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ZMU‑4

Flexible connectivity and control

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Animation Header ZMU-4
A modern take on the classic zoom control

Rugged, weather-resistant, and ergonomically designed, the ZMU‑4 seamlessly transitions between wired and wireless configurations. Its unprecedented connectivity enables versatile, clutter-free camera builds and faster on-set workflows.

Introducing the ZMU-4

ZMU-4-4-up_600px_360px
Feature Slider_ZMU_4_1
Uniquely versatile wireless functionality

Choose different radio modules for different regions and shooting situations – the ZMU‑4 supports all the new radio module options available for the Hi‑5 hand unit. Wireless operation is more streamlined than with any other system.

Feature Slider_ZMU_4_5_data_new_data2
Wireless expansion for other devices

The ZMU‑4 can act as a radio module for other LBUS control devices such as the ARRI OCU‑1 or Master Grips, offering the possibility of multi-axis controllers off-camera.

ZMU-4-Pan-Bar2
Ergonomics and durability

Intuitively familiar for traditional tripod setups, the ZMU‑4 is comfortable to use in either hand, allowing precise control via the force-sensitive zoom knob. It is also the most robust and weather-resistant zoom unit on the market. 

Feature Slider_ZMU_4_4_data3
Innovative display

An easy-to-read display shows the exact focal length at any point in the zoom range, as well as the zoom speed and remaining battery power. Markers and limits for individual shots can be set with ease.

Feature Slider_ZMU_4_4_data2
Configurable control, on or off the camera

Three user buttons offer customizable shortcuts for the operator and dedicated zoom speed buttons fall neatly under the index finger. Camera control is available for ARRI and third-party camera systems.

Rosette interface adapters

Two new adapters, the RA-7 and RA-8, enable the ZMU‑4 to be used with a huge range of existing accessories equipped with multi-position ARRI rosette attachment points, which have been an industry standard for decades. The RA-7 allows the ZMU‑4 to be attached to the rosette mount on any camera, hand grip, or bridge plate, and the two Handgrip Pan Bar Adapters and Pan Bar Clamp Universal are ideal companions for tripod mounting. The RA-8 permits the ZMU‑4 and Operator Control Unit OCU‑1 to be combined into a compact and versatile single unit that can monitor-mounted or handheld.

SU-Rosette-Adapters-RA-7-RA-8 (2)

Interchangeable radio modules

With the Hi‑5 hand unit, ARRI introduced the fifth generation of its Electronic Control System (ECS). Now, the ZMU‑4 joins that ecosystem, sharing the Hi‑5’s swappable RF-EMIP, RF-2400, and RF-900 radio modules (coming soon), with different frequencies for different territories and shooting situations. Whichever radio module is chosen, it fits neatly into a recessed slot in the ZMU‑4 and becomes integral to the slimline form factor. There are no external radio boxes and no additional cables or setting up—just unplug from the camera and go.

P1059034

ARRI batteries for all-day power

Like the Hi‑5, the ZMU‑4 is compatible with industry-standard Sony NP-F550/570 batteries, though it has been designed and optimized to make use of proprietary ARRI LBP-3500 batteries, which offer more consistent power delivery and an unprecedented run time of at least 15 hours with the RF-EMIP radio module. The ARRI batteries also allow the ZMU‑4 to display remaining power as a highly accurate percentage, permitting more efficient battery management than is possible with any other zoom control.

P1059032

Streamlined camera builds

When used as a radio receiver, the ZMU‑4 performs the same role as the Radio Interface Adapter RIA‑1, removing the need for an extra box on the camera body. It can enhance the flexibility of existing ECS motor controllers with support for the ultra-long-range RF-900 (coming soon) and RF-2400 radio modules, or it can replace motor controllers entirely. As a motor controller, the ZMU‑4 allows any camera and lens to benefit from the features of the ARRI Hi‑5 or WCU‑4 hand units, again making for a cleaner camera build.

