HELP! Sand in zoom turner

[9thDegree]

Hey there,

I just got a Panasonic DMC-FZ30PP and there's sand in the ring for the zoom. When turning it you can hear the sand.

Anyone know how to get the sand out? I rather find out how to clean it myself rather than taking it in.

Called up Panasonic, and they said to take it to someone. Called them up, and they said it will be around $300 to clean it. The guy also said there's a 50/50 chance of getting it done. So, I don't know if that was part of his sales pitch or not; but I would like to hear what you all have to say b4 blowing all that money away.

What are your thoughts?

Here's pics of it: http://www.letsgodigital.org/html/re.../fz30_EN1.html