Camera turns "on", can read menus, etc, but, there is no image on LCD screen?

SOURCE: Camera turns on, but LCD screen is black

I had this problem with an old camera of my brothers (he got a new one because he believed it to have become a dud). I fixed it a few hours ago, it was a CCD Flex problem (this here is an example of a CCD Flex which I found via google images: http://irfu.cea.fr/Sap/Phys/Sap/Activites/Projets/Megacam/Electronic/images/FlexPlie.jpg). Its a relatively nice camera to open up, this Panasonic Lumix, and it is well made except for the terrible malfunction of the camera because of this CCD Flex.
If you're confident of fixing it (I'd had no real experience fixing cameras before, though have much experience fixing computers and a little circuiting experience) then open it all up, you have to get the front casing off to make it easiest to fix so you must find all the screws to unscrew (including the ones attaching the zoomy-lens-thing to the front casing, hidden under the main circuit board). Then find what is connecting the zoomy-lens-thing to the circuit board (there should be two CCD Flex things (see above for a picture) and they were both orange on mine. I found that the problem was with one of them, the one that has plastic over it. I replaced the double-sided tape on the plastic with new double-sided tape, and took out the black thing holding the CCD Flex into the circuit board and then put the black thing back in whilst putting the CCD Flex back in, pushed it as far as it would go, then put the plastic back onto the circuit board via the double sided tape.
It sounds confusing when you read it, but thats because you haven't seen the inside of this camera yet ;) It'll make perfect sense when you do, and you'll be thinking that you're a hero for fixing this after you've done it. It took me 2 hours roughly, which included getting stuck a few times putting it back together, and finding the problem in the first place. Then I felt all tingly, like I was granted a mass amount of luck, once I turned the thing on and it was a picture straight away.
IF, however, it appears to be the other CCD Flex thats the problem, you should push it in properly, its a much nicer version than the one I had to tamper with.

Ohh, to start off with, you should check that the simple fix written on here actually works (its not really a fix, but a painkiller..) of pushing the bottom of the lens upwards. For me I pushed the lens up and left slightly, and it would come up with picture, or at least flicker a lot (it was a little temperamental), so I decided to fix it properly. If it doesn't flicker at least a little bit when you're fiddling with the lens, then you've probably got a different problem.
The end.

SOURCE: Panasonic Lumix camera, DMC FS5

I had same problem. I just got the camera working again. Not sure how it exactly happened but while I had it on and it was zooming in and out, I changed the mode and tried to take a pic. It would ask me to turn off and on again which I would do quickly and change the mode to something else like "portrait" or "landscape", etc. and try to take a pic. After a few times it stopped and focused on something. So not very scientific but doing that must have kicked it in the head or something.

SOURCE: My camera was dropped. The LCD screen is black

The screen is fully damaged. You will have to get it replaced. Prior to that click a few snaps and transfer them to yous PC and check whether all the images are sharp and do not show any problem. Cause the service centre might try to get more money from you saying a different problem was found. If the images are fine. dont forget to mention the same to the service centre people.

SOURCE: Panasonic Lumix DMC -FH20 lens

Hello

Thank you for using FIXYA!!!

This is a suggestion. If you do not feel comfortable trying it, you will need to take the unit to your nearest service centre. Feel free to let me know if you need any assistance.

The problem might be that the lens has become stuck in the barrel. There are some DIY solutions you could try, but the probability is that you will have to get it fixed by a professional.

Use these at own risk as it may further damage the camera.

Firstly , try connecting your ac adapter or usb cable.

Try holding the shutter button while switching on the camera.

Look at the lens , and if some of the lens 'circles' is misaligned or not concentric then try wiggling it (while holding camera lens down).

Try gently pushing or pulling the lens when it extends but this is risky as it may cause the lens barrel to slip out of its guidance system.

Another way to do this is to place the camera lens down on a hard surface and then power it up. Be sure to use a soft cloth or something similar as to not scratch your lens or casing. Let the lens push the camera up and down a few times and sometimes the little resistance provided by the camera is enough to get things going again.

Try hitting your camera near the lens on the body with the soft tissue on the palm of your hand.

Other than that , I would take the camera to a repair centre for a evaluation to see if it would cost more to repair than to replace the camera.

If it is still under warranty I would suggest you take it in before trying any of these steps and remove any off-brand batteries or accessories as some stores are really fussy about warranty repairs on camera's with non-brand accessories.

You can also have a look at THIS link.

Hope the advise is useful. please do not hesitate to let me know if you need any further assistance. Also, please be so kind to let me know if you found this helpful.

Regards
Andrea

SOURCE: my new panasonic lumixDMC-ZS8 14.1MP Digital camera gives me system error (zoom) when I turn it on.the lens will not open?

The systems control board has detected a fault wth the lens, over time dirt and grime collect in the len causing havoc, the other concern is the gears have jammed or got damaged, either way it is a major dis-assembly and it will be expensive.

Testimonial: "Thank you ..the camera has been returned to the panasonic centre for review.. it is only 3 month old.. just suddenly locked."