My camera's lens won't deploy or retract

Hits:21

Minor: First, is the camera's battery charged and properly installed? You need power to move the lens assembly. And if you're shooting in cold weather, keep in mind that low temperatures can freeze mechanical components.
 
Moderate: A lens that fails to deploy or retract could be a sign of a confused camera--especially if you experience other odd behavior such as error messages and focus problems. Try rebooting the camera. First, power down, remove the battery (you should also remove the secondary clock battery, if your camera has one), and wait a couple minutes. Then replace the battery and power back up. If the lens remains obstinate, check the vendor's Web site for updated firmware, which may help resolve the issue.
 
Dire: No luck yet? Listen for any clicks or whirs from the lens assembly when you power up the camera--these are signs that the unit is trying to move. A slight nudge or tug at this point may clear the blockage. Or try gently rocking the extended lens to help it find the groove. If these efforts fail, you may have to get the camera serviced.