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For those of you that are new here, yes this is an upset. This lens error usually happens from either dirt or sand in the lens (most commonly a previous trip to the beach) or from dropping the camera. Some of the self help things are worth trying but they are often just a temporary fix or will even cause damage to the camera. For those who just want to get it serviced right, these places are all very reputable:
Canon Factory - Very expensive but good work
www.royalcameras.com - Good work and reasonable price
www.camerasandparts.com - Excellent for Powershot Repairs, that's all they do and they are priced right
www.forsterscamera.com - Excellent for All Makes and Models. Reasonably priced and they really know their stuff.
www.geeksquad.com - they are part of Best Buy and are reputable for repairs - it seems they send a lot of their work out but where it goes to is unknown - the work seems to be great but they are somewhat pricey
www.americancamera.com - great work but a little slower service - smaller operation and parts are often repaired by them on the point and shoot cameras - better for SLR's which is their specialty - priced very fairly
Good Luck
I have a Canon Powershot A3300 16 megapixel camera. I dropped it while it was on yesterday. I had a lens error but I forced it open and it was working fine. Today it wouldn't open by itself so I read somewhere that I should tap it while turning it on to snap it open. This works (just enough so i can pull out the lenses) but its not in focus so i put it in focus manually with my hands. It has trouble zooming in and out by itself and makes a lot of clicking sounds. I tried moving it into place... one click and its out of focus so i turn it more and hear more clicks until it is in focus. Even when I get it in focus it cannot zoom in and out by itself. When i shut it off it doesn't close on its own either.
Help.
I don't think its a sand or dirt problem since I dropped it while it was open. I did all of the steps though (cleaned it, tapped it, everything) but so far the only thing that works is pulling the lenses out or banging it until the lense pops out enough for me to manually focus it.
Is there a specific way I should be turning it? Can I get it so that it finally can click itself into place and zoom in and out by itself?
I have no idea what exactly worked....I just followed the instructions...took the battery out and then in, in record mode...also used my hair dryer in cool air mode for few seconds in front of the lens as well as, tapped the USB side of it and it worked. Thank you very much!
Use a Canon SX120. Lovely little camera, but funnily enough had Lens Error issue & it wouldn't open. So following the advice here I gently pulled on the lens (not easy to do - you have to open the wee slidey shutters to get some kind of a grip), and whilst pulling turned it on. Presto! lens opened and now it's working fine.
Other advice is to use a slip of paper between the lens cylinders to tease out particles of grit. I'd agree with advice not to use oil due to sticking dust & more grit.
So far so good, I hojpe my experience helps someone save £160 on replacement/repair, and thanks for the advice.
I had E18 in the SD300 bought for a penny on eBay. The symptoms were:
- motor spins, but lens stays retracted
- when I tried to "help" the lens by turning it by hand, a grinding noise was heard.
I followed these two excellent guides
http://alextran.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/canon_e18_repair_guide_for_sd300.pdf
http://video.yandex.ru/#search?text=ixus%2040&where=all&id=24224879-00-12
to take the camera apart and get to the lens gears. One of the gears turned out to broken (see pictures: https://picasaweb.google.com/117699353199726915573/CANONIXUS?authkey=Gv1sRgCNnqvvbLzuHpAw#5700180630301907330 ).
The repair options: to buy the gear (part number W0016) from HK or US dealers on eBay (7-10 Euros) or, better, buy the entire lens assembly for 13-15 Euros, and get the gear from it. As the last resort, the entire lens assembly can be replaced (you will have to move the CCD to the new lens in this case).
A word to the person under with the Powershot SD1400. I'm in the same situation as you with the SD1400. I have the same lens error and it was after a drop on a tile surface. Canon is expensive and they can't even fix our model, apparently they aren't supplying parts for the SD1400 which in my opinion is absurd. It's a great camera and until I dropped mine, I just loved it. Someone referred me to www.camerasandparts.com They just work on the Powershot models and they are about half in cost for repairs compared to Canon. The best part, they fix our SD1400 model. I hope they can help you get it going, I don't know of any other shops that will service the SD1400, I tried several places without any luck.
I dropped my SD1400 IS and the lens is now stuck out. The lens is like at angle now. How do I fix this?!
For the guy below that dropped his SD1300 in the sand. That's a temporary fix, the error will come back almost every time. Getting it serviced by a shop is usually the best bet, these cameras seem to be perfect once correctly serviced. The sand will move around in time and you'll be back to the lens error when you need it most. Getting it repaired properly is the best option.
Have PowerShot SD1300 IS. Fell at beach with lens opened and would not close (gave error and shut down). Did suggestions but didn't work at first. When I lightly tapped base while turning on power button, it finally closed. Working OK now. Thanks!
To Bertrand. Putting oil on the lens is a big mistake. That will attract more dirt and other elements, that is a big big mistake! If the lens was meant to have oil on it, Canon would have oiled them and told you to continue to oil the camera. No liquid of any sort should get near the CCD sensor at the back of the lens, that is where that will end up in time.
My advice is to have it serviced professionally. These are some very good places that fix these:
Canon Factory - Very expensive but good work
www.royalcameras.com - Good work and reasonable price
www.camerasandparts.com - Excellent for Powershot Repairs, that's all they do and they are priced right
www.forsterscamera.com - Excellent for All Makes and Models. Reasonably priced and they really know their stuff.
www.geeksquad.com - they are part of Best Buy and are reputable for repairs - it seems they send a lot of their work out but where it goes to is unknown - the work seems to be great but they are somewhat pricey
www.americancamera.com - great work but a little slower service - smaller operation and parts are often repaired by them on the point and shoot cameras - better for SLR's which is their specialty - priced very fairly
I got the E18 error on my Canon PowerShot A60. It has been working well for the last 7 years and nothing special happened to it recently: no sand or it has not been dropped. I think it is just getting old. I turned it on and off many time to see that the lens motors were moving slow and were kind of working a little hard to make the lenses move. So I guessed after 7 years it was time for a refresh. I put a little lubricating houshold oil in between the two lens moving parts (I guess any clear oil would do a similar job, olive oil may taste good) :). There is two concentric moving parts, so I put oil at two places in-between the two lens moving parts.
Now everything is working well. The lenses are moving at a faster speed with less difficulties. Only time will tell me if this easy solution will last. Of course the outside of the lens is a little bit sticky because of the oil, so you need to be more careful with dust and use a tissue to remove excess oil from time to time.
I guess not all E18 errors are that easy to fix, but at least it works for my case. I hope this post can solve other people E18 problem.
If you have a lens error, don't bang the camera. It's a temporary fix and sometimes damage the camera further. You can have it fixed through www.camerasandparts.com or through Canon directly, both are great. Based on my own experience, I wouldn't suggest the banging the camera routine. Since having mine fixed, it works flawlessly now.
My 6month old Cannon powershot ELPH100HS got this error. I followed all the steps (except compressed air) in http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkEfnF6zVxc--very helpful, but they didn't work. I feel as if there's dust or something in the lens still. thanks
I have a Canon IXY Digital 600. I'm not sure if the battery died, or the camera accidently turned on in my pocket... but the lens got stuck in the extended position. Now I have the E18 error too. :(
The lens no longer comes out when turning the camera on. When I turn the camera off it beeps about 5 times and shows this message: Error with lens. Will shut off automatically. Restart camera. I contacted Canon about 5 days ago and have not gotten a reply yet so I emailed them again today. We'll see what happens. It was a great camera when it was working
I have a Power shot SX200 cannon camera, I was using it to take a picture outside and I extended the lens, after that the camera hanged. so I turned it off and the lens didn't go all the way back in. And When I try to turn it on, it will say "Lens error reset camera"!!
please helpppp
I have an IXUS 100,and it would not respond to power other than Lens Failure. After trying all recommended remedies, there was no success. I bit the bullet and took off the front and back covers, disconnected every ribbon wire plug I could find, replaced them all and had success with all operations. Hope this helps somebody with there solution. All the wiring is ribbon wire with plugs so it is not daunting.
I bought a Cannon S3 IS sometime ago. The lens is stuck, but it only says Lens Error. I don't see the S3 included in your Lens Error 18. Is this the same problem?
Brand new Canon PowerShot A1200. Have used it maybe 4 times and taken maybe 30 pictures. Camera is still very clean. Out for a walk yesterday and took a few shots and the lense did not go back in when I power off camera. I get a lense error message (no E18 code) and the camera automatically shuts off. Tried the various methods to try to fix it and it doesn't work.
I bought the Canon IXUS 220 HS about a month ago from amazon. I then went to australia for a month about a week leter. 1 week in and I tried to zoom in to take a photo, when the zoom got to about x1.3 then lens retracted and the following message was displayed on the screen "Lens Error Will shut down automatically Restart camera". Everytime I tried to turn it on and use the zoom for the next couple of hours it would display the same message. The next day I turned it on and it was working fine, then the day after the error started again, and since then I haven't been able to use the zoom. This has really annoyed me because the only reason i got this camera was so I could take some good shots while I was in australia, when the camera works it's great, but having experienced this issue and having read about all the other canon cameras that have the same problem, I'm shocked that they have let it go on this long, it is a disgrace.
Canon Powershot SD780IS.
On vacation 1 year ago camera and just quit working - lens won't retract. Didn't get dropped or bumped. Camera was about 14 months old and used very little. Went to Walmart (in Cancun) and bought an inexpensive Olympus which has been working great. I also have a Canon Powershot S3IS that has a similar issue... the shutter is stuck and will not take pictures or record (unless you consider solid black a picture). Oh well, live and learn. I have purchased my last Canon product!
I am so glad I came across this forum! I'll admit, It was totally my fault that my camera was getting the lense error. I was playing with my Godson and the camera was on the floor with the lense out and I leaned into it. I went to the camera shop today, but since it was the day after Christmas they were closed. I decided I'd do some research on google, but didn't think I'd have much luck...well..I tried the whole turning the lense gently and I heard it click into place. I turneed the camera on again and to my surprise, NO ERROR! The camera is working perfectly again! Thanks so much to everyone for posting your tips on fixing the issue! I wish the camera was working for Christmas, but atleast I didn't have to pay money or send it away! Yay!
That's good David that Mata was able to help you but I believe they are India.
Below are some great choices for folks who are in the US who need to have one of these cameras repaired:
Canon Factory - Very expensive but good work
www.royalcameras.com - Good work and reasonable price
www.camerasandparts.com - Excellent for Powershot Repairs, that's all they do and they are priced right
www.forsterscamera.com - Excellent for All Makes and Models. Reasonably priced and they really know their stuff.
www.geeksquad.com - they are part of Best Buy and are reputable for repairs - it seems they send a lot of their work out but where it goes to is unknown - the work seems to be great but they are somewhat pricey
www.americancamera.com - great work but a little slower service - smaller operation and parts are often repaired by them on the point and shoot cameras - better for SLR's which is their specialty - priced very fairly
I HAD E18 ERROR MESSAGE AND I GOT IT RECTIFIED AT MATA ELECTRONICS( CANON SERVICE CENTRE) NO 86, SP RD, NEAR TOWN HALL, BANGALORE 2. MY CAMERA IS WORKING PERFECTLY AFTER SERVICE AND THANX TO MR VIJAY. CONTACT 9035871324.
It stopped working out of the blue. It was fine one minute than stuck the next.
OMG this is so strange, Mark-had the same problem with my Powershot A3150 IS on xmas eve and couldnt take pics on xmas(bummer).On boxing day while on this forum it just started working....rrrreallly?
i guess its skip work on xmas:/
Canon PowerShot S50. Couldn't take ANY xmas eve pictures due to this stupid error (very first occurrence of it, after 8 years of ownership)! Next morning, it was back to normal as if nothing had ever happened! Grrrrrrrr!
http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2007/12/fixing-lens-error-on-digital-camera.html
The above website had a lot more things to try to correct this problem. It worked for me!
Have a Power Shot S50 with E18 message. Used compressed air around lens and problem is gone! Thanks for the tip!!!
Back again - I tried Jim's suggestion about gently twisting the extended lens. Worked a treat. Thanks Jim. A much cheaper solution than taking it to Canon for repairs. Helen - Western Australia
This problem happened to my Canon IXUS 120 IS camera yesterday. Have been quoted $125 just to look at the camera. Alternatively, told it could be caused by the battery (another $79 to repair).
