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Posted earlier this comment: "I've had my S5 for less than five months. Started getting the lens error. Sent the camera to them a month ago. Got word from them today that they will not fix the camera under warranty. They claim that it has moisture damage.
I promise all of you that I've used the camera on the order of 2-3 times in the outdoors, period. Never at the beach, never in the rain, etc.
If there is moisture damage, this camera can't take any kind of humidity at all.
I will not be buying a Canon again. What a shame, since the camera was a pretty good one. I am very angry about this, and I believe that my anger is justified. I will be joining the class-action suit that is being filed against Canon for this manufacturing defect. I will see where that leads. "
Today, I called Canon support. Lakiesha (don't know the spelling, that's close) referred me to "Jim" the supervisor. Jim read out the company line saying that they simply were NOT going to fix the camera.
I shouldn't have bothered.
However, going out and SMASHING the camera to bits on the driveway felt really, really good!!!
this wa my first canon. i have the power shot a85. i took it on a class trip to washington dc and when i got back and went to show my parents the pics i got a black screen with e18. it was my parents camera and they were very angry and insisted i had dropped it. they were going to make me buy anew one but luckily i found the tips on this site!
Experieced "2" E18 in the same day!!! Been using multiple S45 & S30's for business & pleasure for years with 1000's of successful photos - this is the first - and the last if I can't get it resolved ASAP and cheap I'm on to another brand. Cameras have been rugged and provided great service to now.
I've now had 3 Canon Powershots. The first lasted about 4 years. It did not have an E18. The second I've had for 3.5 years and it's just come up with the E18 error. The third, I got as a gift because it had a much higher optical zoom. All my pics are outside in rural surroundings so dust, dirt is unavoidable. I'll try the fixes as I really like my second camera better than my third.
The Powershot A250 was a great camera, excellent picture quality and i was really happy with it...until the lens mysteriously got "stuck". I keep my camera in a case and use air cleaners for maintenance so i highly doubt it was dirt build up. I am very disappointed. I took it to a camera shop and they told me this was a common problem with canon and that i would be better off buying a new one than paying for shipping to canon and then paying to fix it and then shipping back...will not be buying another canon camera.
OH!! I see!! I thought my camera would die already... I will try them out and hoepfully I don't have to spend ona new camera.
got the E18, and tried all steps including taking the whole thing apart. Now lens does come out and retract but pics are no longer in focus. :( grrr
Bought a Canon D.Cam. A720IS
Used 2 weeks - E18 error
No more "Canon"
We have taken good care of our PowerShotA95, and recently got the E18 error message. It is astonishing to me that so many people can have the problem that there are websites devoted to it and Canon does not recognize it as a design defect. It speaks poorly of Canon's customer support and reliability. Until they take some responsibility, I would not buy another Canon product. How disappointing.
I have an Ixsus 700. Happy two years and then all of a sudden E18 and its now useless. I've tried all the usual. I'm considering the G9 but really put off any compact from Canon because of this problem
I have an A80, E18 error, tried a few things to fix it with no success until I rapped the USB port side of the camera into the heel of my hand. One shot and the camera is back in working order.
Well I am apparently the victim of the E18 and it sucks. It has been such a good camera, I have to say that I will never buy a Cannon again, even if by some miracle we get the thing going again. I am missing out on great memories with my kids:0( I don't have the money for someone else to fix it, we'll try to do it ourselves!
I drop my S3 IS in the water, wait a day for it to dry, the camera was working weird.
The focus did not work, the image was inverted and the zoom was really loud. Kept using it and slowly all issue were gone
but the next day, the lens would not extract at all, it just open up the ye wait a few seconds, gets the E18 error and shuts off.
SO I follow the instruction on this site, did everything, even started opening the case to blow some compressed air inside, but no luck, very depressed cause thats like a $300 camera, OUCH !!
And finally I come on this feedback page and see that people actually bang the camera quite hard, so I did but nothing, then my last attemp was to bang it while the eye was open, BANG !!!
the camera zoom comes UP, WHOOOOORAAAAA !!!
thank you SO MUCH !!!
Canon Powershot A80, 4 yrs old, always kept in case unless taking pix. Pulled it out of its case yesterday and E18 came out of the blue. Camera would not take pix nor would lens retract. Switched out batteries and now seems OK, but am still suspicious, since I just changed out the other batteries.
last week i got an e18 error on my camera, taking pictures as usual the last two ones were not focus then tried to shut it down but with the lense out the e18 message appeared. I am in Paris now but leaving in 2 days to London, here I was told 100 to 150 euros to fix. I have never dropped my IXY digital 400 and they tell me the lens is broken. I think high temperatures from Cairo where I was then could have been the cause, price sounds crazy!
CAUTION: I tried the suggestion to push forcefully on the lens to restore operability. It worked. The lens now comes out repeatedly. It still does not go all the way back in. PROBLEM - the force needed cracked the LCD on the back next the four buttons and the mechanical switch because they stick out and received the force. SUGGESTION - pad the flat surface you place your camera on before pushing down hard on the lens assembly.
I've had my S5 for less than five months. Started getting the lens error. Sent the camera to them a month ago. Got word from them today that they will not fix the camera under warranty. They claim that it has moisture damage.
I promise all of you that I've used the camera on the order of 2-3 times in the outdoors, period. Never at the beach, never in the rain, etc.
If there is moisture damage, this camera can't take any kind of humidity at all.
I will not be buying a Canon again. What a shame, since the camera was a pretty good one. I am very angry about this, and I believe that my anger is justified. I will be joining the class-action suit that is being filed against Canon for this manufacturing defect. I will see where that leads.
I just got "Lens Error, Restart Camera" on my Powershot A460 (which I notice isn't on the list of cameras experiencing this error). The warranty is still in effect so I'm going to see if they'll fix it. I'll let you know.
Fixed an E18 on Canon Powershot S2 IS.
After a year of heavy use in dusty, wet, or cold conditions and with frequent impacts. Started to get the E18 intermittently when trying to turn the camera on, or sometimes zooming. It got worse over a month or so and ceased to work. I opened up the camera, took out the little ultrasonic motor which moves the lens in and out and controls the zoom, took this apart and found rust on the interface between the rotor and stator. Cleaned this off with my finger tip, reassembled, and it now works flawlessly. Not so easy to open up the camera, but it happened to be an easy fix in my case.
I have a cannon s2 1s. I had an E18 after a beach visit so it must be sand. Banging on it and manually retracting it with the camera fixed it a little. I can now take pictures but only with the lens expanded all the way. Zoom is not working. I'm hoping zoom will eventually work if the sand grinds down.
Was at my daughters first recital tonight. Was so mad for not charging the batteries before going when an E18 popped up on my camera. Came home and read the postings - tried the tips and was mad because nothing worked and we are preparing for a family vacation in 2 days. After trying everything else - figured I didn't have anything else to lose so I hit the camera on the table and now I'm back in business. Hope it continues. Thanks!
just posted this a.m...'tapping' relatively firmly solved the problem. Thanks!! Saved me $350
I received the lens error and my camera is 14 months old. Tapping it on the desk worked! Thank you soooo much!
Just got E18 error on a A95. Was told $350 to fix.
My SD750 had a lens error problem for a long time. The lens was flush in the camera and wouldn't telescope out, and the camera would not turn on. Since it's out of warranty, I banged it on a table pretty hard and now it works! It takes good pics still, but the lens sound like crap when i zoom. At least this was a free fix!
banged quite firmly on the desk the usb rubber cover thing, works now thank you
dude i got so pissed at dat thing that a jammed the lend into the camera and banged it, and now it works. If ur gona buy a new 1 anyway, just mess with the one you already have.
after 2 and a half years i just had my first E18 error while on a family vacation. i am grateful to have found this website because i was able to fix it easily by tapping the usb cover and without missing any good photo ops. :) thanks.
I concur with Hamburglar. This is a very common failure mode for ALL digital cameras that have telescopic lens extensions (nearly all). Believe it or not, one BIG contributor to lens errors is using a camera case (also storing it in a purse). Sand, gunk, case fibers, etc... accumulate at the bottom of the case. These materials love to cling to the camera by electrostatic attraction from the camera rubbing against the case side (especially those cases with soft fibrous intreriors). Once these materials work their way into the lens mechanism, that's all she wrote. I have many Canon's, and NEVER use a case for this very reason.
