System Error message

SOURCE: 'Turn camera off and turn back on' message

TRY DROPPING THE CAMERA -- YOU HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE!

I was heartbroken to learn that my Lumix DMC-TZ1, which I purchased 2-3 years ago, had died -- right during my daughter's dance recital, for seemingly no reason. Tonight I was surfing the web researching replacement cameras (many brands), and I realize that I feel like there is no real "history" on the camera that's any worse than any other camera on the market, including the Canon Powershots, which are all the rage right now. So I started researching on the Fixit site other cameras for possible problems.

What I found is that all the cameras have funky messages (Sony and Canon included!) that result when he camera has been dropped or the lense has somehow been altered. So I read all the different "solutions" and then came up with my own:

I decided that the lense needed to be un-jammed. At this point, if the camera was useless to me, I might as well take a chance and try to unjam it. So I did!

I held the camera about 3-4 inches from a table top. Then I simulated a "drop" (without the case) that was gentle enough that it wouldn't smash the LCD but that would maybe make the lense unjam. (Note: I couldn't SEE any problem with the lense; this was just a hypothesis I couldn't go wrong trying.)

Each time I put the camera on, tried to modify the zoom (a function which normally makes me get the error message forcing me to turn the camera off), and then got the message. BUT the 3rd or 4th time: TA DAH! NO MESSAGE! INSTEAD, A SHOCKER: I WAS ABLE TO MODIFY THE ZOOM! AND THEN I TOOK A PICTURE! AND VIDEO!!!!

So my camera is back! And I also have discovered that the flash problem I had started to have previously has now seemed to have gone away also.

My advice is to just TRY! You have nothing to lose: try "dropping it" back into shape! I know it sounds crazy -- but I just saved at least $200 by doing this!

Mama Maria in Burke VA

SOURCE: Panasoni LX3 : system error zoom

Hello

The problem is 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 center 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.

Regards
Andrea

SOURCE: System error: zoom message with Panasonic Lumix FS15 camera

I had the same problem, i switched the camera on in capture mode and zoomed in and applied a little pressure to the lens which made a slight click but retracted and has worked fine since. I may of just been lucky but the camera is fully functional again, could be worth a try.