How to Repair Lens Problems on Your Digital Camera

Co-authored by Stephen Cardone

Last Updated: April 7, 2024

Digital cameras are a regular part of life. They can be a great tool if you want to capture a moment forever. However, as expensive and useful as they are, they're also notoriously fragile. Experiencing a problem with your camera lens could mean a number of different things. The specific ins an outs of camera repair will depend on the specific model you're using, but a bit of critical thinking and gentle tinkering is sometimes all that's needed to get your device in working order again.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Troubleshooting Your Camera

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There are lots of things that could possibly explain a digital camera lens problem. If you're having trouble with the lens, first check your camera to see if there's a lens error pop-up on your camera screen. If this is the case, it means your camera has picked up on the issue as well. If there's nothing, it may mean that the issue is external (too much dirt on the lens) or a possible glitch in the system.
Most errors with a digital camera lens are caused by dropping the camera. There are lots of potential circumstances where a phone could be dropped. Spilling liquids on a camera or putting the camera somewhere coarse (like a sandy beach) will also damage a camera's lens and software. Knowing how the problem arose won't ensure you'll be able to fix it, but it may be able to steer you on the right path.

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Camera user manuals usually have a troubleshooting section with common problems typically associated with a given model. Although most digital cameras tend to function in a similar way

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Repairing the Camera

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A common trick with most devices (including cameras and cellphones) is to disconnect the power for a few minutes. This allows your device to reset. If the lens problem is due to an issue with the software, taking out the battery and memory card for 15 minutes may remove a lens error pop-up.
2
Smack the side of the camera.^{[1]
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Research source} Although it may seem like an act of last-ditch frustration more than a helpful repair technique, some people have reported having success with slapping the side of their camera with the palm of their hand. If the camera's issue is that the lens house is stuck, the force of a smack may loosen the camera's insides, solving the problem for you.
- Using the side of a pencil to tap the camera barrel works too, if you're worried the force of your hand might damage the camera further.
A compressed air spray duster can get into the cracks of your camera's lens barrel and clear out the built up gunk. Spray it evenly in the cracks, and anywhere else on your model you think excess dust may have built up. Power off and restart your phone to check and see if this technique worked at all.
It may be that your camera simply need an added boost of energy to deal with dust particles clogging the lens. Plugging in your cable for 5 minutes will give your camera extra energy. If this is the case, your camera should be fine within a few minutes.
5
Adjust the lens housing manually. Sometimes, the problem with your camera may be mechanical. If the lens won't extend, only extends partially, or extends and then retracts again, then gently moving the lens barrel around may help to unstick it. You can gently push or pull on the lens, which may be enough to loosen whatever is causing it to stick. If the lens won't extend even a little, turn on the camera and then tap the front of the camera against a cupped hand.^{[2]
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Research source}
- You should hear a click as your lens barrels pops back in place.
- If this doesn't help, try removing the lens completely and remounting it.^{[3]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Stephen Cardone
  Professional Photographer
  
  Expert Interview. 26 June 2020.}
6
Force an autofocus. When digital cameras extend their barrel, they will attempt to auto-focus themselves. This may help fix whatever problem your camera is having. Hold down the shutter button to begin moving the barrel. While you have the shutter button held down, press the power button.
- It helps to plant the camera on a flat surface, with the lens facing up.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Seeking Help

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1
Call the manufacturer. If you've been able to rule out some easily solvable issues, it's a good idea to touch base with the manufacturer. Call the hotline of the company that produced your camera. Once you're patched through to a company representative, outline the problems you've been grappling with. If it sounds like a common issue with the camera, he'll be able to lead you through some of the solutions that are specifically suited to your model.
- Digital camera companies will usually have a hotline listed on their website.
2
Take your camera to a repair shop.^{[4]
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Research source} If you're out of luck and can't find a viable solution to your camera troubles at home, it may be time to seek professional help. Camera and electronics repair stores will take your camera and fix the problem for a price. It's only recommended that you get it repaired if you've exhausted all the easy possible fixes. You'll still be charged an expensive fee even if the solution takes them two minutes, so make sure it's worth your while to do so.
- Repairs can be very expensive. In some cases, they may actually be more expensive than the value of the camera. Keep this in mind and make sure you get a price estimate before handing your device over for repair.
3
Buy a new camera lens. Camera lenses can be removed and replaced. Chances are your camera model is fairly common. Rest assured you're not the first person who has had a foul-up with the lens. If your digital camera works perfectly otherwise, you might consider getting the lens replaced. You can either get it from a camera store, or have it ordered directly from the manufacturer.
- Only replace the camera lens yourself if you really know what you're doing. The user manual that came with your digital camera should offer some guidance in this regard.
4
Consider buying a new camera. Unfortunately, it may come to a point where you have no option but to count your losses and send your broken camera to the dumps. Getting a new camera will save you the effort of having to repair it, and though you'll be potentially putting down a lot of money for a new one, you stand to gain a more advanced model than the one you had before. If you use your camera enough, you might even find that getting a sharper type of camera will have been worth it all along.
- Most modern cellphones come equipped with built-in cameras. This can absolve you of the need to purchase a replacement digital camera if you already have a phone cam.

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How can I fix my camera lens error?

Stephen Cardone
Professional Photographer
Stephen Cardone is the COO of NY Headshots, a New York City-based studio that specializes in shooting and producing headshots for individuals and businesses. Stephen has over four years of professional photography experience and over six years of documentary filmmaking experience. Stephen also works extensively as a photographer at NY Headshots. His work includes events, environmental photography, as well as headshots for actors, models, and corporate. He holds a BA in Non-fiction Writing from The New School.

Stephen Cardone

Professional Photographer

Expert Answer

If your camera is showing a lens error, it's likely because the lens is not properly mounted. Try taking the lens off and remounting it and see if that fixes the issue.

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I dropped my camera and can no longer remove the lens. What should I do?

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Since the lens is such a sensitive piece of equipment you probably want to take it to a professional. Not only will they be able to remove the lens, but they will be able to check it, and your camera, for other damage. Doing this yourself without advanced knowledge might cause more damage than sustained in the fall.

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What do I do if my digital camera automatically zooms in and out before turning off?

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Most likely your camera is out of (or almost out of) batteries and is unable to stay turned on. If that's not the case, I would recommend taking it into the store as this might indicate some kind of electrical problem.

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Tips

The best way to keep camera lenses in good shape is to make sure there's never a cause for damage. Take good care of your camera, and make sure to be gentle with it whenever it's in use. Store it somewhere safe and secure.

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Warnings

All but the highest-end digital cameras are beginning to be seen as obsolete in light of phone cameras. Smartphones offer a lot of the same utility as digital cameras. Keep this fact in mind if you're thinking of investing money into repairing your camera.

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Try all of the above methods only if your camera is out of warranty. If it is still under warranty, contact the manufacturer directly for service.

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Be especially careful when dismantling a camera to avoid an electric shock.

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