Bgt SX100 in November 07. Since then have had the camera replaced THREE times due to the "Lens error- restart camera" error message. I am VERY careful with my camera... no bumps, no sand, no dust, no rain, etc. Keep it in a padded holder. I have spent half of the time I have own this with the camera being serviced".... actually they've replace it with a new camera every time. Luckily I had bought the extended warranty. But the time I've acutally been able to take pictures has been minimal and I've missed some great memorial moments ( a 50th birthday and a neices wedding) due to the error. I've had other point and shoot cameras and have never had such a problem. I will NEVER, NEVER, NEVER buy a Canon point & shoot camera again.
Ok, I've never read more ignorant comments that are clustered together in one place in my entire life. Where do I begin? These are digital products, period. These aren't you're Canon AE1's and these aren't your Nikon F2's from days of yore. These things don't last 25 years. They are subject to computer errors, and no, it doesn't matter who the manufacturer is if it's a lens that extends, these cameras are subject to lens errors. Once you're done crying and saying that you're gonna go buy a Nikon, google "Nikon Lens error". I'm sure you're next purchase will be a Nikon. Lens errors do happen sometimes unfortunately due to a malfunction or a defect, which happens. But for those of you who drop your camera,(and no it dosen't matter if it's only 4 feet when it comes to concrete) Shame on you. They give free wrist straps for a reason. And no, these companies don't help you after they're out of warranty because, guess what!? They're out of warranty. When you buy these cameras, you may as well sign a contract saying you consent to the 1 year warranty. No exceptions. So have a great day, and enjoy the wonderful world of digital. :)
I was in a dusty environment when I got the E18 error. the lens never stuck open but the focus stopped working. I tried several of the website tricks, and had no luck. Does anyone know of anyplace that will give it a dismantel and cleaning for less than $150?
PowerShot A70 purchased about five years ago. It has a lot of miles on it. Lots of folks compliment the photos taken with it. I occasionally got the E18 error over the last few years, but I could usually get it to work with a little bumping and prodding. I got the error this week-end and have not been able to get it to work. I beat it around and pushed the lens down pretty hard. What did I have to lose? It's waaay beyond it's warranty and, obviously, not worth my while to have fixed.
It's very sad that the problem is common enough to have it's own domain, but is denied by the manufacturer. I may avoid Canon products from now on.
Hi, Your tips on this website has been useful. My Canon A70 has first shown E18 error in Dec 2006. AFter calling Canon Service Center, they asked me to courier the camera etc to them and quoted a high charge to rectify the problem (as it was out of warranty). I just gave it up and kept the camera away in a far corner until today. When i read these tips on trying to remove the error, i tried option 2 (hitting the camera on a hard surface). After trying for 3 - 4 times, it finally worked to my surprise and pleasure. Though the camera is outdated now, it can still be used by kids at home at least!!!!!!
I am glad I came across your site (thanks to GOOGLE too), and thank for the tips provided. Dont know how long this will work, but until then it should be fine :)
CanonUser.
I have an A70 and got the screen replaced for a huga cost a couple of years ago and now E18 appears . . . .
Our company contracted another firm to give us our Years of Service Award.
My first Canon 460A last three days. This one last five days.
I can have it replace but I know they will continue to send me the same kind of camera.
What kind of Award is that. Our company needs to review its list of gifts FAST
I usually treat my cameras better than I treat myself. But I wasn't enough to avoid the "Lens error. Restart camera" message on my S5IS only 3 months old.
It didn't suffer any impact, it didn't take sand or dust. This message just appeared and stills appear now and then. And the same happened to my first camera (A60).
The biggest problem for me is that I bought my camera in U.S. but I live in Brazil and Canon's warranty is not valid worldwide. Now I have few choices: try to fix it myself, buy a Nikon or pay the price to Canon in Brazil to fix it to me, what will take months and cost me a lot of money.
Fuck Canon.
Dear Ron,
If you are interested in a job in Saudi Arabia, please send me your detailed CV about your experience since we are looking for DSLR technician.
Thx
My Canon A410 as working fine until last week.. It started to make pictures by itsself, while it was turned on.. but that stopped again luckily. Today I got the infamous E18 error in the screen.. YAY!! (...)
I have a Canon SD700 IS and I've been using it for a few years. It's my best friend, practically. I kept getting "lens error" after I had dropped it during a recent party weekend. I followed the instructions on the site and, particularly, tip #4 fixed my camera! I just tinkered around with the lens, pushing it back and forth and it started working again. Thanks!!
i live in india .. i bought canon A470 2 days back and tonight while i was taking a pic of a drawing , all of a sudden that beep msg came .. *lens error , restart camera* i must hav restarted 100 times but nothing has happened .. can anyone help me??
May as well add my name to the list of E18 victims. Came out of the blue - had just changed the batteries on my lovely PowerShot A80. Interesting there seem to be so many causes and that Canon don't seem surprised. Could it be deliberate built-in obsolescence? The cost of repair just doesn't seem worth it.
I hadn't heard about the court case when I phoned Canon today. They quizzed me about the age of my camera and wanted my name and address, which I thought odd, though couldn't give me the name of my nearest service centre.
Going on holiday next week -will take a sketch book instead!
I purchased and SD500 for my grandson on Februay 1, 2006 over this past weekend the E18 error code appeared on his screen. I contacted Canon and they really took no responsibility for the problem. The best they would do is offer me a loyalty trade up to an older model SD800IS at a cost of $140 for the camera plus $10 shipping and tax on the $140. To repair it the minimum cost is $127 plus parts making the trade up a better deal. I plan on writing their CEO.
I dropped my Ixus 400 and when I tried to turn it on I got the E18 error.
I dropped my camera a few months back. Now the zoom doesn't work and everytime I try to zoom when taking a picture I get the E18 screen. However, the camera works great other than that. I just want to figure out how to get it to zoom again. I'm kind of nervous to take it apart because it still works really well and I still use it all the time.
My old Canon PowerShot S500 lens got stuck in the closed position and displayed the E18 error code.
After reading info on this site, I decided to take apart my S500 since it was otherwise useless.
I was able to clean a gear causing the problem - E18 code is gone and the camera works again.
I couldn't find detailed photos of S500 disassembly anywhere on the internet, so I took photos of mine while I took it apart. I hope they're useful to someone. see link below, or try http://tinyurl.com/59v3vl
I had the dreaded E18 message on my A510.I tried everything.AV cable fix,new batteries,tapping usb etc.I finally fixed it, by turning on and off, and pushing down on lens.[it was half out]It took some force but putting finger pressure on lens, it pushed back in, and lens cover closed.After that, it booted back up, with no further problems.Hope this helps someone.
I tried connecting my camera to the computer. I've been able to take aboaut 15 shots first before haveing the error return.
I tried connecting my camera to the computer. I've been able to take aboaut 15 shots first before haveing the error return.
I'm live in Thailand. I also have the same problems after using the camera for 2 years and taking over 5000 pictures. It started to happen when I traveled to Paris and it caused me to miss the opportunity to take good photos during that trip. I sent the camera to Canon Service Center in Bangkok and they said that the only way to fix it is to replace the lense set which cost about $20. So I decided not to fix it and kept to for my personal museum. Two years later, I tried to use it again and i can take about hundred photos and then it happened again. So I don't know if this is the symtom that will happen after certain numbers of pictures have been taken.
Hello All...came across this site when searching about my Canon S2IS.. I have been having problems with the "black screen of death"-just turns black. I have posted on another site about this.. We have a Canon S2IS site for this problem.. please all of you write to consumer affairs..maybe if we get more complaints about Canon-something will happen.. here is the site..https://www.consumeraffairs.com/php/a_report.php
Also, I was reading about someone on your site having a Canon S1IS-those have been recalled on certain things. They replace with a new camera in certain circumstances.. Go to the canon site and under support and put in your camera info.. It shows the S1IS.
Here is a site for our S2IS black screen of death problems :
http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com/digital-cameras/canon-powershot-s2is_question.html?qid=3894
Too my IXUS 55 to beach, and (unsurprisingly) got some sand in it. Now getting E18 error. Some sand is coming out but looks like Ill have to dismantle the whole thing. Fingers crossed.
My Wifes camera was "broken" with E18. The lens just came out a tiny bit and then it all froze up.
I followed the instructions upon this forum and.........
Now it is FIXED!!!!
This forum is the best, read the instructions to follow carefully and do everything very slowly and precisely and VOILA!! no need to throw the camera away and buy another at huge expense.
Thank you very very much!!
I had a Canon power shot S80, nice camera, but not it does not work any more. Error 18. I'm stucked.
