Expert: John Oliverio - 8/23/2009

Question
I have a Fuji finepix 3800 digital camera. When turning the camera on the green light indicating power is on comes on but immediately goes off and camera will not work. I have purchased new batteries and fully charged them and it makes no difference; the light stays on only a few seconds. No corrosion on the contacts and have cleaned with alcohol and clean cloth. Camera manual is not helpful. Thank you for your help.

Answer
Kathy,

The symptom you describe most often shows up when the gears or helical that allows the lens to move are damaged.  These parts are usually made from nylon or plastic and are easily damaged.  The most common cause of damage is if the camera gets turned on while it is in its case....  the lens pushes against the case and ruins the gears.  

Repair of the lens is usually more than the camera is worth so I would suggest replacement.  

John