Varizoom PRO-PZFI Users Manual

VZ-Pro-PZFI INSTRUCTIONS
Thanks for buying our new professional heavy-duty ZOOM/FOCUS/IRIS controller for Panasonic camcorders. We think you’ll enjoy this product, but before using it, please read
the instructions thoroughly.
WARNING: THIS IS NOT A “LANC” CONTROL DEVICE. DO NOT PLUG THE VZ-ROCK-PZFI INTO ANY
CAMCORDER OTHER THAN APPROVED PANASONIC UNITS. THIS CONTROLLER SHOULD ONLY BE
1. First, loosen the thumbscrews and pivot the clamp away, then attach the Pro-PZFI to your tripod handle and secure the clamp with the thumbscrews.
2. The split Y-cable has two connectors, one for the zoom/record/pause circuit and another for the focus/iris circuit. The zoom/record/pause connector is the smaller plug that fits into the ‘ZOOM S/S’ jack. The focus/iris connector is the larger plug that fits into the ‘FOCUS/IRIS’ jack.
3. ZOOM CONTROL - To zoom in (telephoto) press the zoom rocker right, and to zoom out (wide) press the rocker left. The farther you press the rocker, the faster the lens will zoom. The zoom characteristics of the Pro-PZFI are determined by the camera (e.g., the slowest zoom speed attainable with the DVX100B takes 30 seconds from end-to-end).
4. RECORD/PAUSE CONTROL - Start and stop recording by pressing the “R” button.
5. FOCUS CONTROL - To operate the focus control feature properly, the ‘FOCUS’ switch on the side of the camera lens should be set to ‘A’. To switch modes between autofocus and manual focus using your Pro-PZFI, use the silver toggle switch located next to the focus dial. When the toggle switch is flipped toward the dial, manual focus mode is active, and when it’s flipped away controller is in manual mode, you can adjust the focus precisely using the dial.
-The focus dial has been located so you can roll it with your index finger to adjust focus while grasping the controller handle. With a little practice, you’ll be able to zoom and focus simultaneously with the same hand.
-Note that your camera has addressable focus points indicated in the viewfinder by “MF00 – MF99” (when in autofocus mode, it will read “AF00 – AF99”). This means you can precisely rehearse or repeat focal adjustments without any guessing.
-Special note - While it’s possible to switch into autofocus mode for quick-focus grabs using the controller, it’s important to remember that when you switch back to manual mode the camera will return to the focal point dictated by the position of the dial on the controller. For example, if your manual focus were set far out to MF87 and you wanted to grab focus on a nearby moving object, you could do so by switching the controller to auto mode, but when you switch it back to manual mode the camera will instantly return to MF87 (the position in which the dial was left). ‘Push Auto’ is not available through the controller interface. These are limitations of the camera’s circuit
Zoom
Iris
Focus
from the dial, autofocus mode is active. While the
design, and should be kept in mind if you intend to switch between auto and manual focus modes regularly.
6. IRIS CONTROL – Operating the iris control is fairly simple – no need to set anything on the camera first. Note that the Pro-PZFI’s iris dial allows the operator to adjust iris to a limited extent even when the controller is set to auto mode. To adjust the iris manually through the full range of F-stops, use the silver toggle switch located next to the iris dial ­flip it toward the iris dial for manual operation. Flip the toggle switch away from the iris dial to go back to auto iris. Switching it back to auto iris will cause the camera to take over and slowly adjust the iris automatically to an appropriate level. Note that when you switch the controller back to manual mode the camera will reset the iris to the position dictated by the iris dial (as with the focus dial).
Care and Maintenance of the VZ-Pro-PZFI
Although the unit was designed to easily withstand normal wear and tear, it should be cared for and protected just like your camera, and always stored in the supplied pouch to avoid damage to the switches. As a normal precaution, avoid dropping or crushing the unit and try to keep it as dry as possible. While it can withstand some rough treatment, it will last longer and operate consistently if you take care of it. If you have any problems or questions, feel free to email or call us.
Warranty Info: Do not open your control device, as this may void your warranty and possibly damage the control. If you need service, contact VariZoom for a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA #). All controls have a 2-year parts and labor warranty. Please save your receipt and send us your comments and suggestions. Thanks! www.varizoom.com / 512-219-7722
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