Forget my past 2 posts. I got a few extra shots, and the error returned. After Canon's recommended 'reset', I can only get 1 or 2 shots before the error returns. Canon refused to do anything, other than offering a 'refurbished' camera provided I return mine. The cost: almos $200 after adding shipping, etc. Canon refused to take resonsibility. If they keep saying "you must have bumped the lens", I have to answer that the camera is very fragile and non-durable.It's too bad that Canon chose to sell a camera that could only last a year or two. By denying the problem, Canon shows a lack of integrity. My pictures have been published or on the news -- good pictures... but non dependable. My next 'small' camera will not be Canon. I need something that is dependable wtih a company that will back up their product.
I called the Canon support number at 1 (800) 828-4040 They told me to reboot the camera: Remove one battery, close the cover, then turn the knob to turn the camera on -- hold for 5 seconds. Then replace the battery and turn the camera back on. It worked perfectly. I have a PowerShot S2.
I spoiled my camera. Nevertheless, about a year + after purchasing the camera, I started to get the E18 errors. Can't get any service from Canon.
Great Tutorial! I thought I was throwing money again trying to fix Canon cameras (another tutorial helped me to fix a video camera... Canon BTW...).
Thanks!!!
Ihave a
G7 that was pumped with the lens extended. Got the E18 error to repair Iput the camera in maual mode and ran the focus all the way in both directions. I heard a click and the error cleared.
Classic E18 problem.
My S50 has been brilliant - now four years old and going strong - thanks to this website.
Virtually all the shots on my site www.visionworkstv.co.uk have been shot using it - it's portable and versatile - and I wouldn't be without it...until the E18.
However, I've just read the survival guide here - and hey presto, crisis solved.
I pressed the lens fairly hard - and then banged the USB end on a mouse mat...and IT WORKED!
Thanks for all your hard work - it's certainly paid for for me.
MANY THANKS, SEAN
(PS I've recently bought a Rebel XTi - and it comes nowhere near to the S50 in portability and ease of use!)
My PowerShot550 got E18 error 2006 after being used for one year. And we sent it back for repairing. And now one and half year later, it has the same problem.
My loyalty to Canon has ended. My S3 IS has reported "Lens error, restart camera" and the lens will not retract. I bought it 7 months ago. When I sent it to http://www.ajjohnstone.co.uk for warranty repair they said:
CAMERA HAS SUFFERED DETRITUS ENTRY WHICH HAS DAMAGED LENS UNIT THEREFORE
NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.CAMERA REQUIRES A NEW LENS UNIT AND FULL
CLEAN THROUGHOUT.CALIBRATE CHECK AND TEST
If dirt can get into the lens assembly when the lens cap has always been used, it doesn't say much for the build quality. It's time to stop giving Canon the benefit of the doubt. This is poor build quality of an otherwise well-designed and well-featured camera.
I purchased my A610 in July of 2006. Have LOVED it for two years. Once, the portions of the lens cover overlapped each other when I tried to power off, but I just used my fingernail to shift the on top one and it closed! Never happened again. This past weekend I was handing the camera off to a friend to take a picture and we dropped it mid-transit - on a ceramic floor. It appears fine on the outside and I can view the pictures if I put it into view mode. Problem is that the lens is stuck open and the E18 error appears every time I turn it on to try to fix. I have tried the gentle pressing on the lens casing and it didn't work. I tried the tapping on a desk and it didn't work. I think I'll try some air next and if that doesn't work, take it into the shop to get an estimate. If that's too expensive . . . well, back to cnet to research current models!! My favorite feature of this model is its quick shutter response time - just like a film camera!! Thanks for your helpful website!
I pushed on the lens, heard the click... had to push a second time to make it go flat back and then it worked normally again ! Great ! Thanks to this website. Nevertheless this Canon system is too fragile for such a brand as theirs.
Tengo una IXUS 750 y hasta ahora estaba encantado con ella. Hoy, subitamente, dejó de funcionar debido a error E18. He visto que hay muchos más usuarios con esta averia fatal, que pone fin a la camara. Yo nunca más compraré una Canon.
I absolutely adored my Powershot S2 IS -for 2 1/2 yrs -then for no apparent reason it froze after filming my friends beautiful silver wedding shoes- mortified- I couldn't take pictures of her wedding-and I was stuck without a camera- it's estimated at £155.00 to mend- I really didn't do anything never dropped it -it WAS a brilliant camera -but now I'm not sure whether to get another Canon ?this camera costs £179 now -so clearly there's no point in having it mended -I really thought I had a great camera for a long time - I'm really fed up about it- I wonder if I could mend it ? with no experience whatsoever ? hmmm
Canon PowerShot A95 - Probblem with E18 error. Compressed air fix it.
I own a Canon Powershot S1 IS. It has been over a couple years that I've owned this and there has been times where I've dropped it. So now I'm finally suffering the consequences with the E18.
At first I didn't know what it was because it started acting up when I was just taking pictures.. and an E18 has never occurred to me before. I was very upset... because this was my only digital camera that I could take with me for just hanging out rather than taking my heavier DSLR.
I went to camera shops and they told me it would take hundreds of dollars and weeks to repair. So I totally turned that offer down.
I gave up for a couple of weeks or so. But when I was visiting my dad, I told him my situation. He taps it, and it's like magic. It started working again. It's absurd... he barely even tapped it, he just simply touched it.
So I'm guessing, either it's his magical touch or just that I've waited two weeks without turning on my camera. I was sooo happy thinking it won't ever happen again.
But the unexpected came.. it's been about a month and the E18 has come back to haunt me again. I was so frustrated, I kind of overdid trying to repair it the way my dad did by forcing the lens in cause I read online that if you just hear a click, it should work. I heard clicks! But I don't think they were good clicks cause it's still not working.
Great! The one time I need my camera, it E18s on me again.
I'm hopeless. I need a new digital camera.
Just wanted to say thanks for the site. I was ready to purchase Canon SD800 IS after doing research and saw a reference to this problem in someone's comments on CNET Reviews site. Back to the drawing board for me. Thanks for saving me a $300 mistake
I was literally in the middle of snapping pictures when I noticed that the camera had turned blurry. Unaware of how to manually focus pictures on this camera even (I'm sure there's a way), I was puzzled at what setting I may have accidentally switched to. I quickly figured out it wasn't a settings issue.
While this happened, I was walking briskly (in front of a forklift carrying a pallet of wood), but did not drop, shake or otherwise do anything out of the ordinary to the camera.... I wasn't zooming or unzooming even, and I wasn't moving while I was actually taking photos.
I noticed that the lens housing has a rectangular area that's normally completely parallel to the rest of the camera, but right now it's at a slight diagonal like it didn't open up all the way. and the lens itself is not retracted fully nor will it retract fully.
The camera is blurry beyond use. I can zoom it in to a very specific part of the zoom and it seems to be within acceptable focus range, though it's hard to guage that acceptable range when just going by the viewfinder. Plus the camera will unzoom itself when powering off, so after powering on I then need to find that range again.
I don't get an error until I try to zoom in, at which point I get the "lens error, please restart camera" error.
Camera is about 15 months old, just out of warranty of course. Built in design flaw?
Got the E18 on a camera kept in box until we tried to use it... Lens would not get out... Got it fixed by "gently moving" the lens face up on a table with both thumbs right after pressing the "on" button. Won't buy another piece of c*** fron Canon ;-)))
Camera froze up, won't take pictures. Play mode works but camera is non functional. Lense stays out while the motor inside tries to move back and forth.
Based in France, I have fixed my Canon IXUS 55 (2 1/2 years old) by pulling the lens cylinder out to help it to fully extend. Heard a "click". fixed.
I did not expect to force it so much to solve the problem. I hope this great camera will last a long time.
Thank you for this helpful website.
I have myself an E18 experience (IXUS 750). It first started happening when i went to a concert and think i dropped it taking a photo whilst drunk, i know i knocked it at least - that i'm sure of. Anyway, it's taken bigger batterings in it's life and never had a problem. Was going to toss it, then googled the problem. Now i've tapped the USB whilst holding the on/off button, waiting for the clicks, false lens retracting sound, et al... To no avail. I think i've tapped it a little too enthusiastically and the casing is starting to come apart... pretty sure it's beyond repair but i'm not going to give up. Any further advice greatly appreciated for this stuborn E18 problem.
Loved my A620 camera worked 2 years no problem.
A620- E18 came up and won't clear tried different fixes with no luck
My Powershot A75 has the E18 Error and I was very happy to found this site. The problem was repaired with the instruction no 3, with a little tap on the desk. It sounds simple, but what a surprise, it works. Many thanks for this hint.
