The infamous "turn power off and on again" error, but different...

Okay, here's the deal, I turn on the camera the lens will extend and go in and out about 3 times while the screen says "access" on it, then it will beep at me and tell me to turn the camera on and off again. When I do so the lens will again go in and out about 3 times turning off with the lens extended. I've tried doing a hard reset by holding the reset button for 30 seconds but that doesn't help. Unlike other posts/questions the lens seems to be fully functional with the ability to turn and go in and out. Any help would be great. This is a wonderful camera...when its working, and I don't want to retire it just yet. Thanks in advance.

Hi, I assume your camera's lens is at the extended position due to malfunction issues and shut off by itself. Now, you try to power up the camera, check the front of the lens when the lens barrel retracts in first before extending.

You have to observe the following lens barrel movements:

1. Is the lens barrel retracted all the way flush in the camera body?
2. If so, at this point of lens movements, are the lens protective covers closed fully?
3. While the lens is extending again, are the lens protective covers fully open.

If your answer is 'no' to any of the 3 questions above, you're lucky that you still got a chance to fix the problem yourself.

After the camera shut off by itself with the lens extended, slightly flick the front lens decorative ring along the rim on the side/edge. Then turn the camera on to see if it's back to normal. If not, repeat the same procedures and check again. You might need to do the same procedures sereval times to get results. These procedures help to release the jammed spring mechanism at the protective covers' pivot joints, or the spin pin to get back in track.

I experienced couple of times before with my digicams, and got them fixed with the above mentioned method. If you want to try, remember 'SLIGHT FLICKS'.

Afterall, if this is not the case of what is happening to your camera, let me know. There is another trick to try if the issue is concerning about the inner zoom lens mechanism.

Good luck.

Hi, I noticed that you haven't marked any replies as the "best answer." Are you still looking for an answer? If so, I recommend you re-submit it on http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com so it will have a better chance of being noticed. These days it looks like most questions are being answered within a few days.