Repair A Panasonic Lumix ZS6, ZS7, TZ9 and TZ10 

That's awesome Jim. Great job on the repair. I'm glad the video helped you out!

That is awesome Norma! I'm really glad the video helped you out.

+Norma PP How easy was this, im about to attempt the same thing as my screen has cracked...

That's great! I'm glad the video helped you out.

EdJ That's great! I'm glad the video helped you out Edj!

Hi Jim. My ZS10 goes everywhere with me when I'm out hiking, fishing or hunting. Like you say, it is a great little camera and I love mine. I'm glad the video was helpful to you and I'm sure you will have your camera back to 100% in no time at all. Thanks very much for the feedback Jim.

Thank you!

+Linda2778 Hey that's great Linda! I'm glad the videos helped you guys out and you're camera is taking clean pictures again! -Bob

If you decide to replace the LCD yourself just give me a shout if you have any questions at all. -Bob

Hey, thanks for the feedback Peter. I'm glad the video helped out and also that you were able to get your ZS7 going. You know, it's funny that I've tried a couple of #000 and #0000 screwdrivers from a couple of different sets and neither seem to fit the screws. That's good to know that you found some that work. I'll definitely check them out. Thanks!

Great job on getting the LCD display replaced. And thanks very much for your feedback!

You're welcome James! I'm glad the video helped you out.

Hey, thanks very much James!

Thanks Rudy, I'm glad you were able to get your ZS6 working again!

Hey that's great brass427. I'm glad you were able to get your camera up and running again. And I'm glad the video helped you out.

You're welcome ion1017! I'm glad the video helped you out.

@@Thebobfactor bro can you help fix mine. The pictures keep coming out bright even when the exposure is at -2.

@@unlimitediq1894 That one is super hard to trouble shoot from here. It could be the main board or it could be a problem with the aperture in the lens unit. Sorry I can't be more help.

@@Thebobfactor can I send it to you to fix? This thing really means a lot to me.

@@unlimitediq1894 Sorry but I'm not able to take on any repair jobs at all. Just out of curiosity though, which camera model is it?

That's awesome Dietmar. Congratulations on the repair!

That is awesome unreeal21! I'm glad the video was helpful to you and that you were able to fix your camera. Great job!!

Great job! I'm glad you were able to clean your ZS7. Thanks for the feedback!!

You're welcome Angela! I'm glad you were able to replace your display screen.

Thank you.

Yes, Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) screw heads do look a lot like a Phillips. They generally have a small raised dot on the on the top to identify them. I haven't run into any on the cameras that I have worked on. But since a JIS will work on a Phillips head screw (but not visa-versa) it would be good to have a set of JIS tips handy just in case. That could be the ticket to getting that suborn Phillips head screw out. I had no clue they used them on motorbikes at all. That's interesting. It must be for a higher torque on them or something, since a Phillips head is designed to cam out before it can over tighten the screw. Thanks for the info Empty One! I'll check out that kit too.

The 00 size JIS seems a lot better fit on my TZ65 than a Philips, so I'm convinced that's what the little screws are ;) I also forgot to thank you for giving me the courage to open mine up to have a successful attempt to fix the zoom switch as it was intermittently zooming out instead of in.

You're welcome mooinglamb! I'm glad the video helped out. -Bob

Outstanding D r Jezz!! I'm glad you were able to repair it.

Thank you!

You're sure welcome 8gii. I'm glad the video helped out.

DustyCustard That's great! I'm glad it helped.

You're welcome Florent! I hope your camera is working fine now.

Robert Hosea It is !!!!!

Thanks for the feedback Gyppor! I'm glad you like the video.

You're welcome!

Hi David. I just checked out your "Diving The Wrecks In The Keys" video. Holy smokes very impressive. A great video in both what you do as a scuba diver, and also in recording the video itself. In regards to the noise you are hearing, I did hear something "different" right at the 6:00 minute mark. Is that the noise that you are talking about? There are only a few things inside the camera lens that could make an audible sound. One being the main zoom motor, the focus motor, the shutter control and the image stabilization. I'm not familiar with working on the ZS30, but I"m guessing that it may something to do with the image stabilization. If it's similar to earlier models, the image stabilization is just a set of coils that magnetically float and maneuver a small lens. I don't know of any way to turn it off though, or why it would make noise only part of the time. Sorry I can't be of more help. I will do a little research on it. If I come up with anything I'll let you know. -Bob

Hi Jim. Sorry about that. I know that I kind of went over that part pretty fast in the video and I didn't really explain it at all. The part of the video that shows reconnecting the two flat ribbon cables, which you've probably already seen, is 15 minutes and 56 seconds in. To reattach the two flat ribbon cables you will need to lay them flat in front of the connector and then slide them in. I found that I can slide them in easier when I have latex gloves on. But you could also use the eraser on a pencil if you you are unable to do it with your finger. You will need to make sure that the black tab is up before trying to slide the ribbon in though. Once the ribbon is in all the way then flip the black tab back down. I have had problems with the smaller flat ribbon cable when I don't have it completely straight in the connector. When that happens the LCD display will not come on. All you will have to do is to put a little pressure on it to straighten it out in the connector while the black tab is still down. Let me know if this helps you out Jim or if you run into any problems. -Bob

Thank you Yves!

