Sand or Particles Stuck in My Focus Ring

[kyle_doris]

Hey guys. Does anyone know what should be done if there is a small grain of sand apparently stuck in the focus ring. This problem just arose last week on a shoot and i want to clean it out so it's smooth again; very important. Can I send it some place to get this cleaned or 'serviced'. Has anyone been able to fix the problem with a simple tip. Please let me know, i'm sorta taking the unit out of commission until I can find a way to clean it.

thanks much.

-kd

[MannHands]

can't fix it. Panny will replace the lens for about $1000. That or you have to deal with it. Believe me I've tried. It sucks.

[insomniac61]

kd,

With all due respect to MannHands.... There is no reason to replace your lens if the only problem you've got is some sand grit in your zoom ring.

I've had this happen to me two times now. The first time I followed the instructions at this link:

http://digitalislandmedia.com/hvx200_lens_repair.html

It was scary as hell, but I was able to clean it myself.

The second time I tried, I broke the electronic ribben and had to take it in to panasonic. They charged just under $600 to replace the ribben and completely clean the camera.

Hope this helps.

Good luck.

J

[gco]

That is scary just reading about it.
I would be tempted to use a vacuum cleaner first. You can put two fingers on the end of the hose to reduce the suction force and to avoid scratching anything. Then put your fingers over the gap where you think the grit is. Maybe move the ring (very gently) a bit to see if it comes free. I've done this for general cleaning over my tape transport cover, switches and mic inputs after an unusually dusty/windy day with good results.
Good luck ---hope this goes well.

[ProfessorU]

Holy cow. That guy must have some big cojones or a big wallet to be able to take the screws out of his HVX like that. I'd stick with the vacuum first!

[SimonCudby]

I did this procedure yesterday. The outcome... success! The only tricky part was re-inserting the ribbon. I am so much happier with the zoom/focus operation now. I even think the AF is working a little better now that the sand is out.

[Nathan Beaman]

damn - i dont know if id have the balls to do that myself

[Mark Smith]

This isn't so hard to do: I've done it 4 times myself though one does have to get their "zen on " before starting. The ribbon connector is the most difficult/delicate part of the operation. I'll only do the operation in a well lit controlled environment though I have done it once on a rolling ship out in the south pacific. Some times having a Ball head mount for the camera can be very good , to basically be your third hand.

[ProfessorU]

You might be a HVX power user if:

You've ever removed the lens assembly "on a rolling ship out in the south pacific."

lol

[kyle_doris]

thanks for the tips guys, i'll check out the DIY way. i'm pretty good with this stuff. it's probably a good thing to know how to do for future issues also! danka much

-kd

[Pierre Petit]

How much does panasonic charge for just the clean up? i think i have a grain of sand in there too....

[yakamasa]

Oh yes I'd like to know that as well if possible. But this thread looks a bit quiet and without proper information. I have the same problem with gritting focus ring. I'll try to contact panasonic to find out what the costs are and will let you know guys. Don't wanna pay £500+ for that to be fixed it is just ridiculous.