Cleaning the CCD sensor of a Panasonic Lumix Compact Digital Camera

[@GrahamHoughton12]

Hi. I was a senior engineer with Kodak and spent lots of hours repairing photographic printers and processors. Later I joined the training and technical support centre where I eventually became manager until 2001 when Kodak started to shed people in the UK and I decide to leave and take a new career path as IT manager/programmer. I retired in 2009 when the company closed manufacturing in the UK and moved to Tunisia I still enjoy electronics and making stuff in my garage workshop.

[@nadinesclan]

I previously paid £65 for my TZ20 to be cleaned. Two months later the same problem arose and we refuse to pay another £65 for a clean and purchased our first bridge Fuji. I came across this video, took apart and cleaned the CCD of the TZ20 today in 20 minutes and it's immaculate again. It's revived a camera we'd written off and saved countless £65's of the future. Thank you very much for taking the time to share your knowledge, Nadine

[@PepeTRFC]

Thank you Graham Houghton. This concise instruction video has saved me money and bought me time to consider an upgrade. I have a DMC-TZ7 which is almost 6 years old and my photos sufferered from grey blobs, especially noticeable with a plain background [ie blue sky] I wish I'd done this when it first appeared last year. The only nervous moment I had was when I switched on the camera after the procedure and my hopes sank when the screen did not light up. This happened about 3 times and I was worried I'd damaged the thin ribbon cable. I decided to apply a little more pressure to the connector as it looked as though I wasn't getting the connection fully 'home'. Thankfully this did the trick. Quick trial photos show no blobs but waiting a clear blue sky for confirmation. :-)

[@setitupbetter8087]

Suggestion: try a shooting white interior wall.

[@lilianmarshall9581]

I have had TZ18 for 17 months now and I absolutely love it . It takes marvellous pictures but it has been sent back for marks on the screen twice under guarantee and it has a mark on screen again and the guarantee has run out . You can imagine I was so fed up as it is my hobby and I have sold quite a few. I am so pleasd to say I have followed your video and I have cleaned it myself. I am a lady of 75 years and if I can do it anyone can. Thank you so much it was a great help.

[@Skeptician]

Great video, many thanks. This saved my wife's camera! I found it to be important to inspect the sensor etc. before reassembling the camera, using a bright light and a good magnifying glass to ensure that it really is clean. [A 50mm or 35mm lens from an old SLR camera can be an excellent magnifying glass, but you may need to experiment with it first. Hint: With the lens aperture wide open, hold the back of the lens about 40mm from the object, and place your eye close to the front of the lens]

[@gregc8670]

You are a lifesaver, Graham! This has happened to three of my Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 cameras. The first one was replaced by Panasonic (it was out of warranty, so I had to pay for the new one), and the second one was abandoned when I bought a used one from an independent seller on Amazon. When that one went bad, I was going to buy another brand of camera, but I was disappointed with the image quality of the Sony that I bought, so I returned it. That's when I discovered that this has happened to lots of other people too, and that's what led me to your video. I have now successfully repaired BOTH of my Panasonic cameras, so now I have a backup. Shame on Sony for not admitting to this problem and doing something about it, and thanks to you for helping me fix it, and I'm no techie! The only hard part was finding a Phillips head screwdriver that was small enough to fit the screws. (I finally found one as part of an eyeglass repair kit at Wal-Mart for $1.27.)

[@GrahamHoughton12]

Thanks Greg for you feedback on this video. A lot of users have now successfully cleaned their cameras after watching this now.

[@LionelBeck_Riverman]

Thank you for this. I was plagued by a large black spot and a grey boomerang-shaped shadow on every photograph. I could edit them out to some degree using a photo editor, but it was a huge pain of course. Your video is the best I've seen in terms of clarity and explanation, though unfortunately the model you used was slightly different to my Lumix DMC-TZ18 so I got stuck at the outset on removal of the back cover! Eventually I managed it, and then found the inside to be slightly different, especially with regard to removal of the ribbon cables. Anyway, with dogged persistent and improvisation I eventually got to the infra-red filter and found the offending little buggers and got them swept away. Almost as bad as the deconstruction was the matter of getting all those tiny tiny screws back in their holes! In conclusion, after watching your video twice, then two hours "hard labour" - accompanied by Play/Pause on a third play of your video - JOB DONE! Cheers.