I have a Canon IXUS50 and the same problem with lens not retracting. Hopefully I'll be able to fix it myself with the help of this website! otherwise it has been a great camera for the last 3 years.
I've had my A80 for over 3 years with no issues. This E18 error just appeared for no apparent reason. The lens extends and retracts as always, so I don't understand what the problem with the lens is. The initial troubleshooting isn't doing anything for me - may have to try the overhaul approach. Certainly lots of reported experiences to draw information from, aren't there?
Liel
My camera, a Canon SD630, was never dropped, never get sand or dusty/dirty. I had this for 10 months, until get the error.
I used to use very carefully, never got any kind of shock.
Suddenly, I tried to start the camera and got the error: E18. Error in objective. Restart Camera.
I get the same E18 problem today. My camera is 3 years old. The problem happen at the end of the cycle of my batteries charge. At the beginning I thought my batteries were weaks. Then I regarged them, replaced them in the camera but the len still retracted and the code E18 appears. I think it can be due to dust or sand since I have some problems with the power button on/off of the camera. Often it is hard to turn (like sand or dust in the button). I think I should clean all parts of this camera with air..?
My canon powershot S2 IS gave me the e18 error today when i turned my camera on. My camera is 3 years old, i paid $500.00.. it has happened in the past but usually corrects itself.. But today the lens would not retract even when i shut the camera off.. I did eventually force the lens to close and it then seemed to work properly again except now my zoom isn't working properly.. It will zoom out all the way when i first turn the camera on but if i retract the zoom and then try to zoom out again it will not zoom. it just makes the screen all blurry.. The only way to get the zoom to zoom out is by shutting the camera off and then back on.. I also have never dropped my camera so i guess the problem must be dust or something stuck inside the gears.. Not sure at this point if i am going to try to take the camera apart or just buy a new one.. but it probaly won't be another Canon.
Canon Power Shot A60 in E18 Error.
I googled for it and find this nice site.
Poin 3 of your suggestions does function for me.
My camera is now working perfectly.
Thnaks
Panta
Same old story, I've had my S2IS or about 2.5yrs.-E18. I don't think it has anything to do with moisture because mine happened in the middle of a trip to desert museum in AZ.
I would like to find out what part is the problem from someone who has had it fixed.
Lens on my Canon Ixus 800IS will not extend fully, although it goes 2-3mm out and will not return. Tried all recommended on/off tricks and vacuum etc. May have to GO INSIDE!!
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Powershot A410 - E18 has come up with the lens in extended position. Can still replay existing photo's but cannot take photo's anymore.
Turned my A60 on today, and the lens wouldn't retract when I turned it off, and it gave E18 as well. Ironically, I was in the middle of shopping for accessories for my brand new camera. I thought it was going to be a loss, but this guide helped me fix it. Now it's working great again.
I thought my 3 yr old canon A95 had finally died after many dusty camping trips and accidental drops....I kept seeing that dreadful E18 and heard the clicking noise. I found this site on and followed other's advice about turning it on and off and hitting it ( with my hand)....now it's working again! Thank you!!!!!!!! I'm glad I didn't think it was a total goner!
Rebecca
My Canon A95 got the E18 error message. I had no idea what happened. Camera has been very well taken care of. I took it back to Best Buy because I bought the extended warranty. The camera was sent to their repair center. I received a call from the repair center who told me that my "warranty was voided due to camera mishandling". He went on to explain my camera has scratches and a dent and therefore they won't repair it. I have babied that camera and this infuriates me! Best Buy called me after they received the camera back from the repair center and gave me 5 days to pick up my camera!! This after it took over a month to have the camera returned from the repair center. I am NOT happy and I won't buy another Canon.
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I found this website troubleshooting VERRRYYYYY helpful.
i was recently crying my eyes out because my camera kept saying lens error and i didnt know what to do. i checked the manual and it said to go to a shop.
im a teen aspiring photographer and i dread to live without my camera. Plus im always broke, so it would take ages to aventually get my camera fixed.
so um.....I LOVE WHOEVER MADE THIS SITE!!!!!!!!!!!
GOD BLESS that person!!!!!!
you made my day = )
i just turned the camera on oneday and e18 started happening. tried compressed air, forcing. still nothing.
now its $140 for repair. thanks canon.
I dropped my A510 while the lens was extended, and, suddenly, there is famous E18... Can I fix it?
Not exactly the E18 Error message, but was still the same problem.
The fault happened exactly 2weeks after buying my Canon A460, it was barely used in that time frame and still without a scratch on it, Lens refused to retract and received an onscreen error message of Lens Retracting Error (Or Similar).
Took it back to the place I bought it after many fruitless hours of tapping and knocking it...they ended up ringing me back the nextday and gave me a replacement Canon A470 without charge.
While it ticked me off that it happened...atleast I got the next model up for no extra price! ^_^
I have camera canon ixus 60, when i was taking a photo, suddenly the screen become blur, then switched the camera off then on, the lens extends then directly retract and the screen remains black, the camera switch off by it self. what should i do?
I had/have (not sure if it's getting better or worse) the E18 error, and obviously a lot of people are fixing their problem by hitting the camera. Of course that made it more frustrating for me when I tried hitting the camera and it didn't work.
Funny story though (that literally just happened), I was telling my boyfriend about it, I'm like "most people fix it by hitting it but it doesn't work for me" and then I hit it again and bam the lens went in finally. I'm like "oh nevermind". :)
I hit it actually pretty hard on the meaty part of my hand, on the bottom of the camera repeatedly.
I did this right after I pushed the power button, so as it was loading and about to display the E18 error, I was hitting it and yeah then that's when the lens went in.
Now I'm trying to turn it on and it still gives me trouble, but then I wack it a few times and it works haha. I feel like a camera-abuser.
Aw.
Okay well good luck to anyone else with this problem.
I know how much it sucks being camera-less.
I got the e18 error on my S50 after dropping it a few nights ago. I tried banging it (lots of times), forcing the lens in, and removing the battery but nothing happened. I gave up, decided it was not going to be fixable and bought a new camera. Today my five year old was playing with the S50 (I figured someone might as well get some enjoyment out of it) and suddenly he announced that he had fixed it. I told him that I doubted that he had, but I took a look at it. Sure enough, it was working. I asked what he had done, and he told me he had pushed the silver button (shutter button) "about a million times". Its working just fine now.
Daughter is currently overseas and her s500 just got the e18 error. Lens comes out, gets the error and goes back in. She's tried a few ideas here with no luck. Now she won't have a camera for her remaining time there. All of these shared problems and Canon thinks there is no issue? Yikes!
Oh and even if i manage to repair it or not i will switch to panasonic, the fz30 or the fz50. So canon looses another customer
Hello
I have owned a canon s2is for about two years now and recently i got the e18 message. The lens remained stuck and would not retract.
I don't have warranty because it was purchased from another country. I knew that repairing it at a canon center would cost very much so i decided to try and fix it myself. I disassembled it and i discovered a sprocket was missing a few teeth so i guess that was the problem because the lens can be retracted manualy.
Now i am searching for an identical sprocket. Hope i can find one.
April 2008 and people are STILL having this problem with new Canon cameras ??!!
I hope Canon realizes how many ex-loyal customers they are losing for future purchases. Me Included. My $1200.00 Canon SLR purchase will now be replaced with a differnt brand. 1 customer down, more to go !!
have a 8 week old sd870 canon, got the error after turning camera off, not happy, sending back to canon 4/21/08 treated camera very nice, it's my 11th elph
I have a Canon Power Shot S2 IS, lasted 2 years and 2 months. E18 code and the lens is stuck out. Camera was treated well. Cost of repair exceeds the cost of a replacement which absolutely won't be another Canon.
Slightly tapping on the USB cover got my powershot a75 working again and got rid of the E18 message. Thanks so much!
I have a Canon powershot 750 and the lens would not retract, so I tapped it a couple of times while I pushed the on button and it worked! I started tapping the camera when I could here the clicking noise.
I have a Canon Powershot A410, which has served me well for many years and trips. Unfortunately, the E18 popped-up on me and the lens would not extend at all. I tried tapping it, no change. I tried pushing on the lens in the areas it was wider, nope. Took it apart, but it was too different from the cameras in the example pics to do me any good. Put it back together and REALLy whacked it a few times....worked! It makes a bit too much noise when it extends and retracts now, so who knows how long it'll last me, but at least it'll take a pic again for the time being =)
I had an E18 error on my Powershot A620. When I turned on the camera, the lens extended as usual, but it immediately retracted and the camera shut off displaying E18.
