Researching DIY Rod System Question(s)

Helooka Likeaman

Helooka Likeaman

Member
Okay, I'm at it again. I would like to find a dirt cheap alternative to rod systems that cost $150.00 plus. I'm not sure if this is possible but I am researching parts right now.

Once again to keep costs within reach of everyone I would like to purchase the components at readily available home improvement and retail chain stores.

Unfortunately the rods I am coming across thus far are not in mm's but inches so the rods I have found are 1/2" in diameter which is 12.7mm, 2.3mm too small.

My question is: Will 2.3mm per rod make that much difference? I was thinking I could make up whatever discrepancy there is by adding a mm or two to the 60mm space between the rods. I realize that pre-milled accessories such as follow focuses and matte boxes will be a little loose on the smaller rods so I was thinking about possibly contact cementing something like velvet over the rods - this would aid in thickening up the rods and smooth out operation/movement. Or maybe not - still thinking this through.

I realize that there are rods available, good rods, from a few sources but they run between $15.00 and $20.00 per rod. This kind of defeats my purpose of keeping costs low especially when I can get one 1/2" x 3' steel hollow tube for $6.88 and cut it into two really nice long rods.

Any input will be appreciated. If you have a cheaper source for 15mm rods by all means let me know. If you think I'm crazy, let me know that too.

:dankk2: in advance.
 
Last edited:
"about possibly contact cementing something like velvet over the rods"

Foam? Maybe?

You could dip it into "bondo" and sand it down. That stuff is rock hard once it dries.

I dunno... just ideas. 2.3 mm is not that much, but I could see how it could be frustrating.
 
Helooka Likeaman,

I am in the same boat as you. I am working on building my own. Do you know what is the standard length on the rods are.

thanks!
 
Bryan_Lawler said:
Helooka Likeaman,

I am in the same boat as you. I am working on building my own. Do you know what is the standard length on the rods are.

thanks!
Click to expand...
Well I'm not sure if there is a standard legnth. Just by looking at rod systems on the net really quick it looks like they can range anywhere from 25cm (little less than 10") to 18" and I'm guessing beyond. Anybody who really knows can jump in at this point and correct me...PLEASE!

Probably a good starting point is around 12" but I was thinking for my rods I would like the 18" as I have a 35mm adapter plus I want to try and make twocik's awesome $24.00 follow focus, plus a lens shade/matte box plus...?

Keep the ideas coming folks!
 
2.3mm too small?

Not going to work. If you intend to mount a FF, it needs to be rigid and a solid grip. 2.3mm is actually quite a bit.
 
Rail Diameter: 15mm
Rail Length: at least 250mm(10")
Rail Spacing: 60mm (r.c. to r.c.)
Rail Center to optical axis height: 85mm (or height adjustable)

I don`t see how would it be possible to make universal rod support with vertical and horizontal adjustment for HVX and DVX or for any other camera for less than $90 as B&H sold Cavision`s 15mm rod support main unit for less than $90, that`s without rods.
BTW Cavision universal rod support for mini dv doesn`t support HVX without modifications to it`s height adjuster.

But for one camera it surely is possible to make rod system considering that HVX for example has maybe 3mm off center tripod mount and optical axis height of ca 66mm.

I quess Redrock makes the best almost universal rod support but they don`t sell those separately.


Best regards,
T

 
Toenis said:
[F Diameter: 15mm[/SIZE][/FONT]
[F Length: at least 250mm(10")[/SIZE][/FONT]
[F Spacing: 60mm (r.c. to r.c.)[/SIZE][/FONT]
Rail Center to optical axis height: 85mm (or height adjustable)

I don`t see how would it be possible to make universal rod support with vertical and horizontal adjustment for HVX and DVX or for any other camera for less than $90 as B&H sold Cavision`s 15mm rod support main unit for less than $90, that`s without rods.
BTW Cavision universal rod support for mini dv doesn`t support HVX without modifications to it`s height adjuster.

But for one camera it surely is possible to make rod system considering that HVX for example has maybe 3mm off center tripod mount and optical axis height of ca 66mm.

I quess Redrock makes the best almost universal rod support but they don`t sell those separately.


Best regards,
T

Click to expand...
So I am crazy!!!!!!

