Varizoom ZG RIG Users Manual

ZG RIG QUICK-START AND KEY POINTS GUIDE

The ZG Rig is a precision instrument that requires
proper care to maintain its mechanisms:

1 – Tensioner Knob
the max to prevent unwanted play in tilt mechanism.

The tension adjustment is only effective in a very small
turning range, and the whole mechanism must be
clamped together tightly to work properly and prevent
damage.

Failure to operate the ZG Rig with the tensioner
knob tightened will result in severe damage.

2 - Safety Lock
over when you set it down. With the tilt mechanism at
a right angle, you can loosen the red knob and slide
the safety lock into the slot on the tilt mechanism.

Disengage the safety lock to operate or adjust ZG
Rig.

3 – Vertical Adjustment
the center of gravity depending on the size of
your camera. There are two key parts:

The position lock lever
tightened (DOWN) when you are operating
the ZG Rig with a camera. Failure to

operate the ZG Rig with the lock lever fully
tightened will cause severe damage.

The adjustment knob
camera platform, but the position lock lever
must be loose (UP) to make the adjustment.
Do not force the knob and make sure the
lever is loose when adjusting.

must always be tightened close to

prevents the ZG Rig from flopping

allows you to adjust

Adjustment Knob
Position Lock Lever

should always be fully

raises or lowers the

OPERATE

ADJUST

Zero Gravity Rig Operating Instructions

Welcome to our new top-of-the-line shoulder support
system for cameras up to 15 lbs., the ZG Rig. In addition
to its totally unique vertical balancing mechanism, 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 (w/ “Zero Gravity” label) 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 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

A2

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.

1B – The position lock lever (B) for the vertical balancing

Tilt Mechanism (front/side views)

mechanism is essentially a stainless steel clamping lever. It is
VERY IMPORTANT that this lever is tightened while operating the
ZG Rig and loosened while adjusting the vertical balance. If the
position lock lever is loose while operating the ZG Rig, there will be
excess play in the tilt mechanism that can cause unwanted
shaking and even result in damage to the ZG Rig. If the position
lock lever is tight while you attempt to adjust the vertical balance,
you may cause irreparable damage. Loose = lever up; Tight =

B

lever down. Basic rule of thumb: if it feels wrong, check your locks

and tensioner knob before proceeding.

1C – The vertical adjustment knob (C) will allow you to raise or
lower the camera platform precisely, but the position lock lever (B) and safety lock (A) must be
disengaged before you make this adjustment, otherwise DAMAGE MAY OCCUR.

WARNING: FOR OPERATION, THE LOCK LEVER (B) MUST BE FULLY TIGHTENED AND
TENSIONER KNOB (A2) MUST BE TIGHT ENOUGH TO REMOVE ANY SIDE-TO-SIDE
WOBBLE/PLAY IN THE TILT MECHANISM, OR SEVERE DAMAGE MAY RESULT!!!

A

C