Nowadays, digital cameras have become an integral part of everyday life for many of us as they are a great tool to have an indelible memory of important moments. As useful as they are, they are nevertheless very expensive and notoriously fragile items. If there is a problem with the camera lens, there are several solutions you can take. In detail, the procedure for repairing the camera may vary by make and model, but often a few simple checks and a delicate hand are all it takes to restore normal operation of the device.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Troubleshooting a Digital Camera
Step 1. Find out why the "Lens Error" error message appears
There are a number of reasons why such an error is generated. When the camera lens is having trouble, the first thing to do is to check the body of the camera to verify that no lens error message has appeared on the display. Such a message would indicate that the camera has indeed detected a lens problem. On the contrary, if no error message appears, it could mean that the problem is external to both the camera body and the lens (for example a little dust on the lenses), or that an operating system malfunction has occurred.
Step 2. Evaluate any type of event that may have recently happened to the camera
Most of the problems that plague digital camera lenses are caused by an accidental drop. There are many potential circumstances for a camera to be damaged; a liquid spill on the camera body or placing the camera on a potentially harmful material (such as sand) can easily be the cause of a malfunction of the lens or the operating system. Knowing why a particular problem has arisen does not mean being sure of being able to solve it, but it allows you at least to take the right path.
Step 3. Consult the manual
Typically, the documentation that comes with a digital camera includes a section on troubleshooting the most common problems associated with your specific model. Although most digital cameras perform basic functions in a very similar way, it is always good to refer to the specific instructions for each model.
Part 2 of 3: Repair the Camera
Step 1. Remove the battery and memory card
One of the most common tricks for solving the problems that plague most modern devices (including smartphones and digital cameras) is to remove the battery and wait a few minutes. This procedure allows the device to reset itself, i.e. to restore an initial neutral state. If the lens problem is caused by a malfunction in the software that drives the camera, removing the battery and memory card for 15 minutes may restore proper operation.
Step 2. Gently tap the side of the camera body with your hand
While it may seem like a frustration rather than common sense repair procedure, many users have reported solving the problem by simply "slapping" the side of the camera gently with the palm of their hand. If the problem with the machine is caused by a blockage of the internal mechanism of the lens, the force exerted by the palm of the hand could restore normal operation and solve the problem.
If you think the strength of your hands could aggravate the situation, you can tap the outside of the lens with a pencil
Step 3. Clean the lens barrel
The flow of air generated by a spray can of compressed air can eliminate the traces of dust and dirt present in the slots of the lens mount and the coupling neck of the camera body. Use compressed air to evenly clean all slots and moving parts of the lens, including any spots where you think there may have been a build-up of dust. When finished, restart the camera to check if the problem is resolved.
Step 4. Connect the AV (audio-video) cable
The problem could simply be caused by the machine needing a little more power to better handle the dust particles that block the lenses. By connecting the camera to the AV cable, the display turns off, so the machine will have all the battery power available to perform other functions. If this is indeed the problem, the camera should be working properly in a few minutes.
Step 5. Manually move the lens rings
Sometimes, the camera problem can be mechanical in nature. If the lens does not automatically extend, only partially extends, or extends and then retracts immediately, manually moving the dials on the lens barrel could help unlock the internal mechanisms. Trying to push or pull the extendable part of the lens very gently may be enough to eliminate the cause of the problem. If the lens appears to be completely blocked, turn on the camera, then gently tap the front of the lens while cupping the palm of your hand.
- You should hear a slight "click" and then see the camera lens return to its normal position.
- If this does not work, try removing the lens completely and then reinstalling it.
Step 6. Force autofocus
When digital cameras extend the lens they do so in an attempt to automatically find the optimal focus. This step could be helpful in trying to fix the problem affecting the machine. Press and hold the shutter button to activate lens movement for autofocus. While holding the shutter button, press the camera's power button.
This step should be done by placing the camera on a flat surface, such as a table, with the lens facing up
Part 3 of 3: Technical Support
Step 1. Call the manufacturer's customer service
After trying to solve the problem with the methods described above, thus excluding the most common causes, it might be useful to contact the machine manufacturer directly. Call the toll-free number or customer service of the company that manufactured your camera. When you are put in contact with company personnel, explain the malfunction in detail. If the problem falls within the most common cases, the service representative will be able to guide you through the resolution procedure that is best suited to your camera model.
Normally, digital camera manufacturers provide a toll-free number clearly indicated on their website
Step 2. Take the camera to a retail outlet that offers a repair service
If you have not had any luck and the problem affecting your machine requires the technical intervention of a professional, it may be time to go to an authorized store. A shop that sells cameras and offers a repair service will take over your camera to fix the problem. Since it is a paid service, the decision to use it should only be taken after trying to solve the problem in all possible and practicable ways with simplicity. Even if the repair takes only a few minutes, the bill will still be very steep, so make sure you've checked all possible solutions before going to a professional.
Repairs of this type can be very expensive. In some cases they can even be more expensive than the value of the machine itself. Keep this concept in mind before going to a specialized service center and above all always ask for an estimate of the cost of the repair
Step 3. Purchase a new lens
Digital camera lenses can be removed and replaced. There is a very good chance that the model of car you have is very common, so it can be assumed that you are almost certainly not the first to have had a problem of this type. If the camera has no other problems and is working perfectly, you can seriously consider replacing the lens. You can choose to buy it from a camera shop or order it directly from the manufacturer.
Only replace yourself if you are an expert and know exactly what you are doing. The machine's user manual should have a section devoted to guidelines to follow for such an eventuality
Step 4. Consider purchasing a new camera
Unfortunately, remember that you may have no other options than to throw away your old camera and replace it with a new one. The advantage of buying a new camera is that it saves you the effort of taking it for repair and the consequent waiting. While this is a hefty expense, in the end you will be holding a state-of-the-art camera model with much more advanced features than the model you previously owned. If you are a keen photographer, it may be worthwhile to opt for a flagship model as it will accompany you for a long time.
Most modern smartphone models are equipped with built-in cameras. If you already own such a device, purchasing a new digital camera may not be necessary
Advice
The best way to keep your digital camera lens in perfect working order is to protect it from damage. Take good care of your camera and make sure you take all necessary precautions every time you use it. Keep it in a safe place when you are not using it
Warnings
- Try the methods described in this article only if your camera warranty has expired. If the device is still under warranty, contact the manufacturer directly to receive appropriate technical assistance.
- When you take a digital camera apart, be very careful what you do to avoid inadvertently receiving an electric shock.
- All digital cameras, excluding the high-end professional ones, are starting to lose pace and look dated compared to those that are mounted on the latest generation smartphones. Nowadays, cell phones offer many of the features and performance that can be found in a digital camera. Keep this in mind if you are considering investing money in repairing your camera.