So I tried forcing the camera lens, just as described here on this site, but it didn't help.
Then I took out the batteries of the camera and left the camera overnight without batteries. Next morning I put the batteries back into the camera, turned it on, and the camera worked again like nothing ever happened!
We had our Canon A 460 two days when the lens would not retreat or extent. I put it back in the box, then tried it again the third day, it worked for 10 minutes.
We received a replacement under the warranty that took nearly 3 weeks.
The first time I used the replacement A 460 same thing happened.
I used the method suggested here holding the lens down and turning on the camera. It appears to have corrected itself.
As many have suggested THIS IS OUT LAST CANON ANYTHING.
I am looking for a Canon S50 camera. If you have one that is having the E18 problem and no longer works, can you email me back and I will buy it from you. I will use it for replace some of my S50 problems and that's why I want to buy it to use as parts.
Canon G9 - brand new - lens error after day 2 and a handful of shots. Camera not dropped, lens obstructed or and damage. Just switched on and got the error.
I own a powershot S21S, loved the camera when it was working but got the E18 after two years. Of course canon will not do anything. I will never buy another canon nor shop at best buy who still sell and tell you how great the powershots are!
Bought a Powershot A95 from pixmania 2 years and 9 months ago.
Started to get E18 errors a couple of days ago. Turning the camera off and then back on fixed the problem until it got stuck today. Tapping helped, but now the lens system "vibrates" weirdly when it moves out and in. (Maybe tapped too hard)
I have been carrying this with me in many places, nature, mountains, underwater (with aquapac), 300 feets under ground, below a temperature of -40 degrees and above 140 (F), etc.. so to be honest I'm a little suprised that there hasn't been any other problems before this.
The warranty was only for 2 years and the digital camera prices are so low nowadays, so I don't really care if it gets stuck permanently. At least I'll get a reason to buy a new one!
Just to mention, I have seen a similar problem with sony cybershot, so I don't think that Canon is the only one with these issues.
If you really want a good digital camera, you should maybe consider an slr. Overall, I think that Canon is one of the best digital camera manufacturers.
Just got an E18 error, out of the blue, on my SD450. The camera is about 3 years old, but was never dropped or mishandled. I'm very frustrated.
I received a Canon A 460 for a 35 Year Service Award.
I used it three times about 350 MINUTES!!
The lens stuck, nothing worked and I always take very good care of my cameras.
I have been waiting two weeks for a replacement.
Canon was no help, the Awards Contractor did all the work.
SECOND E18 error, I had the first one fixed and now it's happened again. SD400. Very frustrated with Canon.
Another victim of E 18 - my 2 yr. 5 mo. old Powershot 2S IS worked superb, but broke down from one day to the other without dropping or something else with E18 and was not reparable. Poor service and quality - Canon,never again!
My Ixus 950 unaccountably was stuck with the lens extended. On booting the camera, it beeped and displayed "lens error, restart". I followed the steps in the blog without success until gently tapping the camera against a tabletop insulated by a magazine to take some of the harshness out of the shock loads caused by this method. Turning the camera on whilst doing this, to my astonishment, worked :-)_Thanks for the resource.
After a year and a few months I the lens stuck partway out and I got the dreaded E18 error on my SD300. I called Canon and was told to bring it in. They said it is not a defect and the minimum cost to fix is $123. No sympathy shown.
A75 - after 3 to 3 months in a desk drawer, got the E18. Lens stuck closed. Replaced the batteries, same error. I'll try the suggested fixes.
sd30 - I protected it like it was gold, kept in mint condition, never dropped it, always returned it to small case. medium amount of usage, primarily for a few vacations. GOT E18 ERROR AFTER 2YRS 1MO. TRIED FIXES BUT tHEY DON'T WORK, CAMERA SEEMS BROKEN. Lens won't retract or focus to take pics. ESTIMATED COST TO FIX ~ $150. That seems crazy when I could buy a new comparable camera for ~ $200.
Pulled the camera out of it's bag, turned it on E18, nothing interfered with the lens, it just broke, lame that there are so many.
After 14 months (so no warrenty left) My ixus 65 got stuck with the lens out .The camera appears to be dead. I did not drop it or misuse it. I hate cannon, and i will not buy anything from cannon again in my life.
The lens on my Powershot S2 IS is stuck in the extended postion with an e18 error. I was taking pics outside at -10C temp when it happened. Camera was treated well. First problem in 2 years. Past warranty. Still broken.
E18 appears on the 30th of mars 2008 on an ixus 400 for no apparent reason
My Ixus 430 is showing an E18 error and lens will not retract - it is currently unusable. Will try the repair tips, but will also contact Canon directly to see what assistance they offer.
No drop, but the lens would not close and got e18. Pushed the lens closed gently but now it won't open.
Not an E18, but "Lens Error, Restart Camera" on SD1000 that was very well taken care of and only one month old :(
first it would would work but not allow me to zoom now it is completely nonfunctional
I got an E18 message on my camera while in the middle of videotaping my 3-year old son's first school Christmas program!! I was SO sad. After a "rest" I was able to get the camera to work for a couple of days but it's stuck again now. I will try the repair page.
The repeated tip to Tap the side of the camera worked for me, I placed a towel on the sink cabinet and hit the side where the Usb connector is gently 2 times, long behold My S50 is back online. THANK YOU ALL
Me again, forgot to put my email address onto the post below in case any of you beautiful people out there have any pearls for me.
Canon S70 was working fine all day, stuck it in my pocket. Pulled out and tried to take a picture and the lens froze then went back in. E18 error.
Now it occasionally will put the lens out the whole way buy never retracts fully so I can't put the lens cover back on.
Tried wiggling, banging caressing singing to plugging AV lead in.
Even given it a few idle threats all to no avail.
Last thing I'm doing is going to get some compressed air and give it a bloody good blowing over.
Not keen on taking it apart so it'll probably end up on ebay :(
I bought an Ixus 900 Ti, great for 1 year and 1 month. Then while skiing we found the camera with the lens 1/2 open and the 'lens error' message. It was still in its case, so I presume it had a bit of a knock. Took it to local repairer who wanted to £160 to fix it. I decided to take it apart and that REALLY fixed it ... once and for all.
I love the concept of a small camera/video, but need to consider warranty and perhaps a different model next time.
Does anyone from Canon read this? They should!!!
i think i got sand in my camera and got the e18 while the lens was stuck open. so i took it completely apart and blew all the sand out and made sure the gears turned and everything and reassembled, but still get the same e18. i think i need to reset the camera somehow but i dont know how to. i think it still remembers the error from before so i want to erase its brain. i got a new camera though so im not too worried about it.
PS to my note below...If broken teeth is the root of the E18 errors on other Canon models, MY OPINION is that this IS NOT a repairable problem. It would not be economical to pay a technician to disassemble and fix the lens assembly. This is basically a disposable camera.
My Powershot S400 was working fine until the other day when the lens would not retract, the camera beeps when powered ON, and the screen is blank w/ E18 showing as the error code. The camera is several years old and has never been abused, dirty, or dropped. I did some research on the Ineternet and found that it looks like a common issue w/ Canons. My research also indicated that it doesnt look like something that can be easily fixed. I figured that the camera was toast, so I decided to do an autopsy to find the root cause of the E18 lens malfunction. First of all, I do not recommend opening up the camera body if you have any hope to repair it. It is highly complicated w/ many small screws. It is not made to be tinkered with by the average consumer. I carefully removed screws and pulled parts away from each other as to not cause more physically damage. The lens assembly is in the center of the camera, and everything must be completely disassembled to get to it. I am an engineer by profession, and I knew that there was no way for me to reassemble this thing and make it work again. Anyway, I took apart the lens assembly and found that the gear set that moves the lens in and out is made from a brass drive gear moving the plastic gear on the lens body. The plastic gear on the lens body had about a 1/4" section that had broken gear teeth. So this looks like what caused the lens to malfunction, stop moving, and give the E18 error. It may be due to a fatigue or wear out of the plastic gear teeth. Everything else looked ok. I have several pictures showing the defect. It was rather fun to dissect the camera. I am amazed on how compactly it is put together.
