Hi,

Even if the lens appears to extend correctly and only fails intermittently, it is quite possible that it does not make it to the correct sensor point periodically due to an obstruction like a grain of sand or residue build up. A lens position error will halt the camera process the error. Lens errors are a common problem. 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 new or fully charged batteries 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 older, 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 1

LENS FIX 2

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 the "do it yourself" approach doesn't work out for you and you need conventional repair suggestions, please let me know.

Note: Considering the age and present value of this camera, paying the cost of having it repaired , approximately £75 really depends on how attached to the camera you are. 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 Panasonic DMC-TZ3 can be purchased for about £32 - £62 and I've seen new ones for around £100.

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Thanks for the update.

If you have been using the same rechargeable battery, since you purchased the camera, the charge capacity has diminished. This is normal for rechargeables. (Life expectancy is 3-5 years) Any build up of residue in the lens mechanism along with normal wear over time makes it work harder. Moving the lens takes the most power and with older cameras it is frequently necessary to replace the original batteries. Batteries can solve this in 1 out of 2 of these failures.

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 you require additional information, please use the Reply to Expert Tab to contact me. Click the ratings only after our exchange is complete and you are satisfied.

If, and only if my answer to your question is helpful and you are Satisfied with it, please leave Positive Feedback. Thank you