E18 Error - Repairing The E18 Error

Repairing The E18 Error

Two different types of problems are reported:

• 1) The camera can take a couple of shots (clear and in focus), then stops working. Removing the batteries and replacing may produce 2-3 extra shots.
  • Canon's instructions (by phone) are to 'remove the batteries, rotate the on button and hold for 5 seconds, and then replace the battery'. The few lucky pictures are clear and in focus.
  • A better solution (not provided by Canon) is to connect the camera to the TV or a computer. This may completely solve the problem. If not, it may at least allow an extra 10-15 shots. There are several forums on the net that mention that connecting the camera to the TV completely resolved the E18 error.
• 2) A camera lens is out-of-focus. Some users have been able to manipulate the lens back into place (see reference links below). To fix the problem, it is often necessary that the camera and optical assembly is disassembled, realigned and reassembled. A non-warranty repair at an authorized service center reportedly costs between US $79 to $250.

There are a number of online guides to repairing E18 errors oneself, from simple guides on tapping the lens back into place to complete disassembly/realignment/reassembly instructions.

Many of these fixes are presented in the below listed "External Links", and may also be found on search engines when the more common term "lens error" is utilized for the search.