service mode - Panasonic g7 (awesome camera)

Wasabi Bob wrote:

Having worked for a service center I'm sharing info I have from experience. When a tech services the camera for any problem that's not cosmetic or mechanical, the first thing the tech does is to download the camera alignment data. This procedure is not included in the service manual that you can find on line. However, if you read through the manual carefully it will instruct you to "reload the camera data" (that was previously exported.)

If you don't, the camera reverts to using generic alignment data that is loaded into every camera's main PCB at the time of manufacturing. This allows the camera to be powered up and aligned much faster than having to load firmware into every camera for the first time during the final alignment steps. The data includes AF / Color and Shutter Speed accuracy. The initial settings are "close", but definitely not spot on. More significant is the fact that when you enter this mode and don't complete the procedure you set a "flag" that tells the servicer that you've been playing with the camera. This will void your warranty if the problem the camera was sent in for triggers them to check this flag.

Service modes are hidden for good reasons, so I don't feel sorry for anyone who goes poking their nose where it should not be. It's very easy to transform your camera into an expensive paperweight.

That all seems pretty clear, but your use of the term dumps isn't. Do you mean "dumps" as in "writes out" (which is the way it is generally used), or do you mean "ignores", ie, "no longer makes use of the data".

I'm aware that in service mode the camera writes out 2 configuration files to the SD card, ie, that is what you refer to as "dumps the alignment data".

But of itself, that is not a bad thing. And I get that you might need that when replacing the PCB.

But can you clarify - are you also implying that the camera ignores this specific configuration data and reverts to the some kind of generic default or unadjusted profiles the entire time it is in service mode? I would have thought if that were the case this might be quite frustrating for service techs, and how would they calibrate the camera if the alignment data is only used in normal mode.