Panasonic S-Series shot count
The Panasonic Lumix S series of full-frame cameras has been highly appreciated for its excellent still and video imaging performance. These sophisticated imaging tools are also very well built and can provide good services for a long time. Yet, when buying or selling a used L-mount camera, it is often useful to know the number of actuations the camera has performed, as this information can provide an indication on how intensively it has been used. While the cameras use a numbering system for the images they store on the memory card, this counter is not strictly sequential, as it omits large quantities of numbers after certain intervals (in particular, when a new folder is created on the card). Luckily, the true shutter count is stored inside the cameras memory and can be retrieved by accessing hidden service menus, which are mainly intended for camera service personnel.
The procedure to obtain the number of actuations for Lumix L-mount cameras is outlined below. Since the Leica SL2 is very similar to the Panasonic S1R, the same procedure might also work for that camera (to be confirmed). Corresponding information for the FZ and G series of Panasonic cameras can be found, respectively, on the Panasonic FZ actuations count and G-series shutter count pages. Some steps involve pressing several buttons simultaneously, which can be tricky, but is necessary. There should not be any problems from accessing the hidden menus, but care should be taken in following the individual steps in proper order. Also, kindly note that you will perform the procedures outlined below at your own risk.
Shutter count on the Panasonic S1, S1H, S1R, S5, as well as Leica SL2
With your camera's battery well charged, perform the following steps in sequence:
- Insert a memory card into the card slot;
- Turn the camera ON and take a picture;
- Turn the camera OFF;
- Select single shot mode;
- Press and hold both the PLAYBACK and AF/AE LOCK buttons, while turning the camera ON. You are now entering the Temporary Service Mode, even though you might not notice anything unusual on first sight (in case you would like to verify that you are indeed in Temporary Service Mode, go to the Setup Menu [the one with the wrench symbol] and scroll to the last page where you will find a menu item "ROM BACKUP" that is not displayed in normal operating mode);
- Now, press and hold the PLAYBACK button together with the MENU/SET and press LEFT on the clickwheel;
- Repeat the last step, that is press and hold the PLAYBACK button while pressing the MENU/SET and LEFT on the clickwheel. A two-page operation history display will appear;
- Press DISPLAY to toggle between the two information menus;
- Write down the number next to PWRCNT. This is how many times the camera has been powered up;
- Write down the number next to SHTCNT. This is the shutter activation count;
- Write down the number next to STBCNT. This is the number of times the flash has fired;
- Write down the number next to PSVCNT. This is the number of times auto-power-off has been activated;
- Switch the camera off to revert back to normal operating mode. Congratulations, you have successfully retrieved the shutter actuations information!
Acknowledgement: Special thanks to bobdom6, mcvh, and lolo-l for reporting and relaying this procedure, which was first published on the dpreview L-Mount forum.
Further Reading
Does your Lumix S-Series camera show an elevated shutter count? Is it time to start thinking about a camera upgrade? Check out how different cameras – new and not quite as new – compare in terms of size, sensors, features, and their reception by expert reviewers by selecting two comparators from the menu below. You will then promptly be taken to a detailed side-by-side comparison.
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