehow it did, thanks once again!

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Bari 1 pts

August 25, 2008 10:12 PM

1

0

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Tapping the USB port on the table worked for me, too! Hallelujah!!
Ain't the internet grand?

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Neil 2 pts

August 27, 2008 11:17 AM

1

0

I used a combination of Katie's solution (holding the camera parallel to the floor, lens facing up, and physically twisting (but carefully!) the lens rings while turning the unit on. It took over a dozen power-ons, but each time the lens body was able to extend slightly further out and the lens cover would open a little more. I also shot some compressed air into the body (from a air can for PC cleaning) AND did all of this while in a hot/moist bathroom. I think what's happening is that the gear mechanisms that extend the lens body are getting jammed - perhaps by a single grain of sand - and our collecting whacking, prodding, and other "percussive maintenance" is somehow dislodging them. That, or my bathroom trick made the camera fairies giggle and they granted me another few hours of camera use before the "lens error" trolls return.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Neil 2 pts

August 27, 2008 11:19 AM

1

0

I forgot to mention: also using the zoom in/out switch was VERY helpful at getting the lens body to fully extend after I had worked it about halfway free. Overall it took about 15 minutes of fiddling (and cursing, because you know that always helps) to be back in business.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

di 0 pts

September 15, 2008 11:31 PM

0

it totally worked! i practically beat the shit out of my phone. and just as i was about to give up the lens opened! i hope it stays good tho! dont wanna have to beat it everytime i try to turn it on! thanks guys! ;)

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Dimitrije 0 pts

September 28, 2008 4:47 PM

0

THANK YOU PEOPLE, THANK TO Brenda P my camera work agen !!!

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

MC 0 pts

October 16, 2008 7:08 PM

0

Taking the USB side on the table several times did the trick. Thanks!

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

sharpshooter! 0 pts

October 21, 2008 3:15 AM

0

Thank you !!

Pulled the lens out a little bit each time. But it would go back to the original deformed state. Got annoyed. Tapped the lens real hard with my palm for three four times. It pushed the lens back in!!! And I started the camera . It was working . After a couple of zoom in and out's the gears stopped making their noise! It works fine now. Thanks everyone.

Canon Powershot SD600

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Paul 0 pts

October 26, 2008 8:30 PM

0

[quote]3. Next idea: If your lens moves at all when the camera is turned on, watch how it moves. Does it come out and then back in? If so, turn it on and, as it comes out, grab it and hold it for a few seconds, preventing it from going back in; then let it go. You may also try holding it a few centimeters above a table top, and as it comes out, let it hit the table top and be forced back in before it is fully out.
[/quote]

My daughter dropped the camera yesterday, and we got the "lens error" message. I just did the "hold the lens on a table and hit the power button" trick on mine. It fixed it!!!!! Thanks for the great advice!!!

Paul

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Paul 0 pts

October 26, 2008 8:36 PM

0

BTW, for some reason, the site won't let me give Brenda the credit she deserves for her info. So here's a verbal thumbs up!!!!

Paul

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

rachel 0 pts

October 27, 2008 9:04 PM

0

Ok...so weird, I had the same problem...and I did the whole, "gently tap where the usb plugs in" and it totally worked. Worth a "shot" ha ha ha . :)

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Bray 0 pts

November 5, 2008 7:21 PM

0

Ok, I have tried all this stuff, minus the cursing, any other advice???? I'm so distraugtht! I have a Canon A520; it was a Christmas gift so the warranty is not there. Don't have the funds to send it off. HELP!!

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Mirei 0 pts

November 6, 2008 11:35 PM

0

Hi Brenda,

Thanks!!! I encountered the same error and I tried out some tips you provided and it works!! I'm so happy now XD

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Isaias 1 pts

November 9, 2008 9:27 AM

1

0

Facing the same problem w/ my SD1000, I pushed the battery inside repeatedly and the camera worked.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

guha 0 pts

November 13, 2008 10:16 AM

0

hi
idropped my canon 800is camera and after that the lense is not going inside and it shows lense error restart ur camera i tried by removing batteries and it did nt work so kindly help me .
thanks

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

DoctorNo 0 pts

November 17, 2008 3:18 PM

0

If you are receiving a e18 error or lens error, please post your experiences here:
http://e18.bitnet.cx/comments.php

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Marissa 2 pts

November 24, 2008 12:34 AM

2

0

HELP!!!

I have a powershot A430, it is probably about 2 years old by now maybe a year and a half, no warranty and they other day I was taking pictures and the 'lens error restart camera' message has appeared.

