Zacuto Drive adjustable follow focus - Z-Drive

[Clayton Burkhart]

This looks really good. Like a modern version of the Arri LFF-1

It appears too, that you can flip the drive unit like on the LFF-1, which could mean that it will reverse the gear for Nikon lens. To be confirmed...

http://www.zacuto.com/nab-2013-new-...ast+2013&utm_campaign=eblast&utm_medium=email

 

[Jason Ano]

wow retail price of $500? looks like a winner

 

[Peter Stelzhammer]

3D Models are lame -> show us the "real" thing please

Personally I was not overwhelmed with Zacuto-stuff in the past...
I think for the build quality and materials they are often a bit overpriced.
Just my personal opinion tho.

 

[Paramon Ivanovich]

for the build quality and materials they are often a bit overpriced.

that would be an understatement

 

[Clayton Burkhart]

I think you have both got it wrong this time. This is what Steve wrote on the website I moderate for:

It's quite a bit different. This is a totally new design of FF that has no gearbox. It works like the transmission in your car and that's why it can be very cost effective with less play then a traditional FF. It's a lot more then a FF. With the tornado added--which is just a snap in handgrip the FF becomes a inexpensive mechanical remote focus/handgrip. Extremely accurate--more so then thumb control motors plus a ton cheaper and more versatile. It's a huge improvement over the Tornado that we showed last year at NAB in that when using the tornado mechanical handgrip you simply pull the snap fit Tornado out of the Z-drive when you go to Tripod. Here is what make the Tornado unique. The Tornado is like holding two handgrips where the left grip can rotate but yet it's still supports the left side of the camera. Others are experimenting with mechanical remote FF's/handgrips but the problem is what I just discussed, you need to be able to quickly go from handheld to tripod without having to remove a ton of stuff and then mount an FF for tripod use. It's 60 degree angle is the key and the ability to rotate it on a single rod allows you to get it in a position that will work with any camera directly on your shoulder. You can easily grab the FF and focus or add the optional Tornado for handgrip focusing. It can also be flipped and have the angle directed towards you when on a tripod or you can use it with a standard whip. The need for an angled FF is so that you can get a camera on your shoulder. We call this the recoil position when your camera is mounted directly on your shoulder. There are huge benefits to recoiling, it cuts down on perceived weight. Even if your camera package is 25 pounds if feels like it weighs nothing because it's sitting directly on your shoulder and not the old fashion way in front of you with counter balance on the back. Recoils can be extremely light in that they are very short and can be stripped down of a lot of weight. In many situations by having a Tornado you eliminate the need for focus motors and the power needed to run them. That's a lot of weight gone. That was our goal to be able to create a inexpensive way to do this, make it fast and light. The Tornado and Z-Drive is estimated at around $1,000 together, less then many FF's alone. There are some key components to the recoil one being the need for an EVF and way to get it way far forward without being seen by the lens. We've accomplished this with our dogbone EVF mount. At NAB we are going to show how you can build an entire recoil from the disassembled parts in your bag in 15 seconds. That should be fun. Both the Z-Drive and Tornado will be available for Purchase a month after NAB or maybe sooner.

Seems pretty reasonably priced to me.

 

[steve weiss]

Real finished production models will be NAB.

 

[steve weiss]

3D Models are lame -> show us the "real" thing please

Personally I was not overwhelmed with Zacuto-stuff in the past...
I think for the build quality and materials they are often a bit overpriced.
Just my personal opinion tho.

I agree Peter, 3D models are lame so I ran down to our stage and shot a quick--not so great--iPhone video showing you how a recoil rig, Z-drive and Tornado all work together. Check out how small the rig is front to back. This can be done with any camera. All of our new rail accessories including our Dogbone EVF mount (not shown in this video) will attach to anyones rails. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUIxxDr8Ldw

 

[Ryan Sauve]

Pretty badass Steve, looks good!

 

[Peter Stelzhammer]

I agree Peter, 3D models are lame so I ran down to our stage and shot a quick--not so great--iPhone video showing you how a recoil rig, Z-drive and Tornado all work together. Check out how small the rig is front to back. This can be done with any camera. All of our new rail accessories including our Dogbone EVF mount (not shown in this video) will attach to anyones rails. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUIxxDr8Ldw

ok, maybe I did underestimate you guys - this one looks way better indeed, in that case I owe you a "Thank You" for that quick peek

(I'm still staying with my statement tho - the statement was meant only for parts I had in my hands in the past; which doesn't mean it could be getting better now... so I hope there was no offense taken, but criticism should also be there to actually make your products better, it's not meant in a "bad" way)

 

[Bob Gundu]

I like they are thinking out of the box, but there is no way to use this with a short lens and a matte box.

