thanks, paul. i really like the idea of a protective case and will look into it. i tend to fall in and out of love with cameras, so i am wary of investing too much, though i have two of the cameras already! (and i returned a third to keh cause of the dust.)
hans,
more thoughts. maybe turn off the automatic shut-off, so the lens doesn't keep retracting and extending.
always turn off the camera when opening the battery compartment. i know they say to do so when changing lenses on a dslr cause the electrical charge attracts dust to the sensor.
maybe using the case would really help. and since you already have one.
check out the sigma forum at
www.dpreview.com as they've lots of useful information.
and lastly, one of these might help for severe conditions.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Panasonic-LX3-C...in_0?hash=item27ab606830&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
they're inexpensive, if a bit of a bother.
i maintain with others dp1/2 definitely worth the effort.
wayne
www.pbase.com/wwp
ps. well, i just did it. ordered one of the chinese. figure i can have it modified by someone here or myself. paul, you convinced me. i'll let you know how it goes.