Send GH1 for repair because of vertical streaking?

[cordvision]

I have a GH1 that exhibits strong colored vertical streaking even at ISO100. I was thinking about sending it in for repair (bought it 3 months ago, so it should still be covered by the original warranty). Did anyone do the same? Was panasonic able to fix the problem? Would they switch the whole camera or just the sensor? I'm asking because I do not want to loose the ability to hack the camera.

 

[alignment1]

If you send it back- consider it 'unhackable'. The first protocol is to update any firmware as far as Panny's concerned.

 

[cordvision]

I would tell them not to update it. I think I have the right to keep my current firmware...