Aaargh. There is a splodge in my lense!

[BTJustice]

I was using my camera last week at Whitlees windfarm and noticed a dark mark when on full zoom but put it down to a dirty lense.

I have now thoroughly cleaned the outside of the lense and the bugger is still there, you can see it on the left of this picture;



Its looking like it is inside the camera (Panasonic Lumix TZ7) so I am looking for any possible solutions or advice on where to get it fixed?

Thank you for any help,

Dave.

[Lucky Poet]

Looks hella like stoor on the sensor, aye. I'd be guessing someplace that is capable of fixing lenses might be able to give it a bash, so to speak. Or a pal with a cleanroom and some wee screwdrivers

Is it outside warranty? I suppose complaining to the manufacturer might work if not, but you'd possibly be looking at prices getting close to making a new camera seem like the better option, I fear.

[BTJustice]

I did a wee bit of googling and it seems to be a common fault with panasonics and other cameras with the super zooms, the dust gets between the sections of the zoom.

I have read a few reports of people getting them fixed out of warranty by panasonic but their nearest service centre is in Ashby de-la-zouch (sp?) and the cost of postage then repair if they choose not to mend it.

Found this place in Glasgow that might be worth taking it to;

http://www.ajjohnstone.co.uk/

Will see what happens.

Dave.

[Boxer6]

I did a wee bit of googling and it seems to be a common fault with panasonics and other cameras with the super zooms, the dust gets between the sections of the zoom.

I have read a few reports of people getting them fixed out of warranty by panasonic but their nearest service centre is in Ashby de-la-zouch (sp?) and the cost of postage then repair if they choose not to mend it.

Found this place in Glasgow that might be worth taking it to;

http://www.ajjohnstone.co.uk/

Will see what happens.

Dave.

I used them a few years ago for my old F65 Nikon. They did a good job, but took a loooonng time to do it!

[BTJustice]

I have spent the evening reading various reports and threads and general opinion is that dust on the lense will have no effect on the picture but dust on the sensor will.

I also watched a how to video on you tube and I have ordered a blower brush to try cleaning the sensor myself.

Wish me luck, I will post results once I have tackled the job.

Dave.