8 month old tz5 doesn't want to focus any more.

Hi!
It sounds like the focus is stuck. Could be sand, dirt or something like that. I repaired a TZ5 with this problem a couple of days ago. You should contact your local Panasonic service center or other local camera service center. This is a hardware problem, not software, so I'm afraid changing setting and stuff like that won't help.

I hope this helps!

Tom

I had the same problem. I was ready to give up and go buy another Lumix DMC-TZ5. I love this camera! My lens wouldn't open more than about 1/8", would try three times and then the viewing screen said to turn it off and then on again. Tried that many times ...nothing. Then I decided to help it a little and gently pulled the lens out with my fingernails each time that it tried to extend. Suddenly it let go and came all the way out. Must have been a tiny bit of dirt or sand in the zoom mechanism. That's the enemy of all camera's with automatic zoom and telescopic mechanisms. It's working fine now. Back in my dust and dirt proof case it goes!