The light meter on my PENTAX K2DMD film camera does not stay on when the release button locks in "half way position". i have to push it with my finger to keep the meter working. how can i fix this?

SOURCE: Lens stuck open

hey, I had the same problem when I accidentally droped my camera, some parts in the mechanism are probably broken or jammed.

Most likely repairs required.

SOURCE: pentax optio s6

This is exactly how my problem started. Then after repeated attempts to turn it on or off the lense actually stuck in the on position. After GENTLY forcing it in the off position, it began turning on and would immediately turn back off. After reading every problem posted that had to do with the lense I figured that the lense had somehow worked it's way of the "track or gear" that moves it in and out. I don't recommend this solution unless you figure that the cost of having it repaired proffesionally would be more than to replace the camera (I am a trial and error type of repair person). On my camera, also an S6, when the lense came forward and began to retract, I GENTLY held the lense in place for just a second. I repeated this probably four or five times until it "worked itself" back into the proper position. It does make the clicking noise while doing this which made me a bit nervous but it worked. The camera actually even seems to be focusing better which leads me to believe that possibly it hadn't been quite right for a while. AGAIN... you have to decide if the cost of proffessional repair is worth it to you. I am not a pro but this worked GREAT for me. Hope it helps.

SOURCE: Canon s70 won't stay on

I had the same problem a small spring in side the cover came loose luckily I still had warranty left do to mastercard warranty extension which paid the $119.00 that Canon charged to fix it they replaced the whole front.

SOURCE: Lens cover stuck DSC600

You may have the same problem that i had. It does involve taking the camera apart. Not overly difficult - just fiddly.
Let me know and i'll talk you thro' it

SOURCE: How to remove the plastic lens section for OLYPUS u740

http://olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_servicerepair.asp

Olympus will charge a flat rate repair fee for this product if beyond the one year factory warranty or the warranty is voided. The cost is $76 plus your local sales tax. This covers parts and labor, factory cleaning and diagnostic check, 6 month warranty and the cost of shipping the product back to you is all included in that price.