Varizoom VZ-ROCK User Manual

VZ-ROCK OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

***PLEASE READ BEFORE USING***

Thanks for purchasing our new deluxe variable-rocker LANC control, the VZ-ROCK. Before you
begin using your controller, here are a few important guidelines to follow

:

-DO NOT PLUG THE UNIT INTO ANY PANASONIC CAMERA OR DAMAGE MAY RESULT!!!

-NEVER EXPOSE THE UNIT TO WATER OR LIQUIDS, AND NEVER EXPOSE IT TO
EXCESSIVE HEAT, PRESSURE OR SHOCK – DOING SO MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE NOT
COVERED BY THE FACTORY WARRANTY (2 YEARS)

-DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPEN THE UNIT. DOING SO MAY VOID YOUR FACTORY
WARRANTY.

-DO NOT SUBJECT THE VARIABLE ZOOM ROCKER OR THE LANC CABLE TO
UNNECESSARY STRESS. ABUSE OF THE ZOOM ROCKER OR LANC CABLE MAY
RESULT IN DAMAGE NOT COVERED BY YOUR WARRANTY!

Your VZ-ROCK controller is equipped with the following features: pressure-sensitive variable
speed zoom control; manual focus control; record start/stop; power ON/OFF; LED
indicator; edit search; data on/off; autofocus on/off.

HOW TO USE THE VZ-ROCK

1. Plug the controller into the LANC jack (“Control-L”) on your
camcorder (usually a blue jack). DO NOT PLUG THE

CONTROLLER INTO ANY OTHER JACK OR DAMAGE MAY
RESULT!!! DO NOT PLUG IT INTO ANY PANASONIC
CAMERA!!! If you are not sure about the location of the LANC

jack, consult the camcorder owner’s manual.

2. You can attach the controller to your tripod handle, monopod,
shoulder support, or stabilizer with the adjustable clamp (do not
overtighten). The controller doesn’t require any external power or
setup. Once connected, the VZ-ROCK is ready
to perform.

3. The rocker switch at the bottom is for zooming.
Since it is a variable rocker, the farther you
press it right the faster it will zoom in
(telephoto), and the farther you press it left the
faster it will zoom out (wide). You should
practice a bit before shooting so that you
acquire a good sense of the rocker’s characteristics. (continued)

4. The small button marked with a red “R” is the record start/stop button. The button marked
ON will toggle the camera between standby and full power modes. Hold the button in for 2
seconds and release to put the camera into standby mode *. To power the camera up from
standby mode, simply press the ON button (most camcorders will go into auto standby after
a few minutes in record pause mode*). Pressing the “ON” button will bring the camcorder
back to full operating mode whether you put it into standby manually or if it happens
automatically.

5. You can also control the focus of your lens manually using the VZ-ROCK. With most
camcorders, you can toggle between Auto and Manual modes using the autofocus button
** (marked “A”). Once you are in Manual Focus mode, you can use the switch on the
controller marked “FOCUS” to precisely adjust the focal plane. Pressing the up arrow (∧) will
bring the focal plane closer while pressing the down arrow (∨) will move the focal plane
farther away.

6. You also have access to two other control functions, data and edit search. The DATA
button toggles the on-screen data (tape time, settings, etc.) on and off ***. The F+ / F-
buttons (edit search) allow you to review the recording on your tape.

7. Finally, the LED indicator light will turn red (or blink) to indicate a variety of camcorder
functions such as record, tape end, low battery, etc. (the pattern will vary slightly between
different camcorders, but will remain consistent when used with the same camcorder). You
are ready to begin using the VZ-ROCK. Enjoy! (When not in use, disconnect the ROCK.)

888-826-3399 / 512-219-7722 / www.varizoom.com

* Notes for Canon XL-1S/XL-2 users: The XL cameras may not go into auto standby mode
while the VZ-ROCK is connected. If your XL is going to sit idle for long periods of time with the
controller connected and power on, you may want to consider changing the camera’s VCR
(VTR) menu setting to Tape Deck Shutdown mode in order to prevent unnecessary wear on the
tape heads. You may need to consult your XL owner’s manual.

** Please note that the autofocus button does not work with the Canon XL-1/XL-1S/XL-2

*** The DATA function works differently on the Canon XL series than on most camcorders. With
the XL camcorders the onscreen data will only be affected in external monitors fed by the
camcorder’s analog video output, NOT in the onboard eyepiece viewfinder. For most other
camcorders, the DATA button will affect the onscreen data in the onboard viewfinder/LCD
screen but not on external monitors.