Fixing a Fuzzy Viewfinder on a Panasonic LX100

As I posted the
other day, I've got a new camera to use while cycling, a Panasonic LX100. I used it on yesterday's 140km
mountain ride, but couldn't use the viewfinder because the viewfinder
focus (the “diopter control”) stopped working, and the view via the
viewfinder was completely fuzzy (including the information displays that
should be sharp and clear even if the image through the lens is not yet
focused).

A search on the web quickly showed that this was a common problem
sometimes fixed by fiddling with the diopter dial, but usually resulting in
a return or a replacement of the product.

Not wanting the hassle of a return, I looked into fixing it myself, and
was able to do so easily.

The bottom side of the viewfinder housing has a single small screw, which I removed:

Nikon D4 + Venus 60mm Super Macro f/2.8 — 1/500 sec, f/2.8, ISO 560 —
map & image data — nearby photos

LX100 From Below

with the small housing screw removed

Removing the screw allows the cowling to be removed, leaving some of the innards exposed...

Nikon D4 + Venus 60mm Super Macro f/2.8 — 1/500 sec, f/2.8, ISO 450 —
map & image data — nearby photos

With Viewfinder Cowling Removed







Nikon D4 + Venus 60mm Super Macro f/2.8 — 1/250 sec, f/2.8, ISO 6400 —
map & image data — nearby photos

Close Up

of the diopter-adjustment wheel

along with its inside “related something-or-other”

The little bit of plastic highlighted in the photo above seemed to be close to the wheel,
though I couldn't really see what it was for or even if it moved, but I gently poked
at it with the screwdriver. (In retrospect, I should have used a toothpick.)

That gentle poking in its general area, along with more movement of the
wheel, seems to have done the trick... I could now focus the viewfinder so
that I could see the display sharply.

I don't know exactly what I did or why whatever it is worked, but it was
easy enough, so I thought I'd mention it in case anyone else has the same
problem.