I have had my Cannon SD550 Elph for 19 months. I got the E18 error during a very important wedding. I did not drop my cmaera- the E18 occured when I turned the camera on. I take great care of my camera. I just tried all of the suggestions- nothing worked. I am UPSET to see that so many others had this problem and that Cannon does not stand behind their products.I am not handy so i will be forced to send for service. wish me luck... I think I will need it!
Try this website! Its a simple guide for cleaning the parts that make the lens turn. It solved my problem easily.
http://www.avh.dds.nl/Fix-Canon-SD600-Lens-Error/
I just went back from our farewell party., and at that time., my CANON POWERSHOT A410 was accidentally dropped by a friend of mine on a wet floor. I tried to turn it on., checking if it still works., yet I only saw 'E18' in the corner of the dark screen. I turned it off and turned it on again. It worked perfectly fine fer a few minutes., but as I turned it off., the lens were stuck and the camera doesn't turn off. I removed the batteries in attempting to return the lens back to its original position [when it is turned on]. I tried to turn it on again.. And it never turned on.!!!!! DD;
I'm now making attempts in 'reviving' my camera by following a few of the advices posted in this website. Wish me luck.! ;]
I have a canon powershot s110 and have just got the E18 error. The lens has stuck open and it makes silly bleeps. I am going to read all hints and tips I can find on fixing this before it goes in the bin.
I had an E18 error occur on a Canon Powershot A430 earlier today. It beeped and flashed up E18 and then wouldn't power on and had the lens stuck! The lens would only come out a short way and you had to force it back in. It prompted me to go out and buy a replacement Samsung 8MP S85 for £81 this afternoon. On my return I decided to try the batteries in the new camera and it wouldn't work so I tried some new batteries in the new camera and then it worked. I thought there was a coincidence that the old camera wouldn't power on like the powershot A430 and I tried the new batteries in it and that appeared to work as well. The lens shuddered a few times but now the Powershot A430 is working again. It appears I didn't need to buy another Camera at all! Why the fuck didn't it say please change the batteries and come up with the E18 shite? I even took the camera apart as well but when I saw how intricate it was I immediately put it back together and thought screw that! Well It appears I have 2 working cameras now. I'm so pissed off at spending £81 on a new Camera i'm going to try out my Nintendo Wii + Free game I also bought this afternoon! :P
Camera: Ixus II
Age: 3.5 years old
Problem: E18, lens stayed out.
Tried solutions: Tapping (didn't work), twisting (didn't work), banging (didn't work). Finally I opened it to clean it. Got the lens to move but broke a cable... it never started again.
Well it did clear the e18 error.
Bought a Canon A95 three years ago from Best Buy with a 4 year service plan. Last week, I got the E18 error for the 3rd time since I bought the camera. Once they replaced the camera. The second time, they sent it in and fixed it. This time, Precision Camera Repair (Best Buy's repair contractor) let me know that the warranty was null and void because there are some scratches on the side of the camera (they claim I broke it). They offered to replace the lens for $260. If you go to the Precision Camera website and request a non-warranty quote, they'll fix it for $130. What a scam! Best Buy says they will not honor the warranty. I will never buy a Canon again, nor will I purchase anything from Best Buy again. Stay away from their warranty plans. They will find any reason possible to deny your claim. Go to Costco instead. They take care of their customers. I will try to fix this thing myself when I get it back.
While on the road in Texas in March 2008 the lens of my SD900 (purchased Aug 2007) extended and would not retract. Showed "Lens error, retstart camera" message. None of the suggested fixes worked, and I shipped from Texas to Canon via FedEx for $20 (including the cost of the box), fully expecting it would not be covered by warranty. My camera has received heavy use, carried in pocket, and has scratches front and back, etc.
Instead, on March 25 I received camera repaired at no charge to good working order back from Canon with note: "The optical assembly was replaced. Other electrical adjustments were carried out. Cxb19i04."
Camera seems to work perfectly, though the lens operation sounds different than it did before.
This is second hassle-free repair Canon has effected for me; previously they replaced faulty CCD on my ZR70 MC DV camcorder. No issues with Canon here...
I just phoned Canon re. my A95. The error that used to be inconsistent has been permanent for the last 3 months. My camera is ~3 years old.
They told me to ship it to their service center where I will receive a quote. Not worth it-- its no longer under warranty, they'll claim it is from damage (based on what I have read on this site), which is not true. Canon-- own up!
I have been a loyal Canon customer-- no more!
I experienced E18 error and followed lens pressing technique ..appears ok Camera is approximately 3years old a bit dissapointing
My Canon Ixus 700 is 3years old in June 2008. About a week ago it happened. E18 in the display and lens/zoom got stuck in extended position. Bad luck i thought, but a when a friend experienced the same problem on an ixus 750 only 6months old, i got suspicious.
Great of you guys to get this out on the Internet.
I will try to claim the manufacturer guarantee (3 years for factory faults)
I live in Sweden by the way,
Regards
// Johan
I have PowerShot 400 giving E18 error . warranty is over.And Canon support gives a n estimate of 150 plus. Rue my decision to buy a Canon. Should have gone for Sony which is expensive but better customer service and less prone to errors
We bought this when our son was born. Just shortly after warranty, the camera started eating batteries like made. Now the E18 error. Methinks that Canon may not be on our list for our S2 IS's replacement.
I have a Cannon Powershot S2IS purchased from Japan.
The flash of the camera burned off with some fumes on the ecact day of completing 12 months.
After 2 more months, the lense movement started showing problems and now it shows E18 error with the zoom fully extended out.
I hate cannon camera now.
Thanks so much for this tip - was about to send off my powershot A60 to get repaired, saw your site and banged it gently - it works! Cheers.
My A70 lost its lens covers some months ago, and I didn't worry much. But recently the zoom range was almost nil, and had E18 symptoms. On dismantalling (thanks for the excellent links) I discovered a screw jammed in the zoom coupling cylinder under the viewfinder block. Maybe the screw came from the lens covers fixing??
After one and a half year our Canon S2IS got the E18 error. The lens does not move anymore and the motor makes noise. The camara has not fallen and we have always handled it careful. Our first Canon compact camera had a malfunctioning chip. E18 error is probably also a construction problem, which Canon should take reponsibility for.
Taken great care of S2 IS - not used much but E18 error with the lens permanently out
I splurged on an S2 about a year and a half ago. I cannot afford to replace it. The first time I got the message I thought it was the batteries, but now it has returned and thus why I am posting on this forum.
Mine is Canon A 610. The outside lens was working well, yet the window only showed dark image, blank screen!
Thanks so much for your helpful tip. I have removed the battery, left it for a few minutes and now it works again.
I have had problems of the same as most other people and find it very disapointing as my family are all Canon users
I have had it repaired once at the cost of $400+ and now the same problem GREAT CAMERA shame about the e18 situation as we paid $680.00 in 2005
I have a PowerShot S2IS that I paid $500 for and 18 months later I'm getting E18 error while trying to take pictures of our newborn son. I will try the fix but if it doesn't work then I will be forced to switch from Canon to Sony. I have been a loyal Canon customer and (working in the technology industry) I get a lot of questions about which camera to purchase. I will no longer refer them to the Canon line of products. :(
I had E18 error (camera Canon Ixus 55) just after expiration of the guarantee term. The lens doesn't want to shut. I gave it to Canon service senter for repair. The cost estimate of repair is 120$.
ref to this, http://www.e18error.com/repair.html
This worked like a charm on my A 95.
Another method is to tap the padded USB cover part on a hard surface, for example, a desk. It sounds so simple, but very often in works.
Battery ran out of my IXUS 60 while lens was extended. Upon recharging and replacing the battery, I received the 'lens error, restart camera' message.
The camera is out of warranty, but I took it to Canon anyway and was told that the lens was bent and that I must have damaged it even though I'm fairly certain I did not.
Anyway, to fix it would be AUS $270.00. The camera only cost me $400, so I didn't go ahead with it. I'm going to try some of the techniques listed on this website in the hopes that it'll come back to life.
If it doesn't work, big woop. I'll just never buy another Canon product.
I've used my SD450 for nearly 2.5 years and it's been a true workhorse. I've never had any issues with it. I've taken it to numerous concerts and it has survived numerous mosh pits.
It finally gave out at the last show I went to, falling gently a couple feet to the carpeted floor. The lens was open, and upon checking it out, found the E18 msg.
It has not come back to life, unfortunately.
A family member of mine says he has had great luck in dealing with canon and faulty products, simply by calling the company. They replaced his camera, even after the warranty was out. I'm going to try soon.
Powershot A620
1.5 years old,
but it has had a tough life, mostly used at the beach, and lives in the bottom of my wife's daypack.