 

[Nick Morrison]

I agree Peter, 3D models are lame so I ran down to our stage and shot a quick--not so great--iPhone video showing you how a recoil rig, Z-drive and Tornado all work together. Check out how small the rig is front to back. This can be done with any camera. All of our new rail accessories including our Dogbone EVF mount (not shown in this video) will attach to anyones rails. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUIxxDr8Ldw

WOW Steve. This is looking pretty good. How would it work in a more traditional studio setup, when we're not run n gun?

 

[steve weiss]

WOW Steve. This is looking pretty good. How would it work in a more traditional studio setup, when we're not run n gun?

Sure Nick, it will work in any situation. I haven't tested it out on a RED camera yet. I will at NAB. It will work when turned away from the camera body but I have to check and see if it will work when angled toward the camera body, some cameras with short lenses and it can hit the camera body.

 

[steve weiss]

I like they are thinking out of the box, but there is no way to use this with a short lens and a matte box.

It will not work with a rod based matte box when the FF is turned away from the camera which is my preferred way to use it in hand held. You can use a clip on Matte box no problem. It should work with a rod based matte box when the FF is turned towards the operator. Keep in mind this is a $500 FF and really designed to be an under $1000 remove remote handgrip FF for one man band shooting without any camera rocking that you get when using a traditional FF. Once you try this for handheld shooting you will get how amazing this is. Like anything, no one camera or piece of equipment is perfect for every single job. But this is very versatile for many situations when wanting a direct drive non backlash FF and also works as this unique handgrip style focus system.

 

[Bob Gundu]

Thanks Steve. I'll swing by the booth and check it out.

It will not work with a rod based matte box when the FF is turned away from the camera which is my preferred way to use it in hand held. You can use a clip on Matte box no problem. It should work with a rod based matte box when the FF is turned towards the operator. Keep in mind this is a $500 FF and really designed to be an under $1000 remove remote handgrip FF for one man band shooting without any camera rocking that you get when using a traditional FF. Once you try this for handheld shooting you will get how amazing this is. Like anything, no one camera or piece of equipment is perfect for every single job. But this is very versatile for many situations when wanting a direct drive non backlash FF and also works as this unique handgrip style focus system.

 

[Justin Marx]

It will not work with a rod based matte box when the FF is turned away from the camera which is my preferred way to use it in hand held. You can use a clip on Matte box no problem. It should work with a rod based matte box when the FF is turned towards the operator. Keep in mind this is a $500 FF and really designed to be an under $1000 remove remote handgrip FF for one man band shooting without any camera rocking that you get when using a traditional FF. Once you try this for handheld shooting you will get how amazing this is. Like anything, no one camera or piece of equipment is perfect for every single job. But this is very versatile for many situations when wanting a direct drive non backlash FF and also works as this unique handgrip style focus system.

Steve look forward to seeing this and YOU finally at NAB.. I disagree about the quality of your products. They are are extremely well made and well worth the $ I have spent over the years ($10k +) the way you guys stand behind your equipment and overnight things when they get twitchy is also a huge +!! You guys are like the film worlds version of LEGOs. If some other rig doesn't work, add a Z-Thingamabob(c) and WHAM-O!!

 

[steve weiss]

Steve look forward to seeing this and YOU finally at NAB.. I disagree about the quality of your products. They are are extremely well made and well worth the $ I have spent over the years ($10k +) the way you guys stand behind your equipment and overnight things when they get twitchy is also a huge +!! You guys are like the film worlds version of LEGOs. If some other rig doesn't work, add a Z-Thingamabob(c) and WHAM-O!!

Thank you Justin, that's very kind. It will great seeing you too.

 

[Tom C. Hall]

I like the hand grip extension that it comes with, seems to be based off a kind of sexual butt plug design which will be helpful as the needlessly glossy zacuto metal shines reflections everywhere like you are a one man band german fetish nightclub.