P1059053

Rosette interface adapters

Two new adapters, the RA-7 and RA-8, enable the ZMU‑4 to be used with a huge range of existing accessories equipped with multi-position ARRI rosette attachment points, which have been an industry standard for decades. The RA-7 allows the ZMU‑4 to be attached to the rosette mount on any camera, hand grip, or bridge plate, and the two Handgrip Pan Bar Adapters and Pan Bar Clamp Universal are ideal companions for tripod mounting. The RA-8 permits the ZMU‑4 and Operator Control Unit OCU‑1 to be combined into a compact and versatile single unit that can monitor-mounted or handheld.

SU-Rosette-Adapters-RA-7-RA-8 (2)

Interchangeable radio modules

With the Hi‑5 hand unit, ARRI introduced the fifth generation of its Electronic Control System (ECS). Now, the ZMU‑4 joins that ecosystem, sharing the Hi‑5’s swappable RF-EMIP, RF-2400, and RF-900 radio modules (coming soon), with different frequencies for different territories and shooting situations. Whichever radio module is chosen, it fits neatly into a recessed slot in the ZMU‑4 and becomes integral to the slimline form factor. There are no external radio boxes and no additional cables or setting up—just unplug from the camera and go.

P1059034
Radio modules
Battery
Radio interface
Rosette Adapters

"You will probably begin by attaching the ZMU‑4 to a tripod handle and connect to the camera by cable. After marveling at the smooth moves and feathered end stops, you will hesitantly insert a radio module, disconnect the cable, and see how it runs wirelessly. You may never go back. You’re a smooth operator, blissfully unencumbered by cables."

Jon Fauer

Jon Fauer

Film and Digital Times

"The most impressive thing about the ZMU‑4 was the remote capability. It provides a familiar form factor that gave the DP access to the zoom in a variety of situations, including a remote head controlled from a follow vehicle and conventional crane setups. It incorporates existing radio modules as well as LBUS integration, which allowed for a quick and easy workflow."

Paul_Shakeshaft_IMG_6907_lowres

Dan Abbot

1st AC (pictured with DP Paul Shakeshaft)

The ZMU‑4 ticks all the boxes I’ve been looking for in a zoom controller. With the option of four zoom curves, I can tune the ZMU‑4 to exactly the way my operator wants it. Being able to run the unit wirelessly makes re-rigging and using it on set a much more seamless workflow, with no cables getting in the way. The fact that it integrates into the existing toolset, sharing lens data across the whole system, is incredibly useful.

Jim McLean_ZMU-4_3I3A8392
Copyright © Aron Klein

Jim McLean

1st AC

"The ZMU‑4 provides fuctionality in ways one only dreamed of before. Wireless zoom control with no cables and multiple ways of mounting and using it? Yes please!"

ARRI_Brian Aichlmayr_ZMU-4IMG_0658

Brian Aichlmayr

1st AC

"Being an LBUS-updated zoom control that is compatible with ARRI’s new radio modules, the ZMU‑4 does exactly what it should. On top of that, it gives new life to the OCU‑1, quickly becoming a solid 2-channel DP control for zoom and iris. On rainy days this combination was mounted to the camera outside of the cover, so my operator Felix Tonnat had easy control of all functions."

ZMU4_fbellack_1_2

Florian Bellack

1st AC

"You will probably begin by attaching the ZMU‑4 to a tripod handle and connect to the camera by cable. After marveling at the smooth moves and feathered end stops, you will hesitantly insert a radio module, disconnect the cable, and see how it runs wirelessly. You may never go back. You’re a smooth operator, blissfully unencumbered by cables."

Jon Fauer

Jon Fauer

Film and Digital Times

"The most impressive thing about the ZMU‑4 was the remote capability. It provides a familiar form factor that gave the DP access to the zoom in a variety of situations, including a remote head controlled from a follow vehicle and conventional crane setups. It incorporates existing radio modules as well as LBUS integration, which allowed for a quick and easy workflow."

