Asking Again....G1 LENS ERROR?

All of a sudden out of the blue, my G1 has a "LENS" error message showing up.

When I turn it on, it sounds like it is powering up OK.

Then, it simply hums or spins for about 10 seconds.

Then, there are 5 short 'beeps.'

Then a flashing "LENS" message appears.

The lens never extends (sounds like it is slipping?).

This also happens when I turn on the viewer mode.

Any suggestions on what the problem may be? The unit powers OK. Just no lens extension or viewing window activation.

Any help or information you could offer would be greatly appreciated. (I don't feel like paying $155 plus shipping to send it into Canon for what seems to me to be a minor problem?)

Thanks a bunch!

Just seen what they call an as new one on ebay with a buy it now price of £99.50
see this link
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk …ame=STRK%3AMEWA​%3AIT&rd=1

It isn't a minor problem - the lens is the main point of failing in all compact cameras. In newer cameras, this is known as the E18 error, which basically means it can't control the lens as it wants to.

My advice? Upgrade. You could get a G3 or a G5 for a few hundred dollars, and get a newer camera out of the deal. The camera damage (lens damage is sometimes simple, sometimes serious) is not very reparable. Often, the entire lens mechanism must be replaced. You could try doing the operation yourself, but theres no telling whats wrong, and there is always a lot of screws in these things.

So, send it in to Canon, hit it hard to see if it jolts in place (Don't sue me if it breaks more), take it apart and see whats wrong (ditto), or get a new camera.

Thanks for the insights.....I suspect I may go shopping for a new camera (G3, G5, or A520).

When the G3 says "LEnS" it normally means it cannot open the lens out fully upon power up as there is something blocking it's way. And since your G1 lens is not extending, it seems it could be stuck, OR a mechanism that is trying to extend the lens is broke. Me-being-Me, : I would be opening it up and looking for something that has slipped/broke, but you (thankfully I may add) are not me, so, up to you if you want to start tinkering or not... : ))
but since it is past it's warentee period then, hmm... well.... that is up to you : ))

seems pretty terminal. i had a similar problem with olympus compact film cameras. the gearing mechanism failed after a while.. they started making crunching noises and eventually didnt work at all (happened to two of them).

it also happened to my leica (oh god no!) digital compact. but thats because i had it in my pocket, it powered itself on and the lens came out... must have sat on it. ouch!

i would do what andrew says above! get the screwdriver out

My A75 is starting to make odd noises at power up luckily I just ordered a new camera.

If you do decide to get a screwdriver out, be warned. I've taken apart camera lenses - even the cheapest of cameras become very complex when you have auto-pop out and zooming capabilities. Get a tray with lots of small containers for each type of screw.

Leo