internal cleaning: I have a Lumix DCM-TZ20, and it's been treated nice. However, now there is contamination inside the camera. Q: is the contamination in the lens or on the array Q:...

LarryScott

I have a Lumix DCM-TZ20, and it's been treated nice. However, now there is contamination inside the camera.

Q: is the contamination in the lens or on the array
Q: and how can I correct the problem?

I don't know if I can safely open it up or not. It's upsetting given the cost of the camera and that it was treated well. I have a Lumix that I bought in 2006 and beat it to death, but it never showed internal contamination.

Larry

note huge chunk of dirt

Clicker2014 Loc: Canada

I would pretty much guess it is the is on the sensor/array (?) Only because of how it shows up on your pictures. I am not a pro photographer, but get this often due to changing my lenses, etc. So have to clean the sensor myself. Once I got brave and talked to a few photographers and watched the process I got the liquid cleaner and swabs and went for it. You can Google sensor cleaning, etc. and come up with all sorts of help. But here is a link that may help you understand what has happened and what to do about it....Hope this helps. Wish you luck with it! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nmwt0frZns

LarryScott wrote:

I have a Lumix DCM-TZ20, and it's been treated nice. However, now there is contamination inside the camera.

Q: is the contamination in the lens or on the array
Q: and how can I correct the problem?

I don't know if I can safely open it up or not. It's upsetting given the cost of the camera and that it was treated well. I have a Lumix that I bought in 2006 and beat it to death, but it never showed internal contamination.

Larry

twowindsbear

Take the lens off and have a look. Check the rear element of the lens as well as the sensor. Something that big should be obvious & fairly easy to remove.

Good luck

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

twowindsbear wrote:

Take the lens off and have a look. Check the rear element of the lens as well as the sensor. Something that big should be obvious & fairly easy to remove.

Good luck

I would start with the lens off and with the lens opening pointed down, use a squeeze bulb to give it a few puffs of air to dislodge the offending item. Then re-shoot to check if you were successful. Other cleaning may be needed-- but I always start with the easier, less intrusive option.

Don't use canned air.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Geeezzze! Come onguys!
It's a compact camera!
Take the lens off?
The lens does not come off! (at least not by the user)
Send it in or call a few places for an estimate.

tainkc Loc: Kansas City

GoofyNewfie wrote:

Geeezzze! Come onguys!
It's a compact camera!
Take the lens off?
The lens does not come off! (at least not by the user)
Send it in or call a few places for an estimate.

I love it! I was wondering when some one would chime in about this. Laughed my ass off.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

tainkc wrote:

GoofyNewfie wrote:

Geeezzze! Come onguys!
It's a compact camera!
Take the lens off?
The lens does not come off! (at least not by the user)
Send it in or call a few places for an estimate.

I love it! I was wondering when some one would chime in about this. Laughed my ass off.

Glad someone enjoyed it!
They were just trying to help.

:thumbup:

jmdusty Loc: greater DaytonOh. area

Thats why I carry my " Leatherman ", who knows.

Dusty

mcveed Loc: Kelowna, British Columbia (between trips)

Take it to a trusted camera shop. They will have to open up the body and clean the sensor. Or send it back to where you bought it for warrantee repair.