Panasonic Manuals Can't force the flash to work...

In the Flash menu, there is an option for Forced Flash Off. Press the Flash button to the right of the Menu button. Then use the up down arrows to move to this option. (It's at the bottom of the list.) Then press Menu to set the option to the Flash Off. This is shown on page 36 of the manual for the DMC-TZ3. I found a copy of the manual here: http://panasonic.ae/en/manuals/DMC-TZ3.pdf .

Your pictures may have exposure or blurring issues in this mode. The shutter will stay open longer to attempt to gather enough light.

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

Are you sure you enabled flash through the options? Check the user manual for any setting related to flash before considering having the camera serviced:
Panasonic DMC FX33 manual

Hello Ray, This is not something a user wants to attempt !!! The camera really needs to be repaired by a tech. You will do more harm than good by trying to fix it yourself and will cost even more if you damage something.

Best Regards, Russell

Is flash set to Force Off? (page 36 user guide)

Have you tried to reset the camera? (page 21 user guide)

Ref: http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/DMCFP3.PDF

The manual for theTH-L37X10S is available from Panasonic here: http://www.panasonic.ae/EN/Manuals/TH-L37X10A.pdf . (Note it's the same manual even though the final letter is different.) If the above link doesn't work, start here: http://www.panasonic.ae/EN/Pages/TH-L37X10.aspx and click on the Manuals tab.

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

Touch [MENU] to bring up the menu. Touch [REC] to enter the recording menu. Touch [FLASH] to enter the flash menu. To turn the flash off, select "Forced Flash: OFF" (lightning bolt in a circle with a slash through it).
The flash menu is described on page 66 of the advanced manual.

You flash is in ' Flash forced OFF ' position.Press on the flash control button repeatedly until one of the four modes are selected.

1.Flash Auto - Flashes when there is insufficient light or backlight ( Default Setting )

2.Flash forced on

3.Slow synchro - The shutter speed is slow in a dark place to clearly shoot the background that is out of flash light.

4.Flash forced off - ( Your current mode ).The flash automatically pops up and strobes when using the flash.Close the flash by hand after use.

My TZ5 has developed exactly the same problem. I took it to DK Audio Services at Horley,Surrey,RH8 9GA. who repair cameras for Panasonic and was told by the receptionist that although the camera works with the flash off at present it will eventually pack up altogether. She suggested that when I get the quote I phone Panasonic on 08705 3577 357 to try and get them to pay for the repair, it seems it is a known problem! My camera is just over a year old!!

There is a Force Flash setting on this camera I believe. Force Flash means Always Flash(on). If this does not work, then flash is burned out I would guess.

The TZ1 has been replaced by the smaller, newer and nicer wide angle TZ3 and latest TZ5. Consider selling you defect TZ1 to a repair person on ebay, and buy you a good used, refurb, or new TZ3 or 5. Prices are very good, and your is worth about $25 to $30 with all accessories that came with it.

"Forced on" means the flash is forced. Try "Forced OFF". Note that there are several options and scenes when the flash is enabled by default.