Panasonic Lumix Dmc gh1 Series Service Manual Repair Guide

							
21
About dirt on the image sensor
This camera features an interchangeable lens system so dirt may get inside the camera
body when changing lenses. Depending on the recording conditions, dirt on the image
sensor may appear on the recorded picture.
Do not change lenses where there is a lot of dust, and always attach the body cap when a
lens is not attached to the camera, so that dirt or dust does not get inside the camera body.
Remove any dirt on the body cap before attaching it.
Removing dirt on the image sensor
The image sensor is very precise and delicate, so be sure to observe t he following when
you do have to clean it yourself.
s Blow off the dust on the surface of the image sensor with a commercially available blower
brush. Be careful not to blow too strongly.
s Do not put the blower brush further inside than the lens mount.
s Do not let the blower brush touch the image sensor as the image sensor may get scratched.
s Do not use any objects except a blower brush to clean the image sensor.
s If you cannot remove the dirt or dust with the blower, consult the dealer or your nearest S ervice
Center.
s As the eye cup cannot be removed, gently wipe it with a dry and soft cloth, and be careful not to
remove it.
s If you wipe the eye cup too hard and it is removed, consult the dealer or your nearest Service
Center.
s Do not press the LCD monitor with excessive force. Uneven colors may appear on the LCD
monitor and it may malfunction.
s If the camera is cold when you turn it on, the picture on the LCD monitor/Viewfinder will be
slightly darker than usual at first. However, the p icture will return to normal brightness when the
internal temperature of the camera increases.
Dust reduction function
This unit has a dust reduction function that will blow off the debris and dust that have
affixed to the front of the imaging device. This function will function automatically when
the camera is turned on, but if you see dust, perform the [SENSOR CLEANING]
in the [CUSTOM MENU] menu.
For care of the eye cup on the viewfinder
About the LCD monitor/Viewfinder
Extremely high precision technology is employed to produce the LCD monitor/
Viewfinder screen. However there may be some dark or bright spots (red, blue or
green) on the screen. This is not a malfunction. The LCD monitor/Viewfinder screen
has more than 99.99% effective pixels with a mere 0.01% of the pixels inactive or
always lit. The spots will not be recorded on pictures on a card.
s Do not press the lens with excessive force.
s Do not leave the camera with the lens facing the sun as rays of light from the sun may cause it
to malfunction. Also, be careful when placing the camera outside or near a window.
s When there is dirt (water, oil, and fingerprints, etc.) on the surface of the lens, the picture may
be affected. Lightly wipe the surface of the lens with a soft, dry cloth before and after taking
pictures.
s Do not place the lens mount facing downwards. D o not allow the lens mount contacts
to
become dirty.
About the Lens 
						

							
22
The battery is a rechargeable lithium ion battery. Its ability to generate power comesfrom the chemical reaction that takes place inside it. This reaction is susceptible to the surrounding temperature and humidity. If the temperature is too high or too low, the operating time of the battery will become shorter.
Always remove the battery after use.
If you drop the battery accidentally, check to see if the body of the battery and the terminals are damaged.
s Inserting a damaged battery in the camera will damage the camera.
Bring charged spare batteries when going out.sBe aware that the operating time of the battery becomes shorter in low temperature conditions
such as at a ski resort.
s When you travel, do not forget to bring the battery charger (supplied) and the AC cable
(supplied) so that you can charge the battery in the country that you are traveling in.
Dispose of unusable battery.s The battery has a limited life.
s Do not throw the battery into fire because it may cause an explosion.
s The unusable battery shoul d be discarded in accordance with battery recycling laws. Call the
RBRC hotline at 1-800-822-8837 for information.
Do not allow battery terminals to come into contact with metal objects (such as
necklaces, hairpins etc.).
s This can cause short circuiting or heat generation and you may be badly burned if you touch a
battery.
s If you use the battery charger near a radio, the radio reception may be disturbed.
s Keep the charger 1 m (3.28 feet) or more away from radios.
s The charger may g enerate whirring sounds when it is being used. This is not a malfunction.
s After use, be sure to disconnect the power supply device from the electrical outlet. (A very
small amount of current is consumed if it is left connected.)
s Keep the terminals of the charger and battery clean.