Paul_Shakeshaft_IMG_6907_lowres

Dan Abbot

1st AC (pictured with DP Paul Shakeshaft)

The ZMU‑4 ticks all the boxes I’ve been looking for in a zoom controller. With the option of four zoom curves, I can tune the ZMU‑4 to exactly the way my operator wants it. Being able to run the unit wirelessly makes re-rigging and using it on set a much more seamless workflow, with no cables getting in the way. The fact that it integrates into the existing toolset, sharing lens data across the whole system, is incredibly useful.

Jim McLean_ZMU-4_3I3A8392
Copyright © Aron Klein

Jim McLean

1st AC

"The ZMU‑4 provides fuctionality in ways one only dreamed of before. Wireless zoom control with no cables and multiple ways of mounting and using it? Yes please!"

ARRI_Brian Aichlmayr_ZMU-4IMG_0658

Brian Aichlmayr

1st AC

"Being an LBUS-updated zoom control that is compatible with ARRI’s new radio modules, the ZMU‑4 does exactly what it should. On top of that, it gives new life to the OCU‑1, quickly becoming a solid 2-channel DP control for zoom and iris. On rainy days this combination was mounted to the camera outside of the cover, so my operator Felix Tonnat had easy control of all functions."

ZMU4_fbellack_1_2

Florian Bellack

1st AC

"You will probably begin by attaching the ZMU‑4 to a tripod handle and connect to the camera by cable. After marveling at the smooth moves and feathered end stops, you will hesitantly insert a radio module, disconnect the cable, and see how it runs wirelessly. You may never go back. You’re a smooth operator, blissfully unencumbered by cables."

Jon Fauer

Jon Fauer

Film and Digital Times

"The most impressive thing about the ZMU‑4 was the remote capability. It provides a familiar form factor that gave the DP access to the zoom in a variety of situations, including a remote head controlled from a follow vehicle and conventional crane setups. It incorporates existing radio modules as well as LBUS integration, which allowed for a quick and easy workflow."

Paul_Shakeshaft_IMG_6907_lowres

Dan Abbot

1st AC (pictured with DP Paul Shakeshaft)

The ZMU‑4 ticks all the boxes I’ve been looking for in a zoom controller. With the option of four zoom curves, I can tune the ZMU‑4 to exactly the way my operator wants it. Being able to run the unit wirelessly makes re-rigging and using it on set a much more seamless workflow, with no cables getting in the way. The fact that it integrates into the existing toolset, sharing lens data across the whole system, is incredibly useful.

Jim McLean_ZMU-4_3I3A8392
Copyright © Aron Klein

Jim McLean

1st AC

"The ZMU‑4 provides fuctionality in ways one only dreamed of before. Wireless zoom control with no cables and multiple ways of mounting and using it? Yes please!"

ARRI_Brian Aichlmayr_ZMU-4IMG_0658

Brian Aichlmayr

1st AC

"Being an LBUS-updated zoom control that is compatible with ARRI’s new radio modules, the ZMU‑4 does exactly what it should. On top of that, it gives new life to the OCU‑1, quickly becoming a solid 2-channel DP control for zoom and iris. On rainy days this combination was mounted to the camera outside of the cover, so my operator Felix Tonnat had easy control of all functions."

