my DMC-TZ5 often refuses to take the picture,instead reads "please turn camera off then on again".Even then it may just refuse once more. This seems connected to flash/exposure needs.
Hi,
Lens errors are a common problem. Because it cannot not make it to the correct sensor point which tells the camera to move to the next step, (resulting in the error displayed) probably due to an obstruction like a grain of sand or residue build up. A lens position error will halt the camera process the error. Dirt can get into the gears or the lens can become misaligned from being carried in pockets, purses or at the beach. The two suggestions below may resolve the issue.Make sure your Camera has a fully charged battery and it is in recording mode.Try compressed air. With a fine tip can of dry compressed air (not a blow dryer) set the tip between the lens turret and the camera body and turn on the air while moving the tip around the lens. It should remove all dust and sand. Turn the camera on and it should function fine. If not, you can try the fixes below. With newer cameras I am usually hesitant to suggest these options since they include some more extreme procedures that may cause further damage if not done correctly, but since your camera is out of warranty, they may save you an expensive repair bill. The links below give step by step DIY instructions on troubleshooting and attempting to fix this problem. The lens structure of these compact cameras is the same so the examples do apply to this unit. These procedures are effective about 60% of the time. Click on or copy and paste the links into your browser. LENS FIX 1LENS FIX 2
If the "do it yourself" approach doesn't work out for you and you need conventional repair recommendations please let me know.
Note: While it is possible to have your camera repaired, it is a toss up as to if it is cost effective for you. Considering the age and present value of this camera, paying the cost of having it repaired , approximately $105 is really not cost effective. The standard "rule of thumb" is if the repair cost is greater than 50% of the value of the camera, it is not worth it. A good used or refurbished DMC-TZ5 can be purchased for as low as $55 - $95 and a brand new one (with warranty) for as low as $135
Please keep in mind that my diagnosis & solutions provided are directly dependent on the accuracy of your description of the problem. As with any "do it yourself" fixes, success is a "team effort", since I can't see or touch the camera, and relies on the customer's manual dexterity and ability to follow the instructions well.
If, and only if my answer to your question is helpful and you are Satisfied with it, please leave Positive Feedback. Thank you
Russ I read all the various approaches to what seems like problems associated with the lens being restricted by something or out of alignment,however my problem as I mentioned seems related to exposure,as the camera will take a picture outside or with bright light,but not indoors.
Unless the image sensor is beginning to fail, which is possible, but I do not think is the case, the symptoms that you described indicates that the lens has the issue. The shutter will not operate correctly if the position is off. The travel sensor point is critical and that will shut the camera down with a "turn off/turn on" error, where a bad image sensor normally will not. When the error occurs, is the zoom function in use?
no. The camera has been well taken care of and the lens sounds and seems to work perfectly.
Last questions:Have you reset the camera to the default settings?Are you still using the original rechargeable battery that came with the camera?
No on the default reset. As far as batteries,since new we've been alternating 2 batteries.So yes,they are as old as the camera (2 1/2-3 yrs.)
Generally battery life expectancy, at full charge capacity, is 3-4 years + so power should not be the issue.Definitely try the reset using the menu shown below
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No luck Russ. I've reset to no avail. Have I got ya stumped? This camera won't play nice!
No problem admitting when I am, and this one is odd. I can "opt out", releasing your question. Maybe someone else has a better Idea.
I don't know what" opt out" means here but anyone else is welcome to help me with a fix.Thanks for trying Russ.
You are welcome and no problem. "opt out" just releases your question back into the pool of experts.
I suspect from the sound of it that the flash-supporting circuitry is drawing too much power or has a power-wasting issue. Your camera will require repair if so. Given that it is a Panasonic Lumix camera of US manufacture or marketing, this is the contact information you would need to pursue that option:http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/RequestCenter?storeId=15001&catalogId=11017(Whether repair is a really good option depends somewhat upon the age of your camera [+ personal factors] - if over about 5 or 6 years, it is less likely to be economical to have it repaired as opposed to replaced... but the decision is of course ultimately yours.)