For those of you that are new here, yes this is an upset. This lens error usually happens from either dirt or sand in the lens (most commonly a previous trip to the beach) or from dropping the camera. Some of the self help things are worth trying but they are often just a temporary fix or will even cause damage to the camera. For those who just want to get it serviced right, these places are all very reputable:
Canon Factory - Very expensive but good work
www.royalcameras.com - Good work and reasonable price
www.camerasandparts.com - Excellent for Powershot Repairs, that's all they do and they are priced right
www.forsterscamera.com - Excellent for All Makes and Models. Reasonably priced and they really know their stuff.
www.geeksquad.com - they are part of Best Buy and are reputable for repairs - it seems they send a lot of their work out but where it goes to is unknown - the work seems to be great but they are somewhat pricey
www.americancamera.com - great work but a little slower service - smaller operation and parts are often repaired by them on the point and shoot cameras - better for SLR's which is their specialty - priced very fairly
Good Luck
Had a powershot previously ... lasted about 3 yrs then started E18 message. Figured it old so bought new A1000IS. 3 months ... E18 started. I'm done w Canon if they won't fix it.
I've had an SD550 that has performed flawlessly for several years. The lens extended on a weak battery and now that a fully charged battery is in it gives the E18 message.
I have a Powershot G10 which had the same lens retract problem. This shows that this problem still exists in Canon's newer models.
I have a Canon Powershot SD980 IS and the lens would not retract. It was making a grinding noise and I got the lens error message. After looking through various online help support I called the local camera repair store. I was just about to spend the money when I tried your forum and MIRACLE all I had to do was gently twist the lens and it WORKED. Thank you for this information--you have saved the day, and the Christmas holiday pictures. xo
E18 error fixed! Gently twisting the lens worked a treat; there was a small click and the error disappeared. Brilliant, and thank you very much indeed.
Now it's my turn:( After 5 or so decent A510 camera years as a Realtor taking house pics, I finally got the infamous E18 error..... at a listing appt., no less. Tapping the padded side hasn't worked. Will keep trying all options from website's Suggestion page.
My SD870 did this. I got it back this week from getting serviced at www.camerasandparts.com I wanted to say for $79 that they did a perfect job and also serviced up the entire camera. I just used it on an all day outing yesterday, it's working like new again. I'm now looking for an underwater housing for my camera. If someone has one available or knows where I can get one cheap enough, please email me.
I almost cry when my cannon powershot sx220 hs, OMG, my fiance will kill me for messing with my cam, i didnt do anything in fact i'm the person who treat my cam like a bby that nobody can touch it.. i didnt abuse it. today is my friends 1st birthday of her son, and my cam got lens error, it totally ruined my night that i skipped my dinner just to fixed the camera, tried browsing the possible ways of solving, tried banging my cam, it still didnt work and tried removing and twisting the lens still didnt work, tried pulling out the lens forcibly and huh! it work i get back to dinner and had my share of dessert...ALHAMDULILLAH!
After ripping apart my s2IS a few years ago, twice and fixing it by jamming cardboard around the USM motor, it finally went back to doing its E18 error again. It became useless just as before. The cardboard trick did last a couple years though. I highly recommend going here: www.canonlenserror.com and following those intructions.
Its a similar thing. You wedge a piece of wood (toothpick in my case) at a certain position on the motor. I just did this fix tonight on the same camera and presto! It now works just fine again. Can zoom in/out as fast as I want or as slow as I want. Power on, power off. It still works perfectly every time. I assume or at least hope that the piece of wood shifting the motor to the side will last longer than a piece of cardboard doing the same thing. I will check back again if and when the evil error shows itself again. For now though, its working like new again.
Got E18 on my Canon PowerShot S400 Digital Elph just one day out of the blue. Lens started to extend and then got stuck. Now just beeps when trying to open and shows E18, the lens extended just a bit out of the body. Hopefully I can get it fixed using the info on this page. Bummer it got this error, because otherwise was a great camera, although has a few years on it.
On the S100 that someone just bought and got a lens error out of the box, well that's ridiculous. Take it back to the store and have them exchange it for another one.
For some reason my cameras that have never been serviced but just bought at retail seem to have this problem eventually. The few that I have had serviced have never acted up ever. Makes you wonder how these are built with the mass production of these products. It's funny that worked on by a technician and not under mass production, they seem to be more reliable and perform better all around. I'm planning on buying a new Powershot in April when it comes out. I will probably send it off to be serviced from day one. Again on that S100, take it back and get them to exchange it. If they tell you to send it in for warranty, do not accept that as a response. If it doesn't work right out of the box, that is ridiculous. I read that there was a bunch of Sony customers who would have that problem right out of the box. C'mon, this is Canon which is miles ahead of Sony and that shouldn't happen. The box might have gotten dropped before you bought it.
Bought Powershot S100... I got lens error at very first power-on out of the box
My ixus105 that I have owned just over a year and has the same problem. Not to mention my last cannon did the same thing too.
Cannon needs to improve this mechanical failure.
Because of this I am in the market for a new camera and i am sure it will not be a cannon product.
It is not the money i am out that bothers me. I am in Paris on vacation from usa and my camera is useless. The last time I was a trip to the F1 formula race in singapore then hiking around vietnam and also could not take a photo with my Cannon camera.
banging the camera upside down on the desk worked!
thank you so much.
For those of you that are new here, yes this is an upset. This lens error usually happens from either dirt or sand in the lens (most commonly a previous trip to the beach) or from dropping the camera. Some of the self help things are worth trying but they are often just a temporary fix or will even cause damage to the camera. For those who just want to get it serviced right, these places are all very reputable:
Canon Factory - Very expensive but good work
www.royalcameras.com - Good work and reasonable price
www.camerasandparts.com - Excellent for Powershot Repairs, that's all they do and they are priced right
www.forsterscamera.com - Excellent for All Makes and Models. Reasonably priced and they really know their stuff.
www.geeksquad.com - they are part of Best Buy and are reputable for repairs - it seems they send a lot of their work out but where it goes to is unknown - the work seems to be great but they are somewhat pricey
www.americancamera.com - great work but a little slower service - smaller operation and parts are often repaired by them on the point and shoot cameras - better for SLR's which is their specialty - priced very fairly
Good Luck
To Brian below. The loyalty program that Canon has is about the worst deal out there. Never do that program, it's horrible when you do the math. They took you from a good model to one that is not as good. Many places with fix these for less than a hundred bucks. The shops that know what their doing will actually get the lens timed right, that avoids these lens errors all together, just don't get sand or dirt in there or drop it. Once these are correctly serviced, they're often much better with regards to the reliability than the way they come out during mass production. Getting one properly serviced is always better than the loyalty program they gave you. See you back here in six months when you need to have that one serviced. Sony is even worse. They almost all eventually do this, it's better to have it serviced right from the get go or have it serviced when it breaks. Much better than starting all over again.
I fixed my camera by following the steps in this youtube video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkEfnF6zVxc
I got a Canon SD96OIS on Thanksgiving that was partially working. The picture was blurry until I messed with the zoom control. I was able to take several shots then the lens started getting stuck halfway when powering on or off. I tapped it and got it to work a few times. Then when the lens was about 1/8 inch extended, I pushed it to close the lens all the way. Since then I have been unable to get it to extend despite tapping or trying to pull with my fingernail under the lens cover edge. I disassembled the front and rear cases but was not sure what to do since the lens assembly is buried in the middle. I put it back together and it is now a paperweight. I called Canon and they quoted $109 for the repair. They said I could trade it in under their Customer Loyalty Program and transferred me to their online store. I was told that for $109.99 I could buy a refurbished SD1400IS with a free leather case and 2GB memory card included. I agreed and made the order and they said I had 14 days to return it if I changed my mind. The total with tax came to $117.96. I should have searched for alternatives as I later found that the Elph 300 HS is a better camera and sells new for $150 with free shipping and no tax. I also saw new ones on eBay for as little as $129. http://tinyurl.com/7bdv846
I will probably try out the SD1400IS for a week and return it. Not sure if I will buy a 300HS or just use my old Sony camera.
I have an SX100 IS and it started having a Lens Error the day before Thanksgiving 2011 (no E18, just text). Thought it was the batteries, but unfortunately not. It did something similar when I fort got it, but it went away. Now it is continuous.
My Canon SD870 displayed a lens error just before the holidays. Someone suggested I try www.camerasandparts.com for the service. We did and we got it back in time for Thanksgiving and it worked like brand new, we took some wonderful pictures. For what they charge, they were excellent and got it rushed back in time for the holidays. For the people dealing with a lens error, the place I used was wonderful and it was door to door for $79 all in. They cover the repair and the service for the camera. I can highly recommend them, my camera is like new again.
I had two Sony's that both did the same exact thing. I hadn't done anything that would have caused the problem.
This morning I took my Canon out which is three weeks old and it fell out of my hand, hit the tile floor and bam, the lens error. I'll admit this one was my fault.
I remember when the Sony's broke, the place that repaired them said that all of the brands do this. The Sony's were repaired and my daughter still has one of the Sony's and my wife and I use the other Sony as a spare. Both work great since getting repaired.
The Canon takes better pictures than any camera I've owned so I'm going to have this one repaired too. My point is, I've read it's all of the brands and not just Canon. In fact, from reading the boards and blogs all over the net, the Canons seem to be more reliable.
So yes this bites and even more so on Thanksgiving but from experience I can tell you I had two lens errors on the Sony and this is my first on a Canon since it was dropped. Canon's definitely take better pictures and are the number one pick in point and shoot cameras for a reason.
My Canon POwer shot SD990 It was working great. Then one day it stopped working, the lens is stuck half a way and the lens is not not retract and it displays the message "Lens error, restart camera" How can I fix this?
Regards,
Ranjan Bose
Sent my A75 in for the dreaded "black screen of death" CCD recall repair, came back working fine for a few months, then the E18 popped up. Tried all the online fixes to no avail. This camera has NEVER been dropped or exposed to moisture or dust, I always babied it. Thousands of users, all with the same problem, dozens of pages and forum threads dedicated to the same exact error, and Canon still refuses to acknowledge a chronic problem???
Yet another error,yet another camera.I love Canon but this is beyond a joke!
SX200IS little over a year old, no dropping or banging, one time just started the camera and got this error.
I have been using it for awhile. Overall no problems. Just have to watch when the battery is low. Pictures become slightly fuzzy.
Oh man, the Canon. I have been shooting with the Canon for a long time and it has been a a complete pain. I would love to know how other people feel.
I hit the camera and it worked! Thanks for the advise.
For those of you that are new here, we can all agree pretty much agree this is a bummer. This lens error usually happens from either dirt or sand in the lens (most commonly a previous trip to the beach) or from dropping the camera. Some of the self help things are worth trying but they are often just a temporary fix or will even cause damage to the camera. For those who just want to get it serviced right, these places are all very reputable:
Canon Factory - Very expensive but good work
www.royalcameras.com - Good work and reasonable price
www.camerasandparts.com - Excellent for Powershot Repairs, that's all they do and they are priced right
www.forsterscamera.com - Excellent for All Makes and Models. Reasonably priced and they really know their stuff.
www.geeksquad.com - they are part of Best Buy and are reputable for repairs - it seems they send a lot of their work out but where it goes to is unknown - the work seems to be great but they are somewhat pricey
www.americancamera.com - great work but a little slower service - smaller operation and parts are often repaired by them on the point and shoot cameras - better for SLR's which is their specialty - priced very fairly
Good Luck
I found this website while searching to see if anyone else was experiencing same issue I have, mine is a powershot A3100-IS not very expensive, but thought it would last more than 11 months... Lens is stuck out and my messages reads "Lens Error, camera will power off, restart camera" it beeps several times and makes a funny noise as it tries to turn on. I have sent complaint to technical support and the told me to recharge battery and try again, well that didn't work so they want me to send it in to get evauluated, of course the repair will cost more than the camera as I've read from others, this is crazy, I'm glad to see there is a class action suit.
My camera has done this a few times. I thought Canons were supposed to be one of the best. I take excellent care of my camera and now at the worst timing possible it has done this and the lens won't go back down. Very disappointed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ive finally gotten myself a powershot S95. thinking i'll get great shots at christchurch BUT the moment i switched on my camera,
"LENS ERROR. SHUT DOWN AUTOMATICALLY. RESTART CAMERA"
killed my holiday =(
thank god to this webby ( while back in homeland) i hit the lens while switching on the camera, IT WORKS AGAIN!! =D
Had the lens error out of the blue on my Powershot A1100IS I bought last year April in the US. As I live in Belgium, warranty was no longer valid. First I contacted Canon: told me repair would cost 150 EUR (yes! more then the cost of the camera). So at first I though I'd just buy a new one. But then I gave internet a chance and stumbled on this great site. I tried a combination of the AV-cable, tapping on the side and softly wriggling the lens and yes - it's working again. Will clean it with compressed air to be sure. Thanks for the great tips.
