Filter wheel HDX900

[Robert Humphrey]

I am in the process of sending my camera to panasonic. My local tech says although it is a quick fix, the problem is located in the camera block. Since the fix is in the block Panny wants to do it themselves. The fix is free but the shipping and time gome will cost.
My tech said Panny has not published any Tech bulletin on the problem. They wil not replace the problem area for free if it is not broken. So you will pay for a pre emptive fix.

[Randy Hale]

I had my filter wheel replaced last year, June 2009. When you turned the wheel, the filter wouldn’t spin to the correct filter, it”slipped”. Having my local engineer tell me it should be done by Pani or a qualified Pani service house I reached out to my sales rep and regional Pani Rep. After a little argument like “Why should I pay for your incompetent design, they agreed to fix the gear even though the camera was out of warrantee. Pani admitted the the plastic wheel was a bad design and is replacing it with a metal wheel. I shipped my camera to K&M electronics in Atlanta GA. Mitch was great to talk to, did a great job and was a very fast turnaround (3 days).
My notes:
To fix hdx900 panasonic filter wheel
contact: Mitch (owner, chief engineer)
K&M Electronics
770-554-1201
Include bill of sale
Include a note (LARGE) that even though it is over a year old, it will be covered under warrantee by

Allen Carmichael
Field Engineer, Panasonic Tech Support
770-305-7969
This is THE GUY who can approve paying for wanrratee or out of warrantee gear. (UPDATE:I think he may have retired from this position.)

When sending camera,
Include viewfinder, no power supply, no lens.

Note: I told Panasonic that this was the last Pani camera I would every own unless they paid to fix it.
I’m a Sony guy from the 70’s, I’m not used to buying crap.
Good Luck.
P.S: If you havn’t bought a Nanoflash for your HDX, do it.

[Gavrosh Haxhihyseni]

Hello Guys!

Some days ago I had the same problem with my HDX900.The ND filter knob runs free without changing the filters,although the filter numbers change in the viewfinder.Unfortunately it has stopped to the ND4,making it hard to shoot into interiors.The color filter knob runs OK,although it is in the same axis.
I wonder if the ND filter knob changes the filters mechanically or electronically.
How can I remedy to this problem?
Thanks
Goshi

[Chris Cardno]

You’ll need to get it to a Panasonic repair shop. It’s not a big repair but it does require opening the camera if the filter wheel has jammed — odds are it’s the plastic wheel that cracked. The labor cost is higher than the part (always the way…) but it should be a fast turnaround IF they have the part in stock.

Hope you don’t get caught out while your camera is down,

Chris Cardno
Visual Edge Productions
Bethesda, MD

[Sonja Stark]

I’ve had my Panasonic HDX900 since 2008 and today (August 2011) the plastic filter wheel just stop working, spinning but not locking into place. I too bought my camera from Abel. The camera was not being abused or even overused. It barely sees the light of day since I bought the EX3 in 2010. I hope I can get Panasonic to fix.

[Gavrosh Haxhihyseni]

Hello Chris!

Though it’s been a long time I would like to thank you so much for your advise.I have tried hard to remedy for the ND filter knob,but no success.Can you say me is it any way to release the ND4 setting to the ND1 or no ND filter at all.E.g. intervening technically through the lens trought. At least I can make use of my camera without need of the ND filter at all.

Goshi