Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 Lens Won´t Open

This is a common problem with TZ3s. Power the camera on, then puff a little graphite onto the lens cover and coax it open with a tooth pic. Do this, powering the camera on/off till lens opens normally. Add little more graphite if necessary, but sparingly.

Graphite is used because it is extremely slippery, but will not attract dust like an oil will. At the same time, it is black! so you don't want to use anymore than absolutely necessary make lens work. Even then, check to be sure lens itself is clean after, and wipe carefully with an Eyeglass lens cloth only if necessary.

Another option in to remove the lens cover altogether by just pulling the leafs out of the camera. Another option is to sell your working but lens cover problem to a repairman on ebay, and buy a good TZ3 or TZ5 on ebay used, refurbished or new. Good prices if you bide your time.

Don't put in your best bid to the very last minute of the auction. In the mean time, put a camera you are interested in on your MyEbay Watch list and set a reminder alarm on your cell phone about 5 minutes before the auction is to close, then if the price is still good, enter your best bid 30 seconds before the end of the auction. Refresh the auction page on your PC to keep track of the bidding right up to the last 30 minutes so you can see the last remain bid and if it is worth outbidding on this camera. Again, if you are not in a hurry and bide your time, you can get a great buy. There are plenty of these cameras sold every day.