Is this lens made in Japan or China? How smooth is the barrel movement, e.g. the Lumix Leica 14-45 (Japan) is far superior to the 14-42 (China)?
1712749
The lens (at least mine) is made in Japan, and the barrel movement is as smooth as silk. Nice and crisp, an excellent lens.
1712750
Hi there, it is a good lens but I wouldn't say its as great as some. the movement is more like the 14-42 than the 14-45. However, it is the only lens in its range for the panasonic line, that I know of. if you need the far end of magnification you will want it. If not, I'm finding I use the 45-175 zoom instead, which is very compact and good quality. In low light it is more likely you'll get a good photo with the lens easier to hold still. Unless you go to the tripod, which may solve the wobble factor on the big lens.
368557
It's Made in Vietnam! Yes, Vietnam! I couldn't believe it myself! I just shopped for nearly two weeks for a new camera. I personally went with a Sony! They still make a lot of their cameras in JAPAN! Some are made in China, just like all the other brands. But the Sony's made in China seemed better constructed to me. Also, Sony cameras are all made at Sony owned factories! Not out-sourced like many others!
646070
Panasonic is a Japanese company. Thus I would assume that most parts for the camera are made in Japan. However, not all the parts are made in Japan. For example, it has a Leica lens, which is made in Germany.
2009523
thanks for answering! a friend has an older lumix of the same series [FZ7?]. i really like it [performs well] except the body is plastic and feels cheap. how about the FZ50 in this regard? anyone know if the lumix and the leica are different or similar in this regard?
1014702
This camera is made in Japan by Panasonic. It is branded Leica but basically a Panasonic DMC LX7K. All specs are the same, the body is almost a clone. The major difference is the superior finish and material feel of the Leica, the Leica name, and the software suite which is more extensive. I bought the Leica because I wanted the Leica name and software but bought the optional Panasonic branded electronic rangefinder eye piece. Save over $100 from the exact same piece with the Leica name on it. Ether way, whether you go whole hog for the Leica or save money with the Panasonic, its a terrific camera with an exquisite lens. This camera is made in Japan by Panasonic. It is branded Leica but basically a Panasonic DMC LX7K. All specs are the same, the body is almost a clone. The major difference is the superior finish and material feel of the Leica, the Leica name, and the software suite which is more extensive. I bought the Leica because I wanted the Leica name and software but bought the optional Panasonic branded electronic rangefinder eye piece. Save over $100 from the exact same piece with the Leica name on it. Ether way, whether you go whole hog for the Leica or save money with the Panasonic, its a terrific... » Read More This camera is made in Japan by Panasonic. It is branded Leica but basically a Panasonic DMC LX7K. All specs are the same, the body is almost a clone. The major difference is the superior finish and material feel of the Leica, the Leica name, and the software suite which is more extensive. I bought the Leica because I wanted the Leica name and software but bought the optional Panasonic branded electronic rangefinder eye piece. Save over $100 from the exact same piece with the Leica name on it. Ether way, whether you go whole hog for the Leica or save money with the Panasonic, its a terrific camera with an exquisite lens. « Show Less
173419
I have Lumix DH3 ; I am using with it 14-45mm lens much more often than 45-200mm. I agree with others that 14-45 is a great lens, sharper than newer 14-42.
1742973
Thanks for your great response NLee the Engineer. I already put in for a return to Amazon. Worse case, if I decide to re-purchase, I will be getting a free SD card in the deal. Its really a shame that the "Made in China" has such a negative stigma to it. I am sorry to hear that streamlined processes get moved to off-shore factories. I guess if I never read the responses posted here, I would never notice the difference but once you are informed, there is no going back. I looked at my last Canon SD500 camera and it was "made in Japan".
162370
I'm a little surprised myself, seeing as all the other Canon Powershots I've purchased previously were all Made in Japan. I suppose for the price I can't complain too much, and it still seems to take decent shots.
1690493
it is due in part to the exchange rate with the Japanese yen. These lenses are made in Japan.
1139145
No I cannot ... I have used Pentax for 45 years and have good relations with the distributor in Colorado and would be very surprised if it were made anywhere but Japan.
45599
Typically, the pro lenses come from Japan. Consumer lenses, like this one, come from Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines and China (and maybe elsewhere). Those coming from China are the ones to avoid, based upon Nikon user feedback that I have come across. This appears to be true for other Nikon lenses coming from China, as well. Not just this one.
712312
Could you tell me if the place of origin has anything to do with whether or not Canon will honor the warranty? I was told by a vendor that if a canon camcorder was a "Japanese" model, Canon would not honor the warranty, and that if it was a US camcorder, they would. Is that true and how can you tell if the camcorder you buy is one or the other?
1900889
Japan from all I can find. I thought I saw it on the camera at some point. It is on the box and the extra lense I bought.
621759
As far as I know, or all Panasonic micro 4/3 lens I owned (8 lens), they all made in Japan.
1422703
made in japan，if u want it, i have one, like new condition, purchased from amazon and just one month later i bought d810 and 24 70from amazon . 微信说？.
775681
It is genuine lens, made in Japan and imported. I don't buy expensive things from grey market.
1169254
Here is a handy web site as for this awesome lens its manufactured in Japan and is a must in the full frame weaponry.http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/serialno.html