Cleaning the CCD sensor of a Panasonic Lumix Compact Digital Camera
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- Опубликовано: 10 авг 2011
- Please read the entire description before attempting this process!
Dust, hairs and pollen can easily get "sucked" into the lens as the camera initialises and the barrel extends. They manifest themselves as out of focus dark areas on the image and they do not change size or position as you zoom the camera lens.
In most instances any "sensor" specks of dirt actually occur from the dust settling on infra red filter which is before the CCD itself. To clean the IR filter and the CCD the camera back and inside plates have to be removed before you can gain access. This video shows you how to perform this operation, clean the IR and CCD and then re-assemble the camera.
Using a dust blower will generally remove the dust specs, however if the camera has been used in dust enviroments or in high air pollution such as cities then there is also a possibility of a "film" of contamination also on the surface of the IR filter. Using my technique of the cotton bud removes the film thus restoring any lack of contrast due to this film. If you IR filter comes out of the holder on re-installation put the IR filter into the small recess in the lens housing, then the small rubber boot with the widest part uppermost on the IR filter and then gently place the CCD block back on top of the boot and proceed to tighten it down as per video.
I make the statement that although this is a simple task, you undertake this at your own risk and I can accept no responsibility if you "brick" your camera by damaging the LCD ribbon cables, connector latches, the IR filter or the CCD itself.
Work carefully and arrange the case and other screws so that you know where to replace them.
As a precautionary measure against the unlikely event of electrostatic discharge (ESD) causing damage to the electronics of the camera whilst you are working on it it is advisable to wear a suitable wrist strap device available from most electronic spares stores. 
Хобби
Thank you for this. I was plagued by a large black spot and a grey boomerang-shaped shadow on every photograph. I could edit them out to some degree using a photo editor, but it was a huge pain of course. Your video is the best I've seen in terms of clarity and explanation, though unfortunately the model you used was slightly different to my Lumix DMC-TZ18 so I got stuck at the outset on removal of the back cover! Eventually I managed it, and then found the inside to be slightly different, especially with regard to removal of the ribbon cables. Anyway, with dogged persistent and improvisation I eventually got to the infra-red filter and found the offending little buggers and got them swept away. Almost as bad as the deconstruction was the matter of getting all those tiny tiny screws back in their holes! In conclusion, after watching your video twice, then two hours "hard labour" - accompanied by Play/Pause on a third play of your video - JOB DONE! Cheers.
Thank you Graham Houghton. This concise instruction video has saved me money and bought me time to consider an upgrade. I have a DMC-TZ7 which is almost 6 years old and my photos sufferered from grey blobs, especially noticeable with a plain background [ie blue sky] I wish I'd done this when it first appeared last year. The only nervous moment I had was when I switched on the camera after the procedure and my hopes sank when the screen did not light up. This happened about 3 times and I was worried I'd damaged the thin ribbon cable. I decided to apply a little more pressure to the connector as it looked as though I wasn't getting the connection fully 'home'. Thankfully this did the trick. Quick trial photos show no blobs but waiting a clear blue sky for confirmation. :-)
Suggestion: try a shooting white interior wall.
Hi. I was a senior engineer with Kodak and spent lots of hours repairing photographic printers and processors. Later I joined the training and technical support centre where I eventually became manager until 2001 when Kodak started to shed people in the UK and I decide to leave and take a new career path as IT manager/programmer. I retired in 2009 when the company closed manufacturing in the UK and moved to Tunisia I still enjoy electronics and making stuff in my garage workshop.
Tried this on a rainy day. It worked a treat and the smudge has gone. Thanks Graham.
Great video, many thanks. This saved my wife's camera!
I found it to be important to inspect the sensor etc. before reassembling the camera, using a bright light and a good magnifying glass to ensure that it really is clean.
