VariZoom VZDVMEDIARIG User Manual

DV Media Rig

Professional Camera Support

Although the DV Media Rig is fairly intuitive to operate, PLEASE read the

following instructions to make sure you get the most out of your purchase. Kit includes: (1) Adjustable Shoulder

Arch (2) Handle Section (3) Belt (4) Spring Pod (5) Quick-release Plate (6) Tilt Lever (7) Accessory Mount (8) Rear

Counterweight

WARNING: NEVER POINT THE TIP OF THE SPRING POD AT YOUR FACE. ONLY LOOSEN

THE CLAMPS WHEN THE SPRING POD IS ATTACHED TO THE LOADED DV MEDIA RIG. THE

SPRING POD CAN POP OUT QUICKLY AND CAUSE INJURY IF THESE RULES ARE NOT

FOLLOWED.

1) Start by assembling the main shoulder support unit. Connect the shoulder arch section to the handle section by sliding the smaller end of the handle assembly through the stainless steel cylinder at the end of the shoulder arch assembly. Secure the two sections together by inserting the tilt lever (6) through the stainless steel cylinder and threading it into the handle section. The tilt lever will allow you to adjust the tension on the tilt action of the handles. The same type of lever is used at the shoulder pivot (9). Note that the position of these levers can be adjusted without loosening – simply grab the lever and press on the red button, then you can readjust the angle of the lever without threading or unthreading. This allows you to apply a ‘ratcheting action’ while tightening or to simply move the lever out of the way without loosening it.

2) Now attach the rear counterweight to the pivot plate at the rear of the shoulder arch. Remove the knob and black plug from the pivot plate. Center the weight over the projecting screw and insert the black plug through the mounting hole of the weight – the black plug will keep the weight from shifting around. Tighten the provided knob thoroughly. Note that you may replace the supplied weight (2.5lbs) with a smaller or larger weight if you wish, as long as it has the same mounting-hole size (approx 1.25”).

3) The pivot plate can be adjusted to the left or right to compensate for balance issues created by the camera and other mounted accessories. For now, tighten the pivot knob thoroughly so it doesn’t move while you are mounting the camera and accessories and making adjustments to the Media Rig.

4) Attach the quick-release plate to your camera using the appropriate screw. Remove the unused screw and store in a secure location. Once the quick-release plate is firmly attached to your camera, set it aside.

5) Attach the belt to your waist with the holster facing front. Take the spring pod and insert the flat end into the holster, making sure to run the pod through the D-ring at the top of the holster. Do not loosen the spring pod clamps yet.

6) Make sure the tilt lever on the DV Media Rig is tightened so the handles don’t rotate easily *. Take the camera with quick-release plate attached and secure it to the base plate on the DV Media Rig. Pick up the Rig and place it over your shoulder. The front of the Rig must be attached to the spring pod. Insert the brass tip of the spring pod into the coiled spring on the underside of the handle assembly. Once the spring pod is secured, loosen the spring pod clamps.

7) If you plan to attach any accessories such as a light, mic, XLR mic adapter, etc., go ahead and attach them to the accessory mount and fix it to the Rig.

8) With the Rig fully mounted and loaded, you’ll know if any position and balancing adjustments need to be made. You can adjust the side-to-side balance of the camera by loosening the single-wing knob above the spring pod attachment point and sliding the camera platform. You can also adjust the side-to-side balance by pivoting the counterweight at the rear.

9) The primary positional adjustment is at the shoulder pivot. This will allow you to change the angle and height of the shoulder arch for maximum comfort. The tilt lever allows you to change the amount of tension in the

tilting mechanism or soft-lock the tilt position. Never operate the Rig with the tilt lever excessively loose.

Depending on the weight of your camera, you may want to lock one of the sections of the spring pod to minimize the spring action. You can also extend and lock both sections for elevated shots.

The DV Media Rig is covered by a 2-year parts & labor warranty against defects.

If you have any questions, give us a call or shoot us an email – www.varizoom.com