Repair Stuck Lens on Panasonic FZ5

Step 11 Test and Refix Housing

At this point, you may want to test the camera before screwing the housing back together. Not ok? Better go back and check some stuff. All ok? Great!

Now, you should have six posi screws and an allen bolt left. Notice that there are two types of posi screw with different threads. I have marked which types of screw go in which holes on the images of the housing below.

Finally, screw in the allen bolt under the flash unit and...

Comments

[GraGra]

You deserve a medal or something very nice for helping others with this excellent piece of work. My camera is now working again except for the viewfinder. Thanks again.

[GraGra]

Even my viewfinder worked when I had another look and found I had not plugged the circuit ribbon into the socket.

[anorthosite]

Everything works again ! The DISassembly photos were also helpful in getting everything fit/plugged in/screwed back together.

One of the external screws (by the strap cleat) stripped during disassembly and I had to drill the head off. But the other five and the allen bolt cinched the entire seam together.

The bad news: I had been checking out an FZ28 on sale (higher MP, resolution, zoom, and also wider angle) but now it's harder for me to rationalize buying it.
Still, I'll be going to Alaska in July, and this FZ5 IS 3-plus years old..... ;^}

In any case, REALLY COOL to 1) visit the guts of this camera and 2) actually fix - or "mechanically reboot" - it !

Thanks a bunch !

[ericmei]

I was able to get my FZ8 working thanks to these instructions and others comments. At first my LCD didn't work, but I tried reattaching the ribbon cable and everything was working just fine! I've also really impressed some of my friends and family.

[Nachimir]

Excellent to hear. I hope they make cameras with a similar form factor for a long time :)

[docpsy]

It was great to find such an elaborate effort in helping others. I was able to fix the camera on my first try. Thank you very much. Great Job!

[joaopaiva]

Fantastic instructions! I did it! I had to do it twice to find a trasnlucid sand grain in the motor cog. After using the "net" for so many years, this was one of the most valuable sites I found. Thank Thanks Thanks! Happy 2008

[anthonym]

Thanks for the help. im resonable with these thing but could not have done it without help the camera would have ended up in the bin