Battery
Charger
Do not leave the card where the temperature is high, where electromagnetic waves
or static electricity are easily generated or exposed to direct sunlight.
Do not bend or drop the card.
sThe card may be damaged or the recorded content may be damaged or deleted.
s Put the card in the card case or the storage bag after use and when storing or carrying the
card.
s Do not allow dirt, dust or water to get into the terminals on the back of the card and do not touch
the terminals with your fingers.
Notice for when transferring to another party, or disposing of the memory cards“Format” or “delete” using the camera or a PC will only modify the file management information,
and it will not erase the data in the memory card completely.
It is recommended to physically destroy the memory card or use the commercially available
computer data deletion software to completely erase the data in the memory card before
transferring to another party or disposing.
Management of data in the memory card is the responsibility of the user.
Card 
						

							
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If a name or birthday is set for [BABY1]/[BABY2]/Face Recognition function, this personalinformation is kept in the camera and included in the recorded image.
Disclaimer
s Information including personal information may be altered or vanish due to erroneous
operation, effect of static electricity, accident, malfunction, repair, or other handlings.
Please note in advance that Panasonic is not liable in any way for any direct or indirect damage
from the alteration or vanishing of information or personal information.
When requesting a repair, transferring to another party or disposings Reset the settings to protect the personal information.
s Remove the memory card from the camera when requesting a repair.
s Settings may return to factory default when camera is repaired.
s Please contact the dealer where you purchased the camera or your nearest Service Center if
above operations are not possible due to malfunction.
When transferring to another party, or disposing of the memory card, please refer to
“ Notice for when transferring to another party, or disposing of the memory card ”on
P169.
s Store the battery in a cool and dry place with a relatively stable temperature: [Recommended
temperature: 15 QC to 25 QC (59 QFto77 QF), Recommended humidity: 40% to 60%]
s Always remove the battery and the card from the camera.
s If the battery is left inserted in the camera, it will discharge even if the camera is turned off. If
the battery continues to be left in the camera, it will discharge excessively and may become
unusable e ven if charged.
s When storing the battery for a long period of time, we recommend charging it once a year.
Remove the battery from the camera and store it again after it has completely discharged.
s We recommend storing the camera with a desiccant (silica gel) when you keep it in a closet or
a cabinet.
s Check all the parts before taking pictures when you have not used the camera for a long
period of time.
About the personal information
When not using the camera for a long period of time
s Recorded data may be damaged or lost if the camera breaks down due to inappropriate
handling. Panasonic will not be liable for any damage suffered due to loss of recorded data.
s When you use a tripod, make sure the tripod is stable when this unit is attached to it.
s You may not be able to remove the battery when using a tripod.
s Make sure that the screw on the tripod is not at an angle when attaching or detaching the
camera. You may damage the screw on the camera if you use excessive force when turning it.
Also, the camera body and the rating label may be damaged or scratched if the camera is
attached too tightly to the tripod.
s Read the operating instructions for the tripod carefully.
s If you attach a heavy interchangeable lens (more than about 1 k g) to the camera body, do not
carry the camera by the soulder strap. Hold the camera and the lens when carrying them.
About the picture data
About tripods
About the shoulder strap 
						

							
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Message Display
Confirmation messages or error messages will be displayed on the screen in some cases.
The major messages are described below as examples.
[THIS MEMORY CARD IS LOCKED]
 The Write-Protect switch on the SD Memory Card and the SDHC Memory Card are
moved to [LOCK]. Move the switch back to unlock it.
[NO VALID PICTURE TO PLAY]
 Record a picture or insert a card with a recorded picture and then play it.
[THIS PICTURE IS PROTECTED]
Delete the picture after canceling the protect setting.
[THIS PICTURE CANNOT BE DELETED]/[SOME PICTURES CANNOT BE DELETED]
sPictures not based on the DCF standard cannot be deleted.
 If you want to delete some pictures, format the card after saving necessary data on a PC
etc.
