Sony Cybershot - lens won't open

CamGirl

I have a Sony Cybershot DSC-P92 (around 3 years old). There seems to be a problem with the lens - it opens half way and stops, then tries to open/close several times, and eventually stops all together. We haven't dropped it, but my 2 year old was messing with it, so she may have pulled on the lens, not sure.

Is there anything I can do to try and solve the problem myself? Is it worth bringing it to a repair shop, and any idea how much approx will it cost? Any repair shops around D15?

Thanks you!

bovril

I have a sony cybershot, can't remember what model. I did have a problem before where when I turned it on, the lens moved out and then shot back in straight away. I tried several things and I got it to work by plugging it into the PC through the USB cable when the camera was turned off and then turning the camera back on. This seemed to fix the problem I had with the lens. It's a long shot but it's worth a try.

CamGirl

Thanks, Bovril, but unfortunatelly that didn't work. I don't think the lens originally was coming out when plugged in the PC, think I was only able to use the view mode (and not the shoot).

It comes half way out, buzzes for a bit, and tries to come back in (sometimes manages, sometimes not). I know I am not supposed to do this probably, but gave it a bit of "manual help" (gently) and the lens came out, managed to take few photos. Then tried on/off again and still the same story.

Since the camera is not that new have the feeling we are better off getting a new one. At the same time it feels an awful waste to throw away otherwise working camera! Don't know, no idea if it is serious or not.

Sebzy

Hello CamGirl

Your problem is common. The problem you described can be caused by one of three problems.

1. Dirt in the lens mechanism.
2. Broken teeth on the motor gears.
3. Lens mechinism is out of line and is being obstructed by the casing or other internal componnet.

Well lets hope it's 1 or 2
now how to fix em

1. With camera off and batterys removed gently tap the camera (Middle right hand side near the lens) off a wooden surface this hopefully will release any dirt up within the mechanism, you may have to do this several times. Power on the camera after each time and check.

2. This is a send back to the shop job (WILL COST YA)

3. When the power on let the lens go out as far as it can until it sticks then grip it gently and whggle it around a bit hopefully this will set it back on track.

Any damage caused to the camera from following the above instructions will be your own responsibility.

Hope that helps.

CamGirl

Hi Sebzy, unfortunatelly no luck. Seems like a trip to the repair shop.

Any idea how much approx it may cost? A search on the web state roughly 150+ (labour and possible parts) so doesn't seem worth it.

Sebzy

No idea on price you could drop it into a service centre and they should be able to give you a quote.