If you bought a Sony RX100 Mark II or Mark III and the lens does not open and close properly, this is a quick fix that worked for me. My camera has some trouble after all this time, and maybe because it was dropped once or twice. The focus and zoom work fine. Only the lens movement needs a little help.
Opening the lens
Point the camera down and switch it on. Let the lens extend on its own. Opening it facing down worked every time for me. Opening it in other orientations was a disaster, so don’t try that on a camera you care about.
Closing the lens
While the lens retracts, press very slightly against it. Don’t push it in forcefully. A gentle tap is enough. Pointing the camera down worked for me. You can also hold it pointing up and press lightly, which is easy to do. The one thing that did not work for me was closing it top down, and I don’t know why.
Try other orientations
Your camera might have a different problem than mine. Try different orientations and see which one gives the lens the least trouble. Go slowly and don’t force anything.
Should you buy one in this condition?
I can’t recommend buying a camera with a stuck lens. If you already have one and want to keep using it, this is the way I do it. It is an old camera, but it still takes great pictures, and that is why I want to use it.
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