Zacuto ACT Recoil Rig

Product Overview

The Zacuto ACT Universal Cage Recoil Rig is a versatile, Acra-Swiss compatible shoulder rig designed for both mirrorless and DSLR cameras. It is engineered to provide optimal balance and comfort for extended shooting sessions. The rig is highly configurable, allowing users to adapt it for various shooting styles, including tripod use, cage configurations, handheld operation, run-and-gun scenarios, and low-mode shooting.

Key Components

ACT Baseplate

The ACT Baseplate serves as the foundation of the rig. It features height-adjustable 15mm rods, a 1/4"-20 screw for camera mounting, a rear locking lever, and a safety latch that secures the sliding camera plate. The baseplate also includes rear 15mm rod slots and an integrated Arca Swiss Wedge Plate for quick mounting solutions.

Tactical Handle

The Tactical Handle offers multiple mounting options, including 1/4"-20 mounting holes and 2x 3/8"-16 mounting holes compatible with ARRI accessories. It also provides 2x cold shoe mounts for attaching accessories. The handle is designed for 360° adjustable top or side positioning and features a comfortable wood grip.

ACT EVF Pro

The ACT EVF Pro is an electronic viewfinder accessory. It includes an eyecup for comfortable viewing, a 1/4"-20 ARRI rosette connection for mounting, and a flip-up loupe for enhanced usability.

DSLR Camera Cage

This component is compatible with all Zacuto DSLR and Mirrorless Cages, providing a secure housing for the camera body.

Axis Curve

The Axis Curve is a curved support arm featuring 2x tie-down points and 1/4"-20 rosette connections, allowing for flexible positioning of accessories.

Axis Micro

The Axis Micro is a compact, adjustable arm equipped with 1/4"-20 rosette connections and a 15mm rod lock for secure attachment to rods.

Right Trigger Grip

The Right Trigger Grip provides ergonomic control, featuring a 1/4"-20 rosette, a 15mm rod lock, and a 360 trigger lock for precise adjustments.

Configurations: Caged vs. Cageless

The ACT Recoil Rig can be configured in two primary ways: "Caged ACT Recoil," which incorporates a camera cage for added protection and mounting points, and "Cageless ACT Recoil," offering a more streamlined setup without a full cage.

Setup and Operation

Tactical Handle Positions

To adjust the position of the Tactical Handle, locate the red lever on the handle. Loosen this lever to rotate the handle to the desired angle or position, then re-tighten the lever to secure it.

Mounting to ACT Mounting Plate

For quick transitions, the ACT Camera Plate or ACT Baseplate can be mounted directly onto a separate ACT Mounting Plate. This facilitates rapid attachment and detachment for tripod use.

Mounting Camera to ACT Baseplate

To mount a camera:

1. Remove the Camera Plate from the ACT Baseplate. This is done by loosening the baseplate's ratcheting lever and sliding the plate out from the rear.
2. Push up the camera Safety Latch on the plate to unlock it.
3. Screw your camera securely onto the Camera Plate.
4. Slide the Camera Plate back into the baseplate. Ensure the Safety Latch is properly engaged to lock the plate in place.

The ACT Recoil System is designed to simplify balancing your rig, especially when changing lenses. Instead of completely remounting the camera on the baseplate, you can easily adjust the camera's position. Simply slide the Camera Plate forward or backward along the baseplate using the ratcheting lever.

For cameras with shorter lenses, slide the Camera Plate forward on the baseplate. For cameras with longer lenses, slide the Camera Plate backward.

Adjusting Rods

To attach 15mm rods to the ACT Baseplate:

1. Loosen the baseplate's ratcheting lever.
2. Slide the 15mm rods into the designated slots on the baseplate.
3. Re-tighten the ratcheting lever to secure the rods in place.

To adjust the height of the rods:

1. Loosen both front allen screws on the baseplate equally.
2. Slide the rods up or down to achieve the desired height position.
3. Re-tighten the allen screws to lock the rods at the new height.