Panasonic DMC-F3P User manual

© Panasonic Corporation 2010 Unauthorized copy-
ing and distribution is a violation of law.
ORDER NO. DSC1002017CE
B26
Digital Camera
Model No. DMC-F3P
DMC-F3PC
DMC-F3PR
DMC-F3PU
DMC-F3EB
DMC-F3EE
DMC-F3EF
DMC-F3EG
DMC-F3EP
DMC-F3GC
DMC-F3GF
DMC-F3GN
DMC-F3GT
DMC-F4EB
DMC-F4EE
DMC-F4EG
DMC-F4EP
Colour
[ DMC-F3 ]
(S)...........Silver Type (except PC/EF/GT)
(K)...........Black Type
(P)...........Pink Type (except PC)
[ DMC-F4 ]
(S)...........Silver Type (only EE)
(K)...........Black Type (except EE)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE PAGE
1 Safety Precautions -----------------------------------------------3
1.1. General Guidelines ----------------------------------------3
1.2. Leakage Current Cold Check ---------------------------3
1.3. Leakage Current Hot Check (See Figure 1.)--------3
1.4. How to Discharge the Capacitor on Flash
P.C.B.----------------------------------------------------------4
2Warning--------------------------------------------------------------5
2.1. Prevention of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
to Electrostatically Sensitive (ES) Devices ----------5
2.2. How to Recycle the Lithium Ion Battery (U.S.
Only)-----------------------------------------------------------5
2.3. Caution for AC Cord(For EB/GC) ----------------------6
2.4. How to dispose the Lithium Battery -------------------7
3 Service Navigation------------------------------------------------8
3.1. Introduction --------------------------------------------------8
3.2. General Description About Lead Free Solder
(PbF) ----------------------------------------------------------8
3.3. Important Notice 1:-----------------------------------------9
3.4. How to Define the Model Suffix (NTSC or PAL
model)-------------------------------------------------------10
4 Specifications----------------------------------------------------16
5 Location of Controls and Components------------------17
6 Service Fixture & Tools ---------------------------------------19
6.1. Service Fixture and Tools------------------------------19
7 Disassembly and Assembly Instructions---------------21
7.1. Disassembly Flow Chart--------------------------------21
7.2. PCB Location----------------------------------------------21
7.3. Disassembly Procedure --------------------------------22
8 Measurements and Adjustments --------------------------27
8.1. Introduction ------------------------------------------------27
8.2. Matrix chart (Replaced part and Adjustment
item) ---------------------------------------------------------27
8.3. Execute the Adjustment software
“DscCalDi.exe”.-------------------------------------------28
8.4. Adjustment procedures---------------------------------29
9 Maintenance ------------------------------------------------------38
9.1. Cleaning Lens and LCD Panel -----------------------38
10 Block Diagram ---------------------------------------------------39
10.1. Overall Block Diagram----------------------------------39
11 Wiring Connection Diagram---------------------------------40
12 Printed Circuit Board ------------------------------------------41
12.1. Fuse location on MAIN P.C.B. ------------------------41

3
1 Safety Precautions
1.1. General Guidelines
1. IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE
There are special components used in this equipment
which are important for safety. These parts are marked by
in the Schematic Diagrams, Circuit Board Layout,
Exploded Views and Replacement Parts List. It is essen-
tial that these critical parts should be replaced with manu-
facturer’s specified parts to prevent X-RADIATION,
shock, fire, or other hazards. Do not modify the original
design without permission of manufacturer.
2. An Isolation Transformer should always be used during
the servicing of AC Adaptor whose chassis is not isolated
from the AC power line. Use a transformer of adequate
power rating as this protects the technician from acci-
dents resulting in personal injury from electrical shocks. It
will also protect AC Adaptor from being damaged by acci-
dental shorting that may occur during servicing.
3. When servicing, observe the original lead dress. If a short
circuit is found, replace all parts which have been over-
heated or damaged by the short circuit.
4. After servicing, see to it that all the protective devices
such as insulation barriers, insulation papers shields are
properly installed.
5. After servicing, make the following leakage current
checks to prevent the customer from being exposed to
shock hazards.
1.2. Leakage Current Cold Check
1. Unplug the AC cord and connect a jumper between the
two prongs on the plug.
2. Measure the resistance value, with an ohmmeter,
between the jumpered AC plug and each exposed metal-
lic cabinet part on the equipment such as screwheads,
connectors, control shafts, etc. When the exposed metal-
lic part has a return path to the chassis, the reading
should be between 1 MΩand 5.2 MΩ. When the exposed
metal does not have a return path to the chassis, the
reading must be infinity.
1.3. Leakage Current Hot Check
(See Figure 1.)
1. Plug the AC cord directly into the AC outlet. Do not use
an isolation transformer for this check.
2. Connect a 1.5 kΩ, 10 W resistor, in parallel with a 0.15 μF
capacitor, between each exposed metallic part on the set
and a good earth ground, as shown in Figure 1.
3. Use an AC voltmeter, with 1 kΩ/V or more sensitivity, to
measure the potential across the resistor.
4. Check each exposed metallic part, and measure the volt-
age at each point.
5. Reverse the AC plug in the AC outlet and repeat each of
the above measurements.
6. The potential at any point should not exceed 0.75 V RMS.
A leakage current tester (Simpson Model 229 or equiva-
lent) may be used to make the hot checks, leakage cur-
rent must not exceed 1/2 mA. In case a measurement is
outside of the limits specified, there is a possibility of a
shock hazard, and the equipment should be repaired and
rechecked before it is returned to the customer.
Figure. 1

