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crwdns2933797:0Anthony Kouttroncrwdnd2933797:0crwdne2933797:0
crwdns2936043:0crwdne2936043:0 crwdns2933505:0crwdne2933505:0 Anthony Kouttron
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| - | [* black] camera |
|---|---|
| + | [title] The Problem |
| + | [* black] Of the six GH3 cameras and two GH4 cameras I have owned, more than half of the cameras exhibit broken LCD ribbon hinge covers. |
| + | [* black] Panasonic heavily reused the design of the Lumix GH3 in the GH4 and many mechanical parts and assemblies are compatible between cameras. |
| + | [* black] The hinge cover, Panasonic part # VKM0C55, is not available for sale from [https://encompass.com/item/9557727/Panasonic/VKM0C55/Cover|Encompass Parts], the sole supplier of parts for Panasonic consumer cameras as established by [https://panasonic.encompass.com/|Panasonic]. The hinge cover is listed as a replacement part for Lumix GH3 and Lumix GH4 cameras. |
| + | [* black] The part is labeled "Restricted Part For Panasonic Use Only." I contacted Encompass about this and they mentioned, "the part that you are requesting has been discontinued and is no longer available through Encompass." |
| + | [* black] I called Panasonic Customer support and they referred me back to Encompass. I called the Panasonic Repair facility in Texas and they refused to sell me the parts and once again referred me back to Encompass. |
| + | [* black] I can understand that a manufacturer eventually stops producing replacement components and can eventually run out of spare parts. However, the Panasonic Lumix GH4 is still in production, it is still available for sale from genuine suppliers, and has not been discontinued or marked "end of life" by Panasonic. |