VariZoom VZPRO-PZFI-3D User Manual

VZ-Pro-PZFI-3D INSTRUCTIONS

Thanks for buying our new professional heavy-duty ZOOM/FOCUS/IRIS/CONVERGENCE
controller for the Panasonic AG-3DA1 camcorder (also ZFI-compatible with other Panasonic
ZFI-capable cameras). Please read the instructions.

WARNING: THIS IS NOT A “LANC” CONTROL DEVICE. DO NOT
PLUG THE VZ-PRO-PZFI-3D INTO ANY CAMCORDER OTHER THAN
APPROVED PANASONIC UNITS. THIS CONTROLLER SHOULD
ONLY BE PLUGGED INTO THE SPECIFIED ‘CAM CONTROLLER’
JACKS ON THE CAMCORDER BODY.

Record

1. First, loosen the thumbscrews and pivot the clamp
away, then attach the VZ-Pro-PZFI-3D to your tripod
handle and secure the clamp with the thumbscrews.

Iris Toggle

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. The other cable
has a single connector for the
‘CONVERGENCE’ 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 VZ-Pro-PZFI­3D are determined by the camera (e.g., the
slowest zoom speed attainable with the

Iris Knob

Focus Knob

DVX100B takes 30 seconds from end-to-end).

4. RECORD/PAUSE CONTROL - Start and stop recording by pressing the “R” button.

5. FOCUS CONTROL

– The AG-3DA1 does not have a continuous Autofocus mode, so the
camera is essentially always in Manual Focus mode. The Focus Toggle on the VZ-Pro­PZFI-3D therefore only acts as a ‘defeat switch’ for the Focus Knob. When the Focus
Toggle is flipped toward the Focus Knob, it is operational and allows you to control focus
manually. When the Focus Toggle is flipped away from the Focus Knob, the Focus Knob
is inactive. This allows you to set focus and lock it without fear of accidentally changing
focus by moving the Focus Knob.

-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.

Zoom

Focus Toggle

Convergence

Knob

-With other Panasonic ZFI-capable cameras, the Focus Toggle on the VZ-Pro-PZFI­3D will operate as an Auto/Manual switch when the camera is set to “Autofocus
Mode.”

-Special note – If you set your focus and then want to lock it by flipping the Focus
Toggle, keep in mind that if you move the dial while the Focus Knob is inactive, when
you flip the toggle back to active mode the camera will move to the focal point dictated
by the position of the dial on the controller. ‘Push Auto’ is not available through the
controller interface, only on the camera body. These are limitations of the camera’s
lens control circuit design.

6. IRIS CONTROL – Operating the iris control is fairly simple – no need to set anything on
the camera first. Note that the Iris Toggle on the VZ-Pro-PZFI-3D is NOT FUNCTIONAL.
The camera is always in Manual Iris mode, and flipping the toggle will have no effect. In
other words, the Iris Knob is always active on the VZ-Pro-PZFI-3D and will allow you to
adjust through the full range of f-stops regardless of the Toggle position.

-The reason we included the Iris Toggle with this controller model is so it would have full
backward compatibility with other Panasonic ZFI-capable cameras and allow Auto/Manual
Iris switching on those cameras, and also in case there are future changes to the 3D line
that allow Auto/Manual Iris switching.

7. CONVERGENCE CONTROL – Read the manual for the AG-3DA1 to get an
understanding of the convergence feature. Operating the convergence control from the
remote is extremely simple and intuitive. The large knob on the angled face of the
controller has a spring return action, so when you turn it either direction, it will return to
center and stop adjusting the convergence plane (much like the zoom rocker).

-Turning the knob in one direction sets the convergence plane further and turning it the
other direction sets it closer, and you can use both the “C” index numbers and the “Mix”
feature on your camera’s video display to accurately set the convergence from the remote
without having to touch the camera. Note that there are mechanical stops built into the
knob, so DO NOT FORCE THE KNOB BEYOND THE MECHANICAL STOPS.

Care and Maintenance of the VZ-Pro-PZFI-3D

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