Lumix Professional Services Offer Great Support
Lumix Professional Services
Awhile back I shared a post about the relatively new program the folks at Panasonic implemented known as Lumix Professional Services. That was about one year ago and over the last twelve months, I’ve experienced exactly what Lumix Professional Services means. Lumix Professional Services offer great support. And I’m happy to say the Lumix Pro Services team is doing a fantastic job.
If it weren’t for having so many of our NE Explorers using Lumix gear, I might not have the insight I have regarding how well this program works – the reason being that I have very few problems with my Lumix cameras. They really are equal to or better in durability to any camera I’ve shot in the past. As many of you know I was a longtime Nikon user, and Nikon makes a bombproof product. Panasonic is doing the same.
Fragile 100-400mm Lens Mount
The one product Lumix does have a bit of an issue with is the very popular, Leica 100-400m zoom. It’s the only Lumix lens I feel is a bit fragile. Unfortunately, the lens mount is apparently fairly thin. I’ve had to help shepherd a half dozen NE Explorers through the process of signing up and sending in their 100-400mm via LPS. So even though I’ve never broken either of the two 100-400mm lenses I own, I have seen a fair number of others who have.
LPS is Super Fast
The good news is LPS has been super fast in getting these lenses turned around, most being returned in 3-4 days from the time it was placed in the FedEx box to the day it arrived back. That’s fast! So if you shoot Lumix gear you should really head over to the LPS web site and get signed up. It’s great to have such a terrific service if and when you need it.
Kent JakuszOn Mar. 13th, 2020
Hi Dan;
Following up from my previous post. I sent both my GH5 and 100-400 in for service. Turnaround response was ok. The estimate to fix the gh5 was about $600 and to fix the 100-400 almost $800. The GH5 has gotten a lot of use so elected to purchase a new gh5 for $1300 with a three year warranty.
The 100-400 was beyond what I was willing to spend to fix a sticky zoom, even though it was like that out of the box new. I was told that I had not filled out the warranty paper work. Buyer beware of Panasonics warranty web site.
I have tried to register my new GH5. The registration process is extremely complicated and the website where you enter your information does not allow you to continue beyond page 1. You click the next button. You get “Please Wait” forever.
I called Panasonics 800 number and was told to email LUMIXWARRANTY@us.panasonic.com with my problem.
I believe Panasonics warranty philosophy is to make it difficult to register a product and when you are able to register there is no record of your registration.
I have sent the email to lumixwarranty. B & H has a thirty day return policy. I will return the gh5 if Panasonic continues to loop hole it’s way around their advertised commitments. Plenty of other camera brands out there.
Daniel J. CoxOn Mar. 15th, 2020
I certainly understand your frustration Kent. That said, I do not believe that Panasonic is in any way intentionally trying to get out of warranty service. I think we’ve all had websites not work one minute only to return the next and all is fine. You don’t mention anything about trying Lumix Pro Services. That’s my first suggestion. I’m confident Panasonic is doing their best although they are a huge company that has only recently started dealing with the serious photography crowd. Give Lumix Pro Services a try and let us know how it goes.
Joe DotsonOn Feb. 24th, 2020
Dan,
Just wanted to jump in and say THANKS for your help and contacts with Panasonic. As you know, we had an issue with the 100-400 on one of our cameras on the way back from our trip with NE to South Africa. Panasonic was great, service was quick…and most importantly….I should share with the other readers of your blog that you should NEVER TRAVEL WITH THIS LENS MOUNTED. Ours got damaged in an overhead luggage bin when some cretin decided to stuff luggage on top of our camera bag…Oh WELL.
Thanks again.
Joe
Kent JakuszOn Feb. 20th, 2020
Thanks Dan for your efforts. Your readers and I are very appreciative. Let’s hope Lumix follows through so as to make their good products even better. Service is an integral part of the experience.
All The Best
Kent
Daniel J. CoxOn Feb. 21st, 2020
I think once you get signed up for Lumix Pro Services you’ll be pleased with their service. I know I have as well as several of our NE Explorers
Kent JakuszOn Feb. 19th, 2020
Thanks Dan. I forwarded my email to you.
Kent
Daniel J. CoxOn Feb. 19th, 2020
Hi Kent, I’ve been discussing this all with the folks from Lumix. I also did a search for Lumix Repair Service in Google. Unfortunately, I received no results for Lumix camera repair directly. I’ve explained to the folks at Lumix they could improve SEO for the words Lumix Repair. As far as getting your issues taken care of I’ve emailed you a direct contact for the LPS department. Thanks for the heads up.
Kent JakuszOn Feb. 18th, 2020
I just tried to sign up for Lumix Pro Services. Followed the link from above. Filled out the registration for the Red membership told I needed to register my already registered products. Registered the GH5 again on the redirected site. Back to the original site where I am still given the advisory that my product is not registered. I did this three times with no progress. I have the Panasonic Repair Services phone number, 956-683-2930, called there. The rep never herd of LPS.
I have been using Lumix cameras since the GH3. I have 10 or so lenses. Never had to send anything for repair. Good thing this experience was extremely frustrating.
Any advise for a very frustrated Lumix user?
Daniel J. CoxOn Feb. 18th, 2020
Checking on this now. Have forwarded your experience onto LUMIX contacts. Thanks for letting me know. Stay tuned.
Daniel J. CoxOn Feb. 18th, 2020
Kent, can you please send me your email address to photo@naturalexposures.com. Panasonic tried the email you included in original blog comment and email was returned.
Carol ClarkOn Feb. 12th, 2020
I think you’re right, Dan. Lumix appears to have some sweet offers.
Cleaning 2 cameras and 2 lens twice a year, the premium version at $199/yr more than pays for itself. (I cleaned 2 + 2 just once in 2019 for $150 and tax.) Don’t need that much cleaning? The deal still looks pretty good. Note, though, shipping and insurance costs aren’t clear on their website.
Though repairs out-of-warranty seem unlikely, as you say, the speed of getting a camera or lens fixed and the 20% discount are attractive with the premium version, too.
There’s a free version, too. Among other things, it lacks the free cleaning options
Jeanne SturgesOn Feb. 12th, 2020
I signed up several months ago but haven’t need to use it. I think it includes cleaning of 1 or 2 cameras a year, so o probably need to send one in! Hopefully they will update the firmware since I StILL can’t figure out how to download the updates. ☹️
Daniel J. CoxOn Feb. 12th, 2020
Jeanne, let’s connect when I get home and I’ll run you through the firmware update process. It’s not that difficult but can be a bit confusing. Oh, and by the way, 5 Points for being the first to respond to this blog post and another five for proving you actually read the Blog. It’s going to be a Merry Christmas after all young lady. ?