8 month old tz5 doesn't want to focus any more. Camera says to switch off and then on again, but doesn't help. Anyone help..?

Here are troubleshooting steps for that issue:

Hi,

Checkout this tip about digital camera error messages


Lens Errorfix for Digital Camera

heatman101

I've seen this happen before; the camera button was pressed down halfway by the misaligned casing so as to constantly focus when in camera mode. The problem is that it also seemed draw power when not in camera mode.

The misalignment was so subtle, I could only see it after pressing the button all the way down after which it wouldn’t come back out again.

I just levered the part of the casing that was holding the button down (marked in red) and clipped it back when the button could come out again. When doing this, try to make sure that part of the casing doesn’t snag on the button again.

My TZ5 has developed exactly the same problem. I took it to DK Audio Services at Horley,Surrey,RH8 9GA. who repair cameras for Panasonic and was told by the receptionist that although the camera works with the flash off at present it will eventually pack up altogether. She suggested that when I get the quote I phone Panasonic on 08705 3577 357 to try and get them to pay for the repair, it seems it is a known problem! My camera is just over a year old!!

If you mention "ticking clock" sounds, then most probably something like a grain of sand fell into the cogs in the zoom mechanism (been taking pictures on a beach? ;). Dirt gets into the mechanism through the gaps between the zoom barrels and the camera body. One tiny grain of sand is enough to cause the lens mechanism to jam or malfunction.
Unfortunately, this is a problem with pretty much all compact zoom cameras. Usually there is not much you can do with this. First thing I try in cases like these is gently tapping the camera to shift whatever might be blocking the mechanism. If unsuccessul, then only way I know to fix this is completely stripping the lens to clean it or swapping the lens with one taken from another camera ("donors" available on ebay ;).
If you are not keen on tinkering with your camera I would suggest selling it on ebay - TZ5 with lens mechanism issues still fetch pretty good prices.

From repairman's point of view I can say that TZ5 / TZ3 (same lens design) are much better in in terms of "resisting dirt" than various other manufacturers. They are very well made and relatively easy to dismantle and fix. This is most probably the reason why even broken ones still sell quite well on ebay.

Of course, you might get unlucky with most robust piece of kit :(

Well, hope this helps.
Good luck with your TZ5.
Raf

I have the same issue with my 3 month old Lumix DMC FS15 plus it won't focus and gives the error message to "turn camera off and then on" This doesn't fix it.

Bottom line fix: Don't buy this camera again and don't recommend other buy it.

I had a TZ1 and the rotary switch started bouncing between the regular exposure and the iA exposure. so I went to Costco and bought a new TZ5 (which is obsolete now). Technology changes so fast with cameras, trying to repair a 1 2 or 3 year old camera is not worth the aggravation. Just go buy a new camera at the store of your choice. I suggest Best Buy, Staples, Office Depot or Costco, choose a store with a no squabble return policy. Just like an old relationship, move on to newer and better things! Life is to short to fool around with things that don't work.

Sorrie no!

Same problem. At least for now, I solved problem, or at least camera is working again, by putting mode dial in "normal" (not A1) and holding down menu and down button (macro button) while turning camera on. Hope it works for you and continues to work for me.

Hi I had exactly that problem and in frustration left it in the cupboard for 2 months and then it worked again perfectly, but the same problem has reappeared, I have had a quote from Fuji in Singapore s$246 for new lens and it is only 2.2years old! Can sympathize and would think twice about buying another or even fixing it.