Used Zacuto Z-DRV Z-Drive - Follow Focus for Shoulder-Mounted Rigs

2021-12-23T19:00:00

Can you make the dial less tight? Perry

Perry Q.

Originally posted at

2021-05-17T20:00:00

I luv and hate this tool LOL It's extremely smooth to control. Everyone I've been working with has enjoyed using mii camera just because of it LOL I luv how you're able to switch its positioning. For me, I reversed the drive so it angles back towards me on the Operator's side. But that's where I took one star off. No matter how tight I lock the Z-drive in, it eventually slides away from the lenses. The lenses I'm using with the drive is the Rokinon Cine lenses so I'm assuming the size of the teeth on both are the same industry standard and should line up, right? I don't know. Does anyone know if there is an additional tool needed to keep the Z-drive locked in place permanently so it doesn't slide outward?

Neil O.

Originally posted at

2019-01-22T19:00:00

The Z-Drive is a fantastic tool with a great design. It's smooth, light, and well-constructed. We added the Tornado grip which made pulling focus even easier and acted as another handle (and offered balance and comfort, too). The Z-Drive is easy to attach and adjust on the 15mm rod. It tightens in place next to the lens using a Zacuto quick-release lever, which is solid and makes adjusting the setup simple. Overall, Zacuto's Z-Drive is a dream to use and makes controlling focus smooth and precise.

comewecreate

Originally posted at

2019-01-01T13:46:01

Perfect follow focus for my run and gun setup. I used to own Fotga DP500 III and while it was a great follow focus Zacuto’s solution is more compact and it better suits my needs.

MILAN C.

2018-12-02T19:00:00

This is also a very solid product. Gives smooth focus pulling. Has also mountet it the oppesit way, so it point towards the camera and used it to pull the zoom on my lenses.

eaglehuskies@gmail.com

Originally posted at

2018-09-12T20:00:00

Price definitely held me back for a while, but I knew from first seeing it, I'd want the Z-Drive, and once I pulled the trigger I was VERY glad I did. The Z-drive has become an essential tool for me in gaining added precision while pulling focus. Not only is it super smooth, but it's just tight enough that I feel confident in making tiny adjustments without over or under shooting my focus point. It is a pricy unit, but the build quality, craftsmanship, and usability more than warrant the price tag. This is not a product you could NOT enjoy using!

UnseenCreative

Originally posted at

2018-07-11T08:34:05

This follow focus is well built and the tornado grip works incredibly well for shoulder mounted work as it add stability to the camera. The only downside is that it only mounts to one rail, so it's not as sturdy and can sometimes slip off the gears if the it comes loose from movement. The plus to it being mounted on one rail is that swapping lenses is super quick. I use this with my Panasonic EVA 1 with the Zacuto Recoil and Z-Finder

Luke A.

2017-12-10T19:00:00

As a former Redrock Micro customer, I'm used to average results when it comes to Follow Focus units. But with the Z-Drive, I was blown away by the simplicity and smoothness for pulling focus. We are using this in conjunction with our Canon 18-80 Servo lens and the Z-Drive is buttery and has little play. If you are looking to take it a step further, I would highly suggest the Tornado which adds a handle grip to your Z-Drive. Overall very happy with the Zacuto system here and will be looking to upgrade further camera systems with a similar approach. Highly recommend!

4wtmedia

Originally posted at

2017-11-08T18:27:44

The gearing is rock solid and smooth! Love the feel of using this thing. The tornado is perfectly ergonomic for my med hand and the thumb wheel is in the just right spot. My only critique is I wish there was a way to mount a wireless motor controller so I could control say zoom gear....

Octavian C.

2017-09-11T20:00:00

I didn't not expect to enjoy using this follow focus as much as I do. I have used a traditional style follow focus for years, but the Z-Drive is designed specifically for the shoulder mounted shooting that I am doing most days. That being said, the action and build of this unit are on par with any follow focus that I've used. Paired with the tornado, I'm sorry that I waited so long to add this to my rig.

michaeljherbert

Originally posted at

2017-04-04T20:00:00

I have been using this follow focus system in conjunction with the Tornado and Gratical HD. Our primary use has been using it on Super Telephoto setups while filming wildlife at extreme distances in the dead of winter in Yellowstone National Park. With the Tornado grip attached, it allows for the camera operator to use it all day comfortably, giving wonderful control over the cameras focus. I would recommend this follow focus system to anyone.

Bonafide

Originally posted at

2017-01-19T19:00:00

I love this tool and use it every opportunity I can. It's very smooth with little to no play. My only concern is the little rachet that locks the device on my 15mm rails. Sometimes I feel the spring mechanism could break if I lock it down super tight to prevent it from moving. I know Zacuto would stand behind the product however, I would have the down time for a repair. One suggestion maybe use the heavier ratchet like you have on your wonderful wood handle grips!

clowrey

Originally posted at

2016-11-10T07:53:19

Well made, but overpriced. Thought I'd be saving some bucks on the "bundle", but ended up returning the Tornado Grip, as I do very little shoulder mount shooting. Probably a good fit for the "run and gun" guy, but doesn't fit my style.

William B.