Lumix repair options?

Dan

Dan

Let's Sway
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Aug 31, 2005
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I have a Panasonic Lumix LX5 with a problem. The adjustment wheel on the back, in the upper right corner above where my thumb rests, needs attention. It is the way to make an adjustment to the f-stop and exposure compensation but the wheel has no effect on either of these. I'm tempted to spray a bit of contact cleaning solution and hope for a miracle, but I'd rather send it out for competent repair. Does anyone have a suggestion for such a person? Thanks.
 
I would spray contact cleaner in it and exercise the wheel. If that doesn’t fix it, buy another one.
 
I certainly wouldn't spray contact cleaner into it. Far too indiscriminate. Better to tease a very small amount in using a toothpick or driver tip. Tiny quantity applied several times over a few hours exercising in between is a better approach. Clean the camera externally first. Encouraging foreign matter on the outside of the body into the interior never improves matters. Remember: first, do no harm.
 
FWIW, why not buy an old Panasonic LX5 as a back up? They won't break the bank. I've one and the D-Lux 5, there's no noticeable difference and I hope having two will double the time I can use them. But continue to look for a tech who can deal with it.

Anyway, I'll wish you good luck with the search.

Regards, David
 
Saul said:
Thanks guys. I just don't like looking at it as a disposable camera!
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Well, I get that, but when a repair is going to be more expensive than replacing, does it make sense? and that's if anyone is still doing it. It is 12 years old.
 
jsrockit said:
Well, I get that, but when a repair is going to be more expensive than replacing, does it make sense? and that's if anyone is still doing it. It is 12 years old.
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Oddly, a Google search turns up a number of people who claim to be able to repair many, many old Panny cameras. That makes me cautious and I get the idea of buying another one because the repair will be more expensive. I'm just connected to this one (and an LX3 which I still use) for purely nostalgic reasons, the places it went and the honest wear it shows.
 
Sarcophilus Harrisii said:
I certainly wouldn't spray contact cleaner into it. Far too indiscriminate. Better to tease a very small amount in using a toothpick or driver tip. Tiny quantity applied several times over a few hours exercising in between is a better approach. Clean the camera externally first. Encouraging foreign matter on the outside of the body into the interior never improves matters. Remember: first, do no harm.
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Great tips, will do!
 
I'm in a similar boat, my LX7's lens barrel motor has crapped out and doesn't extend properly. So either I pay an indeterminate sum to get it repaired, or find a gently used one elsewhere for a likely equivalent or better price. And as I have spare batteries and the excellent clip-on EVF, getting another is a reasonable idea. As good as the LX10 is, I prefer the LX7 for its longer reach and wider end, not to mention the EVF.
 
Follow-up: As suggested, took a toothpick and worked some 91% Isopropyl into the slot where the wheel lives and rotated it back and forth. Did this process a number of times and it finally eventually worked! I can access the previously stuck settings. Don't know how long this will last, but a big thanks for everyone's input, especially Sarcophilus Harrisii.
 
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