[A 50mm or 35mm lens from an old SLR camera can be an excellent magnifying glass, but you may need to experiment with it first. Hint: With the lens aperture wide open, hold the back of the lens about 40mm from the object, and place your eye close to the front of the lens]
Excellent video Graham, very clear description. Thank you! I have a Panasonic FS18 - not quite the same but similar construction and I'm going to have a go at cleaning the sensor based on your instructions.
Thanks so much for this instruction video, Graham! I picked up an old Lumix FX150, and it's a great little digicam. Only problem, I was getting black spots on images. Drove me nuts trying to clean the lens, and realized it could be the CCD sensor, which led me to your page. I was a little hesitant to open up the cam and clean it myself. But I followed your instructions, and I was able to clear the dust! Now, images are clean and free of black spots. Much appreciated!
Thank you for posting such an informative and clear video. Big blobs on certain photos, especially sky on full zoom, meant the camera has been consigned to the bust gadgets drawer for a year.
I found your video and plucked up the courage to take my Panasonic DMC-Z3 apart to clean the dust from the infra red filter.
I found it hard to undo the cables from back case LCD but by being careful did not need to in the end. The other tricky bit was removing the thin back plate and then fitting it when reassembling.
After a careful 45 minutes work the camera now works a treat. No more blobs.
Thank you.
Best demonstration on you tube - thanks I've now got rid of the blotches on my pictures
I was ready to chuck my DMC-ZS5 with those dust & lint spots until I viewed your video, Graham. One of the most detailed, concise and clear do-it-yourself videos. My camera is now dust free. Many thanks.
Graham, thanks for this great video with easy to follow procedure. Today I opened my camera to remove a speck of dust from the inside of the camera and onto the sensor. I noticed a white dust particle on the filter right away and removed it. What was really not so simple, was the handling of the tiny screws and the reconnection of a narrow ribbon cable. But otherwise the procedure was very simple to follow. Now, I can create again dust-free photos with my camera. Thank you!
Absolutely brilliant, thank you! I had two LUMIX, both with dust on the sensor and today I was told in a shop they were not repairable, nor saleable! Thanks to you, I now have two excellent cameras back that I can sell with confidence. Thank you for your clear, intelligent instructions - you've made my day!
I previously paid £65 for my TZ20 to be cleaned. Two months later the same problem arose and we refuse to pay another £65 for a clean and purchased our first bridge Fuji. I came across this video, took apart and cleaned the CCD of the TZ20 today in 20 minutes and it's immaculate again. It's revived a camera we'd written off and saved countless £65's of the future. Thank you very much for taking the time to share your knowledge, Nadine
After trying to clean the lens on my TZ7 first using your other video, I used this video to clean the CCD which was actually the cause of the problem. Great video, and many thanks. I was toying with buying a new camera as marks on pictures were ruining them, but this has given it a new lease of life.
Hi Graham, I've had my ZX3 for well over 10 years, grey blobs started appearing on images after about a year and the store had it cleaned for free..very nice...9 months later more blobs again, this time it cost about 50 pounds, and a year later it happened again, so I put it aside and bought an LX7.. brilliant instrument...about a year ago bought a second hand Olympus mirrorless OM1 together with a couple of lenses...Unreal results but I still need a small camera in my pocket all the time, the LX is just a bit too big so I got out my ZX and the blobs were still there... then I found your article, so well explained...I am a technical guy and have all the small tools in my lab and today set about the clean-up job... It took about an hour because there were differences in models which I had it 'discover', but now I know, next time I reckon I can do it in 15 mins. The interesting part that nobody has ever explained, until you did, is the vacuum effect in firing up the camera which sucks in dirt... so obvious. Anyway a very big thank you.
Thank you very much Graham Houghton!
My camera fell as I tripped over a stone. Since then there was a big speck on every picture. The local camera shop could not do anything. I had not the slightest clue what to do. But yesterday I followed your clear instructions and it worked! It is all clean again. I am very happy! My forthcoming holiday will be so much the better for it. Thank you so much! Anneke
Hi Graham,
With a very prominent dust item showing in the centre of photos I followed your clear instructions today and subsequently checked a photo taken of the sky. The images are now clear and dust-free.