4
1.4. How to Discharge the Capacitor on Flash P.C.B.
CAUTION:
1. Make sure to discharge the capacitor on FLASH P.C.B..
2. Be careful of the high voltage circuit on FLASH P.C.B. when servicing.
[Discharging Procedure]
1. Refer to the disassemble procedure and remove the necessary parts/unit.
2. Install the insulation tube onto the lead part of resistor (ERG5SJ102:1kΩ/5W).
(an equivalent type of resistor may be used.)
3. Place a resistor between both terminals of capacitor on the FLASH P.C.B. for approx. 5 seconds.
4. After discharging, confirm that the capacitor voltage is lower than 10V using a voltmeter.
Fig. F1

5
2Warning
2.1. Prevention of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) to Electrostatically
Sensitive (ES) Devices
Some semiconductor (solid state) devices can be damaged easily by static electricity. Such components commonly are called Elec-
trostatically Sensitive (ES) Devices.
The following techniques should be used to help reduce the incidence of component damage caused by electrostatic discharge
(ESD).
1. Immediately before handling any semiconductor component or semiconductor-equipped assembly, drain off any ESD on your
body by touching a known earth ground. Alternatively, obtain and wear a commercially available discharging ESD wrist strap,
which should be removed for potential shock reasons prior to applying power to the unit under test.
2. After removing an electrical assembly equipped with ES devices, place the assembly on a conductive surface such as alumi-
num foil, to prevent electrostatic charge buildup or exposure of the assembly.
3. Use only a grounded-tip soldering iron to solder or unsolder ES devices.
4. Use only an antistatic solder removal device. Some solder removal devices not classified as "antistatic (ESD protected)" can
generate electrical charge sufficient to damage ES devices.
5. Do not use freon-propelled chemicals. These can generate electrical charges sufficient to damage ES devices.
6. Do not remove a replacement ES device from its protective package until immediately before you are ready to install it. (Most
replacement ES devices are packaged with leads electrically shorted together by conductive foam, aluminum foil or compara-
ble conductive material).
7. Immediately before removing the protective material from the leads of a replacement ES device, touch the protective material
to the chassis or circuit assembly into which the device will be installed.
CAUTION :
Be sure no power is applied to the chassis or circuit, and observe all other safety precautions.
8. Minimize bodily motions when handling unpackaged replacement ES devices. (Otherwise harmless motion such as the
brushing together of your clothes fabric or the lifting of your foot from a carpeted floor can generate static electricity (ESD) suf-
ficient to damage an ES device).
2.2. How to Recycle the Lithium Ion Battery (U.S. Only)