The lens is fully extended, it makes a quick I'm trying to retract noise when I turn it on, nothing moves on the lens though. The screen lights up and says Canon then it goes to the error message for a few seconds beeps and shuts off automatically.

I have tried turing the outter ring while holding power, I have tried turning it on in play mode, video mode etc..., I tried pushing the lens back in when turning it on, I tried the tapping on the table trick, I took out the batteries then put them back in, I tried brand new batteries, I tried with and without the memory card in it. Been like this for a few days.

Can anyone think of anything other than taking it to a repair shop, as I am sure it would cost more than buying a better camera which I have been thinking about lately...

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Laura 1 pts

November 26, 2008 4:24 PM

1

0

THANKS!

I got the 'lens error, restart camera' message after firmly putting the camera down on a counter. The lens was stuck half way out with no cover. We've had the camera for over a year.

I changed the batteries and fiddled/gently pulled & pushed the lens while turning the camera on over and over again. I also gently tapped it on the USB port side. After several tries the lens started moving and eventually pulled all the way out. Next thing I know it's working again...for now.

Thanks again!

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Lindsay 0 pts

December 1, 2008 4:16 PM

0

1

on my Canon powershotSD600 lightly slammed it against a tv remote control and the lens finally popped out! I m so thankful! thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Nicole 0 pts

December 8, 2008 4:41 PM

0

After a fun night out (only 7 days after I got this camera), my camera took a few hits due to a case of the dropsies. I just pressed down on the portion of the lens that was sticking out a little further until I heard a pop. Works like a charm!

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Rachna Gupta 0 pts

December 15, 2008 2:07 AM

0

My Canon A430 is showing lens error. Its not under warranty. Please suggest what can be done

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Veezy 0 pts

December 24, 2008 6:36 PM

0

I did the hit gently on the usb siode and it worked too!! Thanks so much you saved my Christmas day!!!Vee

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

David 0 pts

December 26, 2008 9:20 AM

0

I had the same error with a Canon Ixus 950i which was able to be fixed. The lens cover would not completely close and a whirring sund would grate while trying to power on the camera prior to the error being shown. I used tweezers to pull the lens out while trying to pwer on and the came free. Now the camera operates as expected with no issues - a heavy handed approach but better then buying a new camera!

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

rockermom 0 pts

December 26, 2008 2:16 PM

0

Oh great I have Canon A540 2 yrs old that did this lens error after a few months sent it back free repair sure enough almost a year later it happenend again. for me seems to be in cold weather. called canon they offered me an upgrade to the camera above but I chose the sd1000 which also seems to be complaints of this but it is going to cost me 100 bucks for the upgrade plus I have to send my camera back to canon. Not sure I did the right thing now. I hardly used my camera, never dropped it. And mine will just start working again on its own once it gets into the warm house. So far has only happened in winter. Shoot maybe I should call back and cancel the order.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

rockermom 0 pts

December 26, 2008 2:49 PM

0

Phew thanks everyone for posting their problem. I called right away and cancelled the upgrade. Especially sice I can just keep my old one and continue to do the quick fixes and just go buy a new one for just a little more than the upgrade which is btw refurbished.
Despite the issue with the camera Canon's tech support and customer service is wonderful. I would definately purchase antoher canonon.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Balaji V 0 pts

January 5, 2009 2:03 AM

0

my canon digital camera is showing lens error,restart camera. how to slove this problem.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

John 0 pts

January 19, 2009 1:39 PM

0

Thanks Brenda P ! You are like gold. You saved my ixus 75 from beeing thrown in the bin

Hit the mini-usb port against the table (gently) did the work. The camera works fine now =)!!!

How in hell can that be possible?

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

amy 0 pts

January 27, 2009 8:39 PM

0

has anyone taken their camera to a repair shop and gotten a price quote? i've tried the whacking, restoring factory settings, and compressed air and it hasn't helped. another site said to not pull or twist on the lens so i'm hesitant to do that! i have a canon ps sd40

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

chump 1 pts

January 27, 2009 10:30 PM

0

it's been so long since i had to bang my camera on the desk to get the lense to move i must have fixed it. i don't think it's possible to hurt the camera.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

John 0 pts

January 28, 2009 3:29 AM

0

i asked canon here in sweden, how that was possible that a gently hit could fix the camera. but as always from larger companies... the answering is like "hello... thank you for asking a question, if u have a question regarding question question etc... therefore we suggest "... nonsense anwers. It would just been alot easier if they said at canon, we dont work at canon...

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Kevin 0 pts

February 1, 2009 5:00 PM

0

Hi Prenda P. - your post on June 2007 RE:

>2. Didn't work? OK. Next idea: take a look at where the USB plugs into the camera on the side; if it's a Canon, there should be a soft >padded cover there. Take that side and rap the padded part gently against a table top. Sometimes this works, I don't know why.

worked like a charm on my Canon SD1100. Son of a Gun!!!

Thanks!!!

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Ryan 0 pts

February 2, 2009 4:01 PM

0

Amy, I called a half dozen local repair shops and their estimates ranged from $120 to over $150 to fix this problem. I also sent the camera back to Canon but was denied warranty repair because I bought the camera on e-bay from a dealer whose "registered dealer" status could not be verified. So, I had Canon send it back to me, still broken.

I tried the "tap, tap" fix given here, but got no results. Then I tried BrendaP's "3. Next idea: If your lens moves at all when the camera is turned on, watch how it moves. Does it come out and then back in? If so, turn it on and, as it comes out, grab it and hold it for a few seconds, preventing it from going back in; then let it go."

This caused a couple of small click sounds to come from the camera - but then it worked fine. I think the guts of these cameras now are made mostly of plastic and can get jammed or crossed easily. I am sure that this procedure should be repeated as a last resort, but when you can buy a brand new camera for LESS than the shops & manufacturer want to fix a problem it is a good idea to give it a try.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

John L. 1 pts

February 7, 2009 9:22 AM

1

0

Thanks to Brenda, my camera works again! I turned it on while pressing the lens underneath my coffee table. As it moved I gave it a slight nudge and it closed and has worked since then. There must have been a slight obstruction which, once dislodged, allowed the lens to retract freely. I would like to stress that it was only a slight nudge; I would not force it as you may do permanent damage. I had been rather glum about the camera as it's practically brand new and I thought I would not be able to fix it. I'm now very pleased that the "fix" was free and easy. Thanks again to Brenda!

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

t00nz 0 pts

February 7, 2009 9:03 PM

0

Here are some further things that you can do to try to correct a lens error. 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

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Thomas D. 0 pts

February 9, 2009 4:41 PM

0

2

DON'T EVER BANG YOUR CAMERA ON THE TABLE, you will only damage it more and you will fix NOTHING !!

The lens needs to be cleaned or repaired, or replaced; banging it will only break the LCD screen or cause the camera to stop powering! You are lucky if you don't ruin your camera, so be warned.

If you want the camera repaired, you can buy a defective camera and make one good one from the parts, or you can buy the part and repair it yourself or send it in for repair to somebody who knows what they are doing.

We are an affordable digital camera repair business, and we can get you either the part you need or do the repair for you. We would be happy to help you with your repair if we can!

Thomas
http://www.Darntoothysam.com

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

diffrent Katie 0 pts

February 15, 2009 5:21 PM

0

Katie's solution worked!! Thank youu veryy much!

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Hilit 1 pts

February 25, 2009 2:34 AM

1

0

The below really solved my problem !!!!

4) Try forcing the camera lens:

Turn off the camera. Place it on the back with the lens facing up and take a look at the spacing between the lens and the lens housing. If you notice that the gap is not even all the way around the lens, the problem should be easy to fix. This type of a problem usually occurs if the camera was dropped while the lens was extended.

Simply - VERY GENTLY - press down the lens on the side where the gap is the biggest. You should hear a "click" as it pops back into place. Try powering the camera back on.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

heather 0 pts

February 28, 2009 1:40 PM

0

nothing is working for mine =[ its a canon sx100

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Peter 0 pts

March 20, 2009 10:14 AM

0

The twist works! :)

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

jd 0 pts

March 20, 2009 5:04 PM

0

nothing works i have tried all this
some one want to help me?
sijodaniel@hotmail.com
its a cannon powershot a570 is
no warranties

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

suhail butt (Burger King franchisee) 0 pts

March 28, 2009 8:28 PM

0

I dropped my SD750 earlier on today and got totally depressed thinking I'd either have to spend a couple hundred dollars on a new one or live with this one for a couple more years but without the ability to quickly snap a picture on those real kodak moments.

So this is what happened. I dropped the camera on the way to park - it was in a roots case and its kinda dropped many times and I thought it would be fine as always until I got the park and it gave me the lens error restart camera message. I tried putting it on and off around 20 times and that didnt work. The problem was that every time I shut off I got the error.

I even played with the lens that comes out, holding it and powering off but again that didn't work. In the case of the Powershot SD750 it doesnt have a USB rubber thing so I tried hitting the camera against the table a few times but no luck. Even the defaulting to original settings didnt work.

What did work for me was the tip about zooming in and out. After 5 mins of doing it it finally worked! Just wanna say thank you to everyone!!

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

DEE 0 pts

April 2, 2009 3:02 PM

0

i tried everything possible.
my lens is extended all the way out and stuck!
when i try to turn on my camera,
it makes a buzzing noise and then it says CANON
after that, i get lens error, restart camera!

help!

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

hannah 0 pts

April 6, 2009 10:12 AM

0

@ dee.
it`s the same with mine. well almost!
the lens is stuck half way out.
if i press the on-button it shows canon and makes noise. then it shows lens error, restart camera!
aarrr.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Kevin 0 pts

April 6, 2009 10:32 AM

0

.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Jenny 0 pts

April 6, 2009 3:45 PM

0

so i have a power shot SD1100 IS and i got that message, but the lens dosnt move at all, and when i turn it on it makes a funny grinding sound. ive tried all the suggestions mentioned but nothing is working, is there any new suggestions???

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Harika 0 pts

April 14, 2009 10:18 PM

0

NOTHING is working for me. Any ideas of why?
or more ideas of how to fix it?

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Stefan 0 pts

April 18, 2009 4:10 AM

0

Thanks Katie! Worked for me as well!

I have never dropped the camera. When the problem happened I just tried to zoom and it all of sudden got stuck.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Daisy 0 pts

April 19, 2009 3:29 PM

0

I think my toddler played with my camera when my back was turned - anyway I kept getting the error message, but followed the advice above to tap the camera on the table and it worked! Problem solved.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Curt 0 pts

April 22, 2009 11:21 AM

0

I've got a PowerShot A570 and I'm having the same lens error problem as everyone else here seems to be.

My roommates got a new cat and I went to take a video of him for my girlfriend to see. There was something funny about the way the lens moved, but it still worked. I took the video and went on my way. I got to my girlfriend's, we went for a walk in the park, I showed her the video and then stuck it back in it's case. I went home, and went to power it on and it's making that awful grinding sound some people described, not extending AT ALL, and giving me the lens error message.

I've tried rapping it gently on the padded side, I've tried pushing and twisting the outer ring, I can't get to the manual reset option, and I can't zoom in and out, as it won't start up. I'm about to try rapping it on whatever side makes impact first when I huck it at my wall @_@. I've got no explanation for why I got the error to begin with, and none of these solutions seem to be giving me the same miraculous results others are getting.

I'm gonna go whimper in the corner now and wait for another possible solution

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

diana 0 pts

May 16, 2009 7:09 PM

0

I tried the tapping thing and it worked! I am so Happy!!!!!!!!!!

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

rahul 0 pts

May 16, 2009 10:13 PM

0

I have a canon powershot sd 750 and it showed me the error "Lens error, try restarting camera"

Well the best solution is as follows

1.hold the camera with lens facing upwards.

2. There should be two rings on the lens.

3. While holding the power button, push the outer ring and try moving it to the left .

4. The lens will come out and go back in and its back in working condition

Good luck

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Emily 0 pts

May 31, 2009 7:15 AM

0

I have the canon ixus 85 and nothing was happening with the lens, just that annoying message and beep. I tapped the (hard) usb cover and it seems to be working again, fingers crossed it stays!
thanks

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Paul Shelbourne 0 pts

June 2, 2009 6:08 PM

0

I have a 4 wee old canon IXUS 100IS and the lens got dtuck too....after reading a few postings here I decided to give it a 'light' tap in the palm of my hand. I didnt want to hit it hard as it is still under warrenty and I took out an extra 5 year wareny too so I feel pretty safe knowing I can have it fixed. It worked though, all goo now, fingers crossed I dont go through the trouble you guys go through.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

hep4355 0 pts

June 7, 2009 9:20 PM

0

Thank you, Brenda!!!!
You saved my camera- I banged it on the USB sige against the table and it completely solved the issue!

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Juliana 0 pts

June 11, 2009 5:41 PM

0

hello i have a canon powershot SD750-7.1 mega pixels.
one day i was taking pictures and all of a sudden the screen turned black but the lens never closed. i thought i had to charge my battery so i went home and it was fully charged and i put it in my camera and since then it hasnt turned on. the lens are still open and they havent closed yet. i dont know what to do. and i dont think i have insurance. can anybody help me? it will mean alot to me!
thank you!

