The lens will not retract completely when camera is off. When on, it moves several times and then I get a message on the LCD that reads System Error Zoom.
Lens errors (system error zoom on Panasonics) are fairly common. Usually it's sand or grit interfering with the lens extension mechanism. Or the camera's been dropped with the lens extended. Or the camera has been powered on, but the lens had been blocked preventing its extension. Or the battery ran down with the lens extended ...Here are some troubleshooting steps that you can try that may (or may not) correct it. They only seem to work for less than 40% of the lens errors, but if the camera is out of warranty (or repair cost approaches that of the camera), they're worth that try. Some of the later steps do involve some risk to the camera, so carefully weigh your options before deciding to conduct them:
SOURCE: I have a DMC-ZR1 camera. Having problems with
Fixing a Lens Error on a Digital Camera
This has to be THE most common failure mode for a digital camera. Some common error messages that might show up on the LCD's of cameras with this problem include “E18 lens error”, or “lens error, restart camera”. Some cameras might show nothing at all, but merely make a beeping noise as the lens goes out, then in, then the camera shuts off. Sometimes the lens won't even move.
The problem is actually quite common throughout all camera brands. Usually it's sand or grit interfering with the lens extension mechanism. Or the camera's been dropped with the lens extended. Or the camera has been powered on, but the lens had been blocked preventing its extension. Or the battery ran down with the lens extended. Believe it or not, one BIG contributor to lens errors is using a camera case. Sand, gunk, case fibers, etc... accumulate at the bottom of the case. These materials love to cling to the camera by electrostatic build-up from the camera rubbing against the side of the case (especially those cases with soft fibrous intreriors). Once these materials work their way into the lens mechanism, that's all she wrote. I have many Canon's, and NEVER use a case for this very reason.
A camera owner that suffers this problem may have no recourse for having the camera repaired. Many camera makers will not honor repairing this problem under warranty as they claim it is due to impact damage to the camera, or sand or debris getting into the lens gearing mechanism (neither of which is covered under warranty). The quoted repair cost is usually close to or more than what the camera is actually worth.
Fortunately, about half the cameras that suffer this failure can easily be fixed by one of the following methods. None of these methods involve opening the camera, although some have potential to cause other damage to the camera if excessively done. If the camera is still under warranty, before trying any of these, please please first contact your camera's maker to see if they'll cover the repair, or to determine how much they'll charge for the repair. Who knows, you might get lucky. But if they quote you a number that's higher than the value of your camera, you may want to consider the following methods.
The methods are listed in the order of risk of damaging your camera. Thus make sure you try them in the listed order. And remember, these fixes (especially #6 and 7) should only be considered for a camera that's out of warranty, who's cost of repair would be excessive, and would otherwise be considered for disposal if unrepaired:
Fix #1: Remove the batteries from the camera, wait a few minutes. Put a fresh set of batteries back in (preferably rechargeable NiMH 2500mah or better) and turn the camera on. If that didn't work, try pressing and holding the Function or OK button while turning the camera on.
Fix #2: Remove the batteries, then remove the memory card. Then install new batteries, and turn on the camera. If you get an Error E30, it means you don't have a memory card installed, so turn it off, slip in the memory card and turn it on one last time.
Fix #3: Insert the cameras Audio/Video (AV) cable, and turn the camera on. Inserting this cable ensures that the camera's LCD screen remains off during the start process. Thus extra battery power is available to the camera's lens motor during startup. This extra power can be useful in overcoming grit or sand particals that may be jamming the lens. If the AV cable doesn't fix the lens error by itself, consider keeping this cable installed while trying fixes 4, 5, and 7 as a means to provide extra help to these fixes. But note that I DON'T recommend keeping the cable installed during Fix 6 as you may damage the AV port while tapping the camera. Reinsert the cable only AFTER tapping the camera.
Fix #4: Place the camera flat on its back on a table, pointed at the ceiling. Press and hold the shutter button down, and at the same time press the power-on button. The idea is that the camera will try to autofocus while the lens is extending, hopefully seating the lens barrel guide pins in their slots.
Fix #5: Blow compressed air in the gaps around the lens barrels with the idea of blowing out any sand or grit that may be in there jamming the lens. Other variations include blowing with a hair dryer in “no heat” setting, or sucking the gaps with a vacuum (careful with this one).
Now we're entering into the realm of potentially damaging your camera in conducting the fix. There is definitely some risk here, so take care when conducting the following two fixes.
