VariZoom VZSTEALTHPZFI User Manual

VZ-STEALTH-PZFI

INSTRUCTIONS

Thanks for buying our new ZOOM/FOCUS/IRIS control for Panasonic camcorders. We think
you will 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-STEALTH-PZFI INTO ANY
CAMCORDER OTHER THAN APPROVED PANASONIC UNITS. THIS REMOTE CONTROL SHOULD ONLY

BE PLUGGED INTO THE SPECIFIED ‘CAM REMOTE’ JACKS ON THE CAMCORDER BODY.

1. First, loosen the brass clamp nuts and fix
the controller to your tripod handle, jib, or
shoulder support.

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 lever up (away from you), and to
zoom out (wide) pull the zoom lever down (towards you). The farther you press the lever,
the faster the lens will zoom. The zoom characteristics of the ROCK-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 remote focus control feature properly, the ‘FOCUS’
switch on the side of the camera lens should be set to ‘A’. To switch between autofocus
and manual focus using your ROCK-PZFI, simply slide the switch marked ‘Focus’
between ‘A’ (auto) and ‘M’ (manual). While the switch is set to ‘M’, you can adjust the
focus precisely using the knurled dial on the left side of the control.

-This dial has been designed so that you may either roll it using your operating thumb
or adjust it separately with your free 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 is certainly possible to switch into autofocus mode for instant
quick-focus grabs using the controller, it is 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. In other words, 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 into ‘A’ on the controller and letting the camera do the focusing, but when
you switch back to ‘M’ on the controller the camera will instantly return to MF87 (the
position in which the dial was left). ‘Push Auto’ is not available through the remote

interface. These are limitations of the camera’s remote circuit 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 – you do not need to set
anything on the camera first. Note that the ROCK-PZFI’s iris dial allows the operator to
adjust iris to a limited extent even when the remote is set to auto iris ‘A’. To adjust the iris
manually through the full range of F-stops, simply set the remote iris switch to ‘M’ and turn
the iris dial. Switching it back to ‘A’ will cause the camera to take over and slowly adjust
the iris automatically to an appropriate level. Note that when you switch back to ‘M’ on
the remote the camera will reset the iris to the position dictated by the iris dial (the same
as with the focus dial).

Care and Maintenance of the VZ-STEALTH-PZFI

Although the unit is designed to easily withstand normal wear and tear, it should be cared for
and protected just like your camera. As normal precautions, avoid dropping or crushing the
unit and try to keep it as dry as possible. While it can withstand some of this type of
treatment, it will last longer and operate consistently if you take these precautions. 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 / 888-826-3399