I can no longer do really slow, smooth zooms. The lens jerks as if a tooth is missing on the gear. Anyone else experience this?

Joe

Pretty common with zoom lenses regardless of camera body. Check with your dealer about repair policies which might be under warranty.

Huh?

Maybe on consumer cameras but this is the first time I've experienced this on any video camera in 30 years.

I will call Panasonic in NJ this morning.

Joe

Guess you have been lucky so far. Just think of it like the joke about losing computer data but applied to zoom lenses. There are two kinds of people in the world. Those who have had the sticky zoom problem and those who are going to have the problem. Becoming friends with your service bureau is part of the business.
My Canon repair center told me they expected to see broadcast lenses in for cleaning and service annually to avoid this. Lately I have been trying Fuji.

Update: Zoom motor was replaced under warranty by Fujinon in NJ. Less that a week turnaround time.

Joe

Great to hear, thanks. I was in New York last week and planned to drop my lens off in NJ,
but I had a shoot a couple of days later and couldn't risk not having it. I hope I can find a full week without needing it!
Ed