When I turn the camera on in either record or review mode, I get a system error: zoom message after a few seconds, and the camera is inoperable. Then when I turn the camera off, the lens does not retract.
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.
My problem with this camera was similar exept I couldn't get the lens to come out. But I fixed it by doing the following and I would say it will work in either scenario. Once you get the lense to come out (in my case it took multiple power cycles while tapping on the side of the camera). take some WD-40 lubricant an carefully apply some to the telescoping parts (Don't get any on the lense). why the lube around the cylinders of the retratable parts then power cycle a couple times. After a few passes wipe off any excess lube and your good to go. The problem is caused by sand/dirt getting in the small crevices and causing friction. The WD-40 lubes and cleans the cylinders. Good luck and happy picture takiing
I had the system error (zoom) message on my Panasonic DMC FS15 witht he lense stuck out... applying pressure (as described above) and some gentle twisting seems to have eased it and the camera is working again - hooray! Didn't have to resort to WD40 but will have it on standby...
hey James, thank you so much, it WORKED!!! You just saved me a lot of money...
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Hi, I had the same problem with my FS15 and I used W5 Carcare Universal
Silicone Oil which I bought in LIDL. I sprayed a little on the telescope then turned it on and of a few times and it is working fine. I think the Silicone is better than WD40 but that is just my choice.
Hugh81
I am so glad that I found these comments. My camera started bringing up "system error (zoom)" and it was completely inoperable. I used mineral oil on a Q-tip and swiped it around the telescoping parts of the lens, being very careful to stay away from the actual lens. I turned the camera on and off a few times so the oil could work it's way into the parts, and it fixed the problem. I don't know if it will be a long term solution, but I can at least download my pictures to my computer now!
I just posted the above comment but forgot to mention that my camera is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 model.
thanks for your comments, I got a same problem as my son threw the camera accidently... I cleaned the edge of the lens with cotton and pressed gently few times, it made a click sound and is back to normal...phew, got lucky :-)
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I have this problem too. Was there a way to fix it???
My wife had exactly the same problem with her lens not retracting and the error message on the screen.
I tried the 1st fix ie pushing the lens in manually - It clicked and retracted but the error message was still there and the lens would only come out half way.
So I tried putting WD40 around the body of the lens and after 2 or 3 goes the lens came out fully and all sytems were go again. The error message also disappeared from the screen.
Good old WD40
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hey, I've also got this problem with exactly the same camera. Did you manage to find a fix?
Hi, I had the same problem but I used W5 carcare universal Silicone oil which I bought in LIDL
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