LX100 MKII what about the "dust on the sensor" issue

[Chris 222]

No word from Panasonic, so I assume they did nothing about it.
This problem could be easily mitigated with firmware by reducing the frequent and unnecessary lens extensions the original LX100 suffers from. For instance, even to just view some pictures the lens extends.

It is simply physics, as the lens extends (any lens for that matter), it sucks air in and with it dust.

Just maybe they took some notice.

The following letter, that I have just found in my records, was was given to Trisha and discussed with heralmost two years ago. I have actually met up with Trisha on 2 or 3 occasions.

"19th November 2016

Trisha Gillings

Panasonic Lumix Product Manager

Doug Wiebe

Panasonic Lumix Sales Account Manager

Dear Trisha & Doug.

This is a request to Panasonic to please issue a Firmware update to the LX100 to stop the annoying feature that retracts the lens every time that the camera is put into review for a few seconds.

It is my belief and that of many others on the forums that this contributes to the dust problems that many have complained about and must add unnecessary ware to the lens mechanisms.

If possible I would ask on the behalf of myself and others that you pass this request on up the line to the powers that be.

Thank you so much for this.

I look forward to meeting with you both later today.

Malcolm Stick,

Panasonic Fan."-

Yes I am still a Panasonic fan. Mind you I haven't had dust problems.

Malcolm,

Nice of you to write this letter but sadly... JUST MAYBE are the operative words.

1) I've worked with Panasonic. They are a giant, old-style, very bureaucratic corporation where most execs are very much set in their ways. Assuming the US PM and SAM you wrote to would dare to actually pass on your complain to the execs (highly unlikely, not good for their career anyway) the chances that they would be taken into account are just about zero.

Think about it, if they had taken action, complaints about sensor dust on the LX100 and just about every ZS cam would have trickled to a stop.

2) maybe, just maybe... read the sensor dust feedback I posted above (there are many more out there including on this forum) and ask yourself if they have "fixed the problem." Seriously?! Anybody who says yes must be a fanboy or a habitual/fanatical denier (think "climate change doesn't exist.")

 

[Chris 222]

I haven't seen a single report of dust on the LX100 MKII sensor.

 

[kkardster]

I haven't seen a single report of dust on the LX100 MKII sensor.

I haven't seen a single review of a production LX100 MKII.

Coincidence?

No, but all these dire threads about dust or being underwhelmed by the "upgrade" are silly until the camera sees the light of day. This forum will have the MKII unfairly maligned based on speculation alone. It's a shame, since we've all seen how these initial perceptions are hard [and oftentimes impossible] to break. Give a camera its due, but please wait for the real deal.

 

[Ed B]

Well I'm sure Panasonic would take care of any dust problems, on the sensor or in the lens, while the camera is under warranty and with Panasonic's extended 3-year warranty a person would have at least 3 years of worry free use.

I've often wondered why (or if) this camera is worse than any other fixed zoom lens cameras.

Sometimes I think it may just get more publicity than other cameras.

While I agree that publicity may contribute to the perception of a problem -- really, to how widespread or frustrating the problem may be -- I wouldn't agree that a 3-year warranty means that you can use the camera "worry free."

Not only might you have to give up your camera for weeks or months, but you may have to do so repeatedly. Even if it doesn't cost you any money, the hassle of shipping the camera and the frustration of not having the use of it, are precisely the kinds of things I would worry about.

Yes, that's true.

 

[arthur1]

'Boss of Sony' may have found one in Panasonic's own sample photos here:

Commented on article Panasonic DC-LX100 II First Impressions Review

Haha, the samples show dust on the sensor. Just above the jumping guy's foot, and in the sky (upper right, just above cloud) of the landscape shot. Of course it could be something else.

This is a legitimate concern for me because I have junked several otherwise good cameras because of dust spots on sensor, which could not be removed with diy vacuum cleaner method, or by repair shops.

arthur

 

[dpcane]

My question too. It looks to me as if they have not changed anything to prevent dust from getting on the sensor.

Correct, from what I've read, absolutely NOTHING. And I've read extensively.

Does anyone have an idea of what percentage of, say, one year and older, LX100's had dust on the sensor? I feel that a lot didn't because many people say how happy they are with the camera but a fair number, a significant number say that in 6 or 12 months, the dust on the sensor kind of ruined the LX100 for them. I'm sure it ruined the resale of the camera too.

Cathy H.

Panasonic will never release such figures, but it's clear to me that they are making a killing in denying warranty claims for sensor dust and charging huge "repair fees" (up to $400 or more, plus shipping paid by the customer!)

Here is a sample of users' reports:

https://www.amazon.com/PANASONIC-Va...unity-reviews&pageNumber=1#reviews-filter-bar

Same problems with the Leica D-lux model BTW.

Well I'm sure Panasonic would take care of any dust problems, on the sensor or in the lens, while the camera is under warranty and with Panasonic's extended 3-year warranty a person would have at least 3 years of worry free use.

I've often wondered why (or if) this camera is worse than any other fixed zoom lens cameras.

Sometimes I think it may just get more publicity than other cameras.

While I agree that publicity may contribute to the perception of a problem -- really, to how widespread or frustrating the problem may be -- I wouldn't agree that a 3-year warranty means that you can use the camera "worry free."

Not only might you have to give up your camera for weeks or months, but you may have to do so repeatedly. Even if it doesn't cost you any money, the hassle of shipping the camera and the frustration of not having the use of it, are precisely the kinds of things I would worry about.

Why do you think you have to send it away to repair to remove a piece of dust?

 

[Chris 222]

Why do you think you have to send it away to repair to remove a piece of dust?

Why don't you post your magic recipe?

 

[kkardster]

'Boss of Sony' may have found one in Panasonic's own sample photos here:

Commented on article Panasonic DC-LX100 II First Impressions Review

Haha, the samples show dust on the sensor. Just above the jumping guy's foot, and in the sky (upper right, just above cloud) of the landscape shot. Of course it could be something else.

This is a legitimate concern for me because I have junked several otherwise good cameras because of dust spots on sensor, which could not be removed with diy vacuum cleaner method, or by repair shops.

Very definitive, especially stating that "it could be something else". Very helpful yet more of the conjecture that I noted. The photos he refers to aren't even in that article and his own moniker indicates a possible preference to the competition. Or could be summed up in its abbreviation: B.S. These and subsequent posts are simply piling on so I'm getting off the dog pile. Have fun with the guessing games.

 

[Hungryloon]

Sorry, but this is not a blank-slate camera. It is clearly a (minor) evolution of a very well-known camera. A lot of us got burned with expensive to address dust issues. Some of us also got burned with unrepairable battery drain issues. It is only legitimate to ask if these fairly widespread and recurring problems have been addressed without having to undertake a new trial-and-error process by users, especially since these problems manifest themselves over many months, not during a brief review period. In the meantime, the silence from Panasonic is deafening.

I bought the LX100 and I loved it as a photographic tool. Sadly, the costs of keeping the sensor clean ($100 + shipping + 2/3 week turnaround in Canada, twice a year), and its ultimate demise due to the unrepairable battery drain issue (out of warranty) meant that I lost my investment. I am not making it again, nor recommending it to anyone, without a solid assurance from Panasonic, and I am not seeing one.

I haven't seen a single report of dust on the LX100 MKII sensor.

I haven't seen a single review of a production LX100 MKII.

Coincidence?

No, but all these dire threads about dust or being underwhelmed by the "upgrade" are silly until the camera sees the light of day. This forum will have the MKII unfairly maligned based on speculation alone. It's a shame, since we've all seen how these initial perceptions are hard [and oftentimes impossible] to break. Give a camera its due, but please wait for the real deal.

 

[Ed B]

Sorry, but this is not a blank-slate camera. It is clearly a (minor) evolution of a very well-known camera. A lot of us got burned with expensive to address dust issues. Some of us also got burned with unrepairable battery drain issues. It is only legitimate to ask if these fairly widespread and recurring problems have been addressed without having to undertake a new trial-and-error process by users, especially since these problems manifest themselves over many months, not during a brief review period. In the meantime, the silence from Panasonic is deafening.
I bought the LX100 and I loved it as a photographic tool. Sadly, the costs of keeping the sensor clean ($100 + shipping + 2/3 week turnaround in Canada, twice a year), and its ultimate demise due to the unrepairable battery drain issue (out of warranty) meant that I lost my investment. I am not making it again, nor recommending it to anyone, without a solid assurance from Panasonic, and I am not seeing one.

I'm getting an education here.

I've read where people have complained about dust on the sensor but didn't know anything about battery drain issues.

 

[baobob]

You are right

With my Fuji XH1 after 8000 shots and permanent lens changes, no one particle

BUT

I use the Hurricane blower quite often

Of cours no problem with my TZ200

 

[dpcane]

Sorry, but this is not a blank-slate camera. It is clearly a (minor) evolution of a very well-known camera. A lot of us got burned with expensive to address dust issues. Some of us also got burned with unrepairable battery drain issues. It is only legitimate to ask if these fairly widespread and recurring problems have been addressed without having to undertake a new trial-and-error process by users, especially since these problems manifest themselves over many months, not during a brief review period. In the meantime, the silence from Panasonic is deafening.
I bought the LX100 and I loved it as a photographic tool. Sadly, the costs of keeping the sensor clean ($100 + shipping + 2/3 week turnaround in Canada, twice a year), and its ultimate demise due to the unrepairable battery drain issue (out of warranty) meant that I lost my investment. I am not making it again, nor recommending it to anyone, without a solid assurance from Panasonic, and I am not seeing one.

I'm getting an education here.

I've read where people have complained about dust on the sensor but didn't know anything about battery drain issues.

I would take it with a grain of salt. Every time you here one report of something it's extrapolated in here to be a given on every camera.

 

[kkardster]

Sorry, but this is not a blank-slate camera. It is clearly a (minor) evolution of a very well-known camera. A lot of us got burned with expensive to address dust issues. Some of us also got burned with unrepairable battery drain issues. It is only legitimate to ask if these fairly widespread and recurring problems have been addressed without having to undertake a new trial-and-error process by users, especially since these problems manifest themselves over many months, not during a brief review period. In the meantime, the silence from Panasonic is deafening.
I bought the LX100 and I loved it as a photographic tool. Sadly, the costs of keeping the sensor clean ($100 + shipping + 2/3 week turnaround in Canada, twice a year), and its ultimate demise due to the unrepairable battery drain issue (out of warranty) meant that I lost my investment. I am not making it again, nor recommending it to anyone, without a solid assurance from Panasonic, and I am not seeing one.

I haven't seen a single report of dust on the LX100 MKII sensor.

I haven't seen a single review of a production LX100 MKII.

Coincidence?

No, but all these dire threads about dust or being underwhelmed by the "upgrade" are silly until the camera sees the light of day. This forum will have the MKII unfairly maligned based on speculation alone. It's a shame, since we've all seen how these initial perceptions are hard [and oftentimes impossible] to break. Give a camera its due, but please wait for the real deal.

Make assumptions and complain all you want. All I'm saying is that the camera deserves the light of day before being denigraded in the public. Social media is great for spreading information, but once out there you can't take it back. Sadly, most won't even care.

But wouldn't it be a nice surprise to learn that the new sensor also included a cleaning function? Or that the dust problem has actually been improved? I guess not. Let's light our torches and storm the castle.

If/when we learn there truly is a dust issue, then flame on - they deserve it after all the returns. Until then, I'm only asking for the restraint and fairness that the new model deserves but we won't be getting it here, apparently.

 

[telefunk]

Sorry, but this is not a blank-slate camera. It is clearly a (minor) evolution of a very well-known camera. A lot of us got burned with expensive to address dust issues. Some of us also got burned with unrepairable battery drain issues. It is only legitimate to ask if these fairly widespread and recurring problems have been addressed without having to undertake a new trial-and-error process by users, especially since these problems manifest themselves over many months, not during a brief review period. In the meantime, the silence from Panasonic is deafening.
I bought the LX100 and I loved it as a photographic tool. Sadly, the costs of keeping the sensor clean ($100 + shipping + 2/3 week turnaround in Canada, twice a year), and its ultimate demise due to the unrepairable battery drain issue (out of warranty) meant that I lost my investment. I am not making it again, nor recommending it to anyone, without a solid assurance from Panasonic, and I am not seeing one.

I haven't seen a single report of dust on the LX100 MKII sensor.

I haven't seen a single review of a production LX100 MKII.

Coincidence?

No, but all these dire threads about dust or being underwhelmed by the "upgrade" are silly until the camera sees the light of day. This forum will have the MKII unfairly maligned based on speculation alone. It's a shame, since we've all seen how these initial perceptions are hard [and oftentimes impossible] to break. Give a camera its due, but please wait for the real deal.

Make assumptions and complain all you want. All I'm saying is that the camera deserves the light of day before being denigraded in the public. Social media is great for spreading information, but once out there you can't take it back. Sadly, most won't even care.

But wouldn't it be a nice surprise to learn that the new sensor also included a cleaning function? Or that the dust problem has actually been improved? I guess not. Let's light our torches and storm the castle.

If/when we learn there truly is a dust issue, then flame on - they deserve it after all the returns. Until then, I'm only asking for the restraint and fairness that the new model deserves but we won't be getting it here, apparently.

Cmon get real. Only the sensor & processor have been upgraded

 

[Ian_MTL]

I've waited a long time for this camera, but with no mention of 'environmentally sealed' or such like, there remains the nagging doubt that it may suffer from the same dust problems, which I believe are real. The old saying 'Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me' springs to mind, unfortunately.

They are real, my D-lux 109 went in twice under warranty for dust removal. I sold it right after the second one, fed up. still loved that camera though and I still miss it.

 

[kkardster]

Sorry, but this is not a blank-slate camera. It is clearly a (minor) evolution of a very well-known camera. A lot of us got burned with expensive to address dust issues. Some of us also got burned with unrepairable battery drain issues. It is only legitimate to ask if these fairly widespread and recurring problems have been addressed without having to undertake a new trial-and-error process by users, especially since these problems manifest themselves over many months, not during a brief review period. In the meantime, the silence from Panasonic is deafening.
I bought the LX100 and I loved it as a photographic tool. Sadly, the costs of keeping the sensor clean ($100 + shipping + 2/3 week turnaround in Canada, twice a year), and its ultimate demise due to the unrepairable battery drain issue (out of warranty) meant that I lost my investment. I am not making it again, nor recommending it to anyone, without a solid assurance from Panasonic, and I am not seeing one.

