screens turns black whenever lens extends, hence no image

Camera turns on but does not take pictures. Everything works except taking pictures. Screen works for displaying various functions, but turns black the moment lens extends and opens. Pressing silver button does nothing. I simply cannot see any images through the lens on my screen. Nor does shutter within lens mechanism click. Could it still be a lens problem? Or some other other electrical part that will not let my screen light up for taking a picture? Your insight is appreciated. I love this camera and it is full of wonderful images of international travel that I as yet haven’t downloaded. One other question, Is worth it for me to put it back together so I can view my beautiful dead camera at its funeral?