Standardized support rods with 19 mm diameter that form a rail system beneath the camera to mount matte box, follow focus, and accessories.
19mm Rods (also called "19er-Rods" or Iris Rods in German) are round metal support rods with an outer diameter of 19 mm. They are inserted in pairs into a baseplate or bridgeplate below the camera and form a standardized rail system to which optical and mechanical accessories are attached – primarily matte boxes, follow focus units, lens supports, and mounts for monitors, wireless focus motors, and batteries.
The 19mm system is considered the more robust of two common rod standards. It is prevalent in professional cinema (film cameras like ARRI Alexa, Sony Venice, RED) and designed for heavy optics and large matte boxes. The second, slimmer standard is 15mm rods, which are divided into two variants: 15mm Lightweight (LWS) for light, shoulder-mounted, and DSLR/mirrorless setups, and 15mm Studio.
Within the 19mm standard ("19mm Studio"), not only the diameter but also the position of the rods relative to the optical axis is fixed, so that accessories from different manufacturers fit together.
| Standard | Rod Diameter | Center-to-Center Distance | Height from Optical Axis | Position Relative to Optical Axis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19mm Studio | 19 mm | 104 mm | 120 mm | symmetrically centered |
| 15mm Studio | 15 mm | 100 mm | 118 mm | approx. 17.25 mm offset |
| 15mm LWS (Lightweight) | 15 mm | 60 mm | 85 mm | centered to mount |
Unlike the 15mm Studio system, which is slightly offset from the optical center, the 19mm system is arranged symmetrically to the optical axis. The thicker 19mm rods deflect less when accessories protrude far forward, thus allowing for higher loads.
The rods are inserted into the baseplate and secured with clamps; their length is chosen depending on the setup – short rods for a compact rig, long rods for extensive matte box and accessory configurations. Since the distance and height of the rods are standardized, accessories from different manufacturers can be combined as long as they are designed for 19mm.
As a cinematographer, I appreciate 19mm rods for their versatility and reliability in building custom camera rigs. They allow me to ensure stable and ergonomic camera handling, even with heavy lenses during complex shots. The system's quick adjustability saves valuable time during setup changes between takes.
From a director's perspective, 19mm rods give my camera team the flexibility needed for spontaneous creative decisions on set. If I want to switch quickly from a tripod shot to handheld, the equipment can be reconfigured fast. This technical flexibility significantly supports my creative workflow.
Investing in a high-quality 19mm rod system pays for itself through the universality and longevity of the standard. Since these components are interchangeable across cameras, our equipment costs are reduced on productions with different camera models. Standardization also simplifies logistics for international co-productions.
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „19mm-Rohre"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?
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