Cleaning the CCD sensor of a Panasonic Lumix Compact Digital Camera

Please read the entire description before attempting this process!

Dust, hairs and pollen can easily get "sucked" into the lens as the camera initialises and the barrel extends. They manifest themselves as out of focus dark areas on the image and they do not change size or position as you zoom the camera lens.

In most instances any "sensor" specks of dirt actually occur from the dust settling on infra red filter which is before the CCD itself. To clean the IR filter and the CCD the camera back and inside plates have to be removed before you can gain access. This video shows you how to perform this operation, clean the IR and CCD and then re-assemble the camera.

Using a dust blower will generally remove the dust specs, however if the camera has been used in dust enviroments or in high air pollution such as cities then there is also a possibility of a "film" of contamination also on the surface of the IR filter. Using my technique of the cotton bud removes the film thus restoring any lack of contrast due to this film. If you IR filter comes out of the holder on re-installation put the IR filter into the small recess in the lens housing, then the small rubber boot with the widest part uppermost on the IR filter and then gently place the CCD block back on top of the boot and proceed to tighten it down as per video.

I make the statement that although this is a simple task, you undertake this at your own risk and I can accept no responsibility if you "brick" your camera by damaging the LCD ribbon cables, connector latches, the IR filter or the CCD itself.
Work carefully and arrange the case and other screws so that you know where to replace them.

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Howto & Style

Tags:

• panasonic lumix sensor clean
• ccd cleaning TZ10
• ccd cleaning technique
• ccd clean
• dust spots
• TZ snsor clean
• panasonic camera ccd cleaning

[mrmot]

Hi Graham , just curious...hope its not off since is concerning ir filter in process:)? do you think is it posible to achieve some infrared nightshot picture shots from lumix in total darkness (like cheap sony camcorders does) simply by removing ir filter we already seen in process? with help of external ir light ofcourse. thanks ...

[ghough12]

@mrmot I have heard that some of the astronomer photographers remove the IR to get better starlight pictures. I'm not sure of the IR cut-off wavelength of the filter over the ccd. I haven't a working "broken" camera in at the moment otherwise i would try it out for you. From my old optical days I think there is also a focus shift when shooting only IR not sure now if infinity is closer or not (otherwise infinity would not focus if its the other way but closer objects would be ok.) Interesting!

[mrmot]

@ghough12 Thans for promt answer! I just break my usb labtec webcam again, as i remember that there is some "tiny glass" :). Removed it and plug in total darkness , iluminating only with ir light of sony trv30 with nightshot. WORK !! :) Also work with electric heater (one that have orange bars when heating)

[ghough12]

@mrmot That's great. I was thinking that you should actually place a "visible light" filter instead of the IR one so you can use it in "not total darkness" I have used the "blue fogged area" of 35mm negative film strip which is a good visible light block but you may need to use a few layers ( cut the same size as your IR filter) to totally block. Or you could use very dark blue acetate gel material i guess. However if it works good for you there is no reason to modify it. Just curious now!

[PeterSilseth]

It works! Of course I had to clean off the finger print that I accident put on the sensor. Thanks for the video.

[ghough12]

@PeterSilseth Well done! congratulations on undertaking this procedure.

[mrmot]

@ghough12 i first disasembled lumix zx3, (without spot problems, but cheaper than my tz20 :) and put it back after realising that IR filter won't come off easy, afraid to brake... but there is answer with webcam :) very happy now :))

[ghough12]

@haveachatann This is also a side effect of the camera pulling in dust as the lens extends. If you have a "blower brush" you might try blowing really forcefully with the lens shutters closed and then open to try to dislodge any foreign body trapped between the shutter blades and lens front. You might have to do this several times. DON'T attempt to try any lubricant, this will make them stick more. It is possible to remove them with dismantling the lens but it is a tricky operation. let me know.

[haveachatann]

Fabulous thanks so much! Im also having problems with a lens cover not opening fully. Any ideas there?

[ghough12]

@mrmot Fantastic, great improvisation with the scalpel. You are right just have a positive mind set and give it a go. Thanks for commenting.