2026-07-23 Panasonic Lumix FZ35.

I spotted this case in a thrift store cabinet. It had a post-it note clamped to the handle, next to the taped-on price tag. The note said, “This camera works, but it requires a new battery that would cost about $30 online.”

   I took the camera out of the bag. It is a Panasonic Lumix FZ35. It is a 12 megapixel camera with an 18x Leica DC Vario-Elmarit f/2.8-4.4 4.8-86.4 Aspherical zoom. The zoom is classified as a “wide” zoom as it sacrifices at the telephoto end to have a 27 mm (equivalent to 35 mm) wide angle.
   I just read an exhaustive review of this camera online. It mentioned the camera was exactly the same price ($300) as the year earlier FZ28 model, with improved features. For example the image stabilization was twice as good, the controls had increased in most ways, there were extensive “Modes” the camera would find on its own and there were new controls to preview effects.

One bad remark was of the two top mounted button controls. They were so insensitive the reviewer felt like, “placing the camera on the ground and stomping them.” Not what you want to read, except he mentioned the other controls all worked well.

   The placement of the EV/LCD button was also slightly hidden (third button up, well away from the LCD), but worked fine when you found it.
   The accessory clamp-on hood wasn’t appreciated much, as it makes the camera bulkier and is fiddly to replace, but the accessory add-on filters and zoom multiplier were touted as very worth while.
The camera was priced at $15. I asked if they might take less. The clerk said, “Sure!”, so I offered $5. It was quickly accepted, although that thrift store charges tax so I paid $5.25. I had noticed the camera had a battery, so I was taking a chance they had somehow failed to charge the battery correctly. The camera came with the battery charger, so I started with it.

Something was wrong, as the charger flashed green for a short time and then lit up green and stayed that way. I think the camera’s LCD lit briefly when the battery was inserted, but it hasn’t shown any sign of life since.
I have tried three different battery chargers with no better luck. I guess the thrift shop test people were right, and the price they mentioned for a replacement battery seems pretty close to what is wanted on-line.

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