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

MRB 0 pts

June 17, 2009 3:56 PM

0

That is so weird- I did tap the area where the USB cable plugs in and waaaalaaa. Fixed. I was headed to Best Buy for a new one! Wow- saved me some money

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Jamey 0 pts

June 18, 2009 8:48 AM

0

2

Had the issue with my PowerShot SX100 IS. The second time i got the issue. They let me exchange for the same camera the first time. Two in a row so this is something they need to fix for sure.

Anyway I laid the camera on it's back as per instructions here and twit turned and banged to no avail.

--------------------------------------------------
* laying the camera on its back
* manually opened the mechanical lens cover with your finger and
* firmly grabbed the edge of the cover housing with your finger (your finger will be touching the glass lens)
* while grasping the edge try and pull out the lens barrel.
* at the same time with your other hand power on the camera.
--------------------------------------------------

I know it is not good to touch the lens but the camera was worthless to me anyway.

Good luck to all hope this helps some else

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

MICHELLE 0 pts

July 5, 2009 6:24 PM

0

THANKS BRENDA MY CAMERA IS WORKING AGAIN. THANK GOODNESS FOR THE INTERNET AND THE GOODNESS OF OTHERS TO TAKE THE TIME TO SHARE.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

wendy 0 pts

July 7, 2009 5:57 PM

0

oh my goodness brenda your a God! I banged it on the table where the usb thing is and it worked!! thank you!

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Fucker! 0 pts

July 7, 2009 6:37 PM

0

uhm, did not work
nothing did...:(

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Amy 0 pts

July 7, 2009 6:41 PM

0

sorrry, i meant to type as different name
F***er, was typed from my madness... i was very frusdterated..
i am sorry. i meant my name was Amy,
and I for got to re name myself. I am sorry :(

But nothing worked.. :(

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Chappy 1 pts

July 8, 2009 7:31 PM

1

0

Take a sledgehammer and gently hold it over your head,take camera outside and place on ground very softly. Now pull the hammer back to your heels and smack the fire out of it!! Now swing it like John Henry two more times-Problem solved if it doesn't fix it you will at least feel better.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Sunil Bangalore 0 pts

July 10, 2009 11:51 PM

0

I tried the below steps and it worked, no issues and perfectly fine now. Thanks to all
1. taping the USB port area 10-15 times
2. Hold the Lense moving part- which come out and goes in- for 10-15 seconds
3. Most importantly make sure that the Zoon adjustment is positioned as Mimum. This helps as the camera tries to adjust the lense position if the zoom position is in between which might lead to issues for the camera and leads to Lens error. So keep the zoom option in Minimum (or max) not in in b/w. Once camera starts working fine you can adjust this for 10-15 times to make sure that Zoom adjustments are working fine for the camera..

thanks

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Kyle 0 pts

July 17, 2009 6:15 PM

0

I tried a few of the methods and these didn't work. However, I got my lens to go back in by pressing sideways on the lens as I held the power button. First try was a success.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Rich 0 pts

July 19, 2009 10:13 AM

0

My Conon Powershot a550 has the lens error. Its about 1.5 years old so out of waranty.

It makes no attempt to open the lens, no noise or movement is observed. Tried tapping/hitting it and poking the lens around with a knife, nothing. Any suggestions before I take it appart?

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Muaz 0 pts

July 20, 2009 12:03 PM

0

I tried to place the camera (canon a550)parallel on the floor with the lense face upwards.
Then, push the power button for several times.
It works!

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Gadget 0 pts

July 23, 2009 2:25 PM

0

I have a 6 months old Canon Digital Ixus 80 IS, and it had lens error. I couldn't get any other method to work, and they didn't want to get into warranty, they simply claimed that I dropped it. Repairing would have cost more than new camera...

So i had to open the camera and fix it by myself. Here are the results:

http://treasure.perjantai.net/~gadget/ixus/en.php

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Pedro 0 pts

July 27, 2009 4:51 PM

0

Katie's solution from April 12, 2008 10:07 AM worked for me. Thanks a lot!