Although my FX60 had a slightly different method of removing the bottom and the small ribbon cable, the instructions provided enough guidance and confidence to step through the tasks, from start to finish.
Thanks for the video, you saved me either a high cost at a local camera shop or a replacement camera.
Thanks again.
Martin
I just bought a TZ7 second hand, and lo and behold after a few hours, I realised why it was put up for sale! But your dust removal technique has fixed it, you saved the day. Thanks for a great video demo Graham.
Thank you Graham for this terrific video! I took my TZ25 to a shop in Manchester yesterday to see if they could clean it as I had a piece of dust in the lens. I was told that it could cost up to £150 to carry out and in their opinion I was better scrapping the camera. I then found your video and followed it step by step. I immediately saw the piece of dust on the IR sensor as I opened the camera, and removed it with a cotton bud. The camera now works perfectly - crystal clear photos again!
Thanks for this, Graham Houghton.
Today I fixed some dust on my Canon Elph 330HS sensor by direct vacuum method - vacuum cleaner from the front of lens. I just put the front of the camera - lens fully extended - on the 2.5 inch vacuum port on the cleaner itself (no hose). Worked instantly!
But the point is - for the next time I really do have to open a point-and-shoot camera - your run-through here is informative and inspiring. Thank you!
I have to say I have never commented on anything before like this but the effect was not a blob more a line. I dropped my TZ10 and had a semi circular line across the top right corner of any photos I was taking. I though I might have cracked a lens. I watched your video through once then followed your instructions, particularly how to clean the sensor and the filter. I found what looked like a fine hair on the filter. It all worked after resetting the connections to the back of the camera a couple of times. It might be an old camera but it takes great pictures in good light so I am glad to have it working again. Thanks for taking the time to post...
Thanks Graham. I thought my camera was toast but the pictures are crystal sharp again. Excellent video, there was no way i would have attempted this on my one. You held my hand all the way!
Clear, concise, sensible, no - nonsense practical advice, well presented, not demeaning in any way, inspires confidence and ignites a 'have a go' frame of mind. Graham clearly enjoys sharing his lifetime accumulation of camera knowledge and maintenance tips, well done, mate, nice to see such quality video instruction, cheers, Paul (who is now going to see if he can solve his wife's DMC - TZ3 flickering monitor screen (looks like noise on vision) which sure sounds like a poor connection, and/or dust on CCD sensor to me!)
Great instruction video! I did clean the inside of my Panasonic DMC-TZ18, a slightly different camera, but over-all the instructions still were quite adequate. Now this most annoying dust speck is gone from my images. It really kept me from taking pictures, but now it all works perfectly well again! Wonderful job, many thanks to you! Keep up the good work. Regards, Adriaan
You are a lifesaver, Graham! This has happened to three of my Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 cameras. The first one was replaced by Panasonic (it was out of warranty, so I had to pay for the new one), and the second one was abandoned when I bought a used one from an independent seller on Amazon. When that one went bad, I was going to buy another brand of camera, but I was disappointed with the image quality of the Sony that I bought, so I returned it. That's when I discovered that this has happened to lots of other people too, and that's what led me to your video. I have now successfully repaired BOTH of my Panasonic cameras, so now I have a backup. Shame on Sony for not admitting to this problem and doing something about it, and thanks to you for helping me fix it, and I'm no techie! The only hard part was finding a Phillips head screwdriver that was small enough to fit the screws. (I finally found one as part of an eyeglass repair kit at Wal-Mart for $1.27.)
Thanks Greg for you feedback on this video. A lot of users have now successfully cleaned their cameras after watching this now.
Thanks to you I saved the expenses for a new camera and, althoug shaky, my experience has got me a new skill! Thank you!