Barry, thank you for your response to my video. Good luck on repairing your TZ2 and I look forward to seeing your video on repairing the Canon lens!

Hi, my camera suddenly started giving me huge areas of purple underneath anywhere where the sky is over a certain brightness. I guess it's a photo sensor problem. Now do I replace the whole lens unit or which part is best to try? I've done some googling around trying to find a fix for this and so far - no dice!

Oh, it's a TZ10, by the way.

Hi Rab. I really doubt that you will find just the connectors to replace. Plus, it might be pretty tough replacing them even if you did. You will most likely need to replace the main circuit board. I did look on ebay, but couldn't find anyone currently selling a main board for a TZ10 though. But, that can change daily. When looking for parts for you camera you can also use parts from a TZ9, which is exactly the same as your TZ10, but without the GPS. Another one that you can use for some parts is a ZS7, which is just the North American version of your TZ10. The difference between the two is the video output, which is NTSC for the ZS7 and PAL for your TZ10. So because of that, a main circuit board from a ZS7 won't work for you. But all of the other parts like the LCD, back light, lens, etc., will work on your TZ10. Sorry I can't be more help Rab. Good luck with it!

halfpint2312 I have never repaired a TZ3, and I currently don't have one that I can check out. But, after looking around I did find a repair manual for it on-line that does show how to tear it down and it also shows the location of the small battery. The manual also states that the battery "is a critical component". But I'm pretty sure you already knew that after two cameras!! :-) Here is the link for the manual: www.manualslib.com/manual/118070/Panasonic-Dmc-Tz3eb.html?page=7#manual Page #7 shows the battery location and page #23 is the beginning of the disassembly. Please let me know how you make out on this halfpint2312. -Bob

No, there is a difference with a ZS8. I do have a video that shows tearing down a ZS8 far enough to clean the CCD though. Here's a link to it: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-pRhD0Yc9BH0.html I hope this helps you out.

Hi. I'm unable to find a replacement LCD screen for the Leica V-Lux 20 either. I really doubt that the LCD screen from a TZ10 will work on it.

Hi Colin, Here's a brand new one that's listed on Ebay for $69.95. It also includes the backlight and touchscreen which is nice, because you won't have to bother swapping them out. It's also listed as being shipped from the U.S. and not China. -Bob www.ebay.com/itm/For-Panasonic-DMC-TZ40-DMC-ZS30-GK-LCD-Display-Screen-with-Touch-Backlight-New-/331419666138?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d2a26c6da

Hi Rab. For Lumix camera parts, many times I will buy broken cameras, or cameras listed as "not working, for parts only", on eBay. I have also purchased parts from vendors on eBay that sell new and used Lumix parts. Just curious though; are the black connectors that you're talking about the connectors on the circuit board that the flat ribbons go into? If it is, and the little black tab that flips up and down to lock the ribbon in place came off, then you can put it back on. I have had to do that a few times. It just takes a magnifying lens to see all of the little pins that the black tab goes over. And, in regard the LCD display screen, there are two parts to it that have flat ribbons connected to them. The larger flat ribbon controls the display unit itself, and the smaller ribbon is connected to the back light for illuminating the LCD display. The back light is a separate piece that is just snapped onto the back of LDC display unit. So, if the LCD display that you are looking at purchasing only has a large flat ribbon, then it doesn't have the back light connected to it. But, you can certainly use the back light from your original LCD display on the new one if you want. It's easy to take off and put back on. Please let me know if you have any other questions and how you make out on this. Good luck with it Rab.

Hi stinger1956! I did a search to see if I could find any videos or information regarding repairing a DMC-FZ28, but I was only able to find one video that shows replacing the LDC screen. I couldn't find anything regarding the CCD or lens unit. Unfortunately I'm unfamiliar with that camera and I don't think I can help you at all. My "guess" about the spots is the same as yours, and I believe it is something on the lens and not the CCD. I'm sorry I can't help you out on this. -Bob

Hi Nash, I'm glad you like the video. Thank you! I recorded the video with a Lumix ZS7. Then I put it together with a program called Power Director. It's a great little program for stuff like this. -Bob

Hi Jim. I was just looking at a ZS10's LCD screen that I have here, and I don't see a rear black screen. I think possibly we're talking about two different parts. The back of the actual LCD screen (on mine at least) is covered by a silver metal panel. Is this the part you are referring to? Or possibly the plastic frame around the entire LCD assembly?

Hey thanks Ron. I'm glad you like the video. I've never purchased parts directly from Panasonic. I usually try to find broken cameras on Ebay to use for parts.

