Does anyone know if the GH2 uses ribbon cables that are available elsewhere or are they proprietary? Could be cool to rehouse a GH2 in an old video camera body <;O)

You'll need the service manual. Panoramic ribbon cables seem only available from Panasonic.

@AfricaGH2

This has been covered before by @Roberto and @DirkVoorhoeve see http://www.personal-view.com/talks/discussion/2555/gh2-hardware-modifications-not-for-the-faint-hearted/p1

If that doesn't help, just ask.

Have you tried using one of those 90 degree 2.5mm to 3.5mm adapater plugs? You could probably then use some gaffers tape and secure that adapter plug in place. Not the prettiest look I guess, but maybe safer and easier than disassembling the cam. Good luck.

@matt_gh2 YES, they just add weight to the cable, and if you try to rotate the screen to show the talent what they look like - low tech admittedly, the cable / plugs obscures the screen! Just did that and was cursing the GH2 in front of the client.

@AfricaGH2

why couldn't they just of put a female mini jack with a screw connector on there!

The biggest statistical cause of camera fatal damage, falling to the floor, is often caused by cables & jacks; or an operator walking away from the camera with headphones on, or someone tripping over a mic cable.

Sockets themselves do provide a safety link. I always add a separate, short, extra break-away cable somewhere, attaching the various cables, cameras, tripods etc where needed to strong things with shoe-laces. Your camera's fiddly socket may one day save the whole camera - or, at worst, break the socket itself.

There are XLR Baluns made, often fitted between camera and rig (search these forums).

But honestly, most GH.x users never use that socket. You could sell your dodgy-socket GH2 to a satisfied buyer and buy another with a good socket.

I have to admit to getting one of the very first, collector-edition Sony Walkmans in perfectly good nick and drilling a mic socket into it. That unit has only sentimental value now. :-(

Ok so I took the top mic thing off and there is no connection from there to the mini jack on the side - perhaps I was mis reading the link provide here. @Rambo glue sounds good and I do have a right angle mini jack so that might be the best idea. There is quite a gap 3mm + between the camera and the right angle connector but I guess globs of hot glue would work?

How to Discharge the E. Capacitor on Flash P.C.B. CAUTION: 1. Be sure to discharge the E. Capacitor on FLASH P.C.B.. 2. Be careful of the high voltage circuit on FLASH P.C.B. when servicing. [Discharging Procedure] 1. Refer to the disassemble procedure and remove the necessary parts/unit. 2. Put the insulation tube onto the lead part of Resistor (ERG5SJ102:1kΩ /5W). (An equivalent type of resistor may be used.) 3. Put the resistor between both terminals of E. Capacitor on FLASH P.C.B. for approx. 5 seconds. 4. After discharging confirm that the E. Capacitor voltage is lower than 10V using a voltmeter.