I just spent £55 having dust removed from my TZ10, and just noticed another small spot, so your information is invaluable - very clearly comprehensively explained. I shall certainly be attempting this myself. Many thanks!
Hi there Graham, just wanted to say that I used your video to clean the CCD sensor for my wife's DMC-S3. Slightly different layout but otherwise very helpful video! I was able to get pretty much all of the dust off the sensor and she is very happy with the image now. Saved me a pretty penny in having to buy a new camera before our upcoming vacation. Thanks!
thank you, yet another success story, thanks for posting.
Thank you Graham for a top video. My TZ20 had about 8 blobs that I thought at first were on the outside of the lens. With the help of your video I managed to get to to the CCD without a problem, although there are a few small differences between the TZ10 and TZ20. The filter with gasket was stuck to the CCD so I didn't try to remove it it just cleaned the back of the filter and back of the lens with buds as per your video. Works perfect now without any blobs.
Thanks again.
My sincere thanks for taking the time and putting such a well thought out presentation on you tube Graham. Within 15 minutes I had my camera repaired and I could see flecks of dust and dirt on the filter when I removed it. My TZ 10 is back in the ring and the images are sharp and spot free again. Again sincere thanks and respect for your generosity Graham.
And here's a big "Thank you" from Germany :-)
I just rescued my mother-in-law's DMC-FX66 and cleaned some dust from the filter!
Just to follow on from my prior post. It turned out that after cleaning my IR filter I screwed down the sensor too much and cracked the filter(which explained the mark down the left hand side of image). Was beside myself trying to find a replacement filter. I got in contact with a uk company called ace camera repair and they had them in stock more over it was delivered next day! Camera up and running! Thanks Graham for your expertise!
Great tutorial Graham! It took my 20min to clean the lens of an DMC-TZ18 that looks almost the same. Cleaning it myself saved me 70EUR (so much it cost me in the previous case) Vielen Dank from Germany
I want to add my thanks for this video. After watching the complicated full lens teardowns, my camera sat on a shelf for years until I worked up the nerve to tackle it. Sure enough, my crunchies were where you said, on the filter. Had I not looked for a refresher and seen this I would have gone the Columbus route and buggered up the camera.
Now to tackle the FZ70 I dropped which prompted me to tackle the ZS5.
All the best from a happier Grouch.
It worked! Thank you, Graham. The tiny screws nearly drove me nuts, but I finally got it back together and now my DMC-ZS8 is dust free!
Thank you, Graham. Your video gave me the courage to attempt to clean the CCD sensor in my Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS6 camera. It had some kind of fibre and what appeared to be a yellow pollen grain behind the lens, ruining almost every shot, especially in low light situations. I modified the procedure you showed as follows:
I did not unplug any of the flex circuits. Instead, once the eight screws holding the back on were removed, I shifted the back with the LCD display to the side, being very gentle with the flex circuits, making sure not to crease them or exert undue pull on the connectors.
I didn't unplug the CCD sensor. Once the three screws holding it were removed, I gently bent the flex circuit upward with one hand, holding its edges with two fingers, while I fished the IR filter and its rubber grommet out of its recess with stainless steel tweezers.
I first used a lens brush, the camel hair type attached to a rubber bulb, to gently clean the face of the CCD sensor and both sides of the IR filter. I also brushed the exposed part of the lens element that was closest to the sensor, giving it puffs of air from the rubber bulb.
Since all the flex circuits were plugged in, I was able to insert the battery and power up the camera, extending the lens. Once the lens was extended, I removed the battery, leaving the lens frozen in the extended position. I then used a rubber-tip blowgun and low pressure air - around 10-15 psi (70-100 kPa) - to blow out the inside of the extended lens assembly and the surface of the CCD sensor.
