Panasonic gs-400 lcd and circuitry

[Bubbsy 2002]

Hi All,

Just wondering if anyone has any experience with mini-dv cameras and their associated problems. Mine starts with the LCD screen not always showing the picture and when you move it or flip it the picture might appear properly (like there is a broken ribbon cable or whatever).
Another problem that has cropped up now is that you have to tap the camera a couple of times to change from a purple highlighted picture too normal (almost like a circuit board is fractured or something like that).
As you can read, I am not sure, because I have not been able to get a proper service manual (for free) for this camera to even attempt to articulate the right terminology.
I want to try and service it myself unless someone here knows where I can get it repaired for a reasonable cost.
This camera cost me $1600 in 2005, and these problems initially started 1.5 years ago, the purple shading problem is the latest .5 years ago.
Any help in this or any regards would be greatly appreciated.
I am located in Toronto, Canada.

Thanks

[PlainBill]

Re: Panasonic gs-400 lcd and circuitry

Hi All,

Just wondering if anyone has any experience with mini-dv cameras and their associated problems. Mine starts with the LCD screen not always showing the picture and when you move it or flip it the picture might appear properly (like there is a broken ribbon cable or whatever).
Another problem that has cropped up now is that you have to tap the camera a couple of times to change from a purple highlighted picture too normal (almost like a circuit board is fractured or something like that).
As you can read, I am not sure, because I have not been able to get a proper service manual (for free) for this camera to even attempt to articulate the right terminology.
I want to try and service it myself unless someone here knows where I can get it repaired for a reasonable cost.
This camera cost me $1600 in 2005, and these problems initially started 1.5 years ago, the purple shading problem is the latest .5 years ago.
Any help in this or any regards would be greatly appreciated.
I am located in Toronto, Canada.

Thanks

What can I say? As good as it was 5 years ago, the GS-400 is severely dated now. Personally, I don't have the dexterity to work on anything the size of a camcorder. The problems you describe are consistent with a bad solder joint, loose connector, or similar problem. Even more interesting is the fact that the LCD ribbon cables are available on eBay.

Best of all, several service manuals are available. You may have to register, but that (and the manuals) is free.

PlainBill

[Bubbsy 2002]

Re: Panasonic gs-400 lcd and circuitry

What can I say? As good as it was 5 years ago, the GS-400 is severely dated now. Personally, I don't have the dexterity to work on anything the size of a camcorder. The problems you describe are consistent with a bad solder joint, loose connector, or similar problem. Even more interesting is the fact that the LCD ribbon cables are available on eBay.

Best of all, several service manuals are available. You may have to register, but that (and the manuals) is free.

PlainBill

Hi PlainBill,

I always enjoy reading your helpful posts and comments. Yes, it was a good camera and it is dated as you say.
Thanks, for the link to manuals etc.
I noticed that the colour changes when you tap the barrel/housing of the lens, I guess it got one shock to many (I use to carry this camera everywhere I went).
I am surprised that this camera has not needed the video heads etc. replaced, because I have shot over 100 hours of video and more than 30,000 photos.

Thanks again.

[PlainBill]

Re: Panasonic gs-400 lcd and circuitry

Hi PlainBill,

I always enjoy reading your helpful posts and comments. Yes, it was a good camera and it is dated as you say.
Thanks, for the link to manuals etc.
I noticed that the colour changes when you tap the barrel/housing of the lens, I guess it got one shock to many (I use to carry this camera everywhere I went).
I am surprised that this camera has not needed the video heads etc. replaced, because I have shot over 100 hours of video and more than 30,000 photos.

Thanks again.

I've got it's baby brother - the GS-19. Mine has seen much less use than yours. By far the biggest shortcoming is the miniDV drive and tapes. Every time I download a video I think of how much easier it would be with a SDHC card.

PlainBill