Z-Drive

The Zacuto Z-Drive is a unique, universal direct drive follow focus, designed with single operator shoulder mounted rigs in mind. 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 Zacuto Zipgear Universal to your lens so the teeth match Zacuto 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. With some smaller lenses a larger gear for the Z-Drive may be helpful. The 60mm Z-Drive Gear screws directly to the gear of Z-Drives purchased after Dec 8,2015. If you have an older version of the Z-Drive and want to upgrade to the newer Z-Drive to allow for the larger gear, email sales@zacuto.com. There is a $75 charge for the upgrade.

The Z-Drive has a slender marking disc to create distance marks for repeatable focus pulls and a standard whip port. We recommend using the Z-Drive with Zacuto 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 Z-Drive's max operating temperature is 100 degrees F. 

Looking for a full handle kit? We offer the Z-Drive and Tornado together with a single handgrip in Zacuto Recoil Handgrip Kit.

Z-Drive, Follow Focus & Tornado from Zacuto on Vimeo.

RT-Recoil Handgrip Kit-Rough from Zacuto on Vimeo.