ZMU4_fbellack_1_2

Florian Bellack

1st AC

050 ZMU-4 - Detail - 01 - web
User-friendly interface
  • Smooth, force-sensitive joystick control
  • High-contrast lens data and status display
  • Dedicated run/stop button and tally light
050 ZMU-4 - Detail - 02 - web
LBUS and CAM port
  • LBUS port: for lens control and additional LBUS devices
  • CAM port: for run/stop and camera control


050 ZMU-4 - Detail - 03 - web
Radio module slot
  • Interface for swappable radio modules
  • Fully integrated form factor
050 ZMU-4 - Detail - 04 - web
Control at your fingertips
  • Three user buttons for custom functions
  • Dedicated zoom speed buttons
050 ZMU-4 - Detail - 01 - web
User-friendly interface
  • Smooth, force-sensitive joystick control
  • High-contrast lens data and status display
  • Dedicated run/stop button and tally light
050 ZMU-4 - Detail - 02 - web
LBUS and CAM port
  • LBUS port: for lens control and additional LBUS devices
  • CAM port: for run/stop and camera control


050 ZMU-4 - Detail - 03 - web
Radio module slot
  • Interface for swappable radio modules
  • Fully integrated form factor
050 ZMU-4 - Detail - 04 - web
Control at your fingertips
  • Three user buttons for custom functions
  • Dedicated zoom speed buttons
050 ZMU-4 - Detail - 01 - web
User-friendly interface
  • Smooth, force-sensitive joystick control
  • High-contrast lens data and status display
  • Dedicated run/stop button and tally light
050 ZMU-4 - Detail - 02 - web
LBUS and CAM port
  • LBUS port: for lens control and additional LBUS devices
  • CAM port: for run/stop and camera control


050 ZMU-4 - Detail - 03 - web
Radio module slot
  • Interface for swappable radio modules
  • Fully integrated form factor
050 ZMU-4 - Detail - 04 - web
Control at your fingertips
  • Three user buttons for custom functions
  • Dedicated zoom speed buttons

ARRI Tech Talk: Introducing the ZMU-4 Zoom Control

Introdrucing the ZMU-4 picture

ZMU-4 FAQ

  • The ZMU‑4 is compatible with all cameras in its most basic configuration, with just one cforce lens motor and a power source. Further camera control is also available, depending on which camera you are using. See the configuration guides for more details here.

    Compatibility  

    Products 

    ARRI cameras  

    - ALEXA 35 

    - ALEXA Mini  

    - ALEXA Mini LF  

    - ALEXA Plus cameras (Plus, XT, SXT, LF, 65) 

    - AMIRA  

    3rd party cameras  

    - RED cameras (e.g. RED Komodo, Raptor, Monstro, …) 

    - SONY cameras (e.g. Sony Venice, Venice 2) 

    - Canon cameras (e.g. Canon C300, C500, C700) 

  • The ZMU‑4 is hardwired compatible with 3rd party cameras by its CAM (7p) connector. Depending on the different setup following functions are supported: 

    • REC start/stop and tally 
    • User Buttons support 
    • F/I/Z control 

    Camera

    Cable* 

    Supported Functions 

    Sony 

    (e.g. Venice & Venice 2) 

    Cable CAM (7p) - Sony Remote (8p)/D-Tap (0.8m/2.6ft) 

    (K2.0043084) 

    - REC start/stop, tally 

    - F/I/Z control 

    RED 

    (e.g. Komodo, Raptor) 

    Cable CAM (7p) – RED CTRL/D-Tap (0.6m/2ft) 

    (K2.0015758) 

    - REC start/stop, tally 

    - F/I/Z control 

    - User Buttons (DSMC2, Raptor only) 

    Canon 

    (e.g. C300, C500) 

    Cable CAM (7p) – LANC/D-Tap (0.6m/2ft) 

    (K2.0015757) 

    - REC start/stop, tally 

    - F/I/Z control 

    The ZMU‑4 is wirelessly compatible with 3rd party cameras by using the RIA‑1 or the cforce mini RF motor connected to the camera by its CAM (7p) interface. Please use the same cables as mentioned in the chart above *. 

  • Yes, you can connect the ZMU‑4 wirelessly with the cforce mini RF when equipped with the white-coded RF-EMIP Radio Module. 

  • The ZMU‑4 is wirelessly compatible with the following motor controllers when equipped with the white-coded RF-EMIP Radio Module. 

