I know this is a dumb question, but I am new to AV and I just got this AG 100. The manual does not say waht this screw is used for. Any help is appreciated.
RonnieB.

Ronnie. I'm new to this all too. I bought this camera because it seemed like the best camera to grow with. I don't know what the screw is for either. From what I can gather from the manual, if you are not using it on the zoom, you should take it off and put it in the hole on the handle support... Really, does anyone know what it's for? Good luck with the camera Ronnie.

The zoom ring pin is really more a matter of style than true practical function. I believe it's designed to enable you to manually manipulate the ring with minimal physical contact with the camera. These pins are commonly found on manual lenses of larger professional cameras. <shrug>

you are correct.. it avoids you grabbing the whole damn camera an jerking it around... you can also put a longer screw in and it gives a more precise zoom level, as the diameter of the ring increases. The mini knob is kinda silly, but still effective. Its also good for if you are looking through the Eye piece and cant see what you are doing.. you just grab for the knob and know its the zoom.

Okay just lost my zoom ring pin. How do I get a replacement??

You can probably order it from Panasonic online (http://panasonic.com/pbds/subcat/Support/parts.html) if you can find the part number.

the screw is useless. The ring is too light that zooming with the screw will result in jerkey starts and stops. I always have the screw off and apply gentle pressure onto the lens body when I zoom, just to give it that lil bit more friction for a smoother zoom.

I have started to use it without the pin and you are right, the zoom is better now. Thanks.