Zacuto Z-Drive

The Zacuto Z-Drive is a universal, direct drive follow focus, designed with single operator shoulder mounted rigs in mind. A universal joint and absence of internal gears results in no development of play in the handwheel. The Z-Drive attaches to a single 15mm diameter rod and curves away from the operator at a 60° angle, creating space and distance from the lens for comfortable use when the camera is on your shoulder.

The Z-Drive is the ideal follow focus for a Zacuto Recoil kit (sold separately) 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 lenses of varying size. It can operate on the camera assistant or operator's side of the rig, positioned forward or aft (rearward) for easy operation with a standard follow focus whip when 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 features a fixed 1-3/4" diameter, 0.8 pitch focus gear for standard cinema lenses. For lenses with alternate gear pitch, you can add a larger gear for the Z-Drive. The 60mm Z-Drive Gear (sold separately) screws directly to the gear of the Z-Drive. A Zacuto Zipgear Universal kit (sold separately) may also be used to adapt your non-standard lens to 0.8 pitch.

NOTE: 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 features a slender marking disc to create distance marks for repeatable focus pulls, as well as a standard focus whip accessory port. Zacuto recommends using the Z-Drive with the Zacuto Tornado Grip (sold separately) when operating in handheld configuration. 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.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The Z-Drive is not compatible with matteboxes when used in shoulder mount configuration.