Professional bartech wireless focus control system enabling remote lens operation on cinema production.
Standard Bartech systems use 15mm or 19mm diameter rods, typically 200mm to 600mm in length. The rods are made of high-strength carbon or anodized aluminum with a weight tolerance of ±2g per 300mm segment. Connectors utilize quick-release mechanisms or M4/M5 Allen screws with defined torque settings of 3-5 Nm. Modern systems achieve a load capacity of up to 25kg per pair of rods with a deflection of less than 0.5mm.
The Bartech concept originated in 1995 by German camera technician Andreas Bartsch for the Munich-based company P+S Technik. First commercial applications occurred in 1997 on European film productions. In 2003, the 15mm system established itself as an industry standard, supplemented in 2008 by the more robust 19mm format for Steadicam and handheld use. Since 2015, ultra-light carbon variants have dominated the market.
In "Birdman" (2014), a Bartech setup enabled seamless camera handoffs between the Steadicam operator and fixed positions during the apparent one-shot sequences. Documentary filmmakers utilize compact 15mm configurations for quick transitions between shoulder-mounted and tripod operation. Typical workflows involve setting up a basic configuration at the start of the shoot, with gradual expansion based on shot requirements. Disadvantages emerge with extreme temperature fluctuations due to differential material expansion.
Bartech systems differ from proprietary manufacturer solutions through their compatibility across various camera brands. Rod support systems from RED or ARRI sometimes use different diameters (18mm, 22mm) and are less flexible. Modern alternatives like quick-release systems reduce setup times from 3-5 minutes to under 30 seconds, but require higher investment. For ultra-light setups under 2kg total weight, integrated camera cages often provide sufficient functionality without external rod systems.
Ich verwende primär 19mm-Carbon-Stangen für Handheld-Setups, da sie bei gleichem Gewicht 40% steifer sind als Aluminium-Varianten. Die präzise Ausrichtung der Followfocus-Position reduziert meine Schärfefehler erheblich, besonders bei schnellen Brennweitenwechseln zwischen 24mm und 85mm.
Das modulare System erlaubt mir spontane Kamerabewegungen ohne lange Umrüstpausen – wenn ich während der Probe von statisch auf bewegte Kamera wechseln möchte, kostendie Umbauten maximal zwei Minuten statt einer halben Stunde. Diese Flexibilität verändert meinen Inszenierungsstil fundamental.
Ein komplettes Bartech-Set kostet 8.000-12.000 Euro, amortisiert sich aber durch eingesparte Drehtage bei komplexen Kamera-Setups. Die Standardisierung reduziert meine Equipment-Logistik um etwa 30%, da verschiedene Kamerasysteme dieselben Support-Komponenten verwenden können.
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Bartech"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?
The Lexikon is part of the Filmfarm ecosystem — alongside budgeting (FilmBalance), an industry magazine (FilmCircus) and crew networking (FilmCall, CrewMesh). One shared vocabulary for the whole production.