HPX502 control buttons stopped working at DVinfo.net

David Cleverly · December 12th, 2011, 12:23 AM

Hi all,

After three years of trouble-free service, my 502 has decided to throw a spanner in the works of my very busy pre-Christmas schedule.

Today on a news shoot I tried to go from CAM mode to MCR mode to review my files and delete some that were no longer needed. Much to my dismay, I could not get a reaction from the MODE button, nor the MENU button and subsequently the HOLD, COUNTER and RESET buttons, nor the USER 1 and USER 2 buttons. I have taken the battery from the camera in an attempt to reset it to no avail.

I can still record pictures but, because I cannot access the menus, I cannot change the format of the video I am shooting, nor watch video playback, delete files or even format cards!! I can't do a reinstall of the firmware because I cannot get into PC mode!

Has anyone else had this problem and had it repaired? Is there a way on this camera that I can do a "factory Reset" or something similar?

Many thanks in advance,

DC

Tom Klein · December 13th, 2011, 03:56 AM

Hi David,
I have the older SPX800 P2 and touch wood only prob i ever had was the Flip out screen ribbon cable gave it in after 4years of service, It's still my current kit, and still gives great SD pics.
May I suggest you take the side off the HPX502 cam and check that the control ribbon cables are not loose or broken, it's not rocket science, I did the flip out screen cable instal with just a phillips screwdriver.
If nothing's obvious, call Pana service, they will help you out.

If it's firmware related you'll definitely have to do the pana service shuffle.

Cheers from Vic
Tom K

David Cleverly · December 13th, 2011, 04:45 AM

Thanks Tom,

Insight at Artarmon in Sydney have it currently and - as usual - Ray has given me excellent service.

He has found that it is a board in the camera that has suddenly died. Panasonic have told me there is only one other known case of this problem. Thank goodness I did the PASS thing - I have 5 years warranty on the camera, so I am covered.

The board is on its way from Melbourne and - here's hoping - I should have it back in my hands by the weekend.

Cheers and thanks for the reply.

DC

Tom Klein · December 13th, 2011, 05:28 AM

Hmmmm, That's unusual,
A friend of mine has a 502, only hassel he had was that he slammed a card in too hard one day and did some pin socket damage I believe, (just replaced the card slot part) other than that they are pretty well bullet proof.
I treat mine with great respect , and it has given me fantastic returns, now well over 6 year old it may see me to retirement.

Goodluck with the fix
Cheers
Tom K.

David Cleverly · December 13th, 2011, 05:50 AM

Thanks.

Much to my dismay, the eject button on my P2 Store also gave up the ghost on the very same day!!

Some days are diamonds... :-)

DC

December 12th, 2011, 12:23 AM	#1
David Cleverly Major Player Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Sydney NSW Posts: 220	HPX502 control buttons stopped working Hi all, After three years of trouble-free service, my 502 has decided to throw a spanner in the works of my very busy pre-Christmas schedule. Today on a news shoot I tried to go from CAM mode to MCR mode to review my files and delete some that were no longer needed. Much to my dismay, I could not get a reaction from the MODE button, nor the MENU button and subsequently the HOLD, COUNTER and RESET buttons, nor the USER 1 and USER 2 buttons. I have taken the battery from the camera in an attempt to reset it to no avail. I can still record pictures but, because I cannot access the menus, I cannot change the format of the video I am shooting, nor watch video playback, delete files or even format cards!! I can't do a reinstall of the firmware because I cannot get into PC mode! Has anyone else had this problem and had it repaired? Is there a way on this camera that I can do a "factory Reset" or something similar? Many thanks in advance, DC

December 13th, 2011, 03:56 AM	#2
Tom Klein Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Australia Vic Posts: 160	Re: HPX502 control buttons stopped working Hi David, I have the older SPX800 P2 and touch wood only prob i ever had was the Flip out screen ribbon cable gave it in after 4years of service, It's still my current kit, and still gives great SD pics. May I suggest you take the side off the HPX502 cam and check that the control ribbon cables are not loose or broken, it's not rocket science, I did the flip out screen cable instal with just a phillips screwdriver. If nothing's obvious, call Pana service, they will help you out. If it's firmware related you'll definitely have to do the pana service shuffle. Cheers from Vic Tom K __________________ Tom K www.olinevideo.com.au

December 13th, 2011, 04:45 AM	#3
David Cleverly Major Player Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Sydney NSW Posts: 220	Re: HPX502 control buttons stopped working Thanks Tom, Insight at Artarmon in Sydney have it currently and - as usual - Ray has given me excellent service. He has found that it is a board in the camera that has suddenly died. Panasonic have told me there is only one other known case of this problem. Thank goodness I did the PASS thing - I have 5 years warranty on the camera, so I am covered. The board is on its way from Melbourne and - here's hoping - I should have it back in my hands by the weekend. Cheers and thanks for the reply. DC

December 13th, 2011, 05:28 AM	#4
Tom Klein Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Australia Vic Posts: 160	Re: HPX502 control buttons stopped working Hmmmm, That's unusual, A friend of mine has a 502, only hassel he had was that he slammed a card in too hard one day and did some pin socket damage I believe, (just replaced the card slot part) other than that they are pretty well bullet proof. I treat mine with great respect , and it has given me fantastic returns, now well over 6 year old it may see me to retirement. Goodluck with the fix Cheers Tom K. __________________ Tom K www.olinevideo.com.au

December 13th, 2011, 05:50 AM	#5
David Cleverly Major Player Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Sydney NSW Posts: 220	Re: HPX502 control buttons stopped working Thanks. Much to my dismay, the eject button on my P2 Store also gave up the ghost on the very same day!! Some days are diamonds... :-) DC