Thank you for your frankness and the Cavision info!! Actually I was originally looking for a part like this before I even thought of trying to build one and I apparently missed this. I'm inclined to agree with you that this is the solution to us poor people but I don't wanna because I actually enjoy all the research and development of finding dirt cheap alternatives to expensive equipment. That said $77.95 is actually a great price when you think of the quality and precision that you will be getting.

So basically if I do get the Cavision Rear Bracket and Camera Plate all I would need to do is add rods correct?

Again thanx for the info Toenis and possibly steering me back to reality. I don't want to throw in the towel just yet but the more I weigh the pros and cons this just seems to make the most sense.
 

Attachments

  • 335222.jpg
    335222.jpg
    22.2 KB · Views: 0
  • 413514.jpg
    413514.jpg
    19.2 KB · Views: 0
As much of a DIY'er as I am, I had to cave on the rails and have them made by a machine shop for the Brevis. The biggest issue is accuracy on the rail guides themselves as the hole is large and requires consistent accuracy to drill. Even my $600 drill press and sliding clamp setup is not really up to the task. If you can find a machine shop with 5/8" stainless rod, and 1 or 3/4" aluminum bar, as well as 1/4" flat stock, you may talk them into cutting/drilling them for you.

I spent over $800 in tools/bits/taps to find out I couldn't do a consistently professional job myself. We do sell them separately btw :-)
 
I...I think I found my rods

I...I think I found my rods

I..IKEA.

I...I was wrong!!! The Ikea rods are too big!!! See post #20

Okay, so I just can't seem to let this one die just yet so shoot me!

"NOT" Floor upright/reading lamp - $14.99

Available at your local Ikea or online.

Only thing I don't like about them is that they are painted gray lacquer that will scratch off over repeated use. I tried to find an affordable brushed steel lamp that was 15mm wide, unfortunately the brushed steel in this price range were not 15mm thick, more like 13mm.

15mm x 16.5" steel rods
 

Attachments

  • NOT Lamp.jpg
    NOT Lamp.jpg
    5.1 KB · Views: 0
  • NOT Rods.JPG
    NOT Rods.JPG
    123 KB · Views: 0
Last edited:
Ghetto rules :-) You got some nice lights too!

Come to think of it, I've got some parts left over from my initial efforts. 1 inch billet aluminum drilled, tapped and powder coated, mount plates etc. pmail if you're interested.
 
Getting bondo uniform wouldn't be that hard witha belt sander and a lathe of some sort.

And by the time you primer it and paint with some sort of enamel...it'll get really smooth
 
Last edited:
I am looking for cheap rods as well, but I'd still rather spend $100 at redrock than spend $25 and numerous hours to maybe get workable rods. Is there a place that sells cheaper rods than redrock?
 
My adventure is making the movie, not spending hours upon hours making a metal rod.
 
x-angel: You get it! The journey is part of the fun (with some degree of headaches along the way)! Thanx for your post!!

Noah: My adventure is making the movie also but I take side trips from time to time :) We're not quite on the same page in this instance but I still appreciated your opinion.

Well, if you're looking for cheap rods, cheap being a relative term I suppose, it looks like the Cavision Rear Bracket in post #7 of this thread is going to be your cheapest bet plus there are a few sources for rods.

B&H has the Cavision Carbon Fiber Rods for $39.95
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/c

Another reputable source appears to be Easy Focused Lens. They also provides carbon fiber rods: 12" for $16 per rod & 16" for $20 per rod.
http://www.dandiaconu.com/newweb/carbon_rods.htm

And of course there's always IKEA (just kidding)!

Combined with the Cavision Rear Bracket you're lookin on spending at most $117.95, not bad.

Let us know what your final decision is especially if you find something cheaper!
 
Last edited:
I was wrong!!

I was wrong!!

I'm one of those people who hates being wrong but I am dammit!

After giving it the old college try I finally realized that I just wasn't going to get a sturdy enough assembly as cheaply as I would have liked (Toenis you better not say I told you so, LOL!). So I ordered the Cavision Rear Bracket assembly from BH Photo and wanted to see if my ghetto Ikea rods would fit. They're too big!!! So disregard post #11 of this thread.

Sorry for the misinformation.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top