If there are mechanical problems, there are most likely some small parts
that may have to be changed internally in the lens unit. Taking this apart
and re-assembling this is a job in itself. There may be some adjustments
that have to be done, in order to have the zoom and focus properly track.
This is a fair number of hours of work.

To do the work, it would be good to have a blow-up schematic of the lens
unit, and the proper tools to be able to deal with the small screws and
pieces. It will be somewhat like working with mechanical watch parts.
Managing the order of parts themselves is also another task within the job.
Then if replacement parts are required, they must be ordered. A proper
description with the part number will be necessary. For some of these units,
they don't always sell the individual parts. They may only sell the complete
assembly. This is commonly done with then newer lenses, and alike.

When we get this type of work to be done, we give it out to the factory
service. If the work to this exceeds more than about 20% to 30% of the
replacement value of the unit, and the age of the unit is more than about 3
years old, we will not recommend to do the repair.

--

Jerry G.
=====


"Jay" wrote in message
om...
I,m a retired technician and I bought a Panasonic PV-353 last
Christmas, the main intention was for outdoor use. When I took it out
this spring, I got white out on the screen. Took it into a repair
shop, parts 1 yr. warranty, labor only 30 days from purchase. Seems
it has a frozen iris, they want $185 labor for repair, they say no
parts involved. (It only cost about $250 to begin with). Can't afford
this, can anyone give me some tips to repair myself?