URGENT: Add-on lens jammed in New Panasonic FZ28

[shoppercharlie]

Please don't laugh, or at least, don't let me know that you did! Stupidity seems to be my middle name today. At age 75, I'm new to using any camera which allows adding a supplemental lens. I purchased a wide angle add-on lens which the salesperson said included the adaptor. Not knowing any better, I attached the lens to my new FZ28 while it was turned on, the threads were no problem, and proceeded to take a number of pictures. I then shut off the camera without removing the lens. Bottom line: the lens did NOT have the required adapter length as part of it and it's now jammed in the camera with a start-up message saying "system error (telephoto)". I'm sure this will now require a lengthy mailing and factory repair job to remove the add-on lens and I need a camera for an up-coming vacation trip. (I'm in Oakland County, Michigan)

[A.M.D.A.]

Hi,

#1. Have you tried turning on/off the camera, then un-screwing the add-on lens? See if it isn't too tight.

#2. Can you zoom the built-in lens? If you can, try removing the accesory while at different focal lengths.

#3. If the converter lens is really jammed and won't budge, then you are probably better off to send it in for repair. Don't try to force it, you might severely damage the camera.

And, if you would post some photos of the FZ28 with the jammed lens, maybe it would help a bit.
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Here is a link to the Lumix digital cameras that Panasonic USA can provide support. Select your model from the list, then a page will come up with info about that camera, including a service center locator.
http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-e...ras.list.75480

[shoppercharlie]

Thanks for response. The ring on the threaded "built-in" rotates unless you are holding on to it & that part is too depressed to touch. I messed-up when I attached the add-on while the built-in was somewhat extended so, when I shut-down the camera and the built-in moved back into its' "off" position, it became too deep to touch. Turning the add-on only results in forever & ever rotation. Guess it's "factory" service time, including the add-on that wasn't exactly as I was told by sales. Darn shame too, just got the camera directly from Panasonic Friday morning and the lens from elsewhere on Friday afternoon. Nice light camera compared to all my older SLR's. They, with my lenses, give me backaches and have become too time consuming to switch lenses anymore. Take care.

Charlie

[A.M.D.A.]

I get it now. So you can't even zoom the built-in lens, right?

Then I would suggest sending the camera in, though I'm quite sure that it will not come cheaply.

[shoppercharlie]

Correct-can't zoom built-in. Guess it goes out for repairs!

Thanks for trying.

[shoppercharlie]

Somehow I treated it gently trying to unscrew the thing- stopped for dinner-returned to task and the lens slipped off into my hand! (Divine Intervention?)

Anyhow, don't trust a salesman until you've also read the manual!

Thanks,

Charlie

[Liz]

Somehow I treated it gently trying to unscrew the thing- stopped for dinner-returned to task and the lens slipped off into my hand! (Divine Intervention?)

Charlie

I would say a bit of both!

Congratulations! I'm really glad you got that resolved. I hope it continues to work just fine - keep us updated and post some of the shots!

Liz

[another view]

Good news! I had absolutely no ideas so I didn't reply earlier today when I saw your post but I'm glad you got it fixed. Funny how sometimes just leaving something for awhile and coming back to it later, the problem corrects itself. However it happened, enjoy the vacation and post some shots when you get back.

PS - Welcome to the site!

[Mr Yuck]

I know you solved it, but maybe my suggestion will work for others:

When I get a circular polarizer stuck, I put a rubber band around it so both parts are covered by the band and then when the front element turns, the threaded side will turn too.

[susaninpdx]

I also have an FZ28 question, but I'm new to the site and can't figure out how to post a new question. Would some kind soul guide me along the path I need to follow to post a new question? I'm already registered. Tx, Susan

[another view]

I also have an FZ28 question, but I'm new to the site and can't figure out how to post a new question. Would some kind soul guide me along the path I need to follow to post a new question? I'm already registered. Tx, Susan

Hi and welcome to the site! Excuse the really crude image below, but click on the circled button at the main Help Forum screen. Any other questions, either post here or send me a private message (click on my screen name, then select Private Message).