[NO ADDITIONAL SELECTIONS CAN BE MADE]
sThe number of pictures, which can be set at one time when [MULTI] has been selected for
[DELETEMULTI], [FAVORITE], [TITLE EDIT], [TEXT STAMP] or [RESIZE] has be\
en
exceeded.  Reduce the number of pictures set, and then repeat the operation.
s More than 999 favorites have been set.
[CANNOT BE SET ON THIS PICTURE]
s[TITLE EDIT], [TEXT STAMP] or [PRINT SET] cannot be set for pictures not based on the
DCF standard.
[MEMORY CARD ERROR
FORMAT THIS CARD?]
s This card has a format which is not recognized by the camera.
 Format the card again with the camera after saving necessary data on a PC etc.
[PLEASE CHECK THAT THE LENS IS ATTACHED CORRECTLY]
sDo not press the lens release button.
s Check that the lens is attached correctly and then turn the camera off and on.
 If the message persists, contact the dealer or your nearest Service Center.
[THE LENS IS NOT ATTACHED PROPERLY.]
sDetach the lens and then attach it again.
[MEMORY CARD PARAMETER ERROR]/[THIS MEMORY CARD CANNOT BE USED]
 Use a card compatible with this unit.
s You can only use an SDHC Memory Card if using cards with 4 GB or more capacity. 
						

							
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[MEMORY CARD ERRORPLEASE CHECK THE CARD]
s An error has occurred accessing the card.
 Insert the card again.
 Insert a different card.
[READ ERROR/WRITE ERROR
PLEASE CHECK THE CARD]
sIt has failed to read or write data.
 Remove the card after turning the power [OFF]. Insert the card again, turn the power on,
and try to read or write the data again.
s The card may be broken.
 Insert a different card.
[CANNOT RECORD DUE TO INCOMPATIBLE FORMAT (NTSC/PAL) DATA ON THIS
CARD.]
If you want to delete some pictures, format the card after saving necessary data on a PC
etc.
 Insert a different card.
[MOTION RECORDING WAS CANCELLED DUE TO THE LIMITATION OF THE
WRITING SPEED OF THE CARD]
s It is recommended to use a card with SD Speed Classwith “Class 6” or higher when
recording motion pictures.
SD speed class is the speed standard regarding continuous writing.
s When you set the picture quality to [ ], [ ] or [ ], we recommend using a high-speed
card with “10MB/s” or greater displayed on the package.
s In the event that it stops even after using a “10MB/s” card or higher, the data writing speed has
deteriorated so it is recommended to make a backup and then format.
s Depending on the type of SD Memory Card or SDHC Memory Card, motion picture recording
may stop in the middle.
[A FOLDER CANNOT BE CREATED]
s A folder cannot be created because there are no remaining folder numbers that can be used.
 Format the card after saving necessary data on a PC etc. If you execute [NO.RESET]
in the [SETUP] menu after formatting, the folder number is reset to 100.
[PICTURE IS DISPLAYED FOR 4:3 TV]/[PICTURE IS DISPLAYED FOR 16:9 TV]
sThe AV cable is connected to the camera.
 Press [MENU/SET] if you want to delete this message at once.
 Select [TV ASPECT] in the [SETUP] menu if you want to change the TV aspect.
s This message also appears when the USB connection cable is connected to the camera only.
In this case, connect the other end of the USB connection cable to a PC or a printer.
[PRINTER BUSY]/[PLEASE CHECK THE PRINTER]
s The printer cannot print.
 Check the printer.
[NO BATTERY POWER REMAINS]
sThe remaining battery power is low.
 Charge the battery.
[THIS BATTERY CANNOT BE USED]
sThe battery cannot be recognized by the camera.
 Use a genuine Panasonic battery. If this message is displayed even when a genuine
Panasonic battery is used, contact the dealer or your nearest Service Center.
s The battery cannot be recognized as its terminal is dirty.
 Remove any dirt etc. from the terminal.
[PLEASE MAKE SURE TO TURN ON TH E POWER OF EXTERNAL MICROPHONE.]
sWhen attaching the stereo microphone (DMW-MS1; optional), check the battery status and
make sure the power is on before use. 
						

							
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Troubleshooting
First, try out the following procedures.
sThe battery is not inserted correctly.
s The battery is exhausted.
s Charge the battery.
s AC adaptor is not connected properly.
s Is the display set to Viewfinder?