[@frankwestphal2883]

Thanks Graham, it is the second time I had to clean the sensor for my camera and now for my wifes camera. Your instruction saved us a lot of money. Now we can enjoy taking pictures again. Kind regards. Frank

[@Sprangleweed]

Excellent video Graham, very clear description. Thank you! I have a Panasonic FS18 - not quite the same but similar construction and I'm going to have a go at cleaning the sensor based on your instructions.

[@GrahamHoughton12]

Nick thanks for the feedback on your success, I think that makes it over 40 people who have now recovered their faulty camera by using this process, well done.

[@craigwatson2892]

Best demonstration on you tube - thanks I've now got rid of the blotches on my pictures

[@TheRosbod]

Absolutely brilliant, thank you! I had two LUMIX, both with dust on the sensor and today I was told in a shop they were not repairable, nor saleable! Thanks to you, I now have two excellent cameras back that I can sell with confidence. Thank you for your clear, intelligent instructions - you've made my day!

[@Phytomancer]

Thanks much for the clear instructions. Going in I thought that it wouldn't work, since I suspected that the dust was within the layers of the lens. My 1 yr warranty had expired just a few days before these dust particles started wrecking my photos, and Panasonic repair stated minimum of $172 USD. Well, I went through this fairly easy process outlined in video, and It worked!!! Thanks again, Isaac

[@GrahamHoughton12]

Well done Anne, you were right to investigate further for the reason the plate would not come out. You must be very pleased that you have accomplished such a task!

[@samsamsung1151]

Thanks again Graham. Rather than a bad workman blames his tools. I went out and bought a good set of tweezers, an anti static camera brush and I already have a set of Lindy tools. My last plan is to buy a used camera with a different fault and swap the parts around. You have given me the confidence to take them apart.

[@stuartsmolkin123]

Worked well for me. Thank you very much Graham. One hint to others: Before removing the LCD back light cable, make careful note of which side is right side up, and re-install the same way. Otherwise, it is somewhat easy to re-install upside down- in which case the LCD screen will appear to be dead.

[@GrahamHoughton12]

The IR filter would be there, it doesn't always come off - it's better that way - and its only the front which gets the blobs of dust/pollen etc. Glad you achieved a good result, and thanks for getting back. Its nice to know the process works for other cameras and people.

[@janegillman3242]

Thanks Graham. Excellent instructions; my husband was able to complete the job without a hitch. Before we found your video we were thinking of buying a new camera! much appreciated.

[@GrahamHoughton12]

Thanks Tim for the reply and adding yourself to the very long list of users who have successfully cleaned their sensors using this video. Appreciate the time taken by you to respond to the video.

[@culixoshea]

I just spent £55 having dust removed from my TZ10, and just noticed another small spot, so your information is invaluable - very clearly comprehensively explained. I shall certainly be attempting this myself. Many thanks!

[@petergh]

Excellent video, saved me an expensive repair. I hadn't realised (a) dust on the sensor was so common on these cameras and (b) it was so easy to fix. I had a speck that only appeared in the top right corner when zoomed in. When I checked the sensor there was a very obvious dust speck.

[@joelholland9713]

Great video. Panasonic told me that it wasn't worth the cost to repair my wife's DMC-FS15. But following your directions, with a couple of different connectors due to the different camera, and all is good and my wife is happy. Thanks for putting this tutorial together. Cheers!

[@GrahamHoughton12]

Thanks very much for the posting of your success, glad the video was helpful, thanks for watching and commenting, appreciated.

[@sind5505]

I did this to my DMC ZX1 / ZR1, and the inside is exactly as the camera in this video, except for the sensors connector, which is a little higher to the right. the infrared filter remained fitted to the sensor unit in my case.Now the dust particles are gone. Thank you so much for this step by step tutorial. Happy Holidays.

[@sapan83]

Cleaned the IR filter on my DMC-TZ8. Worked perfectly well. TIP - on DMC-TZ8, two extra case screws need to be removed to remove the silver metal plate. Very good tutorial. Saved me lots of money and time.