Next, the camera was partially reassembled, installing the IR filter and rubber grommet (red-hued sided toward the sensor), the CCD sensor and the bright metal shield. I then placed the back on the camera, but DID NOT install the eight screws! The battery was re-inserted and with the back held in place by hand, I was able to power the camera up and verify that the sensor and lens were clean. Only then did I proceed with installing the eight screws that hold the back in place.
For others who wish to try this procedure, note that Panasonic uses an anaerobic thread locking compound, removable grade, on all exterior screw fasteners. It is pale blue in colour, so I'd guess it is Loctite 242, or equivalent. This means that considerable torque is needed to break them free and to remove them. Use a sharp #0 crosspoint screwdriver and press firmly into the screw head to keep it from camming out and damaging the screw or the camera finish. If the screws feel "gummy" when being reinstalled, that's probably good enough to prevent them from loosening on their own, but if any of them feel loose going in, I'd recommend putting a tiny drop of Loctite 242 thread locking compound on them with the tip of a jeweller's screwdriver before snugging them up. Also note that thread locking compound should NOT be used in the vicinity of the lens or CCD sensor, as the stuff out-gasses while curing and may cause a tenacious haze to form on the optics.
Great video. Panasonic told me that it wasn't worth the cost to repair my wife's DMC-FS15. But following your directions, with a couple of different connectors due to the different camera, and all is good and my wife is happy. Thanks for putting this tutorial together. Cheers!
Hi Graham Houghton and thank you for this video. I just came back from the Wacken Open Air festival, where the air was full of dust all the time. On the second day I got nasty spots and other unpleasant stuff on the pictures of my Panasonic DMC-FX37. I followed your step by step instructions for disassembling the camera and used a blower to get rid of the dust on the filter screen. I could see the dust easily and the blower removed everything in this case.
I'm so happy that the camera can be used again. :-)
Btw: there are fewer screws on the outside of the DMC-FX37 and one more on the plate inside, but the procedure is just the same. Thanx again!
thanks for posting up your success story, another to add to the hundreds now that have performed this with full success
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and expertise. I had the 'grey blob on blue sky' syndrome on my beloved TZ6 and its now gone. You sir have the steadiest hands Ive seen. Getting the tiny screws back into the sensor took me some time but I managed in the end. A tip for anyone attempting this job:do not have a very strong cup of coffee before you start.....
Hi Graham, I've just cleaned my wife's TZ19 using your instructions - Brilliant, worked like a dream (and i'm in her good books)
Many thanks for posting....
Hi Graham. I wish to thank you very much for this video. I had a dark spot in the picture of my Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ10. Following your instructions and removing some dust particles from the IR-filter solved the problem and me some expenses.
Thank you.
Thank you for posting this video. I was quoted over £100 for this process. After watching this video it gave me enough confidence to try and clean my DMC-TZ18 myself. Although my camera is not quite the same inside as the one shown there was enough clear information to get me through the process. My camera is now fully functional again. Thanks once again.
Thanks Graham.I've been following carefully your instructions for the second time these 2 last years. I'm kind of proud to have been able to clean my camera by my self (with your help...). I just indicate the my IR filter doesn't stay with its case. It didn't change the process. I just had to be more carefull. Thanks again and keep providing us with good advices. Some french guy.
Thank you for your effort posting this information video. I was quoted £120 to repair my Lumix TZ9, which I could not afford, so followed your sequence as a last hope and it worked! Fantastic. You are the man!!
I have had TZ18 for 17 months now and I absolutely love it . It takes marvellous pictures but it has been sent back for marks on the screen twice under guarantee and it has a mark on screen again and the guarantee has run out . You can imagine I was so fed up as it is my hobby and I have sold quite a few. I am so pleasd to say I have followed your video and I have cleaned it myself. I am a lady of 75 years and if I can do it anyone can. Thank you so much it was a great help.
