The Zacuto Z-Drive is a unique, universal direct drive follow focus, designed with single operator shoulder mounted rigs in mind. Because it has a universal joint and no internal gears it can’t develop play. It attaches to a single 15mm diameter rod and curves away from the operator at a 60 degree angle creating space and distance from the lens for comfortable use when the camera is on your shoulder. This is the perfect follow focus for a Recoil kit set up (where the camera is directly over your shoulder) as it brings focus control further forward as well as down for comfortable operation. The Z-Drive can operate in four modes and is extremely adjustable for all size lenses. It can operate on the camera assistant or operators side of the rig positioned forward toward the lens or backward towards the tripod/dolly etc. This makes for easy operation with a standard follow focus whip used on a tripod.
The Z-Drive slides onto a single 15mm diameter rod (on the left or right of your camera) and tightens in place next to your lens with a Zacuto quick-release ratcheting red lever. It comes with a fixed 1 ¾” diameter .8 pitch gear to connect to your lens. If your lenses are not pitched to .8 or are not pitched at all (most DSLR and basic video camera lenses are not) you can add the Zipgear Universal (NOT INCLUDED) to your lens so the teeth match the gear correctly for smooth rotation. The ZipGears can be cut to fit the circumference of your lens and tightened with an Allen key. These ZipGear straps are pitched to .8 and are 13.5” long.
The Z-Drive has a slender marking disc to create distance marks for repeatable focus pulls and a standard whip port. Zacuto recommend using the Z-Drive with the Tornado grip when working handheld. The Tornado attaches to the Z-Drive whip port and works in tandem with the Z-Drive to create a unique mechanical follow focus handgrip perfect for single operator shoulder mounted work.
Please Note: The Z-Drive is not compatible with matteboxes when working shoulder mounted.
The Tornado grip connects to the Zacuto Z-Drive follow focus via a standard whip port. Due to the unique 60 degree curved shape of the Z-Drive and the comfortable horn shape of the Tornado grip, these products combine to create a unique mechanical follow focus handgrip perfect for single operator shoulder mounted work. This is particularly useful in Zacuto Recoil style setups where the camera is directly over your shoulder. The curve in the Z-Drive brings focusing forward so you can reach it comfortably and the Tornado attachment completes the setup.
Slide the Tornado grip into the Z-Drive whip port by pushing down on the round plunger and pushing the Tornado into the port. Once you release this plunger it will be securely attached. Grab the horn handle with your bottom three fingers, placing your forefinger and thumb on the scalloped focus wheel. Turn your whole hand to focus. For lenses with a large focus rotation, release your thumb and forefinger, ratchet your wrist back and grab the scalloped wheel once again for more range.
