My 70-200 f4 "Pro" has died

[pdk42]

I forgot, have you checked third party camera repairers? I believe there are several in the U.K.

I've contacted three of them Charles and they all give the same story - the Panasonic parts catalogue for lenses is almost empty so they consider repair as impractical in most instances.

 

[pdk42]

Or perhaps just plug the cable in.

Or was that already checked?

Well, I suspect DKAVS didn't even take it apart, but I could be wrong. For sure it'll be my first thing to check, but I doubt that's the problem. Those ZIF sockets are pretty good. I'd lay a small wager on it being something fried on the circuit board. Maybe static discharge or a brief power spike?

Ironically, I found a US seller on eBay selling the equiv for the 70-200 f2.8:

Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S. Main Board OEM | eBay UK

The Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S. Main Board OEM is a crucial component for maintaining the functionality of the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO camera. This circuit board, designed specifically for Panasonic cameras, ensures compatibility and reliable performance. With its high-quality...

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Quentinquirelino]

If you have time, some electronical knowledge skills, you could search for a mechanical broken 70-200 F4, where the electronic still works, and make one out of two.

However, your situation with that lens doesn't reflect well on the Panasonic service.

 

[pdk42]

If you have time, some electronical knowledge skills, you could search for a mechanical broken 70-200 F4, where the electronic still works, and make one out of two.

Yes, that's what I was thinking. One of the UK camera gear stores is selling a "spares only" one at the moment, but the they're asking silly money - £450!

However, your situation with that lens doesn't reflect well on the Panasonic service.

Exactly.

 

[Jonathan-Mac]

Yes, that's what I was thinking. One of the UK camera gear stores is selling a "spares only" one at the moment, but the they're asking silly money - £450!

It's quite a lot to spend not knowing if a PCB exchange will resolve the problem (though it does seem likely). It's just ridiculous that Panasonic choose not to make these parts available. I believe in California they have a "right to repair" law which means that spares must be available for at least seven years after the item was last sold.

 

[Quentinquirelino]

Yes, that's what I was thinking. One of the UK camera gear stores is selling a "spares only" one at the moment, but the they're asking silly money - £450!
...

Yeah, I wouldn't pay that. In. Worst case you have two defect lenses. For that money, I would rather buy a working lens.

... I believe in California they have a "right to repair" law which means that spares must be available for at least seven years after the item was last sold.

The EU currently has a similar guideline for the members to implement as law. Hopefully it will improve the repairability for the future, when big economies force the manufacturer to improve.

 

[Jayneboo]

It's quite a lot to spend not knowing if a PCB exchange will resolve the problem (though it does seem likely). It's just ridiculous that Panasonic choose not to make these parts available. I believe in California they have a "right to repair" law which means that spares must be available for at least seven years after the item was last sold.

We need that law in the UK. Not just for camera's, Panasonic are not alone in this poor service. I just fell out with Epson after approaching them for a spare part for my P900 printer.
What should have been a very simple replacement and readily available, turned into their only offer of an £840 call out to swap the part, with a 30 day warranty. I ask you.. you can buy the printer new for between £900 and a £1000 - with a full warranty and all new parts. Made me so mad it went on to eBay for spares or repair and my old Canon printer which had sat untouched for many months is chugging away happily!!! Epson will have no more of my money.

 

[CharlesH]

I believe in California they have a "right to repair" law which means that spares must be available for at least seven years after the item was last sold.

We do, although I've never heard if it is enforced, but I'll keep it in mind. For the one lens I had that Panasonic said was unrepairable, the 70-300, they offered a 25% discount on a new lens (which I took). That may have met the requirements of the law, I don't know.