Threaded Carbon Fiber Rods?

S

Steve R

Well-known member
Do any companies make THREADED carbon fiber support rods?

I like the weight and look of CF rods - but like the flexibility of having female threads front and back (like on the Zacuto rods, for example).
 
dregenthal said:
I think I'd sooner have multiple pairs (at different lengths).
Click to expand...

My thinking is I would have a standard "core" set of rods that would accommodate the camera, my zooms and primes, a FF and Matte Box - but if I (on occasion) wanted to put an extra-longer lens on, I could just screw in two extensions. Ditto for the rear of the rods if I wanted on occasion to rent and mount an external digital recorder (like a Samurai, PIX 240 etc). Again, I would just screw in the extensions on the back.

You see, I could keep the same "core" set of rods on the baseplate (with my standard kit mounted) 90% of the time - and not have to take everything apart when these situations arose (not to mention having to own and store 3 very long sets of rods vs. a few shorter extensions). Just store the shorter extensions, and screw them in as needed front or back.

Is there something wrong with my plans/logic?
 
I have multiple pairs of both 15mm and 19mm rods to use depending on the setup.
I really don't see any time savings using screw-on rod extenders as you are still going to have to loosen everything up and slide to re-balance anyway.
 
Steve R said:
My thinking is I would have a standard "core" set of rods that would accommodate the camera, my zooms and primes, a FF and Matte Box - but if I (on occasion) wanted to put an extra-longer lens on, I could just screw in two extensions. Ditto for the rear of the rods if I wanted on occasion to rent and mount an external digital recorder (like a Samurai, PIX 240 etc). Again, I would just screw in the extensions on the back.

You see, I could keep the same "core" set of rods on the baseplate (with my standard kit mounted) 90% of the time - and not have to take everything apart when these situations arose (not to mention having to own and store 3 very long sets of rods vs. a few shorter extensions). Just store the shorter extensions, and screw them in as needed front or back.

Is there something wrong with my plans/logic?
Click to expand...

That is exactly how I have my setup. I never have to losen/adjust and move the "core" set. I easily extend the rear with the screw on extensions (Letus threaded rods).
 
Steve R said:
Do any companies make THREADED carbon fiber support rods?

I like the weight and look of CF rods - but like the flexibility of having female threads front and back (like on the Zacuto rods, for example).
Click to expand...

I do everything I can to make my camera heavier ( Mass , momentum and inertia etc..).. and make my motorbikes lighter. (power: weight ratio = speed).

I have never seen CF rods threaded but have seen CF components with threaded inserts ( metal bits inserted to take a thread or bolt).
 
reygun said:
That is exactly how I have my setup. I never have to losen/adjust and move the "core" set. I easily extend the rear with the screw on extensions (Letus threaded rods).
Click to expand...

Add 16 pounds to the front of the camera then something needs to slide back, or counterbalance added to rear. Matte box and follow focus will need to be moved to match long zoom from short prime. Nothing wrong with screw-on extensions as I have a few, but I generally prefer to just slide in the size rods I need.
 
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I doubt we ever see threaded CF rods, the material is way to brittle. Since I saw a carbon rod cracking (on a car shot), killing two expensive 4x4 filters and the mattebox, I prefer my aluminum rods. Lesson: Never underestimate momentum in motion.

The wight difference is a joke anyway, my FF alone wights more than 10 times my aluminum rods.

Frank
 
OK, thanks.

Maybe I'll not worry so much about the weight difference - and go for black anodized aluminium threaded rods for the look.
 
David W. Jones said:
Add 16 pounds to the front of the camera then something needs to slide back, or counterbalance added to rear. Matte box and follow focus will need to be moved to match long zoom from short prime. Nothing wrong with screw-on extensions as I have a few, but I generally prefer to just slide in the size rods I need.
Click to expand...

Can't imagine a scenario when I'd add sixteen pounds to the front over and above my "core" setup (which would be balanced for MB and FF and an average prime and likely Anton Bauer plate out back). Are they making infant car seats that hang off of 15" LWS rods now or something?
 
dregenthal said:
I think I'd sooner have multiple pairs (at different lengths).
Click to expand...

I feel the same way. That is why I picked up the value pack Darren (imdjay) is selling (http://wp.mediahalo.com/carbon-fiber-rods/), which is 5 pairs for $100 shipped. It includes 3", 6", 12", 18" and 24" carbon fiber rods, and they are really strong yet somehow super light, and with a strong nice finish and proper end caps and all. Really, best bang for buck rod wise IMHO, and having the selection is nice.

I am currently looking to replace my s**tty baseplate though, so if anyone knows of a good bang for buck baseplate, please let me know. Thanks!
 
Genus "Hotplate" Baseplate

Genus "Hotplate" Baseplate

Oliver Rush said:
I am currently looking to replace my s**tty baseplate though, so if anyone knows of a good bang for buck baseplate, please let me know. Thanks!
Click to expand...

I think I might be one of the first in the US with the Genus Hotplate. Saw videos from NAB 2011, and bugged the manufacturer until they pointed me straight to their US distributor, Manfrotto, to make a purchase! It is very well-built, and at $369, it's price is reasonable. Here's the B&H page for it:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/769537-REG/Genus_GL_GMB_HP_Hot_Plate_Professional_Adaptor.html

AND, included in that price, it ships with four 8 inch sections of 15mm rods!!! Sounds like the everything you're looking for.

All the best!

Jeff
 
Steve R said:
Can't imagine a scenario when I'd add sixteen pounds to the front over and above my "core" setup (which would be balanced for MB and FF and an average prime and likely Anton Bauer plate out back). Are they making infant car seats that hang off of 15" LWS rods now or something?
Click to expand...

What you mean like a Cooke zoom with supports, motor drives for zoom and focus, matte box and filters, second assist monitor.
This gets a little front heavy without adjustment.

All the Best!

Dave
 
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This looks like a great alternative.

Called Pro-X XP-BM4 and comes for 279 Euros

http://www.bescor.de/kamerazubehoer/schulterstuetzen/schulterstuetze-pro-x-xp-bm4.php

$(KGrHqJ,!lQE3HQfDjtZBN6LvMBdjw~~_3.JPG


$(KGrHqYOKosE3FRJjW1(BN6LP3lYwg~~_3.JPG


Frank
 
Frank,

That is an amazing looking design! Looks as though it was engineered by HK. Can it be multi-purpose mounted to a carbine as well. lol
 
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