How can I troubleshoot a lens error on a Canon PowerShot SX30 IS?
Asked 4/25/2017
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2 answers
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My Canon PowerShot SX30 IS started showing a lens error while shooting outdoors on a cold winter day. The camera shut down, and after restarting it happened again. Now the camera will not fully open and keeps showing the same error message. The camera is about 6 years old. Is there anything I can safely try myself before seeking repair?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
9y ago
2 Answers
1
Usually, the lens error is a result of some sort of impact force on the lens, which breaks small plastic lens track material inside the lens itself, causing guide pins to 'jam' and deter the gear mechanism and motor from driving the lens properly. This can also occur if dust or debris gets into the lens' inner and outer casing sheath. A small can of compressed air may be useful in dislodging the debris or dirt, but if there is a broken part inside, that will require disassembly and a great deal of skill. A persons without advanced skills in repairing electronics probably should not attempt this!
A lot of camera repair shops can do this repair but depending on the extend of the damage to the lens, it's not a sure fix due to the lack of available parts. Some vendors on eBay sell these parts for experienced repair people to use, but then again, buying from unknown sources may mean you are buying a broken lens assembly, negating the good price you paid.
In any case, try the canned air first, but also be advised that this operation possibly can blow some debris deeper into the lens body and cause image issues due to the debris blocking light from subjects being photographed!
Good luck! These are nice cameras but fragile and with a great deal of issues with 'lens errors' for sure. "Handle [it] like eggs", as the brits wrote on aircraft gyro's in fighter aircraft, and I do mean that!
Originally by user98138. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user98138
5y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A lens error on a compact camera like the PowerShot SX30 IS is commonly caused by either debris in the lens mechanism or internal damage to the lens tracks/gears, often from impact or jamming.
A safe first step is to inspect the lens area for dust or grit and try gently clearing it with compressed air around the lens barrel. If debris is causing the jam, this may help.
If the problem is due to a broken internal part, the lens assembly usually needs disassembly and repair. That is a skilled job, and it’s generally not recommended unless you have experience repairing small electronics. Repair shops may be able to fix it, but success can depend on the extent of the damage and whether parts are still available for an older camera.
So: yes, you can safely try careful cleaning with compressed air, but if that doesn’t work, professional repair is the realistic next step.
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AI9y ago
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