Thanks Graham, it is the second time I had to clean the sensor for my camera and now for my wifes camera. Your instruction saved us a lot of money. Now we can enjoy taking pictures again. Kind regards. Frank
Thanks again Graham. Rather than a bad workman blames his tools. I went out and bought a good set of tweezers, an anti static camera brush and I already have a set of Lindy tools. My last plan is to buy a used camera with a different fault and swap the parts around. You have given me the confidence to take them apart.
Graham, thank you so much, your video was just the ticket for helping me resolve the dreaded black spot with confidence.
Hi Graham, just wanted to thank you for the gray tutorial. I was pretty annoyed as big specks of dust became visible on the pictures of my 4 year old Lumix DMC-TZ10. With the help of your tutorial I was able to remove them without any problems. I reassembled the camera into working condition. Thank you!
thanks for the response, well done.
Thank you SO much for this. I had 3 ugly bands of grey-lack on all my clear sky and water photos. I used this video to clean my DMC-ZS7 and it worked, removing most of the spots!. I still have two tiny ones which must be from the front of the lens (when I peek in thru the lens, I do see tiny specks of dust) which I am just going to ignore for now. With much gratitude..
Thank you Graham. I followed your guidance to the letter and now a camera which was destined for the bin is now working perfectly.
thank you for the response
Hi Mr. Houghton,
thank you so much for your video about clearing infra red filter on Panasonic camera. Your instructions are so clear, you can't miss a bit. I have now clear pictures, no stain. And when I was looking on Google, on how to do that, your video showed as the first suggestion.
Regards Zdravko Dunderovic
A really clear and concise demonstration of both your technical knowledge and your mechanical skills. So many people complicate things due to either wanting to seem superior or because of their own lack of understanding. The real expert knows exactly what he/she is doing and has the added gift of being comfortable enough to impart that knowledge in such a way as to make it non-threatening and worth having a go at. Thank you very much indeed. I will check out your other videos also. Brendan
Thanks for your video. I just finished cleaning dirt from the infrared filter on my ZR3. One of the friction connectors was a little different but with your video this was a very simple process. The infrared filter came off attached to the CCD but it was readily apparent that a speck of dirt on the filter was causing my problem. Thanks again.
thank you for providing the feedback
Thanks very much Graham for your excellent tutorial! We just used it and the camera is now free of sensor dirt and works perfectly.
Thank you for posting up your success, that's great.
Thanks Graham, I followed your instructions and cleaned my ZX3. All the black dots and hairs have gone from my images. Well pleased
Marvelous Video! Thanks to your help, I just managed to resurrect my Dad's beloved DMC-ZS7, which had a nasty piece of lint on the outside of the IR filter. I could actually see it once I split the camera and had a look at the filter! Anyhow, many thanks and greetings from a fellow Lumix enthusiast!
Excellent video, saved me an expensive repair. I hadn't realised (a) dust on the sensor was so common on these cameras and (b) it was so easy to fix. I had a speck that only appeared in the top right corner when zoomed in. When I checked the sensor there was a very obvious dust speck.
Thanks a lot for this video!
It worked great for my TZ18.
The ugly spots on the photos are gone!
Just a few dust grains on the CCD, easily removed!
Wow!
Cleaned the IR filter on my DMC-TZ8. Worked perfectly well.
TIP - on DMC-TZ8, two extra case screws need to be removed to remove the silver metal plate.
Very good tutorial. Saved me lots of money and time.
The IR filter would be there, it doesn't always come off - it's better that way - and its only the front which gets the blobs of dust/pollen etc. Glad you achieved a good result, and thanks for getting back. Its nice to know the process works for other cameras and people.
Hello Graham. Just followed this video to clean the IF filter on my TZ8 that was showing dust etc when I used the full zoom. Excellent, clear instructions. Many thanks indeed. Best wishes, nigel
I did this to my DMC ZX1 / ZR1, and the inside is exactly as the camera in this video, except for the sensors connector, which is a little higher to the right. the infrared filter remained fitted to the sensor unit in my case.Now the dust particles are gone. Thank you so much for this step by step tutorial. Happy Holidays.