 Press [LVF/LCD] button to switch to LCD monitor display.
s Is [AUTO LCD OFF] of the [ECONOMY] mode active?
 Press the shutter button halfway to cancel these modes.
s Is the LCD monitor switched off?
 Switch the display by pressing [DISPLAY].
s The battery is exhausted.
s Charge the batt ery.
s The battery is exhausted.
s Charge the battery.
s If you leave the camera on, the battery will be exhausted.
 Turn the camera off frequently by using the [ECONOMY] mode etc.
s If you connect to a TV compatible with VIERA Link with a HDMI mini cable (optional) and turn
off the power on the TV with the remote control for the TV, the power on this unit also turns off.
 If you are not using VIERA Link, set [VIERA Link] to [OFF].
s Is the temperature of the battery excessively high or low? If it is, it will take longer than usual to
charge the battery or charging may remain incomplete.
s Are the terminals of the charger or battery dirty?
 Wipe off the dirt using a dry cloth.
If the problem is not resolved, it may be improved by selecting [RESET] on the
[SETUP] menu .
Battery and power source
The camera cannot be operated even when it is turned on.
The LCD monitor turns off while the camera is turned on.
The camera turns off immediately after it is turned on.
This unit is turned off automatically.
The [CHARGE] lamp flashes.
sIs the mode dial correctly set?
s Is the card inserted?
s Is there any memory remaining on the card?
 Delete the pictures which are not necessary to increase the available memory.
s Is the subject focused?
 At the time of purchase, the camera is set so that you cannot take a picture until the subject
is brought into focus. If you want to be able to take a picture when you press the shutter
button fully even if the subject is not focused, set [FOCUS PRIORITY] in the [CUSTOM
MENU] menu to [ OFF].
s Picture might look whitish when lens or image sensor gets dirty with finger print or similar.
 If the lens is dirty turn the camera off and then gently wipe the lens surface with a soft dry
cloth.
 Refer to “About dirt on the image sensor”.
 Check that the exposure is correctly compensated.
s Is the AE lock applied in inappropriate way?
 Unset the settings of White Balance Bracket.
Recording
The picture cannot be recorded.
The shutter does not activate.
The recorded picture is whitish.
The recorded picture is too bright or dark.
2 or 3 pictures are taken at one time. 
						

							
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sThe subject is beyond the focus range of the camera.
s There is camera shake (jitter) or the subject is moving slightly.
s Is [FOCUS PRIORITY] in the [CUSTOM MENU] menu set to [OFF]?
In this case, the picture may not be properly focused even if [AFS] or [AFC] in Focus Mode is
set.
s Is the AF lock applied in inappropriate way?
s The shutter speed will become slower and the Optical Image Stabilizer function may not work
properly when taking pictures especially in dark places.  We recommend holding the camera firmly with both hands when taking pictures.
 We recommend using a tripod and the self-timer when taking pictures with a slow
shutter speed.
s Is the number of recordable pictures 2 or less?
The subject is not focused properly.
The recorded picture is blurred.
The Optical Image Stabilizer is not effective.
Taking pictures using White Balance Bracket is not possible.
sIs the ISO sensitivity high or the shutter speed slow?
(ISO sensitivity is set to [AUTO] when the camera is shipped. Therefore, when taking pictures
indoors etc. noise will appear.)  Decrease the ISO sensitivity.
 Increase the setting for [NOISE RED.] in [FILM MODE] or lower the setting for each of the
items other than [NOISE RED.].
 Take pictures in bright places.
 Set the [LONG SHTR NR] to [ON].
s If recording under fluorescent light, the brightness or the hue may change slightly when
the
shutter speed becomes fast. This occurs due to the characteristics of fluorescent light. It is not
a malfunction.
s This is characteristic of MOS sensors which serve as the camera’s pickup sensors. It appears
when the subject has a bright part. Some unevenness may occur in the surrounding areas, but
this is not a malfunction.
It is recorded in motion pictures but is not recorded on still pictures.
s It is recommended that you take pictures while taking care not to expose the s creen to sunlight
or any other source of strong light.
s It is recommended to use a card with SD Speed Class
with “Class 6” or higher when recording
motion pictures.
