How to strip a Panasonic DMC-ZS3 (TZ7) lens to remove dust?

[unpopular]

While newer lenses are a bit mechanically simpler than modern, electronically controlled ones, I can't imagine tearing down an integrated zoom. Who knows what it will be like in there! I've made a few simple lens repairs and modifications on lenses I don't care about. Usually I can't get the thing back together. If you're not careful, you'll remove the wrong part and the whole thing will be thrown out of calibration or, worse yet, the diaphragm will end up on the floor like the last lens I took apart. I relubed my CZJ 50/2.8, an easy enough task, and accidentally removed the infinity stop, I spent the next six hours getting it back into the right place! And that's on a very simple preset prime.

If you don't care about the camera and want to use it as practice, then go for it. But don't expect to get the thing back together. Otherwise leave it alone. The specks will like likely only show up inside the bokeh, as in inside the blobs of light - something you likely have vitally none of with a compact.

 

[Tommygunn]

Just to wrap this up, I found a superb guide on Youtube that will no doubt help those with my camera or those with similar models.
I now have a perfectly clean camera front to back.

Lens strip & clean:
How to strip and clean a Panasonic Lumix TZ series lens - with warnings!!! - YouTube

CCD cleaning:
Cleaning the CCD sensor of a Panasonic Lumix Compact Digital Camera - YouTube

Tom.

 

[unpopular]

a complete and totally unnecessary risk with absolutely no optical benefit.

 

[Tommygunn]

Considering I'm perfectly capable of it, it is well out if it's warranty, plus I had the video instructional and, added to the fact, the dust condition had got worse and was showing up on stills and video then you would be completely wrong.

a complete and totally unnecessary risk

Your rather condescending and over the top comment would be more apt to messing with unexploded ordnance or playing in traffic than the rather more mundane cleaning of a camera.

Tom.

 

[2WheelPhoto]

good luck!

 

[Tommygunn]

As mentioned, all dust and debris has now been removed from the whole lens and sensor assembly and the camera works flawlessly after a complete tear-down.

Tom.