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Question

Lens extension issue

by Oct 22, 2014 6:28PM PDT

Have the Panasonic DMC FS3. Has worked for years but now I find that, when turning on, the lens apparatus that normally extends itself now goes out, in twice then the display shows the message Please turn camera off, then on again. The rings that extend is most likely to be stuck.

Looking for the wisest way to clear the friction and not destroy the camera. Guidance sought

Discussion is locked

3 Posts
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Clarification Request
Optios
by mnewsome Oct 26, 2014 9:18AM PDT

Much thanks for your informed opinion. I did charge the battery and it still cannot extend to its full length. It is most likely finished but I simply do not understand how this lens could have been knocked out of alignment. Do not know if this will do any good but I am considering the following:

- Continue to power on/off and hopefully free what might be between the lens rings
- Get a fine instrument between the lens doors and the lens to pull it. door breakage is possible
- Apply vaseline between inner/outer ring to possibly free any restrictions

Could still use your expertise to rank these possible solutions. I await your reply

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Options
by snapshot2 Forum moderator Oct 27, 2014 12:10AM PDT

The second one sounds risky.
I was thinking, just grasp the lens housing as it is extending and gently pull.

Vaseline doesn't sound good.

If you had the camera at the beach you could have gotten a grain of sand in the lens housing,

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Answer
Panasonic FS3
by Forum moderator Oct 23, 2014 12:32AM PDT

This type of problem is usually caused by a weak battery or a bent lens housing.
It is not locking in the extended position.

Your camera is old enough that the battery may have reached its end of life.
Replacing the battery is the only way to find out.
If you have not charged the battery lately - try that first.

If the camera was dropped while the lens was extended, can bend the lens housing.
If so, that would call for replacing the lens assembly.
You can try helping the lens to extend, so that it can fully extend and lock in place
Gently !
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