My husband successfully cleaned the CCD sensor of my TZ7 following the video. It was a bit fiddly especially when the UV filter fell out of the gasket but he managed to put it all back together again and voila no more dust dots. Many thanks.
I followed your instruction and successfully cleaned my camera. Thanks a lot, Graham.
Thanks Graham! Great guide for the chronic do-it-yourselfer. Cleared up blotches. The IR filter was dusty as expected and it was my biggest problem. It fell out of the gasket and getting it the right way around and reassembled (as per your written instructions on the screen) was tricky. I may have gotten a bit of oil off my finger on it. I expect the filter can be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol if need be. I took the battery out of the camera before disassembly. Thanks for you help!
You just saved me the 50 euro the technician asked me this morning...
Even though my camera is slightly different from yours, I managed to clean it properly.
Thank you very much for your splendid tutorial, from Italy!
I lost the very first screw I took out - it jumped out and disappeared into the carpet - but after crawling about for a while I found it, and things went better from then on. I had a bit of difficulty getting the back plate off, because it was a different design from the one you had, but it did eventually pop off. Also, there was no separate little infrared filter, but I gave what I could a little wipe with a cotton bud, and now I'm delighted to say there are no black spots. Thank you very much!
Brilliant! You just saved me about $200 on a new camera. Opened up my DMC-ZR3 easily and it's practically brand-new after cleaning. The only difference appears to be that my camera either doesn't have an IR filter (??) or it's combined with the CCD. I had to open it twice to get one last stubborn piece of dust, but now it's beautiful. Thank you!
Thank you for your simple fix to a common problem with the Panasonic Lumix series of cameras. You saved me a lot of money. Well done!
Congratulations and well done for taking on such a challenge and for adding your name to the long list of people who have now done this and recovered their camera from useless to full functionality again. Thanks for taking the time to report back, really appreciated.
Thanks Graham. Excellent instructions; my husband was able to complete the job without a hitch. Before we found your video we were thinking of buying a new camera! much appreciated.
Worked straightforwardly for me on a TZ8. The only nervous moment was when the camera wouldn't restart- the main cable was not pushed fully home, so this was quickly remedied
Thanks Graham- you've saved me a lot of hassle
Thank you so much! Panasonic said to try to suck OUT the dust with a vacuum and it worked... somewhat. But a bit of dust remained. Your video stepped me step by step to clean the inner lens and sensor and it worked great. The most difficult part was reinserting the ribbon connector from the screen to the main body. Panasonic Lumix dmc-ZS9
Located 2 more screws on the inner back plate and from then on it was actually easier as didn't have to remove the ribbons. Camera now dust free. Thank you so much - wouldn't normally have the confidence to do this but your video was brilliant
Many thanks. Last time it cost me £60 sending away from a camera shop for 3 weeks - this time 20 minutes and fixed. Fantastic.
Outstanding tutorial and now my TZ10 is clear of any shadows - Many thanks for taking the time to record and post the video.
Thank you so much! I was in Vancouver and took some beautiful coastline photos only to discover there was a big, dark blob in the skyline. After using this, I was able to get rid of it. Unfortunately I still have some lint within the lens itself. But, it's very hard to see unless I zoom in all the way. Thanks again!
Thank you! Another successful story with this wonderful video tutorial. I was nervous at the beginning. and after opening the case, I thought this cleaning probably wouldn't help as I didn't see any dust in any of those components (so it might be the dust particles in the lens at the front that causes problem). I was excited to see the big piece of dust's gone from the picture when I put the camera back together. Thank you very much for giving me a new camera!
Many thanks, Graham. Worked perfectly for a TZ18 DMC. Only difference is that this camera has side covers which pop up easily after removing all cover screws.
Thanks for an excellent video. Even if one is too nervous to do the job oneself, it is useful to know that it is a ten minute job for the technician at a repair shop.
