When attempting to activate the camera after it has been unused for a week or two, the lens cover refuses to open. It takes sometimes 6/10 attempts before it suddenly begins functioning correctly. The lens cap itself appears to be entirely free and not "sticky"

Trevor Cass, August 2005

the cover is operated by a small motor it could be if you got near sand or grit some could have got into this motor gear box which ever way the camera would have to go to a repair shop for repair you only want a small grain and it will cause this to happen.
i am a camera technician and seen a few of these and in one case it has been a faulty motor which needed replacing

mike smith, September 2005