6
2.3. Caution for AC Cord
(For EB/GC)
2.3.1. Information for Your Safety
IMPORTANT
Your attention is drawn to the fact that recording of pre-
recorded tapes or discs or other published or broadcast
material may infringe copyright laws.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard, do not expose
this equipment to rain or moisture.
CAUTION
To reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard and annoying
interference, use the recommended accessories only.
FOR YOUR SAFETY
DO NOT REMOVE THE OUTER COVER
To prevent electric shock, do not remove the cover. No user
serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service
personnel.
2.3.2. Caution for AC Mains Lead
For your safety, please read the following text carefully.
This appliance is supplied with a moulded three-pin mains plug
for your safety and convenience.
A 5-ampere fuse is fitted in this plug.
Should the fuse need to be replaced please ensure that the
replacement fuse has a rating of 5 amperes and it is approved
by ASTA or BSI to BS1362
Check for the ASTA mark or the BSI mark on the body of the
fuse.
If the plug contains a removable fuse cover you must ensure
that it is refitted when the fuse is replaced.
If you lose the fuse cover, the plug must not be used until a
replacement cover is obtained.
A replacement fuse cover can be purchased from your local
Panasonic Dealer.
If the fitted moulded plug is unsuitable for the socket outlet in
your home then the fuse should be removed and the plug cut
off and disposed of safety.
There is a danger of severe electrical shock if the cut off plug is
inserted into any 13-ampere socket.
If a new plug is to be fitted please observe the wiring code as
shown below.
If in any doubt, please consult a qualified electrician.
2.3.2.1. Important
The wires in this mains lead are coloured in accordance with
the following code:
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this appliance
may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the
terminals in your plug, proceed as follows:
The wire which is coloured BLUE must be connected to the ter-
minal in the plug which is marked with the letter N or coloured
BLACK.
The wire which is coloured BROWN must be connected to the
terminal in the plug which is marked with the letter L or coloured
RED.
Under no circumstances should either of these wires be con-
nected to the earth terminal of the three pin plug, marked with
the letter E or the Earth Symbol.
2.3.2.2. Before Use
Remove the Connector Cover as follows.
2.3.2.3. How to Replace the Fuse
1. Remove the Fuse Cover with a screwdriver.
2. Replace the fuse and attach the Fuse cover.
Blue Neutral
Brown Live

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2.4. How to dispose the Lithium Battery
2.4.1. Removal Procedure
1. Remove the Main P.C.B. (Refer to Disassembly Procedures.)
2. Remove the Lithium battery (Ref. No.“Z3001” at component side of Main P.C.B.) and then dispose it.
It should be disposed of in waste products destined for burial rather than incineration.
NOTE:
This Lithium battery is a critical component.
It must never be subjected to excessive heat or discharge.
It should be disposed of in waste products destined for burial rather than incineration.
NOTE:
Above caution is applicable for a battery pack which is for DMC-F3/F4 series, as well.

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3 Service Navigation
3.1. Introduction
This service manual contains technical information, which allow service personnel’s to understand and service this model.
Please place orders using the parts list and not the drawing reference numbers.
If the circuit is changed or modified, the information will be followed by service manual to be controlled with original service manual.
3.2. General Description About Lead Free Solder (PbF)
The lead free solder has been used in the mounting process of all electrical components on the printed circuit boards used for this
equipment in considering the globally environmental conservation.
The normal solder is the alloy of tin (Sn) and lead (Pb). On the other hand, the lead free solder is the alloy mainly consists of tin
(Sn), silver (Ag) and Copper (Cu), and the melting point of the lead free solder is higher approx.30°C (86°F) more than that of the
normal solder.
Distinction of P.C.B. Lead Free Solder being used
Service caution for repair work using Lead Free Solder (PbF)
• The lead free solder has to be used when repairing the equipment for which the lead free solder is used.
(Definition: The letter of “PbF” is printed on the P.C.B. using the lead free solder.)
• To put lead free solder, it should be well molten and mixed with the original lead free solder.
• Remove the remaining lead free solder on the P.C.B. cleanly for soldering of the new IC.
• Since the melting point of the lead free solder is higher than that of the normal lead solder, it takes the longer time to melt the
lead free solder.
• Use the soldering iron (more than 70W) equipped with the temperature control after setting the temperature at 350±30°C
(662±86°F).
Recommended Lead Free Solder (Service Parts Route.)
• The following 3 types of lead free solder are available through the service parts route.
RFKZ03D01KS-----------(0.3mm 100g Reel)
RFKZ06D01KS-----------(0.6mm 100g Reel)
RFKZ10D01KS-----------(1.0mm 100g Reel)
Note
* Ingredient: tin (Sn) 96.5%, silver (Ag) 3.0%, Copper (Cu) 0.5%, Cobalt (Co) / Germanium (Ge) 0.1 to 0.3%

