Libec ZD-1 Professional Zoom Demand for Canon & Fujinon Portable Lenses

In television studios, live broadcast trucks, and multi-camera electronic field production (EFP), smoothly handling focal length changes on heavy setups is critical. The Libec ZD-1 is a high-end, dedicated zoom demand unit engineered to control the internal servo drive blocks of Canon (20-pin) and Fujinon (12-pin) portable broadcast lenses.

By taking the control lines away from the lens barrel and placing them on your camera support system, the ZD-1 eliminates manual-touch camera shake during high-stakes tracking sweeps.

1. Unified Protocol System Integration

Rather than forcing production houses to buy separate, brand-specific demands, the ZD-1 features an onboard physical Lens Switch.

• Protocol Switching: Flicking the toggle adapts the internal processing layout between "C" (Canon) and "F" (Fujinon) command protocols instantly.

• Modular Cable Logic: The main body of the ZD-1 outputs via a standard 8-pin chassis jack. It bridges over to your specific lens using high-shielded, 1-meter (39.4") connection cables (sold separately):

  • Libec DC-Z20: Connecting cable configured for Canon 20-pin digital/analog portable lenses.

  • Libec DC-Z12: Connecting cable configured for Fujinon 12-pin portable lenses.

2. Fluid-Driven Thumb Rocker & Speed Customization

The ZD-1 features a highly optimized, ergonomic thumb-rocker lever styled to fit the operator's natural hand posture.

• Continuously Variable Zoom Speed: The speed of the focal transition scales proportionally based on the pressure and angle applied to the rocker.

• Slow/Fast Control Knob: Features a dedicated physical rotary dialing knob to constrain the maximum speed threshold. Operators can cap the servo output to execute extremely precise, slow slow-creeps without accidentally over-shooting the framing in high-stress scenarios.

• Directional Reverse Switch: An onboard toggle shifts the physical zoom direction logic (Normal vs. Reverse), aligning the wide/telephoto thumb movements to the user's muscle-memory layout.

3. Assignable Broadcast Macro Triggers

The control interface integrates a dedicated Assign Switch alongside two distinct quick-action physical control points labeled ASSIGN 1 and ASSIGN 2.

• Recording & Preview Loops: By default, these mapping keys function as instant REC (Record Start/Stop) and RET (Return Video) triggers.

• User Preferences: Toggling the assign master switch instantly swaps the physical locations of the REC and RET buttons to accommodate left-handed operators or customized studio intercom/return-monitor setups.

4. Heavy-Duty Aluminum Clamping Core

To prevent the unit from slipping or twisting during fast-paced tracking adjustments, Libec ships the ZD-1 with an updated, high-torque industrial-grade aluminum mounting clamp.

• Clamping Range: Attaches to round tripod pan handles and control rods measuring from 10mm to 32mm (0.39" to 1.26") in diameter.

• Weight Optimization: By leveraging high-tensile aircraft aluminum, the mounting block maintains structural rigidity while weighing only 0.24kg (0.53 lbs), preserving the balance profile of your premium fluid fluid heads.

Core Technical Specifications:

Why Choose the Libec ZD-1?

The Libec ZD-1 stands out for its flexibility and repeatable performance. By combining cross-platform brand compatibility, an independent maximum speed governor, and fully assignable studio macro keys, Libec delivers an elite, long-lasting broadcast utility that guarantees smooth, dependable zoom frames on every production layout.