[Error E18 on Canon A410] Solved/Closed

Question

Hello, I also have an E18 problem with my Canon  did you find a solution?

Equivalent · Accepted Answer

Solution: I think I have solved the E18 error (stuck focus, image reading and downloading impossible, incompetent customer service) of this damn Canon IXUS 500 that I eventually replaced. I should specify that I could still take photos, nothing more.
After reading all the forums online, it was clear that this is a particularly sensitive device and prone to shocks even for the most careful users like me.
So I took the issue head-on, I struck it against the flat of my hand 1X, 2X... I turned it back on and it started working again like it was brand new!!!
It got stuck again the next day, I did it again and it worked! I attempted a download... okay! Since All Saints' Day 2005, it’s been running fine... in the meantime, I passed it on to my daughter who is thrilled, but it really bugs me... for a price like that!

a · Answer

Well, it seems that the proposed solution (a little punishment tap) works, in the space of three seconds, my favorite toy is working again!!! Incredible... let's hope it lasts... and that the antidote works for a long time!!
A HUGE thank you!!!

verodjibout · Answer

So a huge thank you!!! It works!!! I can't believe it after seeing the hassle of this famous E18 error everywhere on the net, the solution is so simple!
I hope it holds up for a long time and in any case: THANK YOU
Véro

Valentine · Answer

I've never done it, I only see the customer service of your store. From what I've read on other forums, unfortunately, it’s not worth much, that's why I ended up responding here.

On the Canon website, maybe? There should be a section that describes the malfunctions.

lucie · Answer

BRAVO!!!!
This method also works for the A95 model!
I don't know for how long, it just got a couple of little taps and indeed, it's working again!
I just spent the afternoon looking into getting a new one...what a relief to see it working again!
Thanks a thousand times for this little trick, quite brutal when you think about it for this kind of device!
Have a good evening!
Lucie

sophie · Answer

Hello
I'm discovering this information today and indeed the PowerShot A95 is stuck with the whirring noise of the zoom struggling to move. I tried this method (often used for electronics at least initially) and I fully recharged the batteries and it's working again, but I'm taking it to the Carrefour service center and we'll see because I'm near the end of the warranty and the manual says to consult the service center (sigh!!!). If they find something, who knows, I will keep you updated. But it needs to work because summer is coming and 2 years of use isn't much. It takes stunning photos (the photographer plays a part in that too, after all!)
Sophie

Rom · Answer

Lmao!! I've had this damn problem for a few weeks, I type "powershot E18" on Google, I end up here, I give my camera a smack after reading "Equivalent" (okay, not too hard though) and it works again!! :D :D :D

The web is amazing!! ;)

Valentine · Answer

Super great! Error E 18 = slap me, I love it!  We're wicked at Canon, yes we are!

nann66 · Answer

Hi everyone the updates haven't changed anything and I'm honestly starting to get really annoyed about it. What the heck!!!

antony · Answer

I have an A80 and it's working again by hitting it... But for how long??? In the meantime, thanks for the tip

Spacio · Answer

Great tip ^^  Thank you very much!

Andy59 · Answer

Powershot A95 stuck! same symptoms... same punishment! it works! masochist?  Thanks for the tip...

une bonne claque! · Answer

It’s not working, but I still have a bit of hope... and then, miracle! My friend gave him a good thrashing and now it’s all good, I’m going to take a picture!! Thanks again....

jacter · Answer

I did what you advised, clapping my hands - the target moved just a tiny bit but that's it. I vacuumed thinking it was dirt - I was taking pictures when that happened - I'm being advised to clean it, but I can't find the site online. A thousand thanks for replying, Jackie.

Valentine · Answer

Hello Jacter, I was also advised to clean it, but I didn't dare to open it to start fiddling around, I know nothing about electronics, I was afraid it would make things worse!
For my part, I had that black screen with "error E19 or E18," I can't remember, but I could still take photos.
However, it was impossible to put them in playback mode or download them; it would automatically shut off.
I reset it, nada.

That's when my daughter, in desperation, held it in her hand and it started working again... Apparently, it has made many people happy here, not to mention saving on useless repair costs!
Sorry I can't help more... I don't know of any sites about this; maybe try typing "Canon cleaning" on Google?