 SD speed class is the speed standard regarding continuous writing.
s Depending on the type of the card, recording may stop in the middle.
 When you set the picture quality to [ ], [ ] or [ ], we recommend using a
high-speed card with “10MB/s” or greater displayed on the package.
 In the event that it stops even after using a “10MB/s” card or higher, the data writing speed
has deteriorated so it is recommended to make a backup and then format.
s Are you in Exposure Compensation operation?
 Press the front dial to switch to Exposure Compensation operation.
s Set the AF area to the distinctive color of the subject if there is a part that is different from the
surrounding color.
The recorded picture looks rough.
Noise appears on the picture.
The brightness or the hue of the recorded picture is different from the actual scene.
Reddish horizontal streaks appear on the LCD monitor during recording.
Motion picture recording stops in the middle.
You cannot compensate the exposure.
Subject cannot be locked.
(AF tracking not possible) 
						

							
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sDepending on the lens used, picture may be warped slightly or you may see colors along the
edge depending on the zoom factor, due to the characteristics of the lens. Also, the peripherals
of the image might look warped because the perspective is enhanced when the wide angle is
used. This is not a malfunction.
s Is the flash closed?
 Slide the [ OPEN] lever to open the flash.
s The flash is activated 2 times. The interval between the first and second flash is longer when
Red-eye reduction is set so the subject should not move until the second flash is activated.
s The LCD monitor turns off when [AUTO LCD OFF] is selected for the [ECONOMY] mode.
[This does not happen when using the AC adaptor.]
If the remaining battery power is low, it may take longer for the flash to be charged, and the
time during which the LCD monitor is turned off may become longer.
s It will switch to viewfinder display if there is hand or object near the eye sensor.
 Adjust the brightness of the LCD mo nitor/viewfinder to a proper level.
s [POWER LCD] is activated.
s Does the picture appear on the Viewfinder?
 Press [LVF/LCD] to switch to LCD monitor display.
s Is the LCD monitor switched off?
 Switch the display by pressing [DISPLAY].
s Is the [EXPO. SETTINGS] set to [SWITCH BY PRESSING THE LVF/LCD BUTTON]?
s It is only displayed on the LCD monitor when the camera is connected to a PC or printer.
s This is not a malfunction.
These pixels do not affect the recorded pictures.
Lens
Recorded image may be warped, or nonexistent color is surrounding the
subject.
Flash
The flash is not activated.
The flash is activated 2 times.
LCD monitor/Viewfinder
The LCD monitor turns off although the camera is turned on.
The LCD monitor/Viewfinder is too bright or dark.
The picture is not displayed on the LCD monitor.
LCD monitor and viewfinder do not switch when [LVF/LCD] is pressed.
Black, red, blue and green dots appear on the LCD monitor.
s In dark places, noise may appear to maintain the brightness of the LCD monitor. This does not
affect the pictures you are recording.
s The LCD monitor may flicker for a few seconds after turning the camera on indoors under
fluorescent light. This is not a malfunction.
s This is characteristic of MOS sensors which serve as the camera’s pickup sensors.
This is not a malfunction.
s This is a characteristic of the drive system of the viewfinder of this unit, and it is not a
malfunction. The re will be no problem with the recorded image.
Noise appears on the LCD monitor.
The LCD monitor flickers indoors.
A flickering horizontal line appears on the LCD monitor under fluorescent light.
You see red, green, or blue flashes when you move your eyes in the viewfinder,
or when the camera is moved rapidly. 
						

							
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sYou can display the pictures without being rotated when [ROTATE DISP.] is set to [OFF].
s You can rotate pictures with the [ROTATE] function.
s You can only display the pictures rotated if you use a lens that supports the direction
detection function and [ROTATE DISP.] is set to [ON].
s Did you press [ ]?
s Is the card inserted?
s Is there a picture on the card?
s Is this a picture whose file name has been changed in the PC? If it is, it cannot be played back
by this unit.
s Has [PLAYB ACK MODE] been set for playback?
