How can I fix a Canon PowerShot showing “Lens error, will shut down automatically” after powering off with the lens extended?
Asked 1/23/2013
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2 answers
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I have a Canon PowerShot A3100 IS. It was turned off while the lens was still extended. Now when I power it on, it starts up, beeps, shows a black screen with the message “Lens error, will shut down automatically, restart camera,” and then turns off.
Is there a safe way to reset it or free a stuck lens before considering repair?
Originally by Christopher Chipps. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Christopher Chipps
13y ago
2 Answers
3
It's possibly a mechanical issue with the retraction, but it could be a variable issue in the camera's software as well. You can try a few things to 'unjam' it, as such.
A non-randomly chosen example:
Fix #2: If the camera's batteries ran down completely while its lens was still open, the camera may show a lens error or not start properly when new batteries are installed. Remove the memory card and keep it removed, then install the new batteries. When you turn the camera on with the card removed it may come back to life, as this triggers a reset in some cameras. Error E30 (for older Canon's) means that you don't have a memory card installed, so turn it off, slip in the SD card and turn it on one last time
Originally by Solemnity. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Solemnity
13y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
This usually points to the lens mechanism being jammed or failing to retract properly, though a reset can sometimes help.
Safe things to try first:
- Fully charge or replace the batteries.
- Remove the memory card, then power the camera on without the card installed. On some compact cameras this can trigger a reset.
- Turn it off, reinsert the card, and try again.
If that doesn’t help, the problem is likely mechanical. Some users have had success very gently assisting the lens while powering on, but this carries risk and can make the damage worse. Only try that if the camera is out of warranty and repair isn’t worthwhile.
In short: start with batteries and the no-memory-card reset. If the error continues, it’s probably a stuck or damaged lens assembly and may need professional repair or replacement.
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