    - UMC-4 

    - AMC-1 

    - SMC-1 

    - EMC-1 

  • The ZMU‑4 is directly compatible via the LBUS interface with the following motors: 

    - cforce mini lens motor 

    - cforce mini RF lens motor 

    - cforce plus lens motor 

  • Yes, you can set limits as well a marker with one of the assignable ZMU‑4 user buttons. 

    Limits: 

    Limits allow you to define the range of motion of the lens motor. The joystick will function as normal, but the lens will not move beyond the near and far limit that you set with the Limit User Button Function.  

    Marker:

    You can set one marker on the bar graph. The display will give visible feedback when getting close to and hitting your mark, similar to a traffic light system. To reset the marker, please hold down the Marker User Button. 

  • Yes, you can assign the ZMU‑4 to control other lens axis like Focus, Iris or AUX in the CONTROL menu. 

  • Yes, its possible to assign camera user buttons to the ZMU‑4 and control up to 3 camera user buttons. Following cameras are supported: ALEXA35, ALEXA Mini LF, ALEXA Mini, AMIRA, RED DSMC2, RED Raptor. The corresponding function of a user button must be set on the camera. Please check the designated camera user manual how to set the user buttons. 

  • It’s not possible to load a lens table in the ZMU‑4 via the USB-C interface. You can transfer one lens file with the Hi‑5 or WCU‑4 hand unit to the ZMU‑4. The ZMU‑4 will display the lens data (e.g. focal length).  

  • Yes, you can connect the ZMU‑4 via the LBUS interface hardwired to the Hi‑5 hand unit. 
    Important: In this configuration, the ZMU‑4 will act as the radio transmitter and the Hi‑5 radio will be disabled.

  • The longest available cable length when connecting the ZMU‑4 hardwired via LBUS is 15m/49ft with the K2.0006756 Cable LBUS - LBUS (15m/49ft). 

Sample setups

ZMU‑4 + OCU‑1 as 2-axis controller and Hi‑5 wirelessly connected to an ALEXA 35 for lens and camera control

1_ALEXA 35_ZMU-4_wireless2

ZMU‑4 hard wired to an ALEXA 35 for lens and camera control

2_ALEXA 35_ZMU-4__wired

ZMU‑4 and Hi‑5 sharing a single ARRI ECS radio module for ALEXA 35 lens and camera control

3_ALEXA 35_ZMU-4_Hi-5_single radio

ZMU‑4 hard wired to an ALEXA Mini / Mini LF for lens and camera control

ALEXA_MINI_LF_03

ZMU‑4 + OCU‑1 as 2-axis controller and Hi‑5 wirelessly connected to a RIA‑1 for ALEXA Mini / Mini LF lens and camera control

ALEXA_MINI_07

ZMU‑4 as radio receiver (host) for AMIRA camera and lens control

6_AMIRA_ZMU-4_Host

ZMU‑4 + OCU‑1 as 2-axis controller and Hi‑5 wirelessly connected to cforce mini RF for 3rd Party lens and camera control

7_3rd party_ZMU-4_wireless2

ZMU‑4 as radio receiver (host) for 3rd Party camera and lens control

8_3rd party_ZMU-4_Host (1)

ZMU‑4 + OCU‑1 as 2-axis controller and Hi‑5 wirelessly connected to an ALEXA 35 for lens and camera control

1_ALEXA 35_ZMU-4_wireless2

ZMU‑4 hard wired to an ALEXA 35 for lens and camera control

2_ALEXA 35_ZMU-4__wired

ZMU‑4 and Hi‑5 sharing a single ARRI ECS radio module for ALEXA 35 lens and camera control

3_ALEXA 35_ZMU-4_Hi-5_single radio

ZMU‑4 hard wired to an ALEXA Mini / Mini LF for lens and camera control

ALEXA_MINI_LF_03

ZMU‑4 + OCU‑1 as 2-axis controller and Hi‑5 wirelessly connected to a RIA‑1 for ALEXA Mini / Mini LF lens and camera control

