I have a TZ30, one year and 5 days old so out of warranty, and the lens is stuck. Not quite fully closed, and powering up produces a System Error (Zoom) message. The lens won't fully close, or open, and camera menu is consequently inaccessible. Have tried shaking, dust-blowing and easing a slip of paper between lens barrel elements but no joy. Have also tried new batteries, and powering up with USB cable.

Any suggestions?

GJ, July 2013

Thanks Gray, 2014 above. I had mine repaired previously for $500! This time around, I tried Gray’s suggestion and it repaired itself, before I got to step 2!

Erika, March 2022

I had the same system error (zoom) and fixed it by doing the following: 1. Camera off. 2. Slide lens focus to W and turn on. The lens came out of the camera so. Gave the lens a good clean and could use it. I then turned camera off and on and it operated as per usual.

Anne Forbes, January 2022

Just to add to the other comments about the repair service offered by Clearer Images of Ashton under Lyne. My TZ30 failed whilst on holiday a week or so ago and having read this thread I noticed the recommendations and also that they were located 10 minutes stroll from my home. Contacted the company on my return home and was given a quote. I was able to hand deliver and collect. Camera repaired in 3 days. Excellent service offered and now I have my camera back fitted with a modified lens drive cable. Very pleased.

Steve Hyde, July 2017

My 4 year old TZ30 had the same problem, I complained to Panasonic, they offered to inspect the camera and now it has been fixed and will be posted back to me tomorrow. I paid for labour only, panasonic supplied the part, total cost to me is $88 au. I believe Panasonic should have fixed it at no charge as there are many similar cameras with the same problem. (Not fit for purpose)

unhappy camera user, November 2016

I have just had my TZ30 repaired with this fault.
I used "Clearerimages" of Ashton Under Lyne for a price of £38.80 inclusive of postage.
The whole process was completed in 3 days- fantastic.
I highly recommend this company.

Mike Whittaker - September 2016, September 2016

I have just used Clearer Images to fix my Panasonic LUMIX TZ30. The repair was done in less than a week and I couldn't be happier. After being quoted £150 at Jessops the £38.80 inc vat and return delivery seemed exceptionally reasonable. I highly recommend this company.

Melissa Rigby, September 2016

The fault is caused by a broken internal cable - which of course may work intermittently for a while. Clearer Images (see below ; thank you, Caroline) has an excellent, fast repair service: £38.70 in August 2016.

Richard P, August 2016

Just a question to those who got their camera fixed professionally, is your camera still working ok? Just weighing up whether to get mine done or look for a new camera. Also has anyone contacted panasonic about this?

CC, June 2015

Older TZ30 model with Zoom faults as detailed. Forced reset using the Shutter button and T switch being held, then switch on. Worked for me.

A tutorial on taking the front cover off is also on Youtube, but thankfully, the simple solution was all that was needed to get my TZ30 going again.

Jet320, June 2015

Have the same problem did as suggested, hold down shutter, with zoom to W position, and switch on it worked, but next day it happened again, but this time the remedy didn't work.

John, May 2015

Clearer Images (acecamerarepairs.co.uk) have just fixed our TX30 zoom error problem for £38.70. Quick service too. There must be thousands of these cameras with the same problem!

Caroline D, April 2015

Picked up my camera tonight from Clearer Images - I live local so dropped it of personally great job, works perfectly. Realy friendly guy and it was fixed in 36 hours.

From the sound of it there is physical samage to a ribbon cable and it needs to be replaced/modified. No amount of tinkering will fix it.

I believe Panasonic should be recalling these cameras as they are nto fit for purporse.

Stuart G, December 2014

Clearer Images specialise in this repair. Fixed mine for £38.70 including return special delivery. Good communication and speedy return.

James m, December 2014

Have same problem with my Panasonic camera and have tried all easy suggestions to fix it. Wondered if acecamerarepair.co.uk was able to fix it for you?

sanah, November 2014

Mine too, there must be a fault with the batch. The tapping worked once but it is stuck in again now! Frustrated, missed an early morning shoot.

bill bailey, October 2014

Had the same problem and tried leaving the camera in an airtight bag with some silica which seemed to do the trick.

Recently it jammed again and once it had warmed up in my pocket it was fine!

Could be random but worth a shot!!!

But I will still get it looked at because I dont want to be on holiday when it fails.

Jane, October 2014

Same comments as above. Just over 1 year old. Tried fixes but no joy. Very annoyed. Have seen quote from www.acecamerarepair.co.uk (Clearer Images) for £38.70 so may try them. Good luck everyone!

Terry, October 2014

I had the same system error (zoom) and fixed it by doing the following: 1. Camera off. 2. Slide lens focus to W and turn on. The lens came out of the camera and could use it. I then turned camera off and on and it operated as per usual.

JP, September 2014

Before you disassemble your camera try the following:

[1] With the camera switched off slide the 'Zoom lever' to the right (T) position and hold down the 'Shutter' button for a few seconds then switch the camera on. You need to still be holding the 'Zoom lever' and 'Shutter' button.

This seems to force reset the zoom to full extent. Then switch off the camera, the zoom may stay fully extended. Try cleaning the outside of the lens barrels to make sure there is no dirt on them.

[2] Then With the camera switched off slide the 'Zoom lever' to the left (W) position and hold down the 'Shutter' button for a few seconds then switch the camera on. You need to still be holding the 'Zoom lever' and 'Shutter' button.

This seems to force reset the zoom to minimum extent. Then switch the camera off.

Hopefully the camera is now in is normal closed off position. Switch the camera on and it should be operating normally. If not repeat the above a couple of times.

Gray, July 2014

Same thing, camera 3 months out of warranty, well cared for in its own tough case brought with camera (why Panasonic can't supply even a sleeve case is just... tight!). Never been dropped, never got wet, never been on beach so can't blame sand/grit.

Started happening 2 weeks ago, switch off and slight tap on palm of hand seemed to sort but unreliable, now stuck in, not opening. This is a camera design fault in my opinion.

Stuart Money, June 2014

System Error (Zoom) error is coming while switching on the Camera. Honestly I used it hardly for 4-5 times and within one month time it has started giving this error. Raised this with the eGlobalDigital Store. I was extremely careful abt the camera since beginning so no chance of dust or paper particle in the lens. Disappointed. :(

Nilesh Mangaonkar

Nilesh Mangaonkar, December 2013

had a similar problem with mine, camera had difficulty in zooming, seemed to be a sticky zoom control, turned camera off, fitted new sd card and formatted it and problem seems to have disappeared.

william, October 2013

Same model, Same message, also bought July 2012 so outside of warranty! If this problem is occurring so often, especially with what seems to be the same 'batch' then why does Panasonic not do a recall or some 'goodwill' discount off a replacement! Very Frustrated!!!

Steph Clements, October 2013

Same model, same message. If the display dims slightly then the lens motor has probably stalled. A mechanical failure is most likely. I haven't worked out how to access the innerds yet but I've had two quotes. £150 and £72. The latter from 1staidrepairs.co.uk. If it's any consolation, mine is just out of warranty as well.

John Chivers, October 2013