Standardized 15mm support rods that mount accessories like follow focus systems, matte boxes, and lens supports beneath the camera.
15mm Rods (also called iris rods or support rods) are standardized round bars with a diameter of 15 mm, which are mounted in pairs below the optical axis of a camera. They form the supporting backbone of a camera rig: accessories such as follow focus units, matte boxes, lens supports, and shoulder rigs are attached to them and moved along the rods.
There are two spacing standards for 15mm rods. The most common is 15mm LWS (Light Weight Support) with a narrow rod spacing, which is primarily used in ENG, broadcast, and documentary applications, as well as for lighter DSLR and mirrorless rigs. In addition, there is the rarer 15mm Studio standard with wider spacing. For heavier cine setups, the more stable 19mm Studio system is usually switched to instead of 15mm Studio.
Rod Diameter: 15 mm (both standards). Common materials include aluminum, stainless steel, and carbon fiber; carbon fiber and aluminum are most common in the LWS range.
| Standard | Rod Spacing (Center-to-Center) | Height Below Optical Axis | Position Relative to Optical Axis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15mm LWS | 60 mm | 85 mm | symmetrical (centered) |
| 15mm Studio | 100 mm | 118 mm | offset 17.25 mm to the right |
For comparison: The heavier 19mm Studio system uses 19mm rods with 104 mm spacing, centered on the optical axis, and offers higher load capacity and less deflection with heavy lenses.
15mm rods are inserted into a baseplate (bottom plate) under the camera and clamped there. Components slid onto the rods can be positioned in depth (front/back) to adapt the matte box and follow focus to different lens lengths.
I particularly appreciate 15mm rods for their versatility in camera configuration. They allow me to switch quickly between different setups and precisely tune the equipment for each shot. Especially with complex camera movements, they offer the necessary stability for clean, shake-free images.
For me, 15mm rods primarily mean creative flexibility on set. They allow my camera team to react quickly to my spontaneous visual ideas and to realize different camera setups without major reconfigurations. This efficiency gives me more time to concentrate on the staging and working with the actors.
15mm rod systems are a cost-effective solution for professional camera gear. Their modularity reduces the amount of equipment needed, cutting down on transport costs and rental fees. At the same time, changeover times on set are significantly shortened, which directly saves time and therefore money.
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „15mm-Rohre"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?
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