Member - Jack replied:

Hello herkman:

I had a similar problem with an older Toshiba laptop and found "Battery World" were able to assist. I know they are in NSW and Qld, unsure about other states. Perhaps a search of the net may yield results.

Similarly, Dick Smith and/or Tandy may be of benefit for a charger.

Good luck
JackAustralia - If you don't love it, leave!!!

Member - Bob replied:

There is a universal NiCad battery that fits most common brands of camera. It has contacts at each end and is reversible. I think they cost about $80 and as stated above available from Battery World or the electronics shops. I used to have a Panasonic and bought several of these batteries for it. I'll check in the shed to see if I have any gear left.Bob

Member - Nigel (QLD) replied:

I have found "The Good Guys" to be very helpful with aftermarket batteries from my Sony Camcorder.

As I have quite a few things that need to be charged when travelling I ended up getting a 150 watt Pure Sine Wave inverter from Jaycar. I previously had a Dick Smith 150 watt inverter and it couldn't do half the stuff the sine wave one does, and it also made the chargers a lot hotter.

herkman replied:

Thanks Bob that will help alot, and all you other guys thanks for your input Without your help the camera may not have been a goer, as Panasonic stated nearly $400.

As you could understand, the camera has a lot of sentimental value.

Bob my address is PO Box 167 Nairne SA 5252.

Regards and again thanks

Col Tigwell