VariZoom VZDVRODS User Manual

VZ-DV RODS

Instruction Manual

The VZ-DV RODS system for professional and prosumer camcorders allows you to mount
various accessories such as focus controls (like the VZ-FC-U), matteboxes, wireless receivers,
external battery systems, or any accessory that can be fixed to optional rod-mount brackets. This
system was designed to be versatile, flexible, and modular in its applications, something you may
have noticed by virtue of the compacted mode in which it came to you. In observing the design,
you’ll see numerous auxiliary mounting holes and high levels of adjustability and configurability.
Although this device is very simple to use, it’s important that you read the following instructions to
get the most out of the DV RODS.

Includes:

-3-axis adjustable baseplate w/ extra ¼”-20 holes for mounting additional accessorie s

-Two 15mm rods

-Two rod end-cap security screws (to prevent accessories from accidentally sliding off the rods)

-Two ¼”-20 camera-mount screws (1/2” L) w/ washers (one set is a backup)

-One locator pin to prevent unwanted camera movement

-One hex key (1/8”) for adjusting vertical/horizontal position of rods and camera-mount screw

-Integral hardware: 2 -10-32 thumbscrews (3/4” L) for clamping rods in place; 2 - ¼”-20 x 3/4”
screws w/ washers & 2 - ¼”-20 x 1/2” screw w/ washers for fixing vertical and horizontal po sitions

Standard configuration
with PMW-EX1 & VZ­FC-U

Setting up the DV RODS system will take a bit longer the first time, but it should
be a breeze using it in the future once you’ve learned how to configure it. There
are several factors to consider:
1 – Camera dimensions and weight distribution
2 – Accessories to be mounted on the system rods

3 – Type of camera support used (standard tripod head, Zero Gravity
head, shoulder support, remote motion control head, etc.)
4 – Whether or not you intend to use the entire camera/DV Rods
configuration as a portable unit or if you want to be able to quickly
separate the camera from the system to go handheld or mount to another
support

Basically, all you really have to do is figure out where the rods need to be placed
in relation to your camera lens and take that into consideration when selecting a
camera-mounting hole on the baseplate (place the locator pin in front of the
selected mounting hole to help prevent unwanted camera rotation). Once the
baseplate is mounted, adjust the vertical, horizontal, and fore-aft positions of the
rods until they reach the desired location. The same 1/8” hex key will be used for
mounting the camera and adjusting the vertical and horizontal positions of the
rods. The fore-aft position is easily changed with the attached thumbscrews.

The vertical and horizontal adjustment plates can also be inverted so that they
aim upward, allowing the entire assembly to slide further back on the tripod
and/or for greater upward adjustment range. This configuration could work well
for larger cameras (ENG type), or for cameras like the Sony PMW-EX1 and –

EX3 when used in conjunction with a VZ-QRP quick release assembly on top of

the baseplate (both pictured below). Although not absolutely necessary for the
EX1 and EX3, this configuration is recommended because it allows a greater
range of aft adjustment on a tripod head, enabling you to better balance the
camera’s weight in instances where a heavy mattebox / filter / lens adapter setup
creates a front-heavy weight distribution. It also allows quick extraction of the
camera from the overall configuration with minimal hassle.

The two ¼”-20 holes on the back end of the base plate are for attaching rods to
the rear so that additional accessories can be mounted and aid in
counterbalancing the front-mounted accessories. These holes can also serve as
retaining spots for extra screws. VariZoom intends to introduce the back end
rods and brackets in the near future – please feel free to offer feedback!

Inverted configuration
for EX1 w/ Quick
Release, Zero Gravity,
VZ-FC-U

Inverted configuration with HD100U

Warranty period: 1 year – Warranty coverage: defect s in materials or workmanship, does not

cover lost or damaged components – Returns/Repairs: RMA # is required – 5 12-219-7722