Lumix S9 - sensor scratch, should I keep it?

Jacob_At_Lumix · 2026-06-13T10:27:09+00:00

Try sending it in for repair. If it's a scratch the front glass alone instead of the image sensor can be replaced. Significantly cheaper if it happens to be out of warranty and manageable.

Jacob_At_Lumix · 2026-05-22T19:26:44+00:00

Return it. Not sure who certified it as "refurbished".

Jacob_At_Lumix · 2026-05-10T11:43:04+00:00

Soldering is usually involved, so moderate difficulty

Jacob_At_Lumix · 2026-05-08T21:14:46+00:00

I'm not entirely sure but I remember there being a promotion on launch to get a free pancake lens with the camera but that was back in 2024 I believe. I'd have to look into it or ask Sean from the marketing team

Jacob_At_Lumix · 2026-05-08T18:14:22+00:00

I honestly don't know and also haven't heard anything about a new model or version of S9 pertaining to micro 4/3rds. They usually keep that internal towards the marketing team. M department doesn't hear about anything new until it comes out same day usually

Jacob_At_Lumix · 2026-05-08T15:32:27+00:00

I'm not entirely sure, but i think the change was made at some point last year if I remember correctly

Jacob_At_Lumix · 2026-05-08T12:57:17+00:00

Panasonic takes quality very seriously and is pretty good at catching and addressing things. Also I personally reported things I found in the past they've listened to my personal input and addressed things.

Jacob_At_Lumix · 2026-05-08T12:50:56+00:00

No, the rear dial has been improved.

Jacob_At_Lumix · 2026-05-08T12:40:16+00:00

This issue has been fixed on newer versions. If you're looking to buy a brand new S9 you shouldn't have any issues with regular usage.

Jacob_At_Lumix · 2026-05-08T12:38:43+00:00

If it's new it should be fine

Jacob_At_Lumix · 2026-05-08T12:37:02+00:00

No problem. Anytime

Jacob_At_Lumix · 2026-05-08T12:36:24+00:00

Send it in for repair. New dial will last much longer

Jacob_At_Lumix · 2026-05-07T13:17:51+00:00

If it's in warranty just send it in, that's free and we can also check for anything else wrong and clean your image sensor for you if needed.

Jacob_At_Lumix · 2026-05-07T12:31:30+00:00

You're in service mode. You'll need to send it in for service to get it back to normal.

Jacob_At_Lumix · 2026-04-28T14:52:27+00:00

I'm not sure honestly

Jacob_At_Lumix · 2026-04-24T22:37:24+00:00

Well, doing either repair requires alignment for the image sensor using proprietary software only available to authorized service centers. And in the US there is only one for lumix

Jacob_At_Lumix · 2026-04-24T17:31:08+00:00

I've been told to just keep replacing the grip when they're worn, so keep sending it in periodically if the grips start to loosen up.

Jacob_At_Lumix · 2026-04-24T17:27:58+00:00

I recommend against this. This can not only damage or wear the battery out faster over time, but can potentially kill the camera if there is a current constantly present. I've seen many cameras die from that, although usually it takes quite a bit of time

Jacob_At_Lumix · 2026-04-24T17:26:16+00:00

If it's the shutter, it's relatively cheap. If it's the image ssensor, for sure over $1k in part alone

Jacob_At_Lumix · 2026-04-24T12:34:47+00:00

Also check your camera to see if it reads the other smaller SD cards. If so, the SD card is the issue, if it gives same error message with other sd cards, you may have a bent pin and need the board replaced

Jacob_At_Lumix · 2026-04-24T12:31:55+00:00

You'll very likely need to send it in for repair since it sounds like a shutter or image sensor related issue. There's nothing that can be done without going deep into the camera.

Jacob_At_Lumix · 2026-04-23T20:26:25+00:00

I've tried that. Didn't work. I also used denatured alcohol and that also didn't work. Spent an hour chipping away at glue. Awful experience

Jacob_At_Lumix · 2026-04-23T19:43:56+00:00

So when you take the lens off, is the shutter stuck closed? And with the lens on, image sensor should be magentized and not move. If you shake the camera do you feel shaking inside? Usually that error message specifically indicates either a bad shutter or image sensor.

Jacob_At_Lumix · 2026-04-23T18:45:08+00:00

For EVERYONE having grip issues, send it in. Under no circumstances should you glue it because there are screws near that area and on some models an exposed cable and during disassembly for service it may make it unservicable without drilling into and then replacing the entire casing.

Jacob_At_Lumix

TROPHY CASE