Panasonic SDR-H85 camcorder dismantle/disassembly, display fault repair

Disassembly of Panasonic SDR-H85 hard disc camcorder to fix fault on display. Fault was broken cable between main body and flip-out display. Spare part readily available on eBay for approx 3 GBP (as at Jan 2017), but needs a lot of dismantling to replace it. Service manual also available on internet, but contact me if you have trouble finding it - use email address shown on www.philizound....

[@czpetya]

Thanks! This video helped me alot to repair a Panasonic SDR-S45! Its almost the same except the HDD.

[@philtipping]

@Peter Czibolya glad it helped Peter, and good to know other Panasonics are fixable the same way. Thanks for stopping by.

[@pkrc6051]

I have the same camera & same problem.. Thanks for the video.. As you said in the video.. "Why I started this.." Actually Me feeling the same.. Its so complicated and scary.. Those delicate circuit ribbons will make me heart attack.. I will not be able to be so stable with my hands.. Your Video honestly helped me to realize the gravity of the task.. I am going to the service center..

[@philtipping]

@PK RC thanks for the feedback. I don't blame you for not tackling it :) Would be interested to hear how much the service center charges for this. Good luck.

[@pkrc6051]

@@philtipping OK.. WILL let you know.. Earlier it happened that time it was in warranty so got it done free.. But they didn't changed the defective parts as they should.. they somehow fixed that thing.. It ran just for one year then again the set became blackout.. But this time I am out of warranty.. I do fix & repair small things.. So once thought of trying to fix my Panasonic camcorder.. But seeing your video and its competition.. My Heart came to my mouth.. So I dropped the Idea opening the set.. So I contacted the Panasonic GM SERVICE of Panasonic seeking the actual and genuine address of the Panasonic Camcorder Service Center.. Because the Website of database is old and not updated the address of the service centre actually don't exist.. Anyways after couple of phone calls and emails.. At last got one address.. Which is about 220KMS from my place in another city.. Due to Rainy season I cannot travel for long distance.. Planning to do so once the rainy season gets over at our places because roads gets flooded.. As for the cost.. Last time I got one service center Repair chart where they use to do both for SONY and Panasonic products at the same place.. Their rate was Approximately Rs. 1000-1700/- i.e. $14-25 Dollars except spare.. Let me see what's is the current charges.. & what estimate of amount they give to get the job done with genuine parts.. Will let you know..

[@tilica5353]

Thanks Phil, your video help me tooo much at my video cam Panasonic SDR-S50 ,is like your H85, it not have hard disc but is some construction , my cable is broken in 2 parts.All the best for you from Spain.

[@philtipping]

+ioan ciurea thanks for the feedback, glad it helped. I think just knowing that it's possible to repair these tiny machines gives the incentive to 'have a go'. Hope it all worked ok afterwards.

[@LFM80]

Interesting. Do you think it would be possible to create an extended cable for the lens module to remotely mount it? As in create a small ptz like housing for that while keeping the body/screen of the camera separate on an extension cable?

[@philtipping]

@Muskrat sounds possible. There may be a limit on cable length due to timing, capacitance etc. so check the circuit diagram (it's all in the service manual)... or just try it and see :) Good luck. If you make one, keep us posted.

[@PlanetRuncorn]

what a night mare i have the same problem thought it was going to be a small cable and it just was not seated properly , but as you know its not, do you think a fault in that cable would stop the camcorder turning on .. mine was fine then the display went , i took off the cover to check the screen and now it dosent seem to turn on ... was thinking of just trying to get a hdd dock so i can read the files on it then bin it ... but hdd looks very small and i diont think i can find a docking station

[@philtipping]

@PlanetRuncorn Yes, it's certainly not for the faint-hearted :) ... but you should be able to get at the data with a suitable adapter so you can plug it into a standard size docker. From memory, the HDD is a 1.8" drive, and adapters for these do exist, e.g. www.ebay.co.uk/itm/254968556532 Note that I can't confirm this specific one is compatible, but they're not very expensive. The service manual is also available online so you could double-check the HDD is definitely 1.8" SATA before buying anything. From memory, that cable was just for the display, so I don't think a fault in that would stop the unit turning on. Maybe you disturbed a connection when you took the cover off? Good luck, and hope you manage to retrieve the data. Fwiw, mine is still working fine after the fix. I just noticed the upload date - it was 7 years ago! :)

[@ZaydDepaor]

That was like HAL 9000 meltdown scene in 2001 A Space Odyssey, but fixing the camcorder looked more complicated. They should either make these things more sturdy or change the design si it doesn't have to stress or tug on any connections or cables, my flip display stopped working on my Panasonic SDR-S50, so I guess an unseated or broken cable, but I can't see myself attempting this nightmare...and am not going to pay a dealer to fix it as the repair will probably cost a lot more than the camera, but I hadn't even used it much before it messed up, but have had it quite a few yrs.

[@philtipping]

@Zayd Depaor haha yes there were quite a few 'sweaty palm' moments :) I agree, the physical design seems to favour ingenuity over longevity. I thought of selling it as-is for parts, but the online info suggested the fault was definitely the cable so decided to have a go. If the cable had been more expensive, I probably wouldn't have done it as it would have been too much of a gamble. As it turned out, it *was* worth it for me as it's still working ok 2.5 years later, albeit without the auto-flip mechanism. Thanks for stopping by, and good luck in deciding what to do with yours.

[@user-ny3jd3hz2w]

на 23 55 пальцы скрестил красавчик. где его найти бы........я как без рук уже без этой камеры. успеть бы до открытия мотофестов.....именно для этого и брал.только один успел фест в владикавказе.если интересно найдете набрав наесостоявшийся мотофест владикавказ.

[@Michael.Chapman]

Awesome, well done!

[@philtipping]

@Keyyyyzzzz thanks for stopping by.

[@RONIXPRODUCCIONESGT]

hello, I have a similar panasonic, note that it charges, but it does not turn on, what could it be?

[@philtipping]

@ROniX Producciones GT I don't know off hand but it could be something simple like a connection or cable which needs re-seating, or more complex like a faulty component. Try running it from the power supply to eliminate any doubts about the battery. The service manual should show you which parts are associated with the power button so you can follow the signal path and try re-seating the relevant cables. If this doesn't work, or you don't fancy taking it apart, you'll have to try a repair shop; they should be able to give you an estimate before you commit. Good luck, and keep us posted.

[@BaharVlogs]

sir my camcorder is panasonic sdr h-100 , but problem is when i start to recordin self video and screen rotate front site screen look like mirror , how to solve it pls help me

[@philtipping]

@IT GHOR Bahar Bangla are you saying your lcd stops working when you rotate the screen? If so, the switch which handles screen rotations is fixed to the same flex ribbon shown in the video at 17:02. My replacement flex did not come with a switch, and it was too difficult for me to transfer the switch across to the new one so I left it off. If you really want this feature, you may be able to buy a flex cable with a switch already fitted.

[@BaharVlogs]

thanks, how much the rebon price , & where i can buy this rebon,?

[@philtipping]

@@BaharVlogs I got mine from eBay. Search for flex cable and your camcorder model no. I just found these www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2PCS-LCD-Flex-Cable-For-Panasonic-SDR-T50-T45-T55-T45-H101-H100-Video-Camera/171357340882 but please check they are exactly what you want first. Looks like you get 2 cables so try searching the internet instead of just eBay as there may be a cheaper option. Good luck :)

[@abeme0_0]

Hey, so i have a Panasonic SDR H95 and it has this problem when i try to open the screen, the power shutdown and idk how to fix it, any tips?

[@philtipping]

@abeme0_0 Could be a few reasons. I'm not an expert, but here are some of my thoughts... There's a 'quick start' mode which, if set, turns on the camera when the door is opened. If your battery is low, this may cause it to shut down instead. You could check this by using an external power supply. If the problem is still there, it may be a mechanical issue, such as a loose cable or connection, or a fractured cable. When you open the door, this moves the cables and could cause a break or short which shuts the power down. You'd have to take it apart to check this. There are several cables inside so it could be any one of them. The flexible cable shown in this video is a likely culprit as it gets flexed every time you open or rotate the door/screen, so maybe yours is cracked like mine. In my case, the camera stayed switched on, but the screen was blank. Maybe other types of fracture can cause it to shut down? Good luck.

[@abeme0_0]

@@philtipping thank you so much

[@abeme0_0]

@@philtipping i want to thank you once more since now i actually disassembled the camera and the cable was actually completely torn off, and now thanks to your tutorial i can install back a new cable with no problem. I absolutely love your video🙏

[@philtipping]

@abeme0_0 That's great news :) thanks for the follow-up.

[@ian3109]

I have an SDR-H101 but i dont know how to take off the top part of it

[@philtipping]

@ian3109 the service manual is available online if you search for it. I've got a copy if you can't find it. Just email me at patipping (at) gmail (dot) com

[@nadur70]

Thanks Phil for every detail,one question while dismantling it by mistake i cutted the cable at 6:10, is that cable for the shutter alarm or something else thanks

[@philtipping]

Hi Jeff - sorry for delay, only just seen your comment. If you mean the flat ribbon flexi-cable, then I think it's the microphone connector. The part no. in the service manual is FP6009.

[@nadur70]

Thanks Phil once again

[@adrianrodriguez-pk8zw]

friend good afternoon I wanted to know where I can ask for the flex I am from tijuana mexico I do not dedicate myself to this I am a laser printer technician but for me it is easy to disarm and put together again but I do not know where to get the parts if you inform me where I can get it in advance thank you very much

[@philtipping]

+adrian rodriguez hello. If you read the video description, it says the flex was from eBay. Just search for SDR-H85 flex cable. There are lots of sellers; here's one example: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/H1-LCD-Flex-Cable-Ribbon-for-Panasonic-SDR-H85-H86-H95-H101-S45-S50-S71-T50-T55/381303472008 Good luck.

[@StanDman3]

Do you know the hardrive specifications?

[@philtipping]

@DmanIII I didn't make a note of mine when it was in bits, but have just done a quick search on Google and found this repair article: www.ifixit.com/Guide/Panasonic+SDR-H85+Hard+Drive+Replacement/130906 There's some close-up pics of the disc, and it looks like a Toshiba HDD1818 80GB 3.3v. Can't quite make out the full details as the flex cable is in the way, but it may be enough to go on.

[@scantztv7249]

I have the HC-W850 and the main lens is not showing. I don't think the aperture is opening. Based on advice from other youtubers, I've tapped the front of the lens and from the rear at the point of the battery all to no avail. The secondary lens works just fine. Do you have any recommendations please?

[@philtipping]

+ScantZ TV sorry, I don't know much about the internal workings. Keep looking on the internet; someone somewhere must have a similar problem. If not, it'll have to be a repair shop... or if this is too expensive, you'll have to bite the bullet and buy a new one. Good luck.

[@scantztv7249]

Thanks for your reply.

[@cherifsahraoui967]

Can you help me for caméra Panasonic sdr 45 i can't display

[@philtipping]

@cherif sahraoui I don't have the SDR-H45 but if you read through the comments for this video, user Peter Czibolya says that his H45 is very similar to the H85 (apart from the HDD) so you should be able to fix it the same way, assuming yours has the same symtoms as my SDR-H85, i.e. everything works apart from the display. If the flexi-foil is the cause of the fault, search eBay for SDR-H45 flex cable. If the cause is something else, the service manual may help. You can usually find these on the internet if you search, e.g. I just found one here elektrotanya.com/panasonic_sdr-s45.pdf/download.html#dl Good luck. If you manage to repair it, please add a comment and share your experience.

[@victorbautista5338]

Alguien me dice como se llama esa lámina que le cambiaste a tu cámara??

[@philtipping]

@Victor Bautista Si te refieres a la hoja negra en el escritorio, es una alfombra antiestática, algo como esto: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/250mm-x-300mm-ESD-Anti-Static-Mat-Soldering-Cord-Kit-4-Phone-Tablet-PC-Repairs/192957019801 También necesitará una muñequera antiestática, por ejemplo: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wrist-Anti-Static-ESD-Wrist-Strap-Discharge-Band-Grounding-Avoid-Static-Shock/233292311571 Just in case Google Translate fails - here's what I meant to say in English :) If you mean the black sheet on the desk, it's an anti-static mat. You'll also need an anti-static wrist strap. Good luck.

[@ishtap6609]

CAN YOU TELL ME THE SCREW SIZE OF PANASONIC NV-GS35 CAMCORDER

[@philtipping]

@ISH TAP the service manual may have that information. Failing that, just get a set of screwdrivers with different sizes. There are probably different size screws used inside the camera so a set would be useful anyway.

[@giuseppeminervini308]

Hi Phil. I need to connect the internal HDD to the computer in order to can download the file because the camera is broken. Do you know the right connector to connect it?

[@philtipping]

@Giuseppe M. Hi Giuseppe, as far as I know, the hard disc is a 1.8" ZIF drive, so try searching eBay for a 1.8" zif drive to xxx adapter where xxx is either SATA, IDE or USB depending on your computer connection. Note I've never done this so can't guarantee it will work. Good luck and let us know how it works out.

[@giuseppeminervini308]

@@philtipping Hi Phil. I bought from Amazon this: www.amazon.it/gp/product/B00C3JM81K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 ( sorry is in Italian but I think there is even in English) and now working fine. If you want you can get the information from this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmKUc5WqZ6yLlZo. Thanks at for replying me. Bye :)

[@johngoodman2762]

I have exactly the same model number panasonic SDR-H85, but it doesn't work, it has no pictures or videos I wish I could bring it to you.

[@philtipping]

+John Goodman I know how you feel John :( It may be a similar fault, but it's a daunting task if you've never tackled anything like this before. You could try getting an estimate from a repair shop before deciding what to do. If it's too high, then you're going to have to write it off anyway... in which case you could either sell it as-is and maybe get a bit of money towards a new one, or write it off completely and have a go at repairing it yourself. The flex cable is very cheap so it's not a big risk. Good luck.

[@edwinguzman7521]

Where can I buy a Panasonic SDR-S26 camera display?

[@philtipping]

@Edwin Guzman try searching on eBay, or Google. There's one on UK eBay at the moment www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-LCD-Display-Screen-For-Panasonic-SDR-S7-S26-S71-GK-Camera-Monitor-Part/154214182988 although you need to confirm if it's the right one for your model. Good luck.

[@edwinguzman7521]

@@philtipping Ok friend, thank you very much for your attention.

[@qtak521]

у меня такая же

[@nawazalighazi]

Sir please my help

[@philtipping]

@KHEMPUR SUAR RAMPUR what do you need help with?

[@user-ny3jd3hz2w]

моюююю мать а собрать............мне предстоит тоже шлейф

[@philtipping]

+олег абдзех not sure what you said here, but thanks for stopping by - google translate is hopeless :)

[@nawazalighazi]

Sir mere Panasonic v385 ki display ulti ho gayi hai please help 8650004184

[@philtipping]

@AR technology ar2t the screen display inverts when the switch inside the flex coil operates as the display is swivelled. I guess if the display is permanently inverted, the switch or the flex connections are broken. When I took mine apart, I was unable to transfer the switch from the old cable to the new one so decided to leave it out. In my case, the screen display is always in the 'normal' position. If you swivel the display, the screen stays the same orientation so will appear upside down if you swivel it right round. You may be able to find a replacement flex cable which includes the switch, in which case replacing the whole lot may fix your problem, but I'm not an expert so it's only a guess. Hope this helps.