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2021From a Facebook group: The Steadicam Group

Operating zoom and focus on a Sony PXW-X400 ENG camera mounted on Steadicam® without a focus puller.

What the thread found

  • G-Zoom is widely recommended for servo zoom control; the unit attaches directly to the lens port via an 8-pin to 20-pin adapter cable for Canon lenses, and sits on the gimbal handle with focus, record/return, and zoom in one location.
  • For Fuji and Canon lenses, a Custom Edition G-Zoom and matching focus adapters are required; one G-Zoom unit can also drive a separate focus motor.
  • Alternative solutions include Stanton control, Jimmy Jib kits (model EA-112 with Canon gear; Fuji gear sold separately or 3D-printed), and Bartech with focus motors.
  • For tight budgets, the Tilta Nano focus unit with a gear ring clamped to the focus ring offers a solution; the Zhiyun Crane bracket fits on the M2 handle, though operating zoom and focus simultaneously is cumbersome.
  • When mounting the camera on a sled with a Tilt Plate and VCT quick-release base, the camera sits too high; fit rod clamps to the front of the Tilt Plate or dovetail plate, and a second clamp at the opposite end prevents deflection that can cause the motor to skip teeth during calibration.
  • ENG lenses have shallow focus gears, and motors disengage easily; a long adhesive strip running from the motor to the viewfinder keeps them engaged.
  • Operating zoom and focus manually is standard practice in live broadcast work for decades, though less precise than with a focus puller; operators should have a backup camera available on set.

Depends on

  • Results depend on the specific ENG camera model and lens servo type.
  • ENG lens gear teeth and motor compatibility vary by manufacturer.
  • Manual zoom and focus are less precise than dedicated focus puller operation.
  • Space constraints around the lens assembly limit accessory mounting options.

Parts

Dovetail Plate

Same gear or parts

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  4. 2026Managing weight constraints when flying large-format film cameras with heavy anamorphic lenses on a Steadicam rigGeneral Discussion
Original thread on Facebook (group members only)Ask about this threadThe answer cites the archive