It seems it is more than just having the lens not operating. I did the fix the way that it was recomended and it work for one shot and then would not retract and showed the same error. I think that it is the motor that is a fault and I think mine is shot.
Hi there!
I'm currently using my second Canon A610.
I used the last one for almost 3 years, including Bike, Kayac and other bad treatment. This second one made some 30.000 pictures (I converted it to shot Time-lapses)... and today, after few shots, it returned me an E18 error!
I try everything from this page except disassembling, but nothing worked.
My solution : (ONLY IF NOT WARRANTY COVERED)
Use a voltage selector charger in the charger input / INstead of 3.5V (nominal for my device), I put 4.5V and I started perfectly. I shutdown and restarted few times and now it's working with the insde battery.
Good luck!
Have the E18 error showing up on my Canon P/Shot S60. I have tried everything & it still does not work!
Never again will I buy a Canon, this is going in the bin!
Many thanks to website, I followes instructions removed filter from front of lens,blasted air through (tapped at usb port first) and my canon powershotA95 now works fine
My Canon POwer shot SD1200 IS was working great. I took care of it etc. THen on day, out of the blue it stopped working, the lens will not retract and it displays the message "Lens error, restart camera" How can I fix this?
Well, my Powershot S2IS is still acting up with the E18 error (see my posts below). It was working for one day and then today it is behaving badly again - I will have to try other options.
My A95 which has worked problem free for 6 years suddenly had an E18 error. camera powered on and lens extended all the way but when powered off would not retract,I went and googled for solutions tried to tap it upside down to free any dust, then used canned air,no use. So gave it a whack with my palm, success! lens retracted and powered off,but when I switched it on again it beeped, showed E18 still and shut itself off, then a scary grinding sound was heard from behind the lens housing,uh-oh. Canon said let us fix it for almost $90! So after checking on fixit website, I tried one of their solutions, to gently push down on the lens side which had a slightly bigger gap from the housing than the other side, did not hear a click noise as fixit suggested but after powering up once more, ta-da! Camera was lit up and asking for it's memory card, I could not believe I had fixed it, phew! Happy I tried some of these tips, hope this helps others with the same problem. Thnx God.
I just captured some video footage, shut the camera off, transported the files that I had on the card to my computer, put the card back in, and turned it back on to hear the beeps and read the error18 message. i can see that the lense isn't fully seated. The shutter is not closed obvioucly either. I tried all of the T.S. steps listed to no avail. Was considering purchasing a Canon SLR but after reading of Canon's failure to responde to this am having second guesses.
Since my earlier post this morning, I tried gently applying pressure on the lens and wiggled it (it was stuck out) as I turned the camera back off, and was able to get it to retract. Now it is working fine after several times (knock on wood!).
Went down to Cherry Creek this morning with my PowerShot S2 IS and took a few nature shots - then I got the dreaded E18 error for the first time. I could hear the camera clicking a few times, then the quick beeping, then the E18 error. I am glad I found this web site with repair instructions - I don't want to wait for Canon to repair it.
I HAVE E18 ON MY CAMEREA. IT WAS WORKING THE DAY BEFORE THE NEXT DA I CAME UP WITH A E18.WHAT DO I NEED TO DO, IS THE CAMERA ANY GOOD ANY MORE.
I dropped my camera and this error showed on my screen and the lens was stuck out. I tried smacking the camera and now it won';t turn on. Geez! I really wished I would have just gotten it fixed properly, now who knows if it can even be fixed.
I ALSO JUST 1 WEEK AGO LENS STARTED MAKING SQEAKING NOISE AS IT OPEND AND RETRACTED / NEVER DROP / NEVER BEEN TO THE BEACH / VERY VERY CARFULL WITH CAMERA / 2 YEARS OLD POWERSHOT SX10IS / HAVE TRIED SUGGESTED FIX NOW GETTING WORST
For those of you that are new here, yes this is an upset. This lens error usually happens from either dirt or sand in the lens (most commonly a previous trip to the beach) or from dropping the camera. Some of the self help things are worth trying but they are often just a temporary fix or will even cause damage to the camera. For those who just want to get it serviced right, these places are all very reputable:
Canon Factory - Very expensive but good work
www.royalcameras.com - Good work and reasonable price
www.camerasandparts.com - Excellent for Powershot Repairs, that's all they do and they are priced right
www.forsterscamera.com - Excellent for All Makes and Models. Reasonably priced and they really know their stuff.
www.geeksquad.com - they are part of Best Buy and are reputable for repairs - it seems they send a lot of their work out but where it goes to is unknown - the work seems to be great but they are somewhat pricey
www.americancamera.com - great work but a little slower service - smaller operation and parts are often repaired by them on the point and shoot cameras - better for SLR's which is their specialty - priced very fairly
Good Luck
I got exact error Lens Error, restart camera. I power off and power on the camera, still issue persists.
So glad we found this site! I've had my Canon A75 for about 8 years and it was put through a lot. I dropped it many times and used it all the time. When E18 appeared, I just about had a fit, because I love this camera so much... the quality of the pictures was superb, flawless. After removing the batteries for a few weeks until I found this site, I put the batteries back in and it worked again like new! During that time however, I had purchased another Canon A75 refurbished online and it too showed an E18 error after a few weeks. A good couple of taps on the rubber USB cover and it too was good as new once again! Glad to have two :)
We've been having this error for a while now. Thanks to the info on this site we fixed the problem (for now). It was the tapping that worked! Saved us $89 that it would have cost to send it away. Thanks so much!
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My camera was dropped causing the lens to remain extended. I tried compressed air and mild manipulation, removing the batteries etc. Finally I pressed hard on the lens while turning it slightly and it recessed into the camera. Once I turned it back on it worked perfectly. Thanks for the tips!!
I dropped my Canon G9 on saturday and I got the lens error, arghh. I had used www.camerasandparts.com years ago to fix my other Powershot which has worked like a gem ever since. Will use them for my G9. My only problem is that I need to find a way to stop dropping these things. I hear sand getting in the lens is another big cause. Both of mine worked great until dropped.
I have a nice little PowerShot SD500 and sadly, I dropped my camera in the sand--it was off when I dropped it. When I turned it on after brushing the sand off the lens would not retract and the image in the window was blurry, as it wasn't focusing properly. Bummer! I have not attempted trying to have this fixed and I think I'll just go and buy a new camera. I need it all the time.
I have a canon ixus 105 displaying the message "Lens error. Will shut down automatically. Restart camera". My brother-in-law has the same camera and had the same problem on a recent holiday in Italy.
# 1, 2 & 3 worked. I removed the battery (again) and left it out. left the card out. Tapped, and it worked. It sounds like it needs lubrication, but I also airblasted it and will keep an eye on that scratchy sound. Thanks!
I dropped my Canon and I got the lens error. I tried smacking it and it broke my flash. I regret doing the smacking thing. Should have just gotten it fixed properly from the get go. I'll see if a shop can still fix it, I love my camera. Canon SD870 powershot
I have a CANON Digital Ixus I Zoom, and it shows the damned E18 error. I will try to solve by myself :(
My PS515 failed after 3 years. The drive for the lense got noisey and the lense stayed out. Tried the home remedies. The camera shop where I purchased it stated it was not worth fixing and asked if I wanted to buy a new one. I will be sending it to www.cameraandparts.com as recommended on this site.
Perri
For those of you that are new here, yes this is an upset. This lens error usually happens from either dirt or sand in the lens (most commonly a previous trip to the beach) or from dropping the camera. Some of the self help things are worth trying but they are often just a temporary fix or will even cause damage to the camera. For those who just want to get it serviced right, these places are all very reputable:
Canon Factory - Very expensive but good work
www.royalcameras.com - Good work and reasonable price
www.camerasandparts.com - Excellent for Powershot Repairs, that's all they do and they are priced right
www.forsterscamera.com - Excellent for All Makes and Models. Reasonably priced and they really know their stuff.
www.geeksquad.com - they are part of Best Buy and are reputable for repairs - it seems they send a lot of their work out but where it goes to is unknown - the work seems to be great but they are somewhat pricey
www.americancamera.com - great work but a little slower service - smaller operation and parts are often repaired by them on the point and shoot cameras - better for SLR's which is their specialty - priced very fairly
Good Luck
I have also tried calling Canon and telling them about this site. They became rude and defensive telling me I caused my camera to break. That was enough for me. I called another shop and they were nice as can be.
My thoughts exactly with Canon Service. I sent them my camera which had this lens error, I was still within the warranty. They said my camera got sand in it and it caused the lens error which I know was not possible. Then they changed their story and said it may have been dropped. They didn't cover it, my camera was only used indoors. It's being sent to another shop right now who had a more reasonable rate to fix it. I would keep away from Canon for any kind of repair service. They are too high in the cost of the repairs and they are quick to blame the customer at the same time.
Dan
I forget to add, my camera is the SD950IS. It's working great now since having it repaired.
I can add to the comments below, Canon is hideous for repairs. They way overcharge and they are rude in that they blamed me for the lens error. The independent shops are familiar with getting the camera working right. Canon quoted me some huge rate, not what I was quoted by phone. The independent shop I used was under half the price and the work was wonderful. Canon should be avoided at all costs for these repairs unless you want to pay through the roof. The independent shop I used was much better for my repair.
In response to phillippa lack below;
That doesn't surprise me about Canon, they are horrific for service. I used them in the past and words can't express the disappointment with them. And yes, the staff gets rude when you back them into a corner because your camera broke after they fixed it.
The smaller shops are way way better. For starters, they are much cheaper for the repairs and they seem to get them right. I've had two Canons repaired by a smaller shop and both have been all out perfect. With the smaller shops, my guess is you get a technician who is more experienced than the people Canon probably brings on board to handle their enormous volume of repairs that I'll bet they get.
The first Canon I had repaired by a smaller shop has been going on two years and it works the way it should, perfectly! The second camera was dropped and they fixed it for me too, I've had it back about two weeks now and I put it through the test on a recent vacation, perfect again! So my advice which is based on experience, unfortunately I would not put Canon at the top of my list for fixing these, the smaller shops tend to be a lot better and get them right once fixed!
I got this E18 error and called Canon. Sent in the camera for repair. Camera came back same error. Called and sent it in again. Both times had to pay. Then I could not zoom. Called again and sent it in. Some months later, (today) same error. I found the folks very unresponsive and abrupt and rude. I have now paid for the camera through the repairs. If there is a class action suit, count me in! not good support at all and very uncooperative.All they wanted to do was sell me a lesser camera
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I have an Ixus i7 which has just developed a similar problem. I don't get the E18 error message just
'Lens error. Restart the camera'. Having done that the lens closes but reopens and I cannot get it to do anything more than that. Am on holiday just now (sick that the camera stopped working) but will have a look at the diagrams when I get back home. Has anyone else had problems with an Ixus i7?
I tried the fixed in order and was sucessful with pulling the lens out while turning it on. It was a bit cranky after that but has smoothed out after some use. Thanks for the advice gang!
My PowerShot sx100is started having focusing issues shortly after the warranty expired and after a while, when it would work on occasions, mostly when not zooming, it finally developed the lens error message and got stock with the lens half-extended.
Our Canon G9 got the famous lens error restart camera error warning after a three foot drop onto carpet. My wife sent it to www.camerasandparts.com The camera got back earlier this week working like a champ. They completely cleaned everything and they did it for virtually nothing. To get one of these fixed, go with them as they were incredible the whole way through. Now I'm looking to get a Sony DSC-F717 fixed that all of a sudden decided not to power on. It was working fine and then just started with a no power problem out of nowhere. Cameras And Parts doesn't work on Sony's but they referred me directly to Sony who wanted more than I was willing to spend to fix it. It's a really nice camera but I'm paying Sony's high price to fix the thing. For the record, I've had two Sonys fail on us and one Canon break. Either these things are made cheap or I need to start taking better care of them. I have had my Canon AE1 for over 20 years and it still works like the day I got it. A thought, their making them with less quality now than they used to.
I have a Canon s5is and just got this error message today. Not mishandled as far as I know. Bought it in late 2007 so I guess I've been lucky it has happened until now.
My canon powershot A2200 has developed the E18 problem today, just after purchasing before one week. I did scold my daughter thinking that she had mishandled it and the shop boy sweared that it occured because i have mishandled it. i started to believe the same till i came across the net dealing the problem. now i can refer the shop boy to have a look at your website. GREAT work. Thanks a lot.
Thank you,a bit of banging and cleaning saved me a couple of bucks, thank you for this info.
I can tell you from experience, it is much better to have to camera serviced professionally than to do the banging thing. When I camera developed this problem from sand in the lens I had it serviced professionally for not much, it has been better now than the day I got it!
I Googled "lens error" and found an excellent site that helped me repair my camera. It has lots of tips to try for this problem:
http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2007/12/fixing-lens-error-on-digital-camera.html
My Canon Powershot SD30 gave me the same message and I wasn't about to pay their technicians over $80 just to look at it and give me an estimate of the repair costs. I'll be buying a Panasonic or Sony next and an done with Canon!!!
It worked!1 Thank you so much for the advice. I have a Canon Power Shot. After getting the lens error message I found this site and followed the instructions. I tapped it a few times on the padded area, blew around the lens connection and twisted the lens a little and it's fixed. Thank you sooooo much!!
For those of you that are new here, yes this is an upset. This lens error usually happens from either dirt or sand in the lens (most commonly a previous trip to the beach) or from dropping the camera. Some of the self help things are worth trying but they are often just a temporary fix or will even cause damage to the camera. For those who just want to get it serviced right, these places are all very reputable:
Canon Factory - Very expensive but good work
www.royalcameras.com - Good work and reasonable price
www.camerasandparts.com - Excellent for Powershot Repairs, that's all they do and they are priced right
www.forsterscamera.com - Excellent for All Makes and Models. Reasonably priced and they really know their stuff.
www.geeksquad.com - they are part of Best Buy and are reputable for repairs - it seems they send a lot of their work out but where it goes to is unknown - the work seems to be great but they are somewhat pricey
www.americancamera.com - great work but a little slower service - smaller operation and parts are often repaired by them on the point and shoot cameras - better for SLR's which is their specialty - priced very fairly
Good Luck
I agree with Doug below. Canon is not an option for me on fixing fine. Dealt with them and it was awful and they blamed me too and they charged me an awful lot to fix it. I've used an independent shop before with much better results. I just dropped my G9 and got the lens error, I'm going with an independent shop, forget Canon's service for getting this problem fixed.
Lens error message appeared on my CANON PowerShot SX200 IS after apparently normal use.
I forgot to add my note to Paula.
There are lots of great companies out there that can fix these. Keep away from Canon as they overcharge on these repairs, most other places are less. Plus some of the smaller shops have technicians who are extremely skilled on these products. With Canon, you're just going through a huge line and a technician may get your camera and could care less on the quality of work. The smaller shops are much better for these (my opinion based on two dealings with a smaller shop versus Canon). I really think the smaller shops put more time and care into the work they do since they're reputation and name is riding on the quality. Do not go for Canon's loyalty upgrade thing, that is a mistake. I've been there and done that, a big mistake when you compare the cost.
Find a place that works on digital cameras and not Canon. A lot of the shops will service the lens properly so you won't have the lens error problem again. Look in your phone book for an electronic repair shop that works on digital cameras. Most of them will work on all the major brands. It's hard sometimes to get the no name cameras fixed because of parts but lots of places fix Canons. Don't pay more than $125, it should be about $100 or maybe a little more. Check your yellow pages or online. There are lots of places out there and most are very reputable. Canon should be the best and I'd say they're the worst place because of price and workmanship. I am talking from personal experience in ealing with Canon's service center.
To Christopher "former Canon employee" below
While I personally appreciate your input, you are way off on how Canon does things. Let me start by telling you I am a semi-pro photographer and I have owned many point and shoot camera over the years along with a 5D and a 7D DSLR.
The brand I have owed in the point and shoot cameras are Canon, Sony, Lumix and one crappy Nikon. Not just four point and shoot cameras but several. First I'll admit, this lens error sucks but it happens on all the brands, Canon's are actually pretty good overall in the sense that the e18 / lens error is not as common as some of the other brands. So in Canon's defense, they are somewhat more reliable than the other brands and they perform way better in picture quality, I'll give them credit there.
Now for the bad stuff! I bought a Canon camera and had it for three weeks, the store refused to take it back when it got a lens error unless I paid a 15% restocking fee, so I decided to use the warranty and send it in. Big Mistake! Canon blamed me for the lens error by saying I dropped it, THAT WAS NOT TRUE! Then the story changed and I got sand in it, IMPOSSIBLE! I ended up paying a fortune to fix a three week old camera that I did nothing too. I get it back AFTER PAYING and it worked nicely. Six month or so later, it got knocked out of my hand at an amusement park and of course I got a lens error. Fine, I'll take the blame for that. I sent it in and they wanted a fortune again even though they quoted me a lower price by phone. So since it had been broken twice and it did take a hard hit onto the cement, I opted to go for Canons loyalty program and get a refurbished camera. NEXT BIG MISTAKE. They said that although they call them refurbished, the camera was really new, NOT TRUE. I also found that although they claimed this huge discount for being a loyal customer, THIS WAS ALSO UNTRUE. I had to give them my current camera and then pay for the refurbished camera (although they said it was really new when it was clearly not). After all of that, I found online the model they were offering me was way cheaper, plus it would have been new and I also wouldn't have had to give them mine.
So the refurbished camera came and work for a week giving me multiple lens errors during that time. I called Canon and they promised no help until they looked at it. Guess what, my fault again when I did nothing but carefully use the camera for a week.
I stick with Canon because they do make the best digital cameras but they should own up when the camera fails and not acuse the customer and say they caused the problem. All the other companies of these cameras do the same thing. Stick with Canon for these smaller cameras, they are great.
If you're under warranty ow even out of warranty, no way would I deal with Canon for a lens error. If you worked there you know the routine, from what I understand they almost never cover that problem and charge the customer a fortune to fix it. Their loyalty program is the worst because the refurbished cameras they offer have quite the track record for failure. I would have like to stick with the original since I actually new the history on my camera and just got it fixed. I will NEVER send another camera to canon for repair. They have the worst repair service and upgrade loyalty thing I have ever dealt with. And they should tell people the loyalty cameras are new, they are NOT. They are scratched and used cameras, while the condition was good on mine, it was clearly not new. And who knows the history on the thing.
Stick with Canon, get it fixed if it breaks, but not by canon!
As a Former Employee of Canon:
E18 is an old standard error code, it's exact meaning is that there is an error operating the lens. Most often, this is an error extending or retracting.
Most common cause of this is impact to the lens assembly or obstructions (like sand in the gears). This can often be simulated on a perfectly healthy camera (with risk of damaging the camera) by physically blocking the lens from extending.
This is not a reasonable issue to repair at home as Point&Shoot cameras are tightly packed pieces of electronics and can be very difficult to work on.
The reason this issue has become so well known online is that Canon is one of the top two camera manufacturers and they use the same error codes across all Point&Shoot cameras (after all this, they updated newer models to instead display Lens Error instead of E18).
However, if they have not ended the program since I worked there (about 3 years ago), they were offering an exchange program where you could for a hefty discount exchange your broken camera for a refurbished newer model.
To contact Canon, they offer phone tech support at no charge for the lifetime of their cameras at 1-800-OK-CANON.
For Paula who posted just prior to this, I would highly suggest this route as it may exactly what you're wanting. That, and your kid almost certainly dropped it if she's getting an E18.
I have a Canon PowerShot A95 that I purchased in 2004. I just recently received the E18 error. I follwed steps 1-4 on http://www.e18error.com/repair.html and some combination of those steps resolved the issue and my camera is working again. Thanks! :-)
My PowerShot A620 is Displaying the E18 error. My teenage daughter took it on a trip and I suspect she dropped it. The camera is old, but I can't find a new one that has the feature I want in my price range. I saw several postings about having it repaired. Are most of the online camera repair companies honest and reliable? I would rather see if it can repaired than try to replace it.
i've been an avid canon fan and have used their cameras for a while. no idea why this should happen, been careful to use it in ordinary conditions. Can't find an online solution - keep getting sites which want to charge for a solution. Sort it canon or I'll go to olympus, nikon, samsung, you cheap skates.
To answer your question Patel, have your camera repaired and you'll be back up and running again. I just had my Canon SD870 serviced through www.camerasandparts.com and they really did a fine job. They went all the way through the camera and it's working as new again. They charge $79 for the whole service with the repair, the cleaning, and the service for the camera. I can tell you with confidence, they did a heck of a good job on mine. I was a little hesitant to do the banging on my camera as some people have commented on doing. I thought that might do more damage and was probably not a good thing to do to the camera. Now that I've had it worked on, I'm glad I didn't bang it to try to get it working. Mine is working like new again and I'm not worried about a lens error again. The lens always had some sort of resistance to it when the lens retracted, it doesn't do that at all now and it's working beautifully. So I say have it serviced by a professional and avoid the hitting the camera thing.
I dropped my Canon PowerShot SD1200IS while it was on and now I have the lens error. I tried cleaning the dirt and it didn't work. What should I do next? Warranty is over.
I agree with Tim Cavanaugh and Curtis. If your considering switching to another brand, don't do it. Canon makes the best compact cameras, image quality is terrible on most all others. And, Curtis is right about lens errors on other brands, they all have this problem and it's usually what he said that causes it. After a trip to the beach, mine got the lens error, so I'm sure a grain of sand got into the lens. I had a Casio camera before and after two lens errors I gave up on it.
My advice, if you have a lens error, get it serviced professionally. Once these cameras are serviced properly, they tend to be very reliable. Drop it again or get sand in there, it's going to happen again. I just had my Canon sd900 serviced and the lens is smoother than it ever has been. This time I'm going to buy a case to protect it. I had mine serviced instead of buying a new one because most of the older Canon Powershot models perform better. A lot of the newer models got worse making the low cost of repair make much more sense. My Powershot is up and running again so I'm glad I went with repairing mine. Stay away from Casio Exilm, they are the worst. Picture is the best on the Canon Powershot models, they consistently beat all other brands of these cameras in the reviews. I'm sticking with my Canon.
Curtis makes a great point. Image quality is very poor. Great camera, but again if you are concerned about image you may have to think twice.
To Maria below. You said your next camera will be a Nikon? For the record, next to Sony, Nikons are about the worst for lens errors and their image quality is terrible. I've had this problem on many of of cameras over the years, when I researched this problem in the past I found out that Sonys top the list for this lens error problem. It just happened to my Canon which has actually served me well. I'm having mine fixed because I love my Canon. Although I've been to the beach with it on many occasions, I have always been very careful with it when I'm there. So I don't know what caused my lens error but it might be sand, I'll wait for the shop to tell me. But as a word to the wise, the Canons perform better than all other point and shoot cameras out there and even though they do get lens errors, it is not as common as the other brands exhibit these problems. I don't like to see people blame a company or product when it's usually the person using it probably didn't keep it in a case or maybe had it around the beach, or maybe even dropped it.
So don't blame Canon for something you may have caused. Have it checked first and when they find dirt in the lens, come back and admit it. Canon makes the best point and shoot cameras by the biggest long shot. Though I don't know why mine just got a lens error, I suspect there will be dirt or something in there as had happened to my cameras that I had in the past, which by the way were not Canon. I'm hard on my cameras so I expect things as this can and will happen. I've dropped my Canon twice in the past and nothing happened, we'll see what the problem is with it but I suspect dirt got in the lens. I don't believe these just break for no reason. And if you change to a Nikon, you'll eventually be back to a Canon. So many forums talk about people with Nikon and lens errors and they say they will switch to Canon. When they do, they usually come back to say how much better the Canons are and the difference in photo quality. To each is own but the majority of every forum on the net will show users favoring the Canons over everything else. Why is that, their cameras outperform the other brands out there. And if you didn't take your camera around dirt or sand and you never dropped it, then maybe it did break. Products fail everyday but Canons are a good product as you know, don't bash them when you don't know for sure what brought the lens error problem on your camera. The camera is not just going to show that error for no reason.
I would be curious as I have had nothing by problems with mine.
Does the flash continually work for you? Between taking mine in and the money I have spent, should of just bought a new one.
E18 error wirh an Canon ixus 50. we did take care and used it not quit often
I bought a Canon PowerShot SD1300 IS less then 9 months ago because my Kodak stopped working. I bought a Canon because most people sing the praises of how great they are and loved it. Then today I went to take a video and BEEP BEE BEEP LENS ERROR WILL SHUT DOWN AUTOMATICALLY RESTART CAMERA. I haven't dropped it or taken it to a sandy place. I have no idea why this happened but I'm seriously ticked off. My next camera will be Nikon instead.
Ian
For those of you that are new here, yes this is an upset. This lens error usually happens from either dirt or sand in the lens (most commonly a previous trip to the beach) or from dropping the camera. Some of the self help things are worth trying but they are often just a temporary fix or will even cause damage to the camera. For those who just want to get it serviced right, these places are all very reputable:
Canon Factory - Very expensive but good work
www.royalcameras.com - Good work and reasonable price
www.camerasandparts.com - Excellent for Powershot Repairs, that's all they do and they are priced right
www.forsterscamera.com - Excellent for All Makes and Models. Reasonably priced and they really know their stuff.
www.geeksquad.com - they are part of Best Buy and are reputable for repairs - it seems they send a lot of their work out but where it goes to is unknown - the work seems to be great but they are somewhat pricey
www.americancamera.com - great work but a little slower service - smaller operation and parts are often repaired by them on the point and shoot cameras - better for SLR's which is their specialty - priced very fairly
Good Luck
My G9 has never been dropped and has been well taken care of (mostly because it is very expensive). I Took it on a trip to Yellowstone this week and got the E18 error. None of the home fix suggestions were sucessfull. Now I am just pissed!
A neighbour gave me the camera because of the e18 error. I solved it pointing the lens to the sky or roof (90º) iat the moment it has to retract. So gravity helps the lens as a supplementary force with retracting and does not lever the objective against the body of the camera. If there is some rain and you won´t point the lens to the sky, you can help to retract with a finger on the edge of the objective in the moment of retracting (not recommended).
A neighbour gave me the camera because of the e18 error. I solved it pointing the lens to the sky or roof (90º) in the moment it has to retract. So gravity helps the lens as a supplementary force with retracting and does not lever the objective against the body of the camera. If there is some rain and you won´t point the lens to the sky, you can help to retract with a finger on the edge of the objective in the moment of retracting (not recommended).
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Went to turn on my trusty A710IS and encountered the 'Lens error, restart camera".
Tried many of the variety of suggestions re: E18.
Only a quite firm banging of camera on desktop achieved result (placed soft paper to minimise damage). After a couple of bangs of front side, the lens moved a little way out. Repeated and added bangs of the side, lens moved further out. Repeated, and all seems OK now.
Cheers
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I had the E18 problem that i solved blowing at the lens and cleaning the spaces between the lens how they say in the post. thanks
I have the PowerShot SD550 and just got the E18 message. My camera is always kept in the case so I know there is no sand or dirt as the problem. I was in the middle of taking pictures and noticed that the camera didn't see to want to zoom then when I tried to turn it off I received the error.
We had an E-18 error. We messed with the lens, gently forced it back. After several tries is seems to have worked itself back into alignment. It seems to work fine now.
just happened on a tried and trusty old A95. I keep it always in an underwater housing unles changing batteries. This model did have a faulty imager but was repaired at no cost bu Canon as it was a common defect. I'm surprised by lack of response to E18.
we have the problem with the powershot A495, suddenly the lens didnt move anymore the camera is only 2 months old
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I dropped my powershot SD700 on the carpet and it showed lens error message short after the warranty expired. I didn't search and send it to a camera repair store and cost me $280 to get it fixed. Several months later, when I picked my camera from little table, the rope caught my wrist, the camera in case slided on my leg and fell on carpet. I thought it's should be no problem. Guess what, when I open the camera to check. the "lens error" message showed up again. It even doesn't close up anymore!!!
I should have searched the web and through it away at the very first time! I hate Cannon!!
I dropped my powershot SD700 on the carpet and it showed lens error message short after the warranty expired. I didn't search and send it to a camera repair store and cost me $280 to get it fixed. Several months later, when I picked my camera from little table, the rope caught my wrist, the camera in case slided on my leg and fell on carpet. I thought it's should be no problem. Guess what, when I open the camera to check. the "lens error" message showed up again. It even doesn't close up anymore!!!
I should have searched the web and through it away at the very first time! I hate Cannon!!
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For those of you that are new here, yes this is an upset. This lens error usually happens from either dirt or sand in the lens (most commonly a previous trip to the beach) or from dropping the camera. Some of the self help things are worth trying but they are often just a temporary fix or will even cause damage to the camera. For those who just want to get it serviced right, these places are all very reputable:
Canon Factory - Very expensive but good work
www.royalcameras.com - Good work and reasonable price
www.camerasandparts.com - Excellent for Powershot Repairs, that's all they do and they are priced right
www.forsterscamera.com - Excellent for All Makes and Models. Reasonably priced and they really know their stuff.
www.geeksquad.com - they are part of Best Buy and are reputable for repairs - it seems they send a lot of their work out but where it goes to is unknown - the work seems to be great but they are somewhat pricey
www.americancamera.com - great work but a little slower service - smaller operation and parts are often repaired by them on the point and shoot cameras - better for SLR's which is their specialty - priced very fairly
Good Luck
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I have a canon powershote SD1300. I followed the steps and now my camera works again. Wow! Thanks.
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Canon IXUS 120 IS. In my case, I ll remember having taken big risks to shoot a beach at sand level. Sand rolled for some time, I blew it whenever I saw it. Until the fatal message. I now completely dismanteled my camera, still found some sand, indeed, also by the motor. Will now take time soon to clean thorouly, after closing it, who knows... I ll keep posted. Thx for keeping this website. Congrats to folks at Canon for such a piece of engineering, whatever may happen !
Lens Error, restart camera.
I have bought three different models of Canon Cameras and given them as gifts to friends. Each of them with in two years developed the same error.
Canon, is shooting themselves in the foot by not fixing this E-18 error problem.
Alas...another canon powershot fool with a lens that will not retract. I no longer have a warranty so will try and open it and repair it, but.... I took very good care of this camera and will NEVER buy another Canon product
I have a SD1200 IS that has just given me the E18 error.Not dropped well looked after and stored properly.Canon know about this problem and quote $129 to fix and suggest you buy a new camera with 15% discount !!!
Anthony Dengs post on this site states to gently tap the camera on the USB plastic cover -- well it works lens popped out and retracts normally.
Thank you guys very much and you know what for Canon maybe my next camera might be a different brand !!!
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I HAVE A CANON POWERSHOT SD950 IS. EVERYTIME I SWITCH IT ON IT BEEPS AND THEN SHOW MESSAGE ON THE BOTTOM LEFT ON SCREEN "LENS ERROR RESTART CAMERA"
PLEASE HELP...
I used your instructions to repair my camera, and the tapping on a hard surface worked!!!! Thank you! The camera shop said it couldn't be fixed, and I'd have to buy a new camera.
A80 has been giving this error after 7 years of good service - nothing in the manual to explain it, so have been quite frustrated. Will try to fix it with the help of your repair guide.
I've had this Canon SD400 Digital Elph for at least 6 or 7 years. It's worked great until recently it was dropped and the lens was completely messed up and I continued to receive the E18 Error every time I powered it on.
Canon S70 worked great for 6 years, until the E18 recently after lending the camera to my neighbor. Drove me crazy for weeks until I tried rapping the side a few times with my palm. Now it works fine again.
Thank you - well cared-for camera developed error 'lens error - restart camera' with lens stuck out for no reason. Cured after reading this by gently forcing retraction. Hope it doesn't cause any longer-term problems.
I own a Canon SD550 for more than 4 years. I take very good care of it. I]Out of the blue, I got the famous error 18. Your repair tip #3 (tap the padded USB cover) worked like a charm. If all problem could have been solved so easily.
Had the lens error on my Canon G9. I tried the suggestions on here but the lens wouldn't move at all, it stayed stuck all the way out on my camera. I got the camera fixed at www.camerasandparts.com They were wonderful and serviced and cleaned my whole camera for almost nothing. It works like new again. If you can't free up your lens, go with that site. They were wonderful all around.
I have a Canon A60 camera, and E18 error takes place a week ago. Luckly, this site give me some very useful methods. The error is gotten rid of by tapping the padded USB cover part on a desk. Thanks this web site a lot.
I have not dropped or misused my camera at all. This is the 2nd Canon Powershot that I have had and this problem happened with both camera's. Its a great camera, but Canon support is awful. Doubtful I will buy another Canon camera.
Today I dropped my 8 years old Canon Ixus 500 and E18 appeared. Luckily I managed to fix it in three minutes because of instructions in this website (I had to use "gentle forcing", some very targeted power...) ! Thanks a lot!!
For those of you that are new here, yes this is an upset. This lens error usually happens from either dirt or sand in the lens (most commonly a previous trip to the beach) or from dropping the camera. Some of the self help things are worth trying but they are often just a temporary fix or will even cause damage to the camera. For those who just want to get it serviced right, these places are all very reputable:
Canon Factory - Very expensive but good work
www.royalcameras.com - Good work and reasonable price
www.camerasandparts.com - Excellent for Powershot Repairs, that's all they do and they are priced right
www.forsterscamera.com - Excellent for All Makes and Models. Reasonably priced and they really know their stuff.
www.geeksquad.com - they are part of Best Buy and are reputable for repairs - it seems they send a lot of their work out but where it goes to is unknown - the work seems to be great but they are somewhat pricey
www.americancamera.com - great work but a little slower service - smaller operation and parts are often repaired by them on the point and shoot cameras - better for SLR's which is their specialty - priced very fairly
Good Luck
I have a Canon Powershot A480 with an E18 error. I was about to throw the camera out and found your site. I tried the fix involving tapping the camera on the padded USB cover. Hey Presto! it worked! Camera is now working perfectly! Thank you!
i have had my powershot 2si for about 5yrs. the error appeared a week ago whilst on holiday. I have dismantle the body cleaned and checked for grit etc. But all the lens will do now is move a small distance in and out, then the error reappears. Also it will not read my sd card only an old smaller capacity card.I enjoyed using this camera in the past, now I do not know what to do. Although I had brought a samsung travel camera(15x optical zoom)which seems to be good and fun to use.
Amazing and wonderful! I just put in new batteries and blew really hard while turning the camera. It worked. Crazy! Thank you! I thought this camera was looking to meet it's electronic grave.
This happened to my camera out of the blue. I was taking pictures, everything was working fine and all of a sudden it wouldn't turn on and read "Lens Error, Restart Camera" beep beep beep. Such a bummer! Any advice?
My expensive, well kept Cannon A70 has been displaying a E18 error message off and on. Then today the screen stayed completely black when I turned it on. I can review previous pictures but can not see the new ones I take. Very shocked to see how many people are having the same problem, not hard to see that this problem is a flaw in the camera!
This may be too easy. Make sure you are using a 2GIG SD card or less. Higher capacity cards don't work. After getting the E-18 error 3 years ago, I considered my camera unusable. A friend recently reported the same problem. Going to a 2GIG card solved his problem. I tried it. My camera was instantly fixed !!!
Higher capacity cards that came out after the release of these PowerShot cameras may explain why many cameras stopped working. We bozos tried to upgrade our cards. Stick to a 2 GIG card or less !
Tried the tips on here and I actually got it to work for a few days. Then it started to look out of focus. Did a little more of the hitting and free the lens up a few times and the focus seemed to go more and more out of focus over this two week ordeal. When it got stuck again I just had it repaired. It wasn't expensive at all and it came out perfect. It works like new again. The place I used was www.camerasandparts.com but there are a lot of places that fix these. The shop I used was more than reasonable and they did a perfect job. The best part, my camera works like new again and it has warranty now too. I found out the hitting and smacking the camera was not the best thing for it. Best to have it serviced the right way. There are a lot of shops out there. In my opinion that's the better option then hitting the camera.
Tried banging the camera, it worked for a while, then stuck again. After lots of forcing, pulling, knocking, the lens is retracting again but not in focus. I put it in macro mode and now it works in macro mode, better than nothing. By the way if I try to bring the focus forward, the lens jams again. Without the macro mode everything is out of focus. Not sure what to do now.
Powershot S80, great cam, been through a lot. Got E18 while in Thailand (no clear drop? but definitely could've been dirty). Lens was neither able to fully retract, nor fully extend. I gave up hope, but after some dusting and then step 4 (gentle pressure on lens), it has worked! Thanks!
SD 1400 just out of warranty now stuck with "lens error". Never dropped, always clean. Tried every fix but no help. Will not buy Canon ever again.
YEA - Camera working - I think the hitting the padded USB port was the trick! Thanks
i followed your advises and i fixed my camera!!!!!!!!!!!i cant believe it!!!thanks
Have Canon Powershot SX20 IS, lens error started on holiday, spoiling holiday. Error now 1 in 3 shots when zoom out then back. Have tried most suggestions, no luck. Its our 2nd Canon camera that failed just out of warranty - we will never buy Canon products again
My PowerShot SD1200 IS showed the the lens error code...I started at number one trying every remedy other then sending my camera back to Cannon since my camera was out of warrenty The step tapping the usb port on a desk is what cleared mine...thanks to this website I probably saved myself alot of money
My canon powershot A2000IS lens. Got stuck out while zooming to take a picture. Turned the setting to film a movie, blew around all the gaps in the lens, banged it on the table a few times then turned it on and off and it was fine.