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3.3. Important Notice 1:
[1.Component on P.C.B.]
1. The P.C.B.’s in this unit is not component replacement excluding following part.
MAIN P.C.B. --------- Fuse (F5001, F5002, F5005, F5006)
FLASH P.C.B. -------- Flash Charging Capacitor(C5412)), Trigger Coil(T5402)
Other than above component on P.C.B.’s are defected, replace each P.C.B. as a unit.
[2.MAIN P.C.B.]
AFTER REPLACING THE MAIN P.C.B.
After replacing the Main P.C.B., follow the following steps in order.
1. Assemble the unit.
Refer to the “7.Disassembly and Assembly Instructions” section.
2. Up date the firmware.
The firmware together with version up procedure are available at “software download” on the “Support Information from
NWBG/VDBG-AVC” web-site in “TSN system”.
3. Perform the adjustment using adjustment software “DscCalDi”.
The adjustment software is available at “software download” on the “Support Information from NWBG/VDBG-AVC” web-site in
“TSN system”.
4. Register the USB storage information.
Refer to the “8.4.6.USB STORAGE INFO. REGISTRATION” in “8.4.Adjustment procedures” section.
5. Set the “model suffix”.
Refer to the “3.4.2.INITIAL SETTINGS:” section.
6. Refresh the unit.
Refer to the “3.4.2.INITIAL SETTINGS:” section.
[3.Lens unit]
1. The Lens unit in this unit is not component replacement.
Other than above part are defected, replace minimumsize of concerned part as a unit.

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3.4. How to Define the Model Suffix (NTSC or PAL model)
There are six kinds of DMC-F3/F4, regardless of the colours.
• a) DMC-F3P/PC
• b) DMC-F3EB/EF/EG/EP, F4EB/EG/EP
• c) DMC-F3EE, F4EE
• d) DMC-F3GT
• e) DMC-F3GN
• f) DMC-F3PU/PR/GC/GF
What is the difference is that the “INITIAL SETTINGS” data which is stored in Flash-ROM mounted on MAIN P.C.B..
3.4.1. Defining methods:
To define the model suffix to be serviced, refer to the nameplate which is putted on the bottom side of the Unit.
NOTE:
After replacing the MAIN P.C.B., make sure to perform the “firmware version up”, “Initial settings” and “adjustment”.
The firmware & adjustment software is available at “software download” on the “Support Information from NWBG/VDBG-AVC”
web-site in “TSN system”.

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3.4.2. INITIAL SETTINGS:
1. PURPOSE OF INITIAL SETTINGS:
There are two cases to perform the INITIAL SETTINGS.
1. Refresh the unit:The INITIAL SETTINGS can be used to erase all back up data.
(Not only user setting and image data stored in “Built-in Memory”, but also clock data is reset.)
2. After replacing the MAIN P.C.B.:
(Since the model suffix data is not assigned for the MAIN P.C.B. being supplied as spare parts, model suffix has to be
assigned.)
After replacing the MAIN P.C.B., make sure to perform the “firmware version up”, “adjustment” and “Initial settings” by ordering
the following procedure in accordance with model suffix of the unit.
2. IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Before proceeding Initial settings, make sure to read the following CAUTIONS.
3. PROCEDURES:
NOTE:
1. Precautions: Read the above “CAUTION 1” and “CAUTION 2”, carefully.
2. To perform the Initial settings, adjustment software “DscCalDi” is required. The software together with installation instruction is
available at “software download” on the “Support Information from NWBG/VDBG-AVC” web-site in “TSN system”.
Step 1. Preparation:
1. After replacing the MAIN P.C.B., assemble the unit by referring the “7.Disassembly and Assembly Instructions”.
2. Update the firmware of the unit.
The firmware together with version up procedure are available at “software download” on the “Support Information from
NWBG/VDBG-AVC” web-site in “TSN system”.
3. Perform the adjustment using adjustment software “DscCalDi”.
The adjustment software is available at “software download” on the “Support Information from NWBG/VDBG-AVC” web-site in
“TSN system”.
4. Register the USB storage information.
Refer to the “8.4.6.USB STORAGE INFO. REGISTRATION” in “8.4.Adjustment procedures” section.

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Step 2. Setup:
1. Attach the Battery or AC Adaptor with a DC coupler to the unit.
2. Set the [ REC/PLAY ] switch to “REC” mode.
3. Set the recording mode to [ Normal Picture ] mode.
*.Turn on the power switch and then press the “MODE” button.
*.Choose the [ Normal Picture ] mode with cursor buttons, then press the “MENU/SET” button.
*.Turn the power switch to OFF.
4. Connect the Camera unit and a PC with a USB cable.
5. Turn the power switch to ON.
6. Select the USB mode to “PC” mode, then press the “MENU/SET” button.
(NOTE: Right after replacing the MAIN P.C.B., the USB selection screen does not displayed.)

13
Step 3. Execute the software “DscCalDi” :
1. Choose the “Adj Soft (DscCalDi)” and execute the adjustment software.(Refer to Fig.X1:Connection)
[ “Start” ---> “Program(P)” ---> “Win Tatsujin” ---> “Dsc” ---> “DMC-F3,F4 series” ---> “Adj Soft (DscCalDi)” ]
The following main screen is appear on the PC monitor.
NOTE:
Without connecting the USB cable between DSC (USB mode with power on) and PC, adjustment software does not exe-
cuted.