[@colivigan]

It worked! Thank you, Graham. The tiny screws nearly drove me nuts, but I finally got it back together and now my DMC-ZS8 is dust free!

[@oconnpk]

I was ready to chuck my DMC-ZS5 with those dust & lint spots until I viewed your video, Graham. One of the most detailed, concise and clear do-it-yourself videos. My camera is now dust free. Many thanks.

[@doonie]

I lost the very first screw I took out - it jumped out and disappeared into the carpet - but after crawling about for a while I found it, and things went better from then on. I had a bit of difficulty getting the back plate off, because it was a different design from the one you had, but it did eventually pop off. Also, there was no separate little infrared filter, but I gave what I could a little wipe with a cotton bud, and now I'm delighted to say there are no black spots. Thank you very much!

[@lindalooker1983]

My husband successfully cleaned the CCD sensor of my TZ7 following the video. It was a bit fiddly especially when the UV filter fell out of the gasket but he managed to put it all back together again and voila no more dust dots. Many thanks.

[@loskioskbears]

I had a fine hair in the corner of the picture and some blobs of dust in my Panasonic TZ10. I followed your instructions precisely and it cleaned it beautifully. One small hint - if you accidentally touch the infra-red filter with a finger it is easy to leave a fingerprint mark on it (which I did!). The solution was put to put a small drop of lens cleaner liquid onto a cotton bud and give it a gentle wipe, then leave it for a few minutes to dry - it sorted out the problem nicely.

[@afekhar2002]

A really clear and concise demonstration of both your technical knowledge and your mechanical skills. So many people complicate things due to either wanting to seem superior or because of their own lack of understanding. The real expert knows exactly what he/she is doing and has the added gift of being comfortable enough to impart that knowledge in such a way as to make it non-threatening and worth having a go at. Thank you very much indeed. I will check out your other videos also. Brendan

[@GrahamHoughton12]

Thanks very much for the comment, glad you was able to clean your camera and return it to full working order.

[@GrahamHoughton12]

Really appreciate you posting up this response. I'm glad so many people are now 'repairing' their own cameras by following the general pattern of the process. Well done and thank you.

[@stevebellis2269]

I just bought a TZ7 second hand, and lo and behold after a few hours, I realised why it was put up for sale! But your dust removal technique has fixed it, you saved the day. Thanks for a great video demo Graham.

[@GrahamHoughton12]

Well done, another success story to add to the growing number of people who have managed this now.

[@GrahamHoughton12]

Thanks for getting back after attempting the clean of the sensor, glad it worked for you. It is surprising just how much dust can be "sucked" into the camera body as the lens extends.

[@GrahamHoughton12]

Thanks very much for posting your success, adding to the long list of people who have successfully completed this repair.

[@EK1603]

Brilliant! You just saved me about $200 on a new camera. Opened up my DMC-ZR3 easily and it's practically brand-new after cleaning. The only difference appears to be that my camera either doesn't have an IR filter (??) or it's combined with the CCD. I had to open it twice to get one last stubborn piece of dust, but now it's beautiful. Thank you!

[@GrahamHoughton12]

A lot of people have now added their name to the long list of successful cleanings now, so take your time and please post again when you have done it!

[@GrahamHoughton12]

Congratulations and well done for taking on such a challenge and for adding your name to the long list of people who have now done this and recovered their camera from useless to full functionality again. Thanks for taking the time to report back, really appreciated.

[@steveguttman1349]

What a great video! It was clear and easy to follow. Having previously chucked a ZS-5 because of sensor dirt, I was dismayed that I might have to toss my ZS-7 (with GPS). Lo and behold, I found Mr Houghton's video. It saved the day. Thanks!

[@misczz]

Thank you! Another successful story with this wonderful video tutorial. I was nervous at the beginning. and after opening the case, I thought this cleaning probably wouldn't help as I didn't see any dust in any of those components (so it might be the dust particles in the lens at the front that causes problem). I was excited to see the big piece of dust's gone from the picture when I put the camera back together. Thank you very much for giving me a new camera!

[@annelunt214]

Located 2 more screws on the inner back plate and from then on it was actually easier as didn't have to remove the ribbons. Camera now dust free. Thank you so much - wouldn't normally have the confidence to do this but your video was brilliant

[@magyarsteve]

I had a number of black marks appear when taking pictures with my TZ7. I didn't wan't to pay a huge cleaning bill., but I was reluctant to open the camera up until I saw this video. You explained the procedure really well. There is no back plate on the TZ7 and I could not release the IR filter, but I didn't need to as I was able to clean the CCD and remove the dirt. Thank you ever so much for your great tutorial!

[@ellabayforever]

My sincere thanks for taking the time and putting such a well thought out presentation on you tube Graham. Within 15 minutes I had my camera repaired and I could see flecks of dust and dirt on the filter when I removed it. My TZ 10 is back in the ring and the images are sharp and spot free again. Again sincere thanks and respect for your generosity Graham.

[@GrahamHoughton12]

It's very, very difficult to get one from panasonic. the only likely source now is to look in boot sales or ebay for broken cameras - most of the compact cameras up to the TZ10 have the same IR filter anyway. Thanks for your comment and glad you're working again

[@JimDerry1]

Thank you so much! Panasonic said to try to suck OUT the dust with a vacuum and it worked... somewhat. But a bit of dust remained. Your video stepped me step by step to clean the inner lens and sensor and it worked great. The most difficult part was reinserting the ribbon connector from the screen to the main body. Panasonic Lumix dmc-ZS9

[@markyenriquez]

Thanks so much for this instruction video, Graham! I picked up an old Lumix FX150, and it's a great little digicam. Only problem, I was getting black spots on images. Drove me nuts trying to clean the lens, and realized it could be the CCD sensor, which led me to your page. I was a little hesitant to open up the cam and clean it myself. But I followed your instructions, and I was able to clear the dust! Now, images are clean and free of black spots. Much appreciated!

[@GrahamHoughton12]

Thanks for the comment and adding yourself to the long list of users who have successfully cleaned their cameras. really appreciated.

[@GrahamHoughton12]

Thank you, another winner in this list of successful users who have cleared their sensor of dust, well done

[@deeschaffer2520]

I am really excited to try this. I have been living in Italy for a year with my Lumix DMC-ZS8. I love this camera, but I have stopped taking pictures other than with my phone because I had to use an editing program to salvalge any pictures I wanted to keep. I am encouraged that I will have my beloved camera back as soon as I assemble a few tools. Thank you so much, and I will update later.

[@johnm5394]

Worked straightforwardly for me on a TZ8. The only nervous moment was when the camera wouldn't restart- the main cable was not pushed fully home, so this was quickly remedied Thanks Graham- you've saved me a lot of hassle

[@nickunick]

Brilliant! They say 'you don't get courage before the battle', but this video gave me the confidence to go for it. My Lumix FX-60 had a dust speck in the lower left corner, which made 50% of my photos unusable. I found that the display power cable had a slightly different connector which resisted my gentle persuasion to release the cable, but it turned out that this could remain happily attached while I cleaned the IR filter and rear lens surface, so not really a problem. Thank you again.

[@GrahamHoughton12]

Thanks for the feedback. Essentially all the Panasonic compacts have a similar method of mounting the CCD to the lens block. It's just a matter of carefully dis-assembling the camera to gain assess to the CCD. Providing you don'y rush, or be too heavy handed on the ribbon cable latches it is a method that will pay dividends if you are plagued with the dust on the surface of the IR filter or rear focus element. Well done and thanks again.

[@MartinandWendyVideos]

Hi Graham, With a very prominent dust item showing in the centre of photos I followed your clear instructions today and subsequently checked a photo taken of the sky. The images are now clear and dust-free. Although my FX60 had a slightly different method of removing the bottom and the small ribbon cable, the instructions provided enough guidance and confidence to step through the tasks, from start to finish. Thanks for the video, you saved me either a high cost at a local camera shop or a replacement camera. Thanks again. Martin

[@johnpye8813]

Tried this on a rainy day. It worked a treat and the smudge has gone. Thanks Graham.

[@MichaelWSpohn]

And here's a big "Thank you" from Germany :-) I just rescued my mother-in-law's DMC-FX66 and cleaned some dust from the filter!

[@GrahamHoughton12]

Thank you, now over 100 people have had success with the procedure. Well done.

[@GrahamHoughton12]

@mrmot Fantastic, great improvisation with the scalpel. You are right just have a positive mind set and give it a go. Thanks for commenting.

[@rawinstal01]

Thank you for your effort posting this information video. I was quoted £120 to repair my Lumix TZ9, which I could not afford, so followed your sequence as a last hope and it worked! Fantastic. You are the man!!

[@JanDeurloo]

Graham, what a great video! We didn't know where the dust was on the lens, so we complete removed it. but after 15minutes we saw something on the CCD. just cleaned it and the camera just works fine... we're very happy!! Just cleaning the CCD is more simple than cleaning the other lenses, so start with this video. thanks again Graham!! Sandra & Jan

[@Bigjude5]

Thank you so very much for saving my Lumix camera - your instructions were just great! Any one can do it following your instructions carefully!

[@Lorenzosavius]

You just saved me the 50 euro the technician asked me this morning... Even though my camera is slightly different from yours, I managed to clean it properly. Thank you very much for your splendid tutorial, from Italy!

[@azimov1999]

Many thanks for a clear instructions, I've just cleaned a TZ19. The ribbon (single one) is double tapped to the back of the CCD block, making it just that bit harder to remove. The IR filter is, like the TZ20 is stuck to the CCD.

[@GrahamHoughton12]

Yes the service manual suggests that the cmos is recalibrated using a service jig etc if you undo the fixing screws, other users have boldly gone ahead and everything worked afterwards. From the construction the plate carrying the cmos sensor lies flush against the lens housing so i can't really see any problem in removing and replacing. The IR filter is now integrated over the sensor so no danger of it falling out and its easier to clean.

[@GrahamHoughton12]

Thanks for the comment, yes the lens system if completely different and the IR is attached on the new cmos sensor but cleaning is a lot easier. Well done and thanks for posting.

[@a.c.s.5807]

Great instruction video! I did clean the inside of my Panasonic DMC-TZ18, a slightly different camera, but over-all the instructions still were quite adequate. Now this most annoying dust speck is gone from my images. It really kept me from taking pictures, but now it all works perfectly well again! Wonderful job, many thanks to you! Keep up the good work. Regards, Adriaan

[@GrahamHoughton12]

Yes the TZ20 (zs10) is slightly different but following the same procedure gets you to the IR filter, which is more firmly attached to the sensor now so it is easier to clean .

[@niddlenoddlenoo]

Many thanks. Last time it cost me £60 sending away from a camera shop for 3 weeks - this time 20 minutes and fixed. Fantastic.

[@GrahamHoughton12]

Hi thanks for the comment. Upto the TZ20 ZS7 the filter removes very easily by just pushing it out of a rubber mount, after that the filter is bonded and difficult to remove

[@Milosz_Ostrow]

Thank you, Graham. Your video gave me the courage to attempt to clean the CCD sensor in my Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS6 camera. It had some kind of fibre and what appeared to be a yellow pollen grain behind the lens, ruining almost every shot, especially in low light situations. I modified the procedure you showed as follows: I did not unplug any of the flex circuits. Instead, once the eight screws holding the back on were removed, I shifted the back with the LCD display to the side, being very gentle with the flex circuits, making sure not to crease them or exert undue pull on the connectors. I didn't unplug the CCD sensor. Once the three screws holding it were removed, I gently bent the flex circuit upward with one hand, holding its edges with two fingers, while I fished the IR filter and its rubber grommet out of its recess with stainless steel tweezers. I first used a lens brush, the camel hair type attached to a rubber bulb, to gently clean the face of the CCD sensor and both sides of the IR filter. I also brushed the exposed part of the lens element that was closest to the sensor, giving it puffs of air from the rubber bulb. Since all the flex circuits were plugged in, I was able to insert the battery and power up the camera, extending the lens. Once the lens was extended, I removed the battery, leaving the lens frozen in the extended position. I then used a rubber-tip blowgun and low pressure air - around 10-15 psi (70-100 kPa) - to blow out the inside of the extended lens assembly and the surface of the CCD sensor. Next, the camera was partially reassembled, installing the IR filter and rubber grommet (red-hued sided toward the sensor), the CCD sensor and the bright metal shield. I then placed the back on the camera, but DID NOT install the eight screws! The battery was re-inserted and with the back held in place by hand, I was able to power the camera up and verify that the sensor and lens were clean. Only then did I proceed with installing the eight screws that hold the back in place. For others who wish to try this procedure, note that Panasonic uses an anaerobic thread locking compound, removable grade, on all exterior screw fasteners. It is pale blue in colour, so I'd guess it is Loctite 242, or equivalent. This means that considerable torque is needed to break them free and to remove them. Use a sharp #0 crosspoint screwdriver and press firmly into the screw head to keep it from camming out and damaging the screw or the camera finish. If the screws feel "gummy" when being reinstalled, that's probably good enough to prevent them from loosening on their own, but if any of them feel loose going in, I'd recommend putting a tiny drop of Loctite 242 thread locking compound on them with the tip of a jeweller's screwdriver before snugging them up. Also note that thread locking compound should NOT be used in the vicinity of the lens or CCD sensor, as the stuff out-gasses while curing and may cause a tenacious haze to form on the optics.