Have a nice afternoon,

Valentine

poupou27 · Answer

Good day, I have a Canon Powershot A410 camera that is stuck with an E18 error displaying a black screen and won't do anything else. I've given it a few light taps but nothing works; help!!!!!!!!

grrrrcanon · Answer

Hello, Ugh... I've been trying to fix my PowerShot A520... the E18 error won't go away! I've had it for less than a year: such a bummer!

quemigny · Answer

Less than a year ago... It's still under warranty, then. All that's left is to take it back to the store for repair...

valentine · Answer

Hello,  Customer service is worthless; they completely disassociate themselves. In fact, some Krefel stores no longer sell Canon because of that. Check the battery; see if there's a way to reset it (user manual). There's something stuck inside; it just needs a small part... Firmly tap the base of the device with the palm of your hand when it's off, then turn it back on and see. It MUST work lol

jackie · Answer

Hello,  Hello and thank you for responding - I have an E18 problem (lens blocked) and the repairman says to throw it away - I am disappointed and sad - I would like to buy a new one but if this problem happens often - what should I buy? I suppose Canon lenses (wide-angle) and the card only work on these devices? I love photography - I have temporarily picked up a disposable one (good to throw away) thank you again.

Valentine · Answer

Hello Jackie,  I’m not an expert in this type of repair, but I can tell you that it’s due to a blockage of the lens (which unblocked itself after turning the device on and off and tapping it—be gentle though!) that I got this E18 error. It’s probably a microscopic grain of sand that got inside or... what often happens, someone putting their finger in front of the lens when it’s supposed to open (when turning on), which then hinders it when it comes out.  I don’t have any other solution than the one I already provided, and apparently, it works 80% of the time. So, turn off the device and hit it with the BASE of your hand, then turn it back on or try again. It was actually when I desperately bought a new Canon that the old one unblocked thanks to my daughter who was 13 at the time... go figure, I could have saved a lot of money. And to answer your last question, none of the accessories are compatible (card, battery, charger) with the new models except for the installation CD... they have to sell something, unfortunately.  For me, Canon still has the best image quality thanks to its lens and resolution, according to Tests-achats and confirmed by several stores. With the new one, I haven’t had any problems yet, and no one is allowed to touch it, even for a second...;o)))

jakie · Answer

Thank you, Valentine - for your response I will retrieve the device and follow your advice - and if I buy another one, rest assured no one will touch it -  I have already done: tap it - turn it on and off - I will do it again, thanks again Jackie

jackie · Answer

Good evening Valentine,  I forgot to ask you what other digital device you bought please, thank you.

renardbleu59 · Answer

Hello, I just purchased a Canon Powershot A80, which is broken with error E18. I tried to tap it on the hand and it works. That's cool. Thank you and see you soon.

jackie · Answer

Thank you for your advice C Cool - I did it and did it again and nothing is unlocking - the repairman advises buying another one .... JC

Valentine · Answer

Hello,  For Jackie, my new one is a Canon Ixus 60; higher resolution and a bigger screen. Don't ask me the price, I'm doing everything to forget it lolololoolololl!  Euh the repair guy who advises you to buy another one... he really makes me laugh! How much does he charge? When I think it’s just a grain of sand that jams everything!  So happy for you Renardbleu!

pineapple · Answer

too strong, I can't believe it, I had set aside my Powershot A80 for three years because of that damn E18!!! shake-shake me! whoohoooo it’s back!! thank you!

litana57 · Answer

Thank you so much for your good advice. I was really anxious this morning because it was the kid's birthday and that darn E18 message popped up on my A95. A couple of good slaps and it's off again :-)))) Canon is really a masochist!!!! I'm feeling really down, I was already thinking of buying another one given the machine-gun noise it was making.