Although most of my recent experience has been with front loading washing machines, I will try a disassemble tonight... In the words of top gear; "how hard can it be?"
Powershot S2, got the error but then it started working again on its own. Had for 1.5 years
power shot s2 Is, same problem after 2.5 yrs of use
Digityal Ixus 40 used without prob for 3 years now i got teh problem too
I ust get an E18 error last week with my A95. I used it for 2 and a half years without any problem.
I get the battery and card out of camera, then replace them. it worked...
then same problem and message message 5 minutes later when I switched the camera on again.
I let it on the side untill the following day. Then swithched the camera on. it works perfectly since...
!!???
Before this incident I used charging canon batteries, quite powerfull and long lasting.
since my battery charger passed out a few days ago I was using regular batteries (not so powerfull) when the E18 happened. From what I've read on the web, lower batteries could be partly responsible of E18.
From another web site source it seems that a soft but firm shock of the camera base on the palm of your hand fix the E18 problem almost 2 times on 3. Faster and cheaper than the SO unefficient canon customer service!!
Chris
I ust get an E18 error last week with my A95. I used it for 2 and a half years without any problem.
I get the battery and card out of camera, then replace them. it worked...
then same problem and message message 5 minutes later when I switched the camera on again.
I let it on the side untill the following day. Then swithched the camera on. it works perfectly since...
!!???
Before this incident I used charging canon batteries, quite powerfull and long lasting.
since my battery charger passed out a few days ago I was using regular batteries (not so powerfull) when the E18 happened. From what I've read on the web, lower batteries could be partly responsible of E18.
From another web site source it seems that a soft but firm shock of the camera base on the palm of your hand fix the E18 problem almost 2 times on 3. Faster and cheaper than the SO unefficient canon customer service!!
Chris
I followed the instructions on this website. I gently forced the lens back into place, heard the click sounds and the camera is working beautifully now. Got the error after it slid off of a work table on the floor. Thanks for the help!
PowerShot SD800 IS. "Lens Error - Restart Camera". Probably had something to do with the sand dunes in Death Valley. Tried to fix - no luck. Won't even turn on anymore.
I have had my SD870-IS for less than a month. Took it to Disney World and it Reported a lens error on the third day. One second I was taking a picture the next the lens will not retract. Now the fun starts Canons third party repair shop is calling it physical damage even though Best Buy sent it to them with a report of the lens error and no phsyical damage. I still have no camera. They are about to reach the point of having it for longer than I have owned it.
Check it out. I'm having a similar problem with my A610. No damage; never had a fall or hard impact (that I'm aware of - but since my wife takes it at times, I have to wonder). This Saturday afternoon, I took the camera out of the bag, powered up and leveled it at my daughter. It turned off and the lens would not retract, but I received no error. I could point it at my feet or at the sky and it would turn on and off just fine. It would even zoom in and out and take pictures, video, etc. As soon as I tried to level the camera, it turned off. I have checked as many settings as I can, but could not find any that would cause this to happen. Any ideas?
Canon PowerShot S2 IS since 12/05 I haven't been real careful with this great camera. Carry it with me so often the metalic finish is worn off all the corners. E18 occurs with low batteries or temperatures below 35 F. Lens attempts to move then stalls with E18. New batteries and warmer has always fixed it so far.
My Power shot s230 is five years old. Yesterday after taking a photo the lens would not retract and the camera would not stay on. The E18 code is on the LCD.
I own a SD550. The first time is gave me an E18 error was under warranty and Canon fixed it. The second time it was out of warranty and I paid $140 to have them fix it. A month ago it happened again. (I have used it a lot but it has not been dropped or mishandled.) After reading all the info on this site, I tried to unjam it with compressed air and force. When that didn't work I figured I would take it apart. The lens appeared to be extended too far and the zoom of the view finder was off the track. I was able to unstick the lens and put the camera back together (quite a task). I turned it on, it started up, the lens extended and before it could focus the E18 error came up again! I noticed that there is a small button battery near the lens. Would it help to change this or remove and replace it to clear the cameras info?
I've repaired several Canon 400 series camera's that have displayed E18. The fault has always been sand/grit in the lense mechanisim. The only way to guarentee a repair is to totally dismantle the lense assembly and remove all of the grit (fine brush & very fine tweezers). If the grit has been there for some time or is *large* it will quite often be imbedded into the gears and as such *blowing* it out with compressed air will not work. As a Proffessional Camera repair technician I would advise that FORCE and SHOCK NEVER be used to perform a repair. Unfortunately the cost of repairing this fault far exceeds the value of the camera so if you feel confident, dismantle and clean the lense yourself. Otherwise bang and blow away while you look for a replacement camera as this treatment WILL eventually if not immediately, be terminal. *NOTE*; If you choose to dismantle, when refitting the manual viewfinder, you will need to remove the metal cover plate so that you can re-align the internal lenses into thier respective grouves (at either end) on the lense body.
I have been relatively satisfied with the SD500 for photo quality and ease of use. I have never dropped the camera as I always use the handy wrist strap, but the camera began randomly displaying the E18 error. I thought I had done something wrong, but after researching online, it seems to be the inevitable end to this camera and the error is not honored by Canon. Very unhappy
Has a SD870, lens won't return to off position, didn't get the E18 error, maybe because it can extend back out. Try the methods here and none seems to work.
Thank the owner of the website for the message . I fixed my powershot A95, acording to the
guide .
Canon Digital Ixus 30
out of blue I got a E18 on closed camera.
no quick solution possible, since lens not misaligned.
Took it apart, got it to work after turning the lens motor by hand a few times to "re-activate". Rebuild was a problem, all kind of different screws, not knowing where to put which.
Easy Repair:
In the end I found out that for turning the motor by hand you only need to get the covers off and the miniture fan blades on the motor can be accessed near the flash.
In my opinion the problem is a sub-spec motor.
Good luck.
Got the e18, have taken great care of my camera. Never dropped it. The lens would go most of the way out and then stop. I tried banging it on a table, and now it doesn't move at all.
Thank you! I don't know which part worked - the air or the banging on the desk - but it's now working.
I was in thailand recently and my Canon Power Shot S500 camera lens refused to shut. I tried to turn the camera off, but I got a beeping noise and then E18 appeared on a black screen.
I have the canon powershot 500 and have had it serviced once only to have it break down again with the E18 error. I've only had the camera 6 months before the problem occured.
All day problem. Canon A80/A70
-Hungary-
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.
we have a canon powershot A70. Dropped with lens extened. When it was turned off the lens wouldn't retract and the shutter wouldn't close, also we got the E18 error. We tried all the other methods and then did the one where you twist both parts of the lens- AS YOU TURN IT ON - there was then a very definate click as the turret went back into place. Camera then started focus correctly and when turned off turret retracted and shutters closed as they should do!
Thanks for all your help and advice.
I have a Canon powershot s2 is that is 12 months old and has the e18 error. I have tried all the recommended tricks with no luck.
I have a SD800 IS, lens error after 5 months and less than 1000 pictures...
If anyone has a broken SD600 that they would be willing to sell, I need the parts.. please email me at:
canon600*AT*agupta.endjunk.com
Replace the *AT* with @
I’ve had my Power ShotA80 since 2003 while on vacation 2/13/08 I got my first e18 error.
I was able to clear the error and use my camera because of the help and tips from this web site
At this time my camera is still working. Thanks!
canon norway just told me they want £225 to fix my camera. my reply consisted of 2 words and the second being 'off'
Have S2IS for 2 yaers. E18 appeared after it fall down 6 months ago. Camera still works.
I have a S2 IS about 2 years old loved the Camera till I got this error now its a brick
will never buy Canon Again!!!
E18 message appeared halfway through a trip to Timbuktu by motorcycle. Very inconvenient, but now I have read the messages on this site, probably inevitable. Sand gets everywhere in the Sahara. I took the Canon Powershot because they had used Canon cameras on the Long Way Round trip (Boorman and McGregor). Obviously they didn't get as dusty. Have tried all the fixes apart from taking it to pieces. Even stuck it to the main suction inlet of our central vacuum system, but still get E18. I guess the dust has invaded the lens mechanism.
