DESPERATELY NEED HELP :[

PROBLEM SOLVED.

E18's a problem with the lens getting knocked out of whack; it might be anything from a misaligned lens tube to a broken gear. ISTR a few people have tackled this on their own; searching for "E18" should bring up their experiences, and even some camera model's parts lists, so you can get an idea what's involved.

Is this the A50 or the S50? It's worth noting that things in the digital world change pretty fast; what was an expensive camera 2-3 years ago's got an inexpensive replacement; Canon's A460 is a 5MP camera which costs $140 at B&H Photo Video. It's the nearest replacement to either of the two I asked about, although it'll leave the A50 in its dust.

With the prices of digital camera coming down the way they have, I would never repair that particular camera. I would simply replace it. As Jon said, you could get a replacement for $150 that would (As Herbert Keppler would say, "blow your A50 into the weeds".

PROBLEM SOLVED.

If something's rattling loose, you won't be able to shake it back into place. The A460 is about $140 at B&H Photo. Very reliable store.