My DSC-W50 hadn't been switched on for about 4months. Last time it was used it was fine. I switched it on last weekend and the word 'ACCESS' came up on the screen. The lense pulses in and out 3 or 4 times then it tells you to swith it off and back on again. Do this and the same thing happens. 3 different camera shops have said it needs to go back to Sony and it may cost more to fix than it is worth.

I've tried it without the memory card and its the same. Nothing in the instuction book mentions this fault. The playback side of things works fine. Help.

Jim S., June 2008

I just found an alternative idea - to bang the camera gently on the table - and it worked! Apparently the lens can't fully extend, so banging or pulling it must knock something back into line - or something. Try it.

Richard May, July 2008

I have the same problem and posted a similar question. On other sites I have seen the suggestion of pulling gently on the lens as it opens and closes but it didn't work for me - sounds like a joke actually.

Richard May, July 2008