Fix #6: Repeatedly tap the padded/rubber usb cover on a hard surface with the intent of dislodging any particles that may be jamming the lens. Other variations include hitting a side of the camera against the palm of your hand. A lot of people have reported success with this method. HOWEVER, there is also some potential for damaging or dislodging internal components with this method, such as unseating ribbon cables, or cracking LCD screens.
Fix #7: Try forcing the lens. More people have reported success with this method than with any of the other methods. HOWEVER, there's obviously some potential for damaging your camera by using this method. Variations include gently pulling, rotating, and/or twisting the lens barrel while hitting the power button. Attempt to gently straighten or align the barrel if it's crooked or twisted. Another variation includes looking for uneven gaps around the lens barrel, and then pushing on the side of the lens barrel that has the largest gap (note pushing the lens barrel all the way in is NOT recommended as it may become stuck there). While doing any of the above, listen for a click that indicates that the lens barrel guide pins may have reseated in their guide slots. If you hear this click, immediately stop and try the camera.
SOURCE: camera focus error
there is a small logic circuit that controls the motor that retracts the lens and a sensor that tells it the lens is retracted, it is a lens position sensor, one of these two components is most likely defective, the thing is there are no consumer service info provided by panasonic, they will not sell you parts either, the camera is a mystery to take apart and repair without the tech manual which u can't get, so u see the delima here, u must either have this camera fixed by a panasonic repair station or see if it qualifies for a upgrade exchange program for a newer model.
SOURCE: upon trying to turn camera Panasonic DMC-ZS3 on,
I don't know that I can help you fix it, but I can try.
Here are my thoughts...
Check the battery first. If it's like a normal battery, like AA or AAA batteries, replace them and try turning it on.
If it's a flat lithium battery that you recharge using a power cord that plugs into the camera, you might want to buy a new one. Charge it fully over night and try powering the camera up in the morning.
You never mentioned what the error message was! So I can't help you there.
Next, you might try connecting the camera to your computer and see if it comes up. Also, check with Panasonic and see if there's a way to reset your camera. Maybe there's a way to do a software reset. Also check to see that there isn't a downloadable software upgrade or patch available. Lastly, you may want to consider Panasonic customer support/technical support, they may be able to better help you diagnose the issue with your camera.
I have a Lumix too. I have an DMC LZ10, my daughter has a DMC TZ3. They're similar in many ways, and yet they're different in many too. Mine uses AA batteries, hers uses a flat lithium rechargeable that uses a power cord. The internal software is pretty much the same (sort of). Enough so that I can work the settings on hers without having to reference the manual.
As a computer tech, my first impressions are that you're having either power issues, or software issues. Eliminate the variables.
Start with power and work your way out from there. If it behaves the same with any battery, you've eliminated the power issue. Now it's software. Simple enough?
SOURCE: error de sistema (zoom) Lens don't close and
Hello
The problem is that the lens has become stuck in the barrel. There are some DIY solutions you could try, but the
probability is that you will have to get it fixed by a professional.
Use
these at own risk as it may further damage the camera.
Firstly ,
try connecting your ac adapter or usb cable.
Try holding the
shutter button while switching on the camera.
Look at the lens ,
and if some of the lens 'circles' is misaligned or not concentric then
try wiggling it (while holding camera lens down).
Try gently
pushing or pulling the lens when it extends but this is risky as it may
cause the lens barrel to slip out of its guidance system.
Another
way to do this is to place the camera lens down on a hard surface and
then power it up. Be sure to use a soft cloth or something similar as to
not scratch your lens or casing. Let the lens push the camera up and
down a few times and sometimes the little resistance provided by the
camera is enough to get things going again.
Try hitting your
camera near the lens on the body with the soft tissue on the palm of
your hand.
Other than that , I would take the camera to a repair
center for a evaluation to see if it would cost more to repair than to
replace the camera.
If it is still under warranty I would suggest
you take it in before trying any of these steps and remove any
off-brand batteries or accessories as some stores are really fussy about
warranty repairs on camera's with non-brand accessories.
You can also have a look at THIS link.
Hope
the advise is useful. please do not hesitate to let me know if you need
any further assistance. Also, please be so kind to let me know if you
found this helpful.
Regards
Andrea
SOURCE: I have an FS15 and
Lens errors are fairly common. Usually it's sand or grit interfering with the lens extension mechanism. Or the camera's been dropped with the lens extended. Or the camera has been powered on, but the lens had been blocked preventing its extension. Or the battery ran down with the lens extended ...
Unfortunately, many cameras that fall prey to this can only be corrected by professional repair. But, here are some things that you can do that may correct it. They only seem to work for less than 40% of the lens errors, but if the camera is out of warranty, they're worth a try.
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