How to clean dust from a Lumix image sensor.

I carry my Panasonic compact in my pocket at all times. After six months, dust specs showed up when zoomed into a bright object like the sky. I stressed over this for weeks. I scoured the internet looking for a solution other than sending the camera off for repair or buying a new camera. I even tried placing a vacuum cleaner hose over the lens as I turned the camera on and off to extend and retract the lens. That helped suck out some hair, but not the dust.

Then I found a posting in this very forum by "bornmw" for another Lumix model. That pointed me in the right direction. Although the procedure below is specific for the Lumix DMC-FX37, it may be similar for other Lumix models. All you need is a small jewelers Philips screwdriver, a can of compressed air and a gentle hand.

Procedure: Remove the five exteriors screws and remove the side panels. Then gently pull off the back cover, being careful not to yank on the ribbon cable. Remove the four screws that holds the aluminum cover plate and put aside. Underneath is the image sensor, remove the three screws. Lift the sensor up gently so not to harm the ribbon cable. Use a can of compressed air or other low-pressure source to blow dust off the surface of the sensor. Do use your mouth or moister can adhere to the sensor. Reassemble the camera and you are done. The image will be as clean as the day you bought the camera.

By the way, I now prevent dust from entering the camera by keeping it in a Ziploc bag. This is a low-tech solution, but the results are amazing. Good luck!
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