[@4creg]

Thank you very much for this great tutorial! Yesterday I watched it and directly afterward I took my screwdriver and disassembled the Camera. It took only 10 minutes at all and now the pictures look "clean" again :-)

[@allanhook5112]

Thanks Graham. I thought my camera was toast but the pictures are crystal sharp again. Excellent video, there was no way i would have attempted this on my one. You held my hand all the way!

[@GrahamHoughton12]

Hi Richard, thanks for the posting, I think you must be over the 100th person now who has repaired their cameras successfully as a result of this tutorial and with over 60,000 views it is obviously a problem for a lot of viewers.

[@PierreScerri]

Thank you for your time and patience. I too found a backlight for the same amount of silly money. I'll keep a lookout on e-bay as you suggest. I am not fully convinced that it's the backlight. Perhaps I damaged the cable somehow - I don't know.

[@GrahamHoughton12]

Thanks for the response and you are right to use a small case rather than your pocket, it will keep the dust down

[@glennlindamood]

Success! It was bit tricky reinserting the tiny ribbon cable that powers the LCD screen, but it works! Thank you again! I have to say, I am amazed how much technology Panasonic engineers are able to package in such a compact case!

[@anneke3589]

Thank you very much Graham Houghton! My camera fell as I tripped over a stone. Since then there was a big speck on every picture. The local camera shop could not do anything. I had not the slightest clue what to do. But yesterday I followed your clear instructions and it worked! It is all clean again. I am very happy! My forthcoming holiday will be so much the better for it. Thank you so much! Anneke

[@njhaworth]

Just finished having a go, followed your vid carefully and no problems. Camera sensor is now crud free and as works as good as new. Thanks once again.

[@GrahamHoughton12]

thanks for the comment and well done. It is possible to do it with the cables attached however on previous models the backlight cable is so thin you risk tearing it. The TZ20 has a different cable structure.

[@GrahamHoughton12]

@yeti66tl Hi, the "frames" as they are called are just in helox grooves, one inside each other. If you has taken the lens apart, and removed the backplate which holds the focus motor and lens then you shoulkd be able to remove the focus motor/drive from the plastic and clean the groove where the brass drive mechanism slides. If it is a focus error this is all you need to do. If it is a zoom error then you need to carefully separate the Frames by rotating them one at a time to remove them

[@Crosier]

Hi Graham, Yes, well done video. I can report (if you haven't already), that the ZS20 (TZ30?), is put together a bit differently; perhaps even easier to open than the model you used. Once I got down to the plate holding/covering the CCD, I could see we were in for a bit more challenge. The screws are unlike those holding the case together. I think they're called 'torx' 6 lobe internal. And they're sealed! I backed out, and go at it another time - maybe.

[@GrahamHoughton12]

@shardennefroider Yes i thought i had pointed that out in the video but I may have forgot. Thanks for your comment

[@awelux]

The camera is alive again and the dust spot is gone. Thank's for sharing your knowledge!