ALEXA_MINI_07

ZMU‑4 as radio receiver (host) for AMIRA camera and lens control

6_AMIRA_ZMU-4_Host

ZMU‑4 + OCU‑1 as 2-axis controller and Hi‑5 wirelessly connected to cforce mini RF for 3rd Party lens and camera control

7_3rd party_ZMU-4_wireless2

ZMU‑4 as radio receiver (host) for 3rd Party camera and lens control

8_3rd party_ZMU-4_Host (1)

ZMU‑4 + OCU‑1 as 2-axis controller and Hi‑5 wirelessly connected to an ALEXA 35 for lens and camera control

1_ALEXA 35_ZMU-4_wireless2

ZMU‑4 hard wired to an ALEXA 35 for lens and camera control

2_ALEXA 35_ZMU-4__wired

ZMU‑4 and Hi‑5 sharing a single ARRI ECS radio module for ALEXA 35 lens and camera control

3_ALEXA 35_ZMU-4_Hi-5_single radio

ZMU‑4 hard wired to an ALEXA Mini / Mini LF for lens and camera control

ALEXA_MINI_LF_03

ZMU‑4 + OCU‑1 as 2-axis controller and Hi‑5 wirelessly connected to a RIA‑1 for ALEXA Mini / Mini LF lens and camera control

ALEXA_MINI_07

ZMU‑4 as radio receiver (host) for AMIRA camera and lens control

6_AMIRA_ZMU-4_Host

ZMU‑4 + OCU‑1 as 2-axis controller and Hi‑5 wirelessly connected to cforce mini RF for 3rd Party lens and camera control

7_3rd party_ZMU-4_wireless2

ZMU‑4 as radio receiver (host) for 3rd Party camera and lens control

8_3rd party_ZMU-4_Host (1)
Show more

Suggested Kits and Accessories

Additional Radio Modules

Individual Components

Technical data

Joystick:

Force sensitive joystick

Display:

Transflective TFT-LCD Display (readable in bright sunlight) 0.96“ diagonal

Interfaces:

- 1x LBUS (LEMO 4pin) for lens motors, daisy chainable; supports LBUS protocol, LCS protocol (for ALEXA cameras) and EXT protocol (for AMIRA cameras)

- 1x CAM (LEMO 7-pin) for camera control

- 1x USB-C for software updates

- 1x ARRI Radio Module Interface

- 1x Battery Interface

Mounting points:

2x interfaces for ARRI Rossette

Operating temperature:

-20° to +50°C

-4° to +122°F

Weight:

- 360 g / 0.79 lbs (ZMU‑4 body)

- 476 g / 1.05 lbs (ZMU‑4 body with battery)

- 526 g / 1.16 lbs (ZMU‑4 body with battery and RF-EMIP or RF-2400)

- 556 G / 1.23 LBS (ZMU‑4 body with battery and RF-900)

Power Supply: 

Powered externally:

- Power via LBUS interface

- Power via CAM interface


Powered by battery:

- ARRI LBP-3500 battery pack

- NP-F550 battery (Sony) or compatible batteries

External Power Supply

10.5 - 34 V DC

Power Consumption Typ (W)

- 1 W (ZMU‑4 body)

- 1.4 W (ZMU‑4 body with RF-EMIP)

- 2.3 W (ZMU‑4 body with RF-2400)

- 3 W (ZMU‑4 body with RF-900)

Measurement (L x W x H)

- 66 x 43 x 215 mm / 2.6 x 1.69 x 8.46" (ZMU‑4 body)

- 66 x 45 x 277 mm / 2.6 x 1.77 x 10.91" (ZMU‑4 body with RF-EMIP or RF-2400)

- 66 x 45 x 414 mm / 2.6 x 1.77 x 16.3" (ZMU‑4 body with RF-900)

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