I have owned my A80 for almost 4 years and have experienced the E18 problem off and on for almost one year. The camera does not always behave in the same way each time the error message appears on the screen. Sometimes the lens becomes stuck when extended and the error message appears. Sometimes the lens is extended and then attempts to close, becomes stuck before closing, and then is followed by a sound of grinding gears and the E18 message. The problem often seems to resolve itself after being off for a while. Other times, gently pushing on the lens after depressing the power button allows the lens to close and then I let it rest a bit before I resume taking pictures. The camera usually has difficulty focusing immediately after the E18 error but eventually resolves itself. In general, I have noticed that the camera does not seem to focus as well as when new but it is difficult to know if this is a direct result of whatever the cause of the E18 error or because of the camera's age. Good luck to all!
I had a Powershot A80 a while back, and one day it flashed the death screen of E18. I used it in places where sand and debris were an obvious problem. A month later, after sitting in my drawer, the E18 message disappeared and the camera worked like brand new. Weird. It was a great camera despite that, and I now have one of Canons fine DSLRs.
I too have the e-18 error. I am not hopeful and will just avoid Canon for my next camera.
I had this error show, visited various websites including Canon who recommended I send it for service but were not optimistic about the chances of repair. I felt I had nothing to lose, so I switched it on and before the error shut it down I gave it a good sharp tap against a soft wooden surface. It worked instantly. Good luck.
I Got an E18 on my 3+ year old Camera (A75). I'm about to go on a vacation, so I really didn't want to buy a new one right now. Looked at the web-site, tried some tapping, a bit of pushing, and amazingly - it started working again. Thanks!
This weekend my friend accidentally dropped my canon Ixus 700 and since then the lens will not close and I always get a "lens error, restart camera" message. The camera can't show any photo's on the display anymore. So I hope that my insurence will cover the costs, because I realy loved this camera.
Few months ago my son accidentally dropped my canon SD600 and since then the lens will not open and I always get a "lens error, restart camera" message. tried everything I read up on and nothing worked. finally saw a post about doing tap on a hard surface WHILE turning on the power. Did not have much faith but the very first time I did it, the lense opened up! i did it on a carpet surface. The key is to do right after you hit the power button.
Powershot S2IS stopped working with lens in open position and E18 showing in the lower left hand side of dark screen.
Did not drop....was powering it off when I heard a whirring sound. End of story. It was a great camera while it worked but after reading how many others have had the same issue, I'm heading over to research Nikons.
ive got this error today, tried to fix it but i reisgned....
I came up with an E-18 and the shutter lens wouldn't retract, I taped the soft pad where the USB cable goes in and it worked immediately.I find this site extremely helpful. I love my Canon.
When I have called Canon on another warranty, they were willing and did repair the camera for free.
Hi,
I own an S2 IS which has been maintained in min condition. However, the dreaded E18 error occured last week. Disgusted with Canon service centre - they didnt want to know. The last Canon I will ever buy.
I have a Canon Ixus 60 that I dropped today and got the "lens error, restart camera"-message and the lens was stuck. Reading about all the problems with this I was convinced that I was going to need a new camera (which I can't afford). Tried taking out batteries, memory card, tapping the usb, turning the lens and more...nothing seemed to work and I was more and more convinced about the death of my ixus... Then read the tip about forcing the lens closed and since I felt that didn't have anything to loose, I tried it...and it worked!! THANK YOU!
Nothing special to report: just that afte seveal years of good serive, my Canon Ixus 400 has started showing the E18 error. I have no knowledge of it having been dropped or othewise damaged.
I have recently had the E18 problem with a three year old A80. When swithing on the lens extends, the Canon logo displays for about 5-10 seconds, then the lens retracts and E18 displays. The first time this happened I assumed the batteries were flat, so recharged them and the problem went away. Today I had the same problem, with two sets of batteries, even though they were fully charged. I "fixed" the problem by opening the battery flap while the lens was extended, thus leaving it extended. When I restored power by shutting the battery cover and pressing the On/Off switch the camera was working normally again.
purchased an 850 IS ELPH - we've had it less than a month, was bumped once at lunch yesterday afternoon, by this morning it displays "Lens Error, Restart Camera" and nothing happens. It should still be under warranty as we purchased it through a federal government account.
(Not exactly an E18 experience, but ...) My baby knocked my Powershot S60 off of my desk a couple days ago. When I turned the camera on, it would immediately zoom all the way in and not zoom out. The zoom rocker felt like it didn't have a tactile click on the "zoom in" right side so it seemed to be jammed. In fact, to take a picure I would first have to press the zoom in, then zoom out switch (with no response of course) and then the camera would take photos (all fully zoomed in, not focusing well). Well, a Canon shop here in Barcelona (Setelsa) on the phone immediately suggested that I need a new lens 200 euros ($300). WTF? I told him he was loco as a new SD870 cost the same.
Anyway, I found this site and tried the tip to tap the camera on the rubber USB cover. It worked instantly. No idea if it will last, but I'm extremely pleased. Just wanted to say thanks!
Thank You!
Right, same as many, my Ixus gave up after not much use, was about to throw it away, but stumbled upon the following blog which really really helped (full credit goes to 'Camera Repair' and his blogspot at http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2007/11/important-warning-camera-flash.html
The following is taken from his blog at thwe address given, and is intended as a last recourse for those whose cameras have turned into expensive paperweights, here he offers a 7 fixes approach of increasing riskiness to hopefully fix your camera, mine finally worked after fix 6 (tapping the USB corner) here are the seven 'fixes', hope one of them helps you... Fortunately, about half the cameras that suffer this failure can easily be fixed by one of the following methods. None of these methods involve opening the camera, although some have potential to cause other damage to the camera if excessively done. If the camera is still under warranty, before trying any of these, please please first contact your camera's maker to see if they'll cover the repair, or to determine how much they'll charge for the repair. Who knows, you might get lucky. But if they quote you a number that's higher than the value of your camera, you'll then have little to lose in trying these methods. The following methods are listed in the order of risk of damaging your camera. Thus make sure you try them in the listed order:
Fix #1: Remove the batteries from the camera, wait a few minutes. Put a fresh set of batteries back in and turn the camera on.
Fix #2: Remove the batteries, then remove the memory card. Then install the new batteries, when you turn it on it should come back to life. Error E30 means you don't have a memory card installed, so turn it off, slip in the memory card and turn it on one last time.
Fix #3: Insert the cameras AV cable, and turn the camera on in picture review mode. Have no idea why this would work, except that quite a few people have reported some success with it.
Fix #4: Place the camera flat on its back on the kitchen table, pointed at the ceiling. Press and hold the shutter button down, and at the same time press the power-on button. The idea is that the camera will try to autofocus while the lens is extending, hopefully seating the lens barrel guide pins in their slots.
Fix #5: Blow compressed air in the gaps around the lens barrels with the idea of blowing out any sand or grit that may be in there jamming the lens. Other variations include blowing with a hair dryer in “no heat” setting, or sucking the gaps with a vacuum cleaner.
Now we're entering into the realm of potentially damaging your camera in conducting the fix. Take care when conducting the following two fixes.
Fix #6: Repeatedly tap the padded/rubber usb cover on a hard surface with the intent of dislodging any particles that may be jamming the lens. A lot of people have reported success with this method. HOWEVER, there is some potential for damaging or dislodging internal components with this method, such as unseating ribbon cables.
Fix #7: Try forcing the lens. Many people have also reported success with this method. HOWEVER, there's obviously some potential for damaging your camera by using this method. Variations include pulling, pushing, rotating or twisting on the lens barrel while hitting the power button. Another variation includes looking for uneven gaps around the lens barrel, and then pushing on the lens barrel side that has the largest gap. While doing these, listen for a click that indicates that the lens barrel guide pins have reseated in their guide slots. If you hear this click, immediately stop and try the camera. The following photo illustrates unseated guide pins that would cause a lens error.
Again, full credit goes to http://camerarepair.blogspot.com (THANKYOU!)
Just my first E18 error with an Ixus 30.
Another person did one photo with my camera and after that the e18 error appeared.
Simple solutions as remove battery for a while doesn't work and I don't find any photographic guide of repairing model IXUS30.
I need my camera to turn back soon! :_(
I've had this camera for 4 years, and I've had no problems at all until today.
Got an E18 on Ixus 40 (equivalent of SD300) two days ago for no apparent reason: turned the camera on, and then it wouldn't shoot. Turned off - but lens stayed out. Turned on - lens go in. Looks like something went 'reverse' inside the body. The camera is just outside the warranty period, and I have replaced the LCD previously on it. Loved Canon, but after reading the sad story on this site will probably switch back to Olympus. I own this Canon since August 2005 or so, and it had broke 3 times already (one warranty repair for shooting mode button, then LCD failure for no reason, and now this E18).
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