KODAK Z730?

Sounds as though the lens has jumped a few teeth on the gear.

"turned the camera off so that the lens can go back in and it only goes in halfway and then shuts itself off"

this camera has a single motor that extends the lens and also adjusts a sensor that tells the camera how far extended the lens is (for focus purposes). If it jumps a few teeth on the gear it will think the lens is closed while it is still extended.

I strongly suggest not forcing the lens as you can strip the plastic gear (which could have already happened

"When i leave the lens where it is and turn on the camera you can tell the lens is jammed and trying to move but can't so then the camera shuts itself off")

I couldn't tell you if it were fixable or not without personally taking it apart, If you know someone with experience taking laptops, cell phones and other tiny complex electronics apart and actually getting them together again, I would take it to them.

If you want to try yourself start by taking all the screws out (make sure to remember which one goes where as they are different)
The back part of the camera will come off attached with a ribbon cable which you have to slide the plastic connector to release.

next remove the picture taking button by prying it up (it will pop off)
then there are two screws holding the insides to the front camera body, one is hidden on the far right and the other is hidden in a deep hole in the center (you may have to remove the lcd to get to this one)

after the front body is removed you can remove the lens from the rest of the camera (held on by two screws one of which was removed w/ the lcd, and attached with many small ribbon cables.

I suggest taking the small electric motor loose from the lens and inspecting to see any stripped gears, if none than it jumped a gear,

to adjust the lens to the correct spot you will have to remove the black screws on the back of it allowing you to twist/pull back and remove the lens so you can adjust the gears correctly.

The parts are very small and delicate so be careful to not lose anything.

Replacement parts for this camera are non-existent
(i had to buy a broken one off ebay to fix my wife's)

duceolsen
February 2009