My 70-200 f4 "Pro" has died

[pdk42]

As I mentioned in the thread on the Sigma 20-200, my Lumix 70-200 f4 Pro has died. I'm more than a little pissed off. This lens has hardly been used by me, with its last usage being probably several months ago. It spends most of its time in a darkened, dry cupboard and is babied when it is used. There's not a mark on it and even the contacts have almost no wear. But it's dead - it fails to power up when connected to the camera - the OIS is dead, the AF doesn't work, MF via the clutch doesn't work, and the camera thinks a manual lens is attached. So, I've now got an expensive paperweight on my hands.

I don't think Panasonic offer a repair service so I guess it'll be off to landfill. I'm really furious - so much for "Pro", make in Japan, Certified by Leica etc !

 

[dirk]

Hi Paul.

I am sorry to hear this. Did you do a FW upgrade with your camera recently? Maybe this is the reason?

I would call Panasonic and ask them, whether this could be a FW issue.

I definitely would send it to them, to check the lens and reset the FW on the lens.

 

[Pete_W]

Sorry to hear your lens is broken Paul.

I just Googled and it seems that Panasonic does repair both in warranty and out of warranty cameras and lenses through DKAVS:

Official Authorised Panasonic LUMIX Repair UK

We are the experts at Servicing Panasonic LUMIX Cameras, from S1H to G9. Using only genuine parts our repairs are backed by a 3 month guarantee!

www.dkavs.co.uk

 

[PJD]

As I mentioned in the thread on the Sigma 20-200, my Lumix 70-200 f4 Pro has died. I'm more than a little pissed off. This lens has hardly been used by me, with its last usage being probably several months ago. It spends most of its time in a darkened, dry cupboard and is babied when it is used. There's not a mark on it and even the contacts have almost no wear. But it's dead - it fails to power up when connected to the camera - the OIS is dead, the AF doesn't work, MF via the clutch doesn't work, and the camera thinks a manual lens is attached. So, I've now got an expensive paperweight on my hands.

I don't think Panasonic offer a repair service so I guess it'll be off to landfill. I'm really furious - so much for "Pro", make in Japan, Certified by Leica etc !

Yikes. That's awful. I hope the lens can be repaired for free under warranty, or for a reasonable fee.

A reminder to Panasonic S camera & lens buyers in the U.S.: Panasonic offers a free 3 year warranty for products sold through all their authorized U.S. dealers. I don't know if they offer a similar warranty in other countries.

Register My LUMIX Camera, Lens and Camcorder

Register your LUMIX Camera/Lens and Camcorders for easy access to warranty, service and support. Warranty terms apply to new product, purchased at an Authorized Retailer. If you're having trouble locating the model number and serial number, visual guides are available here. Note: By registering...

shop.panasonic.com

 

[Jayneboo]

As I mentioned in the thread on the Sigma 20-200, my Lumix 70-200 f4 Pro has died. I'm more than a little pissed off. This lens has hardly been used by me, with its last usage being probably several months ago. It spends most of its time in a darkened, dry cupboard and is babied when it is used. There's not a mark on it and even the contacts have almost no wear. But it's dead - it fails to power up when connected to the camera - the OIS is dead, the AF doesn't work, MF via the clutch doesn't work, and the camera thinks a manual lens is attached. So, I've now got an expensive paperweight on my hands.

I don't think Panasonic offer a repair service so I guess it'll be off to landfill. I'm really furious - so much for "Pro", make in Japan, Certified by Leica etc !

https://www.dkavs.co.uk/lumix-lens-repair/

These are best option for Panasonic lens repair in UK Paul. I had cause to use them with a 13 months old Pan 50mm 1.4, which annoyed me at the time as much as I guess your 70-200 is annoying you.. they actually ended up talking to Pansonic for me and got the lens replaced in the end. Also sorted out a 24-105 for me. Can't imagine it can be anything more than a contacts issue from your description - worth sending in for an estimate at least, good luck!

 

[GeorgeHudetz]

Sorry to hear that Paul. It does sound like it may be fairly easy to repair. I hope you do send it in.

But it’s super frustrating. It does seem like the S-Pro lenses suffer a disproportionate amount of failures. My 24-105 is super flaky now and I don’t use it anymore. However, it did see a lot of use and I did buy it used.

 

[pdk42]

Thanks for your sympathy and helpful suggestions! I've sent a mail to DKAVS, so fingers crossed.

 

[CharlesH]

I've used Panasonic lens repair n the past. Things break.

I have used the 70-200 f/4 since it was first introduced in 2019. It will take tele-extenders, I use the 1.4X. If it quit working I would surely get it repaired.

 

[pdk42]

I've used Panasonic lens repair n the past. Things break.

I have used the 70-200 f/4 since it was first introduced in 2019. It will take tele-extenders, I use the 1.4X. If it quit working I would surely get it repaired.

Yes, I'm hoping it's repairable. With luck it'll be something simple like a failed contact or maybe a fried circuit board that can be easily replaced. It's clearly an electronics problem.

 

[Jan.Wedekind]

Really sorry to hear. Bought mine used shortly after I got the S1 about six years ago. About 2y ago I thought it was dead: it was making horrible noises when turning on, as if the motors were grinding through sand. Was about to send it in bought luckily it went away on its own and it’s been fine ever since. Still my absolute favorite zoom. It’s my favorite focal range and the IQ is so so nice. I can pick it out from random photos instantly.

Fingers crossed they can fix it easily!

 

[The Rigger]

Maybe it's jealous of your new 20-200mm lens?