I purchased a Canon IXUS 75, new in July '08 and it worked fine until it was just out of warranty.The E18 lens error started to occur after about 15 months of ownership and camera shops wanted upwards of £80 just to look at it !
Initially I managed to effect "repairs" myself using all the standard fixes that appear here and elsewhere, but it became progressively more persistent. Initially it was easy to solve, cleaning with a fine brush arround the lens, taking ot the battery and reinserting etc; I finally gave up with it this weekend when it started to malfunction (lens refusing to retract) litterally 9 times out of ten,so I have binned it !
While working it was an excellent little camera,but it got so you never knew if it would work or not.You would put it away ,working fine and turn it on again and bam,Lens Error !!!!
Quite an expensive lesson at about £65 per year,and most of that time with an intermittent malfunction.
It was never dropped,never used in extreme conditions and always,when not in use, kept in a quality case in non humid conditions.
Received lens error message on my year-old Cannon SD1300 IS. Very disappointing. Our family has had Canon cameras for years with no problems. I have tried the do-it-yourself methods of repair with no results (I did manage to break off the battery door). The good news is that I can replace the camera today for $100 less than I paid for it a year ago. At that rate it wouldn't pay to mess around with a supposed repair from Canon.
Got the message and lightly pulled on the lens so it extended out. Problem fixed! I got the camera for free so didn't want to spend $, & it's been dropped more than once (display is now cracked) but I love it, and would have been sad to see it go.
For those of you that are new here, yes this is an upset. This lens error usually happens from either dirt or sand in the lens (most commonly a previous trip to the beach) or from dropping the camera. Some of the self help things are worth trying but they are often just a temporary fix or will even cause damage to the camera. For those who just want to get it serviced right, these places are all very reputable:
Canon Factory - Very expensive but good work
www.royalcameras.com - Good work and reasonable price
www.camerasandparts.com - Excellent for Powershot Repairs, that's all they do and they are priced right
www.forsterscamera.com - Excellent for All Makes and Models. Reasonably priced and they really know their stuff.
www.geeksquad.com - they are part of Best Buy and are reputable for repairs - it seems they send a lot of their work out but where it goes to is unknown - the work seems to be great but they are somewhat pricey
www.americancamera.com - great work but a little slower service - smaller operation and parts are often repaired by them on the point and shoot cameras - better for SLR's which is their specialty - priced very fairly
Good Luck
Suggestion 4 helped me. Lense pooped backed into place and then camera worked. Thanks for the help.
My husband came to my rescue, with tears streaming down my face, he turned on my Powershot510, and as it was coming on he hit the zoom button, and he had his finger on the lens, there was a click sound, and it retracted normally. I turned it back on and it was fine. He said maybe some sand inside or something. I love him so much. Thank you for all the tips, I didnt know what to do, I have a 17 day old litter of puppies and taking pics is crucial.I recommend this site to everyone, thanks again.
I have problem with Canon Digital Ixus 400. One day, the most feared problem come when E18 pop out on the screen with my lens stuck half way.. im very angry and afraid as its my dad camera.. As many pepol said this problem always occur in some period of time.. so, i feel more relief but at the same time angry to Canon why this tiny problem can be happened if they want to sell such camera.. Next time, i will buy my own camera without any brand that start with Canon... unless, you start fixing this problems.. its so annoying and irritates me..
I had a lens error and the lens would not retract. I read on one of these sites of a chap who used rubbing alcohol. I tried everybodies ideas but nothing worked but, I didn't have alcohol so I sprayed it With Ram which is a computer cleaner and waited 5 mins, and turned on the camera and knocked the lens and viola!! it worked, i can't believe i fixed it as canon said AUD 186.00 cheryl. PS hope this helps someone as reading these things certainly helped me
I did nothing funny, just taking pictures and the lens would not retract... not that old kind of bumbed...
Bought my Canon S2 IS back in 2006. No troubles until today. Went to museum, got my camera with me and suddenly ... while zooming in the lens stuck. Tried to turn off the camera or even remove the batteries so the lens close. After a few time I was able to turn the camera off with a closed lens. But still, after a few minutes the same happens again. I love my camera and does not want to change it, yet. But, if E18 error will appear constantly I'll have to change it anyway. Not sure if my next camera will be Canon after such experience.
My Canon SD750 has a lens that is stuck out. When I turn it on it makes a buzzer sound that is similar to when a washing machine is done. And then it does another sound: beep beep beep.
I have tried smacking it and shaking it in the air but unfortunatley, I am not having as good as luck as everyone else. Any other suggestions?
The error is due to a fall it took. It was fine after the fall, but the zoom was acting funny. Today, I zoomed in quite a bit for a picture and it got stuck. Could something be jammed inside of it? Like a spring or something? Ahh boy.
I have a Power Shot S2 IS that I love and just recently it started getting the E18s. I had a previous Powershot that also got them. I haven't read the "how to repair" part yet.
I gonna repair it.
Dropped my Canon PowerShot (SD 1100 IS) while the lens was extended and it was stuck in a crooked position. My mom pressed the lens on the raised edge to snap it down and it retracted a bit, but not all the way. Tried pushing it in and restarting it but it didn't work and still flashed the error sign so I charged the battery and tried pressing it down again. Worked like a charm. So relieved-- I was nervous about snapping the lens back in place, but the camera seems just fine. The extra battery power really seemed to help. Thank you!
My Ixus 105 displayed this message and lens refused to open.Not good as it was at my son's graduation ceremony when it happened.After reading all the postings about this inherent fault in the Canon camera I do not regret my action of throwing the camera against a tree and binning it in the TRASH CAN.If anyone from CANON is reading this you have lost my custom I will never buy your products again.
Hi people!
E18 just happened for me a few hours ago, I've had my IXUS 750 for 5 years now and we've been in a loving wonderful relationship this whole time. Still haven't tried anything yet, but have to say that a little bit of me died today :(
My camera has a TINY grain of dust in the lens, and was dropped by my darling girlfriend... It worked fine for ages after but has now given up the ghost.
My SX200IS is now on pieces of my lounge table with the hoover being pressed up again various surfaces... No luck.
Another one bites the dust.
Hi
i got error 18 on my canon A620.. i was so upset... i found this website and read peoples experiences... after that i slapped lil bit hard on the stuked lens of my cam 3,4 times.. and keep trying to on... suddenly it comes out and working fine now... thanks to all of u..
My 8 year dropped the Powershot G6 with lens out. The lens came out at start and then stucked. Zooming sounded awful, followed by error beeps, some lower repeated warning sounds, one more error beeps. At least "LENS" on the top LCD display. I found this website and gave it a try. I turned the bigger lens tube forceful with caution clockwise. Sounded a bit chiropractic and distressing, but it works again! Thank you!!!
Thank you very much for the suggestions you gave. They were very helpful. My neighbour read them and fixed my camera. He suggested it might help you to have his technique as well (an adaption of your one)
"I think it would be useful for others in the same boat to know that using a vacuum cleaner hose (care being taken to avoid the thin metal lens covers) is very effective in removing dust, grit, sand particles, etc., from the gaps around the extending lens turret. A vacuum is more readily available to most people than a source of compressed air and it is the same as blowing but from the other direction. Perhaps you could post a suitable message?
I found tapping the camera against the heel of my hand whilst turning the camera on was effective in getting the stuck-in lens out a bit. Once this was achieved application of the vacuum hose to the gaps between the various cylinders of the turret at the same time as gentle wiggling of the turret sections from side to side plus turning the camera on and off while still vacuuming cleared the detritus completely.
Doing this once every two months, say, or whenever the slightest sign appears of the turret not going in and out freely, would be a sensible housekeeping measure to try to prevent the dreaded E18 message in the future."
Got the dreaded "lens error" on our Canon SD980IS, the lens did not open, and the camera shuts itself off. I tried everything recommended - changed batterie, reset memory card, plugged in A/V cord, slid paper around the lens slot, turned it on/off upteen times. Nothing worked. Then I got my hammer and turned the camera facing lens down and started hitting it on the side (opposite the A/V slot side) while turning it on at the same time. I did this for quite awhile and was ready to just toss out the camera and lo and behold the lens opened. I don't recommend this method except as a last resort. The camera appears to be taking pictures in focus still.
I had a problem of e18 with Canon PowerShot A75 and switching on/off replacing battery trying all kind of possibilities not help until that when I was sitting outside for half and hour outside and the heat of the Sun was something that help to fix the problem since when I switch it on by mistake the problem was gone.
I hope that this will help other people.
Thanks, Efraim
Had a lens error on my new Canon after my 7 year old dropped it. I had to quite forcefully push on the lens, but it did pop back in. Great Website, otherwise I would have bought a new camera.
I tried the instructions after it got dropped then the lens got banged on a table and it got stuck in the extended position. It was a lens error not the E18 but I tried pushing the lens back in to click and it worked! There wasn't really a click but whatever happened now it works.
E18 appeared about a week ago.
But it could have sand inside. Will try to fix
I have Canon SD450 and E18 just showed up. will try to fix this with info from this site.
I have an Canon PowerShot S2IS that I just loved until the error 18 showed up. I p[layed with it banged it around but nothing worked. Today I did a Google search for error 18 and tried this site. My lens were stuck out and after reading the different options for fixing error 18 I tried twisting the lens with good batteries in and the camera on. Didn't hear a click but lo and behold the lens went back in and then came back out. Turned off the camera and the lens went back in. Now seems to be working just fine. Thank you all. rww anyone have any comments on the Canon SX30 IS?
not an E18 error but a lens error on start up: It may be possible to insert a feeler gauge or better yet crisp flexible plastic in around the three parts of the lens barrel. Maybe that will let you get under whatever gigantic clod of grit is wedging the lens tight. The smallest, inner ring(for the part of the lens that extends out the farthest from the body) is only 8-10mm deep and the next two are deeper.
After trying that sort of thing, as well as general beating and assorted ways of turning on multiple buttons etc our SD850IS still wouldn't open. We pulled the outer ring off by slipping a feeler gauge in and around it to release the adhesive. Twisting the next 'cap-ring' (round with the semi rectangular opening in the center) counterclockwise released it and exposed the two lens covering flaps. I took one flap out to have an intact one left to compare too. While I did take them out, what worked was prying the lens out by one of the little bosses, the nub, that held the cap-ring in. It responded to a moderate pull.
Maybe the speck I saw on the barrel was the culprit. In any case I wiped it clean and reinstalled the battery. It has now cycled properly with the battery reinstalled and is working again.
p.s. the springs on this model are different than what I saw on the article about the A1000. The spring wraps around the pivot post. Before pushing the flap all the way down on the pivot post you will want to catch one end of the spring arm on the post that drives the flaps to open and close. You may hold the end of the spring with a toothpickk to hook it over the post or you may catch the post by twisting the flap a millimeter extra before pushing it all the way down on the pivot post.
My PowerShot SD550 had this same error E18. It´s really amazing why this has happen, because I take a good care of it. I'd try the instructions about how to repair a Canon E18 error. Let´s see...
Does anyone know a link that shows how to dismantle a Canon Powershot SD1400/ Ixus130 ?? I'm halfway through, but I'm not able to remove the LCD Screen, and actually not even sure it is the next step... Thanks in Advance
It disappointed me, finding out that my camera got this error message after taking really good care of it. I did not drop it or misused it. After researching each and every forum about fixing this problem. I noticed the gap in my lens wasn't even, moving the lens didn't work. My last resort was to bang it with my hands. Which was a miracle! The lens went back to being even. Thank god I found this solution!
Accidentally fixed A590IS myself,
then found this site and thought I'd post what helped me! First: enact "Murphy's Law" by ordering a replacement camera...Second: press on the lens a few times...Third: while turning the camera on use the zoom lens feature. Voila, my camera returned to normal at least for the time being! Hope this helps my fellow Canon owners, it's at least worth a "shot!"
perfect - I thought I was looking at having to shell out for a new camera! I tried the battery trick (which canon told me about when I called....other than that they were very unhelpful telling me to give up and buy a new one) but a bang of the usb was all it took! Hoorah and thanks for the tips!
Oh thank you sooo much. This site saved the camera. I thought it was dead for sure.
The battery trick did it, but I blew it out as well.
Thanks a ton.
And while I haven't used the camera a ton, recently when selling off all my items in my house I've been using it alot & I've had it since 2003.
