Panasonic GH1, GF1, and G2 Hack FAQ

Q: Does the hack work on the G1, GF2, GF3, or G3 cameras?

A: At this time, PTool can only be used with GH1, GF1, G2, and GH2 cameras.

Q: Does the latest GH2 version of PTool work on the GH1, GF1, or G2 as well?

A: Yes, it's advisable to use the latest version of PTool with the GH1, GF1, and G2.

Download PTool here: https://www.personal-view.com/gh1hack/ptool3d.zip

Q: Where can I download Panasonic firmware for the GH1, GF1, and G2?

A: Panasonic maintains a site where you can register to download firmware updates:

Download Panasonic firmware here: http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/download/fts/index.html

Q: Where can I find video guides?

Q: Where can I download PTool patch files optimized for the GH1, GF1, and G2?

A: LPowell maintains active support for the following PTool patch files:

Q: How should I install downloaded PTool, firmware, and patch files on my computer?

A: On Windows XP/Vista/7 computers, you will need to use PKzip to unpack the downloaded .zip files.

Link to PKzip website: http://www.pkware.com/software/pkzip

You should unzip all downloaded files into the same folder, located anywhere on your computer.

Q: How should I use PTool with my downloaded copy of the Panasonic firmware?

  1. Use PTool's Load Firmware button to load a GH1, GF1, or G2 firmware file.
  2. Use PTool's A - J buttons to apply one of the downloaded patch files to the firmware.
  3. Use PTool's Save Firmware button to save the patched firmware to your hard disk.
  4. The patched firmware must be named exactly like the original, but with a higher version number.

Q: How should I update my GH1, GF1, or G2 with a patched firmware file?

  1. Copy the patched firmware file to the root folder of an SD card formatted by your camera.
  2. Make sure there is only one firmware file on the SD card.
  3. Make sure the camera battery is fully charged.
  4. Turn off the camera and insert the SD card.
  5. Turn on the camera and press the green Playback Mode button.
  6. Select Yes in the Version Up screen and press the OK button.

Q: How can I verify that my camera has been successfully updated with patched firmware?

A: In the Version Display option of the Setup Menu, Body Firmware will be Ver. 0.0

Q: Do I need to update the camera with the patched firmware each time I turn it on?

A. No, the camera remains patched with the last firmware file updated by the Version Up screen.

Q: Should I keep the patched firmware on the SD card after I update my camera with it?

A. You can do so, but the Playback Mode button may at times ask if you want to Version Up again.

Q: How can I revert my camera back to the original Panasonic firmware?

  1. Copy the Panasonic firmware file to the root folder of an SD card formatted by your camera.
  2. Make sure there is only one firmware file on the SD card.
  3. Make sure the camera battery is fully charged.
  4. Turn off the camera and insert the SD card.
  5. Turn on the camera and press the green Playback Mode button.
  6. Select Yes in the Version Up screen and press the OK button.

Q: How can I verify that my camera has been successfully reverted to Panasonic firmware?

A: In the Version Display option of the Setup Menu, Body Firmware will be Ver. 1.0 or higher.

Q: Where can I find more information on GH1, GF1, or G2 patches?

A: Search for GH1, GF1, or G2 in the following forum:

Personal-View Hacks and Patches: http://www.personal-view.com/talks/categories/hacks