frv100ss · Answer

Honestly, I have to admit that this trick is a bit scary, but seeing no alternative, I tried it on my A80, and it worked like a charm... I was constantly getting that damn E18 error and a black LCD screen when turning the dial to photo mode. The problem seemed to stem from a blockage in the zoom. Anyway... I hit it with my palm as instructed... a bit too hard for my liking, but it was surprising, everything started working properly again. +1 for this "trick" and -1 for the "fragility" of Canon devices in this regard. Relative fragility because you can really hit it hard without much damage :-)

katia · Answer

THOUSAND THANKS VALENTINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! another successful rescue thanks to the back slap technique!!!  cool

Christophe · Answer

Thank you for this super quick fix because I faced the same problem today and was able to solve it after 10 minutes of searching the web and 3 slaps on the lens!

pokéfan · Answer

Hello,   I have the solution for the ixus 500  1. Take a cloth  2. Clean the lens with it  3. Turn it on   Do this 1 or 2 times.

nath · Answer

Hello, my PowerShot A85 has been showing the E18 error for several days, the lens is open and stuck, I can't even view the photos I've already taken. Is it doomed? Thank you.

Bxjack · Answer

Hello, I'm an A95 Great, it's working again! And yet, what a pain this error caused me... thanks Canon!

johmex · Answer

Well, it's the same for me; I had an E18 error on my PowerShot A60, and I tried your trick (might as well try since it's already wrecked), and it works... However, it has had more than two flat batteries and has been damaged on the lens... it's been through it all... CANON, A TAPE AND IT'S GOOD TO GO. In any case, they should put this trick directly in the user manual in case of failure instead of desperately searching online.

marmotte · Answer

alas, mine isn't starting either, despite a few taps. I will persist.

genius · Answer

It took 12 good taps on my A 520 and it restarted (not too hard though because it remains a fragile piece packed with technology), thank you Equivalent. I also think it’s due to the lens being too sensitive to dust, so ladies and gentlemen, get your brushes ready!

Jarouu · Answer

So yesterday my little sister dropped the camera (Canon IXUS 700) and it shows E18 and there's a little noise that goes with it
I thought I had to retract the zoom so I did that and when I saw this site I tried the little tap and the zoom came out a bit
but it doesn't work anymore and it's driving me crazy. Can you please help me!!

powershota520 argggH · Answer

I keep pressing on my a520 E18, but it won't go away...
It's stuck open, and I can't even look at the photos taken, nor obviously transfer them to my computer, and now it's really starting to annoy me...
Any other solution?

powershota520 argggH · Answer

too bad, I’m going for surgery...

happyphotographer · Answer

Yeah,  Thanks to the little genius of error E18!! A little tap and it’s back in action!!  Let's hope it lasts...  PS: Long live the forums, I managed to avoid the "customer service" route!!

Kyala · Answer

Hi!  I've tried tapping it gently [ just a little >_ < ] but it's not okay! I accidentally dropped it, it was off and fell on carpet, and Mr. Powershot A520 is being fussy... Long live Canon! T____T What should I do? Because the customer service... Umhum...

jc · Answer

It works perfectly with a "vintage" PowerShot A80 that's 4-5 years old and is having its first little tantrum. A thousand thanks!

loumnch · Answer

Too bad I missed filming my sister's wedding; I couldn't find the malfunction once it got stuck since it was the day before her wedding. I was so sad about its dysfunction, and I even deprived myself of outings and trips because I couldn't afford to buy another one, and I don't like to miss beautiful moments without capturing them in photos. Thank you a thousand times for your post!! I just fixed my Canon PowerShot A400 3.2 MEGA PIXELS camera, which was suffering from an E18 error, thanks to your experience!!! I'm thrilled that it’s working again; let's hope it lasts, but in the meantime, it’s more effective than customer service! Congratulations on your explanation, as it worked for me too. Now I’m getting back the desire for adventure; thank you again a thousand times—as a huge burden has just lifted. It didn't work on the first try, but it took several attempts, luckily I didn't proceed to open the camera to try to fix it—thank you once again… Wishing you excellent continued success ;o)

mel · Answer

That's crazy! Same for me. We hit it and it works. I'm freaking out ^^ Thanks for the info :D

madraou · Answer

Great forum. I was about to take my CANON A95 to Fnac, but knowing their delays and costs, I decided to go online. I'm so glad I did! You solved my problem: a little tap (actually, I somewhat roughly placed it on my mantelpiece) and the zoom is back in action: I had the E18 error and a complete blockage of the lens in the extended position. When powered on, the motor would stutter for a few seconds and then everything would stop.  A thousand THANKS to everyone!