14
Step 4. Select the Model suffix (Factory Code):
1. Click on the pull down menu tag of the “Factory Code”.
The model suffix list is displayed.
2. Choose the appropriate model suffix.

15
Step 5. Default settings (Test):
1. Click on the pull down menu tag of the “Test”.
(The Test item list is displayed.)
2. Choose the “Set Default” in order to refresh the unit (Factory shipping condition).
Step 6. CONFIRMATION:
1. Close the “DscCalDi.exe” by clicking on the “X” located on the top right corner.
2. Turn on the camera switch.
3. Disconnect the USB cable and turn “OFF” the power switch of the camera unit.
4. Confirm that the language and Clock set request screen is displayed on the LCD monitor.
Major default setting condition is as shown in the following table.

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4 Specifications

17
5 Location of Controls and Components
Names of the Components
1Flash
2Lens
3 Self-timer indicator
AF assist lamp
4 Microphone
5 LCD monitor
6 [MENU/SET] button
7 [DISPLAY] button
8 [Q.MENU]/Delete button
9 [MODE] button
10 [REC]/[PLAYBACK] selector switch
11 Cursor buttons
:/Exposure compensation
:/Macro Mode
:/Self-timer button
:/Flash setting button
123
4
51110
68
9
7
12 Camera ON/OFF switch
13 Zoom lever
14 Shutter button
15 Hand strap eyelet
 Be sure to attach the hand strap when
using the camera to ensure that you will
not drop it.
16 Lens barrel
17 [AV OUT/DIGITAL] socket
18 Speaker
19 Tripod receptacle
 When you use a tripod, make sure the
tripod is stable when the camera is
attached to it.
20 Card/Battery door
21 Release lever
22 DC coupler cover
 When using an AC adaptor, ensure that
the Panasonic DC coupler and AC adaptor
are used.
 We recommend you use a battery with
sufficient battery power or the AC adaptor
when recording motion pictures.
 If while recording motion pictures using the
AC adaptor and the power supply is cut off
due to a power outage or if the AC adaptor
is disconnected etc., the motion picture
being recorded will not be recorded.
12 13
14
16
17
1
5
20
2122
18 19

18
Selecting the [REC] Mode
List of [REC] Modes
Turnthecameraon.
[MENU/SET] button
[REC]/[PLAYBACK] selector switch
[MODE] button
Slide the [REC]/[PLAYBACK]
selector switch to [].
Press [MODE].
Press /to select the mode.
Press [MENU/SET].
Auto Scene Mode
The subjects are recorded using settings automatically selected by the
camera.
Normal Picture Mode
The subjects are recorded using your own settings.
±Scene Mode
This allows you to take pictures that match the scene being recorded.
Motion Picture Mode
This mode allows you to record motion pictures with audio.
ON OFF
Preparation
About the Battery
 The camera has a function for distinguishing batteries which can be used safely. The
dedicated battery supports this function. The only batteries suitable for use with this
unit are genuine Panasonic products and batteries manufactured by other companies
and certified by Panasonic. (Batteries which do not support this function cannot be
used.) Panasonic cannot in any way guarantee the quality, performance or safety of
batteries which have been manufactured by other companies and are not genuine
Panasonic products.
It has been found that counterfeit battery packs which look very similar to the
genuine product are made available to purchase in some markets. Some of these
battery packs are not adequately protected with internal protection to meet the
requirements of appropriate safety standards. There is a possibility that these
battery packs may lead to fire or explosion. Please be advised that we are not
liable for any accident or failure occurring as a result of use of a counterfeit
battery pack. To ensure that safe products are used we would recommend that a
genuine Panasonic battery pack is used.

19
6 Service Fixture & Tools
6.1. Service Fixture and Tools
The following Service Fixture and tools are used for checking and servicing this unit.

20
REMARKS
1. ABOUT “Siemens star chart”:
The PDF version of Siemens star chart together adjustment software is available at “software download” on the “Support Infor-
mation from NWBG/VDBG-AVC” web-site in “TSN system”.
Download its PDF file and print out it, then stick on the suitable panel.
For your convenience, there are two kinds of PDF files are available.; “A3 size”(Full-size) / “Letter size”(Divided into 3 sheets).
If you have A3 size printer, print it out then stick on the suitable panel.
If you have not A3 size printer, print out “Letter size PDF” version, then make a Siemens star chart.
2. ABOUT “LIGHT BOX”: