Dust in my Lens

[Topper]

My Panasonic Lumix, whilst I love the operation of it and I have some stunning photos from Switzerland recently, the 12X lens has somehow had an ingress of dust on the 'inside' the zoom lens, despite my care to avoid such things. Having done some research when I first noticed it a few weeks ago it seems it is quite common, yet nobody seems to have a solution. If I could just move it to the side it would be ok but slap bang in the middle it is a PITA. I have overdone the contrast to really show it on this snap from the aircraft window

 

[Lazarus]

SWMBO treated herself to a Lumix with her 10years service award (Not, not a marriage longevity consolation prize!) and I told her what you've said: She said, oh, I think mine has that already.

Fortunately, it was some oily traces on the outer. Quick application of the Lens Cloth and aok.

But we'll keep an eye on it (Obviously).

 

[Channel Hopper]

Anything so close to the lens (on either side) would not show up as a mark, it would possibly soften the image but not much more.Something else is causing those marks (a dirty monitor screen ;))

 

[rolfw]

I get dust in my Sigma lens, bear in mind that to lengthen or shorten the lens it acts like a piston and pulls air through it.

Did have it cleaned last time the lens broke, but the guys at sigma said that it normally makes little difference unless it's really bad.

 

[sonnetpete]

I found this Topper but I guess you've probably come across it as well. The suggested solution would of course invalidate your warranty!!

_http://www.photokb.com/Uwe/Forum.aspx/photo-digital-zlr/359/Panasonic-Lumix-dust-on-lens-again

 

[Topper]

Warranty is up Pete got it so I may have to resort to this n the absence of anything else, always up for a challenge, and yes it is the piston effect drawing air in Rolf but you would think there would be a controlled and filtered port for the control of foreign bodies

 

[2cvbloke]

but you would think there would be a controlled and filtered port for the control of foreign bodies

What? From Panasonic?? Are you mad???

If you do strip it to clean out the lens assembly, try fitting a filter by using the outer layer from a universal cut-to-fit vacuum cleaner filter, the outer layers are very thin but filter quite well, so could help to keep the dust out...

Either that or get another camera that isn't Panasonic...

 

[Huevos]

Are you sure that is not dirt on the sensor. If it was dust in the lens it would be completely out of focus and not notice.

 

[rolfw]

Rolf but you would think there would be a controlled and filtered port for the control of foreign bodies

Well I guess they have sealing rings like on a piston, but it would be nigh impossible to seal from very small dust particles.

 

[sonnetpete]

.....but you would think there would be a controlled and filtered port for the control of foreign bodies

there's one at Dover....allegedly.

 

[Huevos]

it would be nigh impossible to seal from very small dust particles.

A lot of dust is internally generated anyway.

 

[Topper]

Unfortunately that link is for an SLR camera not a DMC mmm back to the drawing board

 

[Topper]

Are you sure that is not dirt on the sensor. If it was dust in the lens it would be completely out of focus and not notice.

Well finally problem solved, Huevos alluded to the actual problem but the use of the word sensor threw me somewhat on this.

I assumed by sensor one meant as in light sensor etc but is actually referring to the digital camera image sensor.
Armed with this information I was easily able to find a video of someone removing dust from the sensor of a different model in the same Panasonic Lumix range. I am therefore grateful to MikeSenese who produced the video and the only only differences I would and indeed did make make would be to use a magnetized screwdriver and having removed the sensor plate to then place a black card over the back of the camera to spot and remove any of the dust particles that may fall back onto the camera after blowing off the sensor. I attach a full 47 times zoom of a white wall to show the improvement to the camera in comparison to the first photograph, I would say that is a result

[video=youtube;q_sP4yLf6lA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_sP4yLf6lA[/video]

 

[Lazarus]

Excellent news, Topper.

Will stash this one away in the recesses of the mind as SWMBO may need hers doing in the future.

 

[PaulR]

Will stash this one away in the recesses of the mind

Well, that's it lost forever then if you're anything like me.