loumnch · Answer

I think my device is always malfunctioning at an important event, it shows me the error E18 and when everything is over, it restarts. I've tapped it as usual, I've shaken it, nothing works, I'm totally depressed. I'm going to look for another model, I think that way I won't be out of order. Happy for those who have resumed using their device. If you have any advice to give me for a new camera model or a good deal not to miss, let me know. Thank you.

madraou · Answer

response to loumnch  If I may make a prudent choice, if you don't need manual mode and you won't be pushing the high sensitivities too much (low light conditions), without hesitation, buy the Panasonic Lumix FX .. (I don't remember the numbers) with the 28-200mm lens. It's stabilized, the lens is a LEICA. And it works very well. In the 10MP version, there's the FS20 at around €300 but with a zoom (of excellent quality) of 30-120mm.  The CANON A590 IS is not bad (not compact but of good quality), at a reasonable price (€220) but once bitten, twice shy, I wouldn't buy it...

loumnch · Answer

Thank you for the information. Do you have any other suggestions for different models of digital cameras to propose to me?!

Sabrinasweet · Answer

Hello or Good Evening It has been over 3 months since I can no longer take photos with my device due to the E18 error. I tried some tricks by tapping on it, and it does give me an image. But indeed, my lens no longer wants to retract. Do you have a solution to help me?

loumnch · Answer

essaye de changer la marque de la batterie

coolÃ§amarche · Answer

2 taps and it’s back on!  Thanks for the tip  Cool, it works

Royal · Answer

Too cool, my A75 is working again after a one-meter fall on the concrete, three good slaps and it's back without any problems, thanks again for the tip.

titi638 · Answer

Canon Powershot A70, stuck on error E18... visit to this forum, and? 2 little taps on the back of the camera... and miracle here too!!!!!!

mick38 · Answer

Remove the batteries and put them back in several hours later; it works sometimes.

mariev59 · Answer

Hey, it's been 4 years since I got my Canon A80 and now it's acting up!!! The famous E18!!! I thought, oh no, it's giving up the ghost, I'll have to buy a new camera (not the right time either) and then I thought, just for the heck of it, I'll look online and there I stumble upon your forum and the infamous slap on the back!!! And well, it works too!!! I'm amazed, anyway, it goes to show that a slap on the back is better than a big hit when it comes to purchases. Thanks again for the info!

e18 terror · Answer

Hello  my Canon S2IS fell on the sand, after taking a few photos it got stuck, the lens extends a third of the way and the screen displays a theme for 20 seconds then it turns off with E18 in the bottom left of the LCD, and since then the problem persists, I tried the tape but nothing   do you have any other solutions?

Kad · Answer

Hi, Powershot A80 that didn't want to take photos anymore (lens half open, impossible to take or view photos) A quick tour on this forum, two or three slaps and it works perfectly: THANK YOU!

fp · Answer

Hello,  Thank you for the pro tip ;-) Same E18 error after a drop of the device. And it works again! The trick also works for the Canon S80! Once again, great savings...  fp

zaz · Answer

Thank you so much for this advice!!!! It's not usual but still... Just to clarify where the little tap should be made, since I spent 20 minutes tapping my device all over the place... It worked for me when I tapped it with my hand on the side near the lens and not on the lens.
Hang in there and don't let the technique take over..

nino06 · Answer

Thank you for this advice that helps to unlock the device,  I read about someone who used a vacuum cleaner, I used a compressor instead  I have an A95, I removed the ring that allows for an optical conversion adapter, and I blew compressed air into the holes and between the zoom slots. My device has regained normal functioning, the lens doesn't rattle anymore............let's hope it lasts!!!!  Here is my small contribution.