Rosemarie, I don't believe the ribbon will connect properly if the bar isn't on there. But, if we're lucky and it is making a good connection, there is one other thing that you could check. The small ribbon that goes to the LCD display sometimes appears to be connected properly even with the small bar is in the locked position, but the display still doesn't work. This happened to me many times. What I found that happens is that the ribbon is just slightly at an angle in the connector. All I've had to do is to unlock the bar, then straighten the ribbon just a little bit, and then re-lock the bar again. There have been times when the ribbon looks straight but it still wasn't making a good connection. I've never had that problem with the bigger ribbons, just the small one. Let me know if that helps at all.

You're sure welcome wildkatoz. I'm glad the video was helpful to you.

Check the smaller of the two flat ribbon cables. I've had the black screen problem before, and it was always that the small cable was at just a slight angle in the connector and not straight. That cable is for the back light circuit of the LCD screen. Not sure why that would effect the communication with your computer via the USB cable though..

Yes, it is the same as a ZS6, TZ9 and TZ10.

+Tracy Rose Hi Tracy. Sorry for the delay in responding. I don't think it will be easy to replace the zoom control itself that is on the circuit board on the bottom side of the top control module. But, it should be easy to use some contact cleaning spray on it. Just remove the two small screws on the circuit board and remove the circuit board by pushing the plastic locking tabs back. You'll have access to the zoom control. If cleaning the zoom control doesn't help, then you will probably need to replace the entire top control module. Let me know how you make out on this. - Bob

Hi Edward. If I understand you correctly, then you cannot get the camera into the mode for taking pictures and it will only display the pictures you've already taken? If that's right, then my first thought would simply be the slide switch itself is defective or out of place. That's the small plastic switch that changes from viewing pictures on the card to actually taking pictures. I show removing that specific switch at time index 4:27 in this video. Let me know what you find on that Edward. - Bob

Robert Hosea Thanks Robert. I did a more thorough examination and here's what's happening: When the power is turned on and in camera mode (not picture viewing mode), then the lens opens and the camera then begins to stutter. It's like it is trying to focus, but never does. It keeps doing this until I power off, then the lens stays in the extended position when off. If I turn it on and off with the right timing, I can get the camera to retract the lens before shutting down. Does this sound like the main computer board is bad? Or could it likely be a poor ribbon connection somewhere inside? Again, thank you for posting the helpful video and your interest in helping others.

Edward L Hakala Edward, I would bet that it's the focus motor assembly. That seems to be pretty common with this lens. I have another video called "How To Repair & Clean A Panasonic Lumix ZS & TZ Model Leica Lens Units" that shows how to disassemble this lens, It doesn't actually show how to remove the focus motor, but it's pretty easy to do. At time index 13:29 of that video (not this one) you can see the motor near my left thumb. There is only one screw holding the motor in. Remove the motor slowly because the focus lens assembly that the motor controls is spring loaded. What you will need to check for is to see that the small plastic tab that runs up and down on the threaded motor shaft is free. If it's stuck, or it turns hard, then you may need to put a small amount of lubrication on the shaft and turn it a little until it frees up and moves easily.When you put the motor back in be sure that the edge of the white tab is put in the grove of the plastic housing that it rides next to. Let me know what you find and how you make out on this Edward. Good luck!

Hi Robin. The only other possibility that comes to mind is if the small flat ribbon cable, which supplies power to the back light, is upside down. On the small flat cable, the shiny gold colored contacts should be facing down when it's in the connector. This is just the opposite of the large cable where the shiny contacts will be facing up in the connector. Double check that Robin and then let me know what you find.

Robert Hosea Hi Robert Thanks for your advice. I have double checked that and the shiny contacts are facing down. I have had them in and out many times now. I have tried scouring the surface of the contacts to improve the connectivity, but no joy. I have also taken the lens out and put it together to reconnect the ribbon connections behind the metal shield. Any other ideas will be welcomed.

Robin I'll keep working on it Robin. If I come up with anything I'll certainly let you know.

Terence, I would guess that it's probably the focus motor, which is on the lens unit, and it's either bad or stuck. The focus motor is the small motor inside the lens unit that has a long threaded shaft with a white plastic tab on it and also a small plastic unit that holds a lens. Both of these run up and down the threads on the shaft as the motor turns. A lot of times the motor itself is fine, but the white plastic tab gets stuck. I don't show removing the focus motor in the video, but it's easy to do. There is one screw on the motor to remove and the entire unit will come out. The plastic unit that holds the lens is spring loaded, so remove it slowly. Check to see if the white plastic tab is stuck. If you can loosen it and it seems fine then you may want to add a very small amount of lubrication to it before you put it back in, to help it operate properly. I have been getting a lot of inquiries regarding this problem so I will be making a video on how to remove and repair the focus motor in the near future. Good luck in repairing it Terence and let me know how you make out with it. -Bob

Thanks I'm up and running now. these are good little cameras.

Hey, that's great Terence! Good job!

You're welcome Miltos.