Fitting The Lens Hood - Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 User Manual

It is recommended not to release the memory card whilst the camera is
powered on and especially if the camera is still writing data to the card
(as indicated by the red write to card symbol on the LCD screen) as data
will be lost and there is the potential to damage the camera and/or
memory card.
There is a small residual current used by the camera, even with the
power switch in the off position, after an extended period of non use the
battery may become exhausted through the process of self discharge and
this residual current. It is recommended that if you will not be using the
camera for a month or so to remove the battery completely from the
camera. Again good practice would be to store it in its protective plastic
case.

Fitting the Lens Hood

Fitting the lens hood on the Panasonic Lumix FZ200 is essential.
It helps to prevent damage to the front element of the lens but, more
importantly, it helps to reduce flare from light which may otherwise fall
directly onto the front surface of the lens.
This flare is more noticeable with bright light sources like the sun and can
produce quite obvious colored streaks on your images. This flare also
reduces the contrast of your images and, if the lens isn't perfectly clean
you will see much more dust artefacts on your images as well –
especially on wide angle shots where the lens can focus right down to a
few centimetres.
The hood is fitted to a circular groove on the front of the lens and is
installed with the index mark on the lens hood rear flange positioned at
around 10 o'clock and then turned clockwise until the lens hood "clicks"
in place – a new hood will be quite stiff but it will locate correctly with firm
pressure (a little furniture polish on the hood tracks will help). It is best to
do this with the power off to prevent damage to the zoom motor.
At this point the index mark will be at the 12 o'clock position.
When you want to store your camera in a camera bag leave the hood in
place. If you need to remove the hood turn it anticlockwise to disengage
it from the fixing ring.
The hood can then be reversed and fitted to the lens. Position one of the
smaller petal shaped parts of the hood at the 12 o'clock position and
rotate the hood clockwise. It will click again this time and the hood will be
attached securely. The lens cap can then be placed over the lens to
protect it.
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