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

chessu 0 pts

August 12, 2009 7:47 AM

0

So I have an Ixus 950 IS. I think it's about 1,5 years old so no warranty for me. For a while shutter closed half way, that didn't really bother me, since it worked just fine. Yesterday it suddenly refused to shut at all (don't know what happened exactly, it wasn't in my hands, but I'm guessing there's something holding it back.. like sand or something). I tried EVERYTHING that has been said here. I even tried to open the freaking camera myself, but couldn't find the screws at the top, so it remained halfclosed.
I have no idea what to do. The cam appears to be closed perfectly fine, except the shutter is open and objective is about 1-2mm higher than it should. While turning the cam on, it doesn't do ANYTHING. Just gives me "lens error, restart camera" so I can't turn it manually. I really don't want to pay 150 for fixing some minor mistake (since it's not actually broken, hasn't fallen or anything)
I'll take ANY advice.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Bob 1 pts

August 16, 2009 2:28 AM

1

I can help you with this. I'm in charge of a technical department at our college and we have a ton of Canon's. The students are sometimes a little hard on them and we do get many repaired. Most shops you'll go to will either fix the lens in the camera or they install the cheaper aftermarket lens or used parts. We have a company that all of our Powershot's go to. They specialize in these Canon's and that is all they do. They have a service package where you get the whole camera completely serviced and it includes the brand new original canon lens installed as well. Our cameras come back better than new every time. You get a brand new lens, the whole camera gets serviced and properly adjusted, their service is totally amazing. I have a coupon that you can use as well. I'm not sure when it will expire but as of right now it still works and it gives you an Instant $10.00 Savings making an amazing deal even better. Here's the link to get it looked after, the coupon can get used at checkout. During checkout it will ask for a promo code, just enter: save10now

The link for the service package is as follows:

http:/www.camerasandparts.com/coleerrese.html

If you have any questions, email me at: bigday7@live.com Good luck with it, that site is the absolute best for a Powershot.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Triplet Mom 1 pts

August 23, 2009 1:55 AM

1

Katie's solution worked for me! Thank you!!

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

abrah peterson 0 pts

September 7, 2009 11:25 AM

0

i am not under warranty and i need yopu to walk me through the steps

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Stefan 0 pts

September 14, 2009 5:01 AM

0

Thank you katie, it worked for me too!

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

drex 0 pts

September 15, 2009 12:28 PM

0

omg the hitting it worked thank you so much!

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

kendro 0 pts

September 25, 2009 8:29 PM

0

My Cannon 580 Lens wont come out at all i tryed tapping,pushing left,everything but the lens will not come out and it makes werid grinding noise so please someone help

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

meg 0 pts

September 26, 2009 4:34 PM

0

I just got a new model camera for Canon -- the SX120. I was taking pictures, when all of the sudden, I got the lens error message. I was beyond upset, considering I haven't even had this camera for 2 weeks! I tried all of the methods, none worked other than "take a look at where the USB plugs into the camera on the side; if it's a Canon, there should be a soft padded cover there. Take that side and rap the padded part gently against a table top" It worked perfectly!! The first couple of times it didn't, but then I hit it more times and with a little more push. I recommend this to everyone, it worked! Just don't hit it too hard :P

Thank you so much Brenda P!

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Diane 0 pts

October 14, 2009 3:03 PM

0

Since there was a slight movement of the lens when turning it on, the suggestion of holding the camera firmly against a table top while turning it on worked for me.
Thank You Brenda P.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

chuckreyn 0 pts

October 18, 2009 7:01 AM

0

3. Next idea: If your lens moves at all when the camera is turned on, watch how it moves. Does it come out and then back in? If so, turn it on and, as it comes out, grab it and hold it for a few seconds, preventing it from going back in; then let it go.

Worked, Thank you, saved me £25 just to get a quote.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

steveA 0 pts

November 3, 2009 4:18 PM

0

Fantastic - thanks BrendaP - call me a sceptic - I never imagined banging USB port would work but amazngly lens just reset itself and is now working perfectly!

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Jo 0 pts

November 11, 2009 9:50 AM

0

Thanks Katie
12 April 2008 10:07

That worked a treat! am sooo pleased!!!!!

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

BM 0 pts

November 13, 2009 6:15 AM

0

For everybody that the other workflows did not work, here is another one:
http://www.bomaus.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=54:canon-ixus-70-lens-error&catid=12:projects&Itemid=29

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

A	is outstanding and exceptional, rated in the top 10% of digital cameras.
B	means they are good, with some standout features.
C	means they are mediocre, and probably more trouble than they are worth.
D & F	mean they are absolutely awful or old. Avoid at all costs.

'lens error restart camera message

This Question is Answered. If you have further information you may add it here.