VARIZOOM VZ-DV RODS Instruction Manual

Standard configuration 

with PMW-EX1 & VZ-

FC-U 

VZ-DV RODS

Instruction Manual 

The VZ-DV RODS system for professional and prosumer camcorders allows you to mount 

various accessories such as focus controls (like the VZ-FC-U), matteboxes, wireless receivers, 

external battery systems, or any accessory that can be fixed to optional rod-mount brackets.  This 

system was designed to be versatile, flexible, and modular in its applications, something you may 

have noticed by virtue of the compacted mode in which it came to you.  In observing the design, 

you’ll see numerous auxiliary mounting holes and high levels of adjustability and configurability.  

Although this device is very simple to use, it’s important that you read the following instructions to 

get the most out of the DV RODS. 

Includes: 

-3-axis adjustable baseplate w/ extra ¼”-20 holes for mounting additional accessories 

-Two 15mm rods 

-Two rod end-cap security screws (to prevent accessories from accidentally sliding off the rods) 

-Two ¼”-20 camera-mount screws (1/2” L) w/ washers (one set is a backup) 

-One locator pin to prevent unwanted camera movement 

-One hex key (1/8”) for adjusting vertical/horizontal position of rods and camera-mount screw 

-Integral hardware:  Two 10-32 thumbscrews (3/4” L) for clamping rods in place; ¼”-20 x 3/4” 

screw w/ washer and ¼”-20 x 1/2” screw w/ lock washer for fixing vertical and horizontal positions 

Setting up the DV RODS system will take a bit longer the first time, but it should 

be a breeze using it in the future once you’ve learned how to configure it.  There 

are several factors to consider: 

1 – Camera dimensions and weight distribution 

2 – Accessories to be mounted on the system rods 

3 – Type of camera support used (standard tripod head, Zero Gravity 

head, shoulder support, remote motion control head, etc.) 

4 – Whether or not you intend to use the entire camera/DV Rods 

configuration as a portable unit or if you want to be able to quickly 

separate the camera from the system to go handheld or mount to another 

support