Michelle
Handed down my six year old S2is to my daughter, and within a few weeks it experienced an E-18 error. I was ready to write it off, when I did a quick search and found this site. A few good slaps on the right hand side, and the error cleared. No doubt it will happen again, but now she knows what to do. Thanks
I've owned 2 canon power shots both of which ended in the trash because of the same problem....I won't be buying another Canon. EVER!
I've had two Canon IXUS cameras, both of which I have taken good care of and both had the lens jam after a couple of years use.
Thanks for the tips... my PowerShot S30 has been very dependable for many years without any problems. This past vacation sand must have gotten into the mechanism, causing my E18 error. I still have my owner's manual, but it has no mention of error codes. I didn't have compressed air, so I used my own breath, and aside for the fog I created on the lens for a few moments... the fix worked.
My camera gave out in the middle of a walking tour of Scotland and I was heartbroken. One week later I found this site (thank goodness!) and amazingly all it took was a little tap!! Sending it in probably would have cost more than the camera....so thank you so much whoever posted this ingeniously simple plan! Saved the rest of my semester abroad (or at least my photo memories of it) :)
I bought a Canon PowerShot SX120 6 days ago. It was a floor model. It's been great for six days. Today I took some pictures without any problems, then two hours later this "Lens Error" appeared. During the two hours in between photos, the camera was in its case. At least the SX120 model names the problem "Lens Error", instead of using an E18 code.
Got an e18 error after dropping my s21s, tried the suggestions from this site(tapping sd slot cover) and now it works fine. Thanks
I called a repair shop because my lens was stuck out after dropping it. They said it would cost 180 bucks- ouch! All I had to do was push on the side of the lens opposite of the side I dropped it on, and it popped right back into alignment! I was kinda scared to try to be honest, but it worked great!! THANK YOU!
My Canon PowerShot D10 displayed the "lens error restart camera" message. Restarting did not help. I LOVE the internet because I came to your site, read your suggested fixes and tried tapping the cap of the USB port and VOILA - the camera works. Thanks a bunch.
I have a Cannon PowerShot A40 that I got almost 10 years ago. I love this camera and it has survived camping trips, vacations, beach trips, being dropped, and used in every possible condition. This weekend, while indoors, I was taking pictures of my daughters Girl Scout cookie booth and after 4 pictures the E18 error came up! I had just taken pictures with no problems and hadn't dropped it or even turned it off! I went to take picture #5 and the screen went black and error code popped up! Very happy to try these tips, but so far none have worked. I desperately want to keep my heavy, old, but very dependable camera that shoots amazing pictures! Any other suggestions? Would camera and parts be able to fix a camera this old? I love my camera and don't want to replace it!
This makes the 2nd time that I've had the E18 error with my Canon S2 IS. The first time I sent it off to Canon to be fixed for $285. This time I removed the lens extension cover, turned the camera on and gently pulled the lens to help it extend. Once I had it extended I cleaned everything really well and then turned it off and put the lens extension cover back on and powered it back on without problem.
I'm using that part for 7 years. E18? Bumbing the camera to the manual lying on my desk ??? It works. The website is helpfull.
Extremely helpful! Thanks for posting this info. I am on vacation and I got an E18 on my camera and thought I was out of business, but a 'tweek' and I was ready to go again!
A lot of credit goes out to whoever posted these tips. I had sand wedged in the lens (tossed into the camera by a nesting turtle). I was simultaneously reading this posting and checking prices for a replacement camera. I tried a combo of tapping the camera on a table and compressed air (dive tanks) and it worked like a charm. Awesome work!!
I have a Canon Power Shot SD550 camera. Few days back, the photos started coming blurred & then I used to get this E18 error, I took it to Canon service center & they said I need to replace the entire lens which was costing more than a new camera !! Then I came back & did a google search on this E18 error & landed to this website. I tried the 3rd option "tapping the USB cover part on hard surface" to my surprise the camera started working normal, pictures also are coming good now. Thanks to this website which helped me save money & time.
Looked after the camera; had a case; infact we were told by the repair guy to not use a case because it collects dust. Very disappointed to have such a new camera breakdown and have such high repair cost. In the end it was cheaper to replace it.
To the guy below, I would get it fixed if it's a good model that you have. I've had two Sony's over the years that both had problems, one was a lens error and the other didnt show the image. I've had three Canon powershot and one got this error. Could have been sand since I did have it at the beach the week before.
If you're going to get it fixed, the best places are either www.camerasandparts.com if you're going to send it out. If you live in Atlanta, vpatlantiv is also good but I think they send them out anyway. I would definately get it fixed though, a lot of the newer models are starting to get worse in quality. Mine is an SD990 that I just had fixed. I had it done through www.camerasandparts.com and for $79, the camera is like new again. If you have a Best Buy locally, I think they also do them but they charge way too much and they send them out anyway.
Getting that "Lens error, restart camera" thing. Never brought it to the beach or dropped it; tried compressed air, same old beepbeepbeep. Happens intermittently, but when it starts doing it, it stays that way for a while. Should I see if it can be repaired or buy a new, but not so intricate, camera, and use this one as a paperweight? I'm going to France in May and I can't take a chance on this happening again, after it's "fixed", while I'm over there. This is my second Canon; sent in my first (an S1) one to Canon for repair, and they said it would cost almost the same to buy this reconditioned one. Too bad they don't have "Camera-Fax" about individual cameras they way they have "Car Fax"!
verry usefull information . It worked out !
Canon S10 IS began having lens error problems after the first six months of use. This is not used as a professional work camera so ha not taken many pictures. Mostly used as a movie camera. I wonder if there shouldn't be a recall on this camera? The other thought I have had is to persue a class action law suit against canon on this matter. I would be interested in hearing input from others on this. Canons unresponsive attitude towards this makes it somewhat of a moral imperative.
Just had a lens error on my camera. I managed to move the lens and get it to move but then it went all blurry and got stuck again. I used www.camerasandparts.com since I saw the link at the top of this page. They were great to deal with and I am happy to say the camera is working great again. It was $79 total and well worth it to have done since I love my camera!
I loved my S2 IS. I still don't want to let it go. Got it in 2005 but started having problems in 2008. First it wouldn't register the batteries. Went overseas but didn't take it. Fixed it last year with a new small battery, although still drains the big batteries quite quickly. And now the dreaded E18 error. It's trying so hard to get the lens out, but I think it's on its last legs. It's time to let it go. There seems no point sending in for repairs when it will just apparently die again in 3 months and I could put that significant repair money towards a new camera. Plus I've never really had great support from Canon.
camera is 5-6yrs old and it just randomly happened one night when turning off the camera
does anyone know where I can buy a lens (besides ebay) for my canon powershot sx200 is. i was having the same problem (lens error, restart camera) took it apart, piece by piece and the orange control panel ribbon thingy ripped. AHHH! and it looks like i need to replace the whole ribbon. any ideas?
I recently had a "Lens error, restart camera" experience with my SD770 IS. I was on a trip in Costa Rica where we were using our camera outside in a foggy/misty environment. It wasn't out continuously, but just occasionally to take pictures, and then back into our waterproof jackets. Well, apparently the moisture was too much, and later when we tried to turn it on, the camera would move the lens in and out, and then give the lens error message. Tried re-turning it on a few times, same issue. One of the times we turned it on, the camera extended the lens and seemed to short out or something - I could hear the motor straining as the lens extended all the way, the lcd screen turned all white with a flickering like there was a serious issue. I had to pull the battery to turn it off. After that, I couldn't get the lens to retract. I tried turning it on a while later, and got the lens to retract, but it wouldn't extend again from then on. Every time I turned on the camera, I got the "Lens error, restart camera" message but no lens movement.
That sucked pretty bad, since we were in the beginning of our honeymoon, and our camera just died. So we went out and bought a new one in Costa Rica (where we had 1 model to choose from).
Anyways, after letting the camera completely dry out after returning from our trip, the camera still wouldn't move the lens, and gave the beep and error message every time it was started. I ran through the basic fixes on this site, and none of the first ones worked. However, I tried the fix involving inserting a small screwdriver in the gap around the lens, and I gently tweaked it around, putting slight pressure in various directions on the lens. I didn't really hear a pronounced "click" or anything, but only some barely audible clicks as pressure was applied. Nevertheless, I tried turning on the camera again, and voila! It worked! It seems fine now.
Amazing. Thanks for all the info e18error.com!
I've had my A95 for several years. It's done good for such a small inexpensive camera, until this morning. All of a sudden I got the beeping when powering off, the lens not retracting, and the "error 18" message, repeatedly. Nothing in the manual about errors. So went hunting online-- sure glad I found this site. I did the sharp (but not hard) banging on the desk, then noticed the suggestion to check the lens gap. It was definitely narrow at the bottom. I pressed in, and did hear a little pop. Lens gap now even, and camera is now powering on and off without problem. Thanks for a simple solution!
As I already wrote, I opened the camera but not the objective. Somehow the camera is gladly working properly again!
Philipp
For those of you that are new here, yes this is an upset. This lens error usually happens from either dirt or sand in the lens (most commonly a previous trip to the beach) or from dropping the camera. Some of the self help things are worth trying but they are often just a temporary fix or will even cause damage to the camera. For those who just want to get it serviced right, these places are all very reputable:
Canon Factory - Very expensive but good work
www.royalcameras.com - Good work and reasonable price
www.camerasandparts.com - Excellent for Powershot Repairs, that's all they do and they are priced right
www.forsterscamera.com - Excellent for All Makes and Models. Reasonably priced and they really know their stuff.
www.geeksquad.com - they are part of Best Buy and are reputable for repairs - it seems they send a lot of their work out but where it goes to is unknown - the work seems to be great but they are somewhat pricey
www.americancamera.com - great work but a little slower service - smaller operation and parts are often repaired by them on the point and shoot cameras - better for SLR's which is their specialty - priced very fairly
Good Luck
hi there!
I now opened the camera body and everything but the lense. Because I think the error is in the engine wheels and not in the objective. so I removed one gear-wheel or cog-wheel, what is the right word for the little ones?
I could turn the objective smooth, everything fine. If I switched on the camera, the visible wheel turns and gets stucked by itself...
somebody got an idea? or is it a software error/something in the hard engine part, i can't open/repair?
tell me if u need a picture!
thx!
Philipp
Well my G10 just did the "lens error-restart camera. To no avail. Went to this site, http://www.fixya.com/support/t3617038-lens_error_restart_camera_did_fix, and found a fix. A little wiggle of the lens and it was as good as new, for the time being. try the mild stuff first. RJW...
In june 2010 my Canon A2100 camera give the annoying "lens error" sign and get stuck. I've tried all the hints and tips on this site but i couldn't repair it for then. After six months i give it another try. A disassamble the body. Did soms wrigling and ticking on the lens system. And what the hack... problem solved. My camera is alive again!
So don't give up, take a screwdriver and get to work on it.
hi!
Powershot S2 IS
What happened to the camera before? I was taking pictures, when it was freezing outside. I came in the house and the camera lens was steamed up. So I didn't put the lens cover on. The next day I turned it on and it was rumbling when I turn the camera on/off and zooming. Once I got the e18 but not it is fine. just this rumbling/chattering, ... is there.
I guess some dust or something. I had no sucess yet with blowing in or hitting the camera on the table...
thx!
SO i got this mssg last sat on my powershot SD600 after 5yrs of owning it with no issues before. I tried every basic thing (xcept the compresses air) on this website, and no luck... just a moment ago though I was sitting on the floor and just kinda dropped it with a little force (purposely) and it turned on by itself and the lens went back inside!!! :)
also I had it on video mode when i did this,,proll doesnt make a diff..
with my second canon.. the same. two years ago it is happens with my ixus 60.. and yesterday again with my ixus 80..(with 6670 shot)so I will never buy another canon
Since friday I have got a lenserror on my powershot S3.
One moment it still works and after coming home and I wanted to see my pics on the camera...dead...and there came the lenserror.
I have allready done some tips and trics now but nothing helped.
My camera is almost 4 1/2 years old. Never had any problems
I also have this problem but am not able to fix it. I tried the fix, all that is left is using the compress air. Hoping I can get it up and running again.
