ZeroGravityRig-DSLR Operating Instructions
Welcome to our new top-of-the-line shoulder support
system for DSLR cameras. In addition to its totally
unique vertical balance offset, this system is designed
to be configurable to virtually any body type or camera
setup, so there are some adjustments and operational
parameters to discover before you begin using the
equipment. The Rig comes in a folded position, so you
should unfold it to approximately resemble the picture
at the right. Included are: shoulder rig, support pod,
belt, camera plate, accessory mount, removable
counterweight. Please read the instructions to
ensure that you don’t damage the system or camera.
1A – The first and most important element to understand is the Tilt
Mechanism. Look at the safety lock (A), and notice how it slides
laterally when the red thumbscrew is loose. When the tilt arm is
perpendicular to the horizontal support member (w/ “VariZoom”
label), the safety lock will slide into the slot of the tilt arm. Once the
red thumbscrew is tightened, the safety lock prohibits the tilting
A2
action of the ZG Rig. The safety lock allows you to set the ZG Rig
down without the system inadvertently tilting and flopping over, which could cause damage to
your camera. Always engage the safety lock before setting the ZG Rig down. Conversely,
while operating the ZG Rig, the safety lock should be disengaged so you can tilt freely.
1A2 – Always keep the tensioner knob (A2) tightened close to the max – only tiny adjustments
are needed. The tilt mechanism should never have any play/wobble, or damage may result.
WARNING: TENSIONER KNOB (A2) MUST BE TIGHT ENOUGH TO REMOVE ANY SIDETO-SIDE WOBBLE/PLAY IN THE TILT MECHANISM, OR SEVERE DAMAGE MAY
RESULT!!!
2 - MOUNTING THE CAMERA
- Make sure the safety lock is engaged
on the tilt mechanism. Attach the support belt to your waist, holster in
front. Mount your camera to the camera plate, tightening the screw
thoroughly. Slide the plate into the receiver and secure the plate
locking lever. Insert the brass tip of the support pod into the socket at
the end of the curved bar. Angle the pod roughly 30° downward and
raise the entire assembly over your shoulder, carefully inserting the
lower end of the support pod through the plastic D-ring and into the
holster. Unlock the support pod knobs to engage spring action.
3 - ACCESSORIES – If you wish to use the accessory mount (D)
for attaching lights, monitors, mics, etc., go ahead and attach it and
mount the accessories before proceeding with adjustments or
balancing. This mount allows you to keep accessories off your
camera and aids in balancing the weight of the Rig. Four ¼”-20
holes are provided, and the mount rotates to allow fine positioning.
A
D
4 - BALANCING – Once it’s fully loaded, you can focus on adjusting and balancing
p
)
the unit. Think of the balancing as an X-Y affair. Start by adjusting the position of
the camera plate so it is balanced front-to-back. Then adjust the position of the
camera platform left-right by loosening the knob directly below and moving the
platform until it feels relatively balanced and doesn’t lean to one side. You can
also affect the side-to-side balance by adjusting the counterweight position (E)
at the rear of the shoulder arch. These are the familiar ‘X-Y’ adjustments.
5 - ADJUSTMENT – If you haven’t already done so, now would be a good time to
fine tune the ergonomic adjustments of the Rig. There are several points of
adjustment that should enable you to wear the Rig with comfort and stability. The photos on the
following page highlight some of these adjustment points.
The most commonly used adjustments:
(F) = slide up/down, pivot side-to-side; ALSO: reverse tightening lever R/L.
(G) = adjust position of camera mount closer/further and also adjust the angle of
the shoulder arch relative to body centerline
(H) = adjust the in-out position of support pod
socket to change the relative height and angle
of the Rig, as well as the relative loading of the
ring pod
s
H
F
G
E
(I) = ADVANCED: shift the tilting pivot point in or out, depending on
preference; further out gives more tilt range and distance to camera,
while closer in brings camera closer and reduces tilt range; to shift
pivot point, simply remove protective plastic cap (and SAVE IT) from
unused hole, revealing a radial bearing; remove tensioner knob with
external bearing/washer assembly, then remove entire tilt assembly (it
is a tight fit, so it will take effort), finally insert tilt assembly axle through
alternate bearing, pressing firmly until large black washer is flush, then
thread tensioner knob assembly back through, tightening firmly; finally,
move safety lock mechanism to the corresponding spot and cover
unused bearing hole with plastic cap
I
(J) = serrated clutch allows locking incremental adjustment
of angle at which stainless rod intersects horizontal support
member to allow greater freedom in positioning and bring
camera extremely close in some configurations;
ADVANCED: clutch can be separated and inverted so it
mounts to the top instead of bottom, creating a 3.25”
downward shift of the entire forward assembly (for lower
camera mount
J
6 - OPERATION – Overall, operating the ZG Rig is pretty intuitive. Because there are so many
different ways to configure the Rig, it’s mostly up to the user to determine good shooting habits.
One thing to keep in mind is that the spring-loaded support pod can be used with one or two
sections locked. In other words, if you need less spring action (e.g., for a lighter camera), leave
one of the sections locked, or if you want no spring action, leave both locked. You may even
decide that you need to hold the entire unit up high for an extended period (such as shooting
over a crowd), and in this case, fully extending the pod sections and locking them in place could
be your best move. For most shooting, however, you will probably use a single configuration, so
spend some time figuring out the most comfortable and functional setup for your needs.
7 – STORAGE/TRANSPORT – We recommend folding the unit and storing it in the supplied
carrying bag to keep it clean and protected.
TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS
- When using a heavier camera setup (over 8lbs), try to keep the camera closer to the tilt
arm, make sure the tensioner knob is adequately tightened, and experiment with the
position of the support pod socket.
- If you have any questions or problems with the ZG Rig after reading the instructions,
please contact VariZoom directly (512-219-7722).
WARNINGS:
1 – DO NOT OPERATE THE ZG RIG WITH ANY OF THE LOCKING JOINTS LOOSE, AS
DAMAGE OR INJURY COULD RESULT.
2 – ALWAYS STORE AND HANDLE THE SPRING-LOADED SUPPORT POD IN A FULLY
LOCKED STATE (KNOB TIGHTENED THOROUGHLY). ONLY LOOSEN THE KNOBS
WHEN THE SUPPORT POD IS MOUNTED UNDER THE WEIGHT OF THE ZG RIG.
3 – DO NOT RUN WHILE OPERATING THE UNIT.
4 – EXERCISE CAUTION WHEN ADJUSTING THE POSITION OF THE POD SOCKET (fig. H)
– DO NOT LOOSEN THE LOCKING SCREW MORE THAN ½ TURN, AS THE TIP OF THE
SCREW ALSO ACTS AS A SAFETY STOP, AND IF YOU BACK THE SCREW OUT TOO
FAR, THE POD SOCKET COULD SLIP OFF THE END OF THE SUPPORT BAR.
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