I haven't seen a single report of dust on the LX100 MKII sensor.

I haven't seen a single review of a production LX100 MKII.

Coincidence?

No, but all these dire threads about dust or being underwhelmed by the "upgrade" are silly until the camera sees the light of day. This forum will have the MKII unfairly maligned based on speculation alone. It's a shame, since we've all seen how these initial perceptions are hard [and oftentimes impossible] to break. Give a camera its due, but please wait for the real deal.

Make assumptions and complain all you want. All I'm saying is that the camera deserves the light of day before being denigraded in the public. Social media is great for spreading information, but once out there you can't take it back. Sadly, most won't even care.

But wouldn't it be a nice surprise to learn that the new sensor also included a cleaning function? Or that the dust problem has actually been improved? I guess not. Let's light our torches and storm the castle.

If/when we learn there truly is a dust issue, then flame on - they deserve it after all the returns. Until then, I'm only asking for the restraint and fairness that the new model deserves but we won't be getting it here, apparently.

Cmon get real. Only the sensor & processor have been upgraded

I never said that it was fixed nor better. Only that you armchair quarterbacks are just that.

 

[dpcane]

Sorry, but this is not a blank-slate camera. It is clearly a (minor) evolution of a very well-known camera. A lot of us got burned with expensive to address dust issues. Some of us also got burned with unrepairable battery drain issues. It is only legitimate to ask if these fairly widespread and recurring problems have been addressed without having to undertake a new trial-and-error process by users, especially since these problems manifest themselves over many months, not during a brief review period. In the meantime, the silence from Panasonic is deafening.
I bought the LX100 and I loved it as a photographic tool. Sadly, the costs of keeping the sensor clean ($100 + shipping + 2/3 week turnaround in Canada, twice a year), and its ultimate demise due to the unrepairable battery drain issue (out of warranty) meant that I lost my investment. I am not making it again, nor recommending it to anyone, without a solid assurance from Panasonic, and I am not seeing one.

I haven't seen a single report of dust on the LX100 MKII sensor.

I haven't seen a single review of a production LX100 MKII.

Coincidence?

No, but all these dire threads about dust or being underwhelmed by the "upgrade" are silly until the camera sees the light of day. This forum will have the MKII unfairly maligned based on speculation alone. It's a shame, since we've all seen how these initial perceptions are hard [and oftentimes impossible] to break. Give a camera its due, but please wait for the real deal.

Make assumptions and complain all you want. All I'm saying is that the camera deserves the light of day before being denigraded in the public. Social media is great for spreading information, but once out there you can't take it back. Sadly, most won't even care.

But wouldn't it be a nice surprise to learn that the new sensor also included a cleaning function? Or that the dust problem has actually been improved? I guess not. Let's light our torches and storm the castle.

If/when we learn there truly is a dust issue, then flame on - they deserve it after all the returns. Until then, I'm only asking for the restraint and fairness that the new model deserves but we won't be getting it here, apparently.

Cmon get real. Only the sensor & processor have been upgraded

I never said that it was fixed nor better. Only that you armchair quarterbacks are just that.

Is there a penalty for making an educated guess? It's only the internet.

 

[Chris 222]

Is there a penalty for making an educated guess? It's only the internet.

On a more ON TOPIC NOTE, you have made several allusions to "vibrating" the dust off. Can you explain what you mean?
Thanks in advance.

 

[Hungryloon]

I'm getting an education here.

I've read where people have complained about dust on the sensor but didn't know anything about battery drain issues.

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www.flickr.com

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www.dpreview.com

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www.dpreview.com

While the last thread reports a fix available, it was quoted at $350+shipping to me. On a camera that sells used for about $400, and on which I'd have to keep spending $100+shipping twice a year just to keep image quality acceptable, I'd call that a write-off.

 

[dpcane]

Is there a penalty for making an educated guess? It's only the internet.

On a more ON TOPIC NOTE, you have made several allusions to "vibrating" the dust off. Can you explain what you mean?
Thanks in advance.

I shoot Pentax as well. They have a floating sensor and a feature that vibrates the sensor to remove dust. You do it a few times and your good to go. I've take an electric toothbrush and rubber banded it to other cameras without this feature to vibrate dust off in the same manner. Remember, it's dust, not a finger print. It's loose. It works. Now I am sure someone will freak out about vibrating their electronics. I guess that's a personal choice. I believe the camera isn't made of glass and can take it. Haven't broken one yet.