For those of you that are new here, yes this is an upset. This lens error usually happens from either dirt or sand in the lens (most commonly a previous trip to the beach) or from dropping the camera. Some of the self help things are worth trying but they are often just a temporary fix or will even cause damage to the camera. For those who just want to get it serviced right, these places are all very reputable:
Canon Factory - Very expensive but good work
www.royalcameras.com - Good work and reasonable price
www.camerasandparts.com - Excellent for Powershot Repairs, that's all they do and they are priced right
www.forsterscamera.com - Excellent for All Makes and Models. Reasonably priced and they really know their stuff.
www.geeksquad.com - they are part of Best Buy and are reputable for repairs - it seems they send a lot of their work out but where it goes to is unknown - the work seems to be great but they are somewhat pricey
www.americancamera.com - great work but a little slower service - smaller operation and parts are often repaired by them on the point and shoot cameras - better for SLR's which is their specialty - priced very fairly
Good Luck
I have the Canon SD 450 and I got the E18 message. I have tried the suggested solutions and none work.
Had it on an S70 (terminally broken) a couple of months ago and now an S45.
The S45 lens wasn't stuck, actually, it moved every time I switched the camera on or off. It just wouldn't extend all the way. Weird.
Solution 4 worked, turning the lens carefully while switching camera on.
Second time lens stick. Got it loose with love taps. Thanks. Thanks. But I don't trust it. Is there a lubricant like spray silicone, dry graphite powder or something non-contaminatory?
Got is to on my beloved A80. It's sporadic but when it occurs, it's the same as reported by others- lens won't retract, beeping, then shutdown.
Thanks for you site. Without it, I would probably have had to take the my A610 in to get fixed.
No. 4 (forcing it the lens closed) worked for me.
I have never had this problem before. I had taken the camera on a trip to Mexico and it worked fine there. Once I got home, the batteries were probably weak. As I was turning on the camera, I was switching it from record mode to review mode when the E18 occurred. I don't know if I had waited until the camera was fully on before switching modes, if it had prevented the error.
Canon A540. Not dropped. Turned it on and am getting "lens error restart camera" message. My guess is it got turned on while in coat pocket and couldn't extend. Looks like the fix is $99, which is more than the camera is worth now.
I`m using my Powershot A95 since 6 years. A few days ago I got the error 18. I started with the funny solution no 3 and that was it. Thank you for the tip.
I am experiencing the E 18 error in conjuction with the common Iris sticking problem also reported multiple times with this camera.
I've just experienced the E18 -- black screen with my Canon S1 IS. I've tried the self help ideas others have had luck with here -- moving air around it, but since the lense doesn't come out ... and the "love taps". Nothing is working. I've had the camera for 5 years. Is that the life?
Thank you.
I had a problem with E18, coused by leaving camera on the shell in my closet for about two month.
Just blowing air around the lense fixed a problem.
Now it works fine, thank you again
For those of you that are new here, yes this is an upset. This lens error usually happens from either dirt or sand in the lens (most commonly a previous trip to the beach) or from dropping the camera. Some of the self help things are worth trying but they are often just a temporary fix or will even cause damage to the camera. For those who just want to get it serviced right, these places are all very reputable:
Canon Factory - Very expensive but good work
www.royalcameras.com - Good work and reasonable price
www.camerasandparts.com - Excellent for Powershot Repairs, that's all they do and they are priced right
www.forsterscamera.com - Excellent for All Makes and Models. Reasonably priced and they really know their stuff.
www.geeksquad.com - they are part of Best Buy and are reputable for repairs - it seems they send a lot of their work out but where it goes to is unknown - the work seems to be great but they are somewhat pricey
www.americancamera.com - great work but a little slower service - smaller operation and parts are often repaired by them on the point and shoot cameras - better for SLR's which is their specialty - priced very fairly
Good Luck
Same problem here and I called Canon because mine is under warranty. They were rude as hell when I brought up this post and said that I caused it from sand or dropping it. My warranty was refused!!! They don't cover lens errors but instead blame the customer.
Yup, say crap on my powershot. When I called Canon they were nothing but rude to me.
This works every time! : Remove the side panel off the camera (left-hand side when viewed from back), should be only 3 screws holding it. There is a little motor right there that has 2 contacts on the bottom of it where it gets it's power. While the camera is OFF, you need to hotwire the contacts with about 4.5Volts DC. I use a little multi-DC power transformer. I just touch the motor contacts with the wires from my transformer, and hey presto! the lens whirrs in and out! You should only hotwire it for a second, just enough to allow the lens to clear whatever is sticking it. Turn your camera on, and it should work fine. I've done this twice now, with no ill-effects to the camera what so-ever.
Hope this helps some people!
Note: don't try this if you no nothing about basic electronics.
My Canon SD890 just did this too. I am so upset.
Thanks for posting this. Unfortunately, it didn't work for me, but it at least got me started, and I ended up finding something that did work for my case:
I removed the memory card and turned the camera on without it inside, and the camera started but with a "no memory" error. I then turned it off, reinserted the SD card, and turned it back on...and it worked. Go figure. Hope that helps someone...
I got my Canon S3 IS as a christmas present back in December 2006. It has always worked perfectly fine for me until I went on a cruise this past Spring (2010). I took a few shots from the boat and then got the lens error... none of the quick fix suggestions have worked to fix it. This is very disappointing. I guess I should be lucky I lasted over three years...
Please do not use Cameras and Parts for your repair, there will be unending problems for you. Unfortunately the promises they make are hollow and repetitious. You may never see your camera again.
I tried pressing on the lens to get a "click" and nothing happened. I than tapped or bumped the rubber cover area over the data/power A/V jacks against the knuckle of my index finger adn hte lens closed! I got theset date menu, went through all teh other menus and turned it off. I cycled the power and the lens stuck again. Another knuckel bump or two and it's working again. I cycled the power a number of times and so far, no more problems.
Called Canon about my Powershot S80 E18 error. Rep said I could send it in for repairs ($139 minimum) or call sales and get a discount on a new camera (What a BS answer for a Loyal Cannon Customer!), Googled the error led my to your site. Tried the 'push in lens' suggestion. It worked on the 4th try!!
Thank you,
Tony
Wow. Mine is a A1000. The tap (bang) on the usb rubber thingy suggestion actually fixed it. Thank you very much.
My trusty A400 was dropped on its lens on Christmas. I let someone else take the picture and they dropped it. Anyways the lens was bent real bad and it wouldn't take a picture. I found this site, and did check the professional camera repair sites. But they want a hundred bucks to repair my camra. That's more than twice what it's worth! I saw Fixed It Myself post and did next go to http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2007/12/fixing-lens-error-on-digital-camera.html . I tried all the steps but they didn't seem to work until I tried step 7. I was scared to try it, but I didn't seem to have any other choice as my lens was broke anyways. It worked! My good old A400 is back in full working condition. You can't even tell it was broke.
A word to everyone, don't do the fix it yourself thing, sometimes it does more damage and then the shops won't even work on them at that point. Have it professionally serviced, the self help things should be avoided, I learned the hard way.
I did a little google search on "lens error" and found this site:
http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2007/12/fixing-lens-error-on-digital-camera.html
It really helped me fix my camera's lens error. I'm so happy!!!!
For those of you that are new here, yes this is an upset. This lens error usually happens from either dirt or sand in the lens (most commonly a previous trip to the beach) or from dropping the camera. Some of the self help things are worth trying but they are often just a temporary fix or will even cause damage to the camera. For those who just want to get it serviced right, these places are all very reputable:
Canon Factory - Very expensive but good work
www.royalcameras.com - Good work and reasonable price
www.camerasandparts.com - Excellent for Powershot Repairs, that's all they do and they are priced right
www.forsterscamera.com - Excellent for All Makes and Models. Reasonably priced and they really know their stuff.
www.geeksquad.com - they are part of Best Buy and are reputable for repairs - it seems they send a lot of their work out but where it goes to is unknown - the work seems to be great but they are somewhat pricey
www.americancamera.com - great work but a little slower service - smaller operation and parts are often repaired by them on the point and shoot cameras - better for SLR's which is their specialty - priced very fairly
Good Luck
Just got E18 error at worst possible time - first day of vacation in Turkey/Egypt. Still, camera's been great for years til now.
Has the E18 but got it fixed. Camera works great again. It's my favorite camera, the SD900
I had this go into the e18 error on my SD450. Ended up paying Canon about $150.00 total and had to wait over a month for the repair. Now it's back and a few days before christmas it did it again. Canon says I may need to pay again but I can send it in so they can evaluate it. Ya another month and more money, never again Canon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Same thing with my SD630 and also my Sony did this too. I think it's all digital cameras that do this if they get dirt in the lenses.
My SD550 did this out of the blue. It was dropped in the morning but worked good all day. Now this! I can't believe how many people have this same problem.
Had mine for four years and no problem. One stupid trip to the beach and I get the e18. Called Canon and they were rude as can be. Love the camera but Canon is rude by phone and that doesn't work with me!
Oh ya, and Canon should be paying for our repairs but they refuse to acknowledge and known problems on these cameras, ya right!
Some more details of the sensor cleaning procedure.
There is no need to dismantle the lens - first remove the plastic covers from the back and front (no need to remove the LCD either, just move it to one side to remove the back cover. You will also need to disconnect the speaker/mic connections in order to remove the front cover - flat cable and miniautre plug, as well as some sticky tape, on the main PCB).
You can then see the four silver screws holding down the cylindrical motor in its mount and the gear train cover next to the lens at the front. Remove these screws (plastic gears WILL fall out when you take off the gear train cover, but they are not too small and it is fairly obvious which way they fit in) and you can then take out the motor and disconnect it from the socket (flexible flat cable). The optical encoder sits inside the motor mount. The slotted disc itself is mounted coaxially with the first transfer gear, the optocoupler straddling it. The mini slotted optocoupler is mounted on a little PCB glued to the side of the motor mount. I carefully blew out the slotted disc and optocoupler, then glued the PCB back in place. You can then reconnect the motor, just leaving it dangling to the side, reassemble the back cover and switch on. If the motor spins, you're OK and can reassemble in reverse order. I tried to disassemble the motor itself out of curiosity and to clean it, but gave up as it was not possible to turn the nut holding it together with 'reasonable' force.
One word of warning: this is not a procedure for the inexperienced or faint-hearted! The pieces are tiny, and it is easy to break the camera parts when they are exposed. I recommend taking pics/notes as you remove parts (some of the fasteners are screws, some are bolts, and they have different lengths - you will have about 25 or so loose, tiny screws by the time the camera is sufficiently disassembled for this procedure). I had to take it apart about 3 times at the end in order to get everything in the right place and fitting snugly. I ended up with one internal (silver) bolt left over, but that is not a problem.
Is it just me, or has this website been taken over by shills for camerasandparts.com? Guess their adsense ad above isn't good enough?
update.. Canon did call... But I had found a website about the change batteries, There is a tiny coin battery located inside the AA battery compartment.. Its not mentioned in the canon manual. maybe they thought this battery would last "forever"?? I dont know but, its a CR1220.. its $5 at Radio Shack. I replaced that and bought new Emergizer rechargable batteries, which are recommended by canon.. replaced all batteries ,, made sure connections were clean, reset to the camera to factory specs, and yes the camera is now working. I dont know what this little battery has to do with the change batteries, it sontrols date and time, but perhaps it has someting to do withthe the mechanism that reads the battery condition also..E18 is a common problem to ALL cameras with a large lens that comes out,, the parts are plastic and the lens is too heavy,, be carfeful with the push on the lens "fix" its the optical assembly,, Canon will fix it,, they replaced mine twice for free and the camera was out of warranty, be persistant
I researched and bought the Power Shot S3IS for my trip to Alaska. This camera performed magnificently. I couldn't have been happier. I have taken thousands of pictures in the past 4 1/2 years and have just recently experienced the E18 error. I tried replacing the batteries.This didn't work. After several attempts to power up and down I heard grinding sounds from the lens area and the camera would no longer power up. I tried calling the place that I had bought the camera from as well as the place that I had bought the "Extended Warranty" from only to find out that they were both out of business. I found a site on the internet called "camerasandparts.com". I called them and explained my situation. They were great. They specialize in the Canon "Lens Errors". They made the process very easy and painless.They did everything that they said they would do and then some. They are truly customer service driven. I got my camera fixed and reconditioned for a lot less then the prices quoted from the factory and other repair companies. I will definitely send any future problems their way.
I own a Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS. Yesterday, I used it without any problems. Today, I turned it on, and the lens was stuck in the out position. No amount of cajoling will get it back in.
The same thing happened to my sister's earlier version of the same camera. We love it, but the lens issue is really unfair considering how widespread it is.
Canon should really take responsibility and fix the problem for free.
MIRACLE!!! I had the E18 error on my ixus40 and after a horrible visit to canon service where they asked for 53 euros only for checking the camera i tried the LOVE HITS on the table and YES YES IT WORKS PERFECTLY. for the moment!
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