Thank you Graham for your very helpful Video.
I own a TZ7 camera, from the point 5:00 on it was almost the same procedure it went very fast not more then 15 min.
After cleaning I took a pic from a sheet of white paper, no dots anymore, thank you so much for your perfect explanation.
Graham, what a great video!
We didn't know where the dust was on the lens, so we complete removed it.
but after 15minutes we saw something on the CCD.
just cleaned it and the camera just works fine... we're very happy!!
Just cleaning the CCD is more simple than cleaning the other lenses, so start with this video.
thanks again Graham!!
Sandra & Jan
Thanks for giving me the courage to take my TZ8 apart, I'd thought I was going to end up having to buy another camera to be able to take photos without a giant black splotch on one side, delighted to save myself money and to have the courage next time to take something apart! Many thanks for the great video!
Well done, another happy viewer to add to the growing list, thank you for posting up your success.
I followed your comment and I don't think the ribbon cable was pushed in far enough. I adjusted it, and now it works! And the spots are GONE!! Thank you!
Thanks Graham. I have a different Lumix but it was close enough to let me know what to do! Sorted and now I have "clean" snaps!
Nick thanks for the feedback on your success, I think that makes it over 40 people who have now recovered their faulty camera by using this process, well done.
After I was successful at moving the spots I found that my closeup focus was terrible. Loosing the CCD screws half a turn each solved the problem. Then I did another quarter turn and found the closeup focus better than ever. I also needed to file the blades of the my cheap tiny screwdriver - they were too thck to fit into the screw slots. Excellant video!
thanks for your reply, it might help others too.
Great video.
I did this procedure in 10 minutes and used canned air to blow the dust off the sensor. It fixed the problem.
Thanks
Thanks Graham for a great and clear tutorial. I managed to clear three dust smudges from the IR filter from my TZ8. Only tricky part was re-inserting the ribbon cables without jeweller's tweezers. However managed to do this carefully with Dentist tweezers. Clear pictures from now on!
well done and thanks for the comment. - well on the way to 1/4 million views on this!
Worked well for me. Thank you very much Graham. One hint to others: Before removing the LCD back light cable, make careful note of which side is right side up, and re-install the same way. Otherwise, it is somewhat easy to re-install upside down- in which case the LCD screen will appear to be dead.
Thank you very much for this great tutorial! Yesterday I watched it and directly afterward I took my screwdriver and disassembled the Camera. It took only 10 minutes at all and now the pictures look "clean" again :-)
Hi Graham, thanks for this clear instructions, after 2 years waiting I finally cleaned my TZ8. And it worked!
Just finished having a go, followed your vid carefully and no problems. Camera sensor is now crud free and as works as good as new. Thanks once again.
I had a number of black marks appear when taking pictures with my TZ7. I didn't wan't to pay a huge cleaning bill., but I was reluctant to open the camera up until I saw this video. You explained the procedure really well. There is no back plate on the TZ7 and I could not release the IR filter, but I didn't need to as I was able to clean the CCD and remove the dirt. Thank you ever so much for your great tutorial!
Thanks very much. I've just done this on my DMC-SZ1. The screws inside were non standard star shape which required a bit of fiddling with the tip of a penknife, but all done. Saved me buying a new camera!
An excellent, precise step by step instructions that i've used several times over the years. Graham doesn't disappoint in his clear concise procedure. Do what he instructions and you'll be pleased with your cameras performance.
Simply great! it took just 10 minutes to get the camera back to a perfect working condition. Thank You.
Wow, Graham.
So very well done.
That is some mind boggling engineering.
Thank you so much.
Your video gave me confidence to fix a TZ10 (or TZ20) some years ago. I have had about five in the TZ series - presently TZ70. The last time I tried to open one of the later models I found complications and closed back up without fixing. It would be great to have an updated demonstration. Many thanks and best wishes