 Change to [NORMAL PLAY].
s Is this a non-standard picture, a picture which has been edited using a PC or a picture which
was taken by another make of digital camera?
s Did you remove the battery immediately after picture-taking or did you take the picture using a
battery with a low remaining charge?  Format the data to delete the pictures mentioned above.
(Other pictures will be deleted as well and it will not be possible to restore them.
Therefore, check well before form atting.)
Playback
The picture being played back is not rotated, or is rotated in an unexpected
direction, when displayed.
The picture is not played back.
The recorded pictures are not displayed.
The folder number and the file number are displayed as [—] and the screen turnsblack.
s Is the clock in the camera set properly?
s Images edited on a PC or images recorded on other cameras might display a different date to
the recorded date during the Calendar Playback.
s Is it a picture that has been recorded with other equipment? In such cases, these pictures may
be displayed with a deteriorated picture quality.
s When the flash is set to red-eye reduction ([ ], [ ], [ ]) and if you take a picture of
subject with red color surrounded by a skin tone color, that red part may be corr ectedtoblack
by the digital red-eye reduction function.  It is recommended to take pictures with the [D.RED-EYE] set to [OFF].
s This unit automatically adjusts the aperture during motion picture recording. A clicking sound
may occur at this time depending on the lens, and this sound may be recorded on the motion
pictures. This is not a malfunction.
s The operational sound of the zoom or button operation may be recorded when it is operated
during the recording of a moti on picture.
Images with different date as recorded date are played back in the Calendar
Playback.
White round spots like soap bubbles appear on the recorded picture.
s If you take a picture with the flash in a dark place or indoors, white round
spots may appear on the picture caused by the flash reflecting of particles of
dust in the air. This is not a malfunction.
A characteristic of this is that the number of round spots and their position
differ in every picture.
[THUMBNAIL IS DISPLAYED] appears on the screen.
Red part of the recorded image has changed color to black.
A clicking sound is recorded in the motion pictures. 
						

							
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sIs the camera connected to the TV correctly?
 Set the TV input to external input mode.
s Output from the [HDMI] socket is not possible when it is connected to the PC or the printer.
 Connect it only to the TV.
s Depending on the TV model, the pictures may be extended horizontally or vertically or they
may be displayed with their edges cut off.
s Are you trying to play back the motion pictures by directly inserting the card in the card slot of
the TV?  Connect the camera to the TV with the AV c able (supplied), or with the HDMI mini cable
(optional), and then play back the motion pictures on the camera.
TV, PC and printer
The picture does not appear on the television.
The display areas on the TV screen and the camera’s LCD monitor are different.
The motion pictures cannot be played back on a TV.
 Motion pictures recorded in [AVCHD] can be played back on Panasonic televisions
(VIERA) with the AVCHD logo.
 Check [TV ASPECT] setting.
s Is it connected properly with the HDMI mini cable (optional)?
 Confirm that the HDMI mini-cable (optional) is firmly fitted.
 Press [ ] on this unit.
s Is the [VIERA Link] on this unit set to [ON]?
 Depending on HDMI terminal of the TV, the input channel may not switch automatically. In
this case, use the remote control for the TV to switch input. (For details on how to switch
input , please read the operating instructions for the TV.)
 Check the VIERA Link setting on the connected device.
 Turn the power to the unit off and then back on again.
 Set [VIERA Link] to [Off] on the TV and then turn it back to [On]. (Refer to the operating
instructions of the TV for details.)
s Is the camera connected to the PC correctly?
s Is the camera recognized by the PC correctly?
 Set to [PC] in [USB MODE].
 Disconnect the USB connection cable. Connect it again while the card is insert ed in the
camera.
s Pictures cannot be printed using a printer which does not support PictBridge.
 Set to [PictBridge(PTP)] in [USB MODE].
 When using a printer with a trimming or borderless printing function, cancel this function
before printing. (For details, refer to the operating instructions for the printer.)
 When you order photo studios to print pictures, ask the photo studio if the pictures can be
printed with both ends.
The picture is not displayed fully on the TV.
VIERA Link does not work.
The picture cannot be transferred when the camera is connected to a PC.
The card is not recognized by the PC.
The picture cannot be printed when the camera is connected to a printer.
The ends of the pictures are cut at printing.