pffPowerChoc · Answer

Hello everyone,  Here is my humble contribution to this discussion. An E18 error suddenly appeared on a PowerShot A75 that is about 4 years old. After testing a gentle tap and a hard drop on the ground, what worked for my device is this: While turned on and in shooting mode, firmly tap the device on the side where the USB port is located with the palm of your hand. This worked, however I had really shaken it and cleaned it with compressed air beforehand, certainly all these elements contributed to its revival! One thing was different: I was shaking it while it was off, but it needs to be on. Thanks anyway for the tip!!

sansbut75 · Answer

thank you very much superrrrrrrrrr it also works for my canon

Argentée · Answer

I confirm it works by tapping on the body of my Canon Powershot A610.

michel · Answer

BRAVO and thank you, indeed I just unlocked our Powershot 95 this way, but it took 5 or 6 slaps for it to accept the lens. A box of thanks and long live the internet......

mick38 · Answer

ERROR RESOLVED I found it after several months of hassles. When closing the objective, push it at the end with your hand to help it close completely.

rapido · Answer

Hello, Excellent initiative. I own a photo lab, and a customer brought me one that showed that famous E18 message. The camera was repaired with a simple little "tapping" on the counter. Thank you very much for all Canon users.

yoyo · Answer

Thank you, Valentine!!! I tapped on my Canon A95 and blew a little on the open lens, and it’s working again. E18 must be a problem with dust or dirt that got into the device.

teddy.at · Answer

Hello,  the e18 error is usually due to a zoom failure.  If you tap on the device, it may reset itself. But the best solution that works every time is to open the device (note where the screws are). Disassemble the zoom, lubricate it, then reassemble it in order. This operation can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your knowledge.  That's it.

YouKa · Answer

Hello everyone, Canon PowerShot A520 camera: refuses to turn on and the screen displays E18 and nothing else. It worked for me too; I tapped it and it worked by hitting the camera on the palm of my hand to unlock the lens. Thank you and well done for your valuable help.

loujs · Answer

It also works for the Powershot A2000 IS whose zoom was stuck  Thank you Thank you Thank you

Bluanana · Answer

Thank you and congratulations equivalent!  It also worked on my POWERSHOT A95 which had been stuck for 2 months! Great for the holidays. Thanks again.

nikodj · Answer

I too received the infamous E18 message on my Canon A95, and the opinions on various forums left me terribly disheartened. I also read that basically E18 means a zoom problem or a lens blocked by dust or something else, and that the repair usually costs a good 200 euros!!!! So I turned my device back on, and as soon as the lens extended, I pulled on it, blew hard into it, and..... well, it works!!!! No more error message!!! Chance or miraculous solution, I don't know!!!!  To each their own.... niko

Odeon · Answer

Hi,  My A95 has an E18 error too, I tried the technique of tapping in the palm of my hand and it works again, thanks for the tip...

xx-chou92-xx · Answer

I have this little problem but I don't know 1 where the base is 2 what do you mean by strikes, which side of the hand?

sam · Answer

Thank you very much!! I tested it this morning because the A95 was stuck yesterday. I bought it second-hand last week and I was really worried but a little slap and it was back to perfect!!  Thank you so much!!

L0hry · Answer

Hello,  I have a PowerShot A410 and I have a problem... When I take a photo with my digital camera in a completely dark room and I activate my flash, the photo comes out really nice, but when I take a photo in a room where I turn on the light (flash enabled or not), my photo has a bit of a yellow-orange tint and there are lots of little lines on the screen. Could you help me?  Thank you in advance.

leredge24 · Answer

Hello, yet another Power Shot A95 saved by the skin of its teeth, the resuscitation worked!! No mouth-to-mouth, but the good old spank on the butt cleared the error code E18 it turns out that the method for calming angry children is still the best ;-) thank you for this forum

Extra Ball · Answer

My PowerShot A95, despite taking its hit, deserved after displaying the fateful E18, thanks you for finally saving its life.

RP69 · Answer

And an A80 PowerShot that had a zoom blockage issue and rattling, making it impossible to use - which received two gentle taps on the base of the device, while off, and is now working again.

VALDOM · Answer

Incredible, but true. It worked. !!!!!  I just activated the zoom on the Canon A400!!  Thanks for this clever idea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   Gracia

[Error E18 on Canon A410]

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