[@alanmcnamara8201]

Thank you Graham for this terrific video! I took my TZ25 to a shop in Manchester yesterday to see if they could clean it as I had a piece of dust in the lens. I was told that it could cost up to £150 to carry out and in their opinion I was better scrapping the camera. I then found your video and followed it step by step. I immediately saw the piece of dust on the IR sensor as I opened the camera, and removed it with a cotton bud. The camera now works perfectly - crystal clear photos again!

[@incaico]

Graham, You are very thorough and very easy to follow. I had dust in my CCD and this video helped clean it out! Thanks for your excellent and detailed video!

[@ChelseatheHolmesian]

I followed your comment and I don't think the ribbon cable was pushed in far enough. I adjusted it, and now it works! And the spots are GONE!! Thank you!

[@GrahamHoughton12]

Many thanks Mike for the feedback. I'm glad the process worked fot you too. I'm curious how you posted the great photo of the great wall of China in the response!

[@handycam171]

Excellent - I fixed a friends TZ2 with a new sensor and then bought a TZ3 cheap on Ebay in the knowledge that I could easily replace the sensor if it failed. Extremely well produced videos. I shall be looking at all your others. Thank you Graham Houghton.

[@GrahamHoughton12]

Thanks for the comment and please do leave another post after you have successfully cleaned them.

[@lamarinaelche]

Clear, concise, sensible, no - nonsense practical advice, well presented, not demeaning in any way, inspires confidence and ignites a 'have a go' frame of mind. Graham clearly enjoys sharing his lifetime accumulation of camera knowledge and maintenance tips, well done, mate, nice to see such quality video instruction, cheers, Paul (who is now going to see if he can solve his wife's DMC - TZ3 flickering monitor screen (looks like noise on vision) which sure sounds like a poor connection, and/or dust on CCD sensor to me!)

[@kikerikidu67]

It has equally work for my old Lumix TZ8 ; but for instance, I had only tried to take pictures inside, in my house with very strong lights and brillant colors. I haven't seen the old black or grey task, which was on the internal mirror of the camera ... So I think, that the problem is now resolved, especially with your very hard but precious helps and explications ! Great support from France, Alsace. See ya !!!

[@GrahamHoughton12]

Thanks for the comment and yes the backlight cable is the one which looks like it should be installed the other way up, fortunately no harm is done if you get it wrong just the panic when the screen doesn't light up.

[@kenrholl6027]

Saved my Lumix TZ6. Thanks for the video. I noticed my case screws had what appeared to be blue Loctite on the threads. Made them a bit more dicey to get out. Inner plate and CCD screws did not. Also, since the IR filter was tightly fit to the CCD, all of the dust was on the outside of the filter. A simple blow from my air bulb cleaned it perfectly without touching the surface. Whatever works! Thanks again for the video. Would never have tried cleaning without it!

[@GrahamHoughton12]

@LilBlighter The next stage is a little trickier as the lens zoom system consists of 3 cages which ride in each other and they have to be separated to do this. There are alignment marks but you have to know where to look to find them. Once you remove the zoom mechanism it is easy to clean the front element of the lens. There is more risk of damage to the delicate ribbon cables to the image stabilisation component. I might do a how to soon.

[@handycam171]

Thank you for the invaluable tips on how to replace the infra red screen when, as in my case, it flipped out of the gasket when I was 'distracted'. Thank you

[@GrahamHoughton12]

Thanks for the feedback, a lot of the compact cameras have similar features when it comes to the sensor and the way it is mounted. It looks like the information was similar for the Samsung camera.

[@randallcobb1901]

Thank you so much! This worked perfectly for my DMC-ZS7. The prep area instructions made this mini-project run smoothly.

[@doonie]

This is a very clearly explained video. I've got a number of dark spots showing up on my camera, so I'm going to find the tools you recommend and have a bash at cleaning it myself, thank you very much for providing the instructions.

[@UteMedley]

Graham, thanks for this great video with easy to follow procedure. Today I opened my camera to remove a speck of dust from the inside of the camera and onto the sensor. I noticed a white dust particle on the filter right away and removed it. What was really not so simple, was the handling of the tiny screws and the reconnection of a narrow ribbon cable. But otherwise the procedure was very simple to follow. Now, I can create again dust-free photos with my camera. Thank you!