15m Vs 19m Rod Set Up

[Adam Howden]

Hi All,

Would appreciate some input on this. I'm putting the accessories for my epic-x kit together and will be using predominantly Wooden Camera parts. I plan to set the epic up to be able to run either in 15mm Light Weight mode and either 15mm OR 19mm studio mode. I'm thinking either the Oconnor OBox or Arri MB20, an Oconnor Follow Focus and probably a hand held rig via a Element Technica Mantis.

So what are peoples experiences with these set ups and what would you recommend if you were going for this? I guess I'm just wondering are there any advantages or disadvantages with having all 15mm for light weight and studio mode OR is it better to go 15mm lightweight and 19mm studio?

Thanks a bunch

 

[Tim Bradley]

I have both 15 LW and 15mm Studio setups. I do not find I have any shoots that this will not cater for. Also here in Australia 19mm setups are rarer than 15mm, so getting extra 15mm stuff seems easier than getting 19mm.

The extra weight and bulk of 19mm does not appeal to me at all, especially now that with Epic the camera is very small. I see keeping a complete camera setup small but versatile as being highly desirable.

 

[Adam Howden]

Thanks for your thoughts so far Tim

 

[Nate Clapp]

I have both 15mm and 19mm studio solutions in addition to 15mm lightweight. I never use the 15mm studio setup. If you need a studio setup, you are big anyway, and 19mm isn't a hardship for size and weight and is the gold standard for strength. Apparently LA has resisted the switch to 19mm standard so if you sub parts from LA they may be 15mm studio standard. Also, older matte boxes etc may only support 15mm studio. So you might save a little money going 15mm studio. But if you plan on swinging monster lenses like the optimo 24-290 you will be very glad you have 19mm. For true lightweight setups just work in the 15mm lightweight setup.

 

[Mike Tiffee]

Here is my WoodenCamera setup - 15mm LW for matte box and FF and 19mm Studio for eventual handheld rig and other mounting (wireless, pix240, etc)

19mm WC baseplate
bolt-on dovetail
15mm LW bracket
EZ rizer
Easy Top X
Leather Top and Side handle
Quickback/plate/switronix

Very happy with build quality and mounting options.

 

[Evin Grant]

In the US west coast market everything is 15mm, NYC is 50/50, Europe is pretty much all 19mm. Yes, 19mm is sturdier and can handle the 12x Optimo but most of those rented from LA have a full size dovetail to support the lens and rods even better than the 19mm. The Optimo is pretty much the only lens that 15mm studio can't handle on it's own. If you don't use this lens alot, and are not shooting in Europe then it sounds like 15mm is a better choice. Also the rods will be interchangeable between your LW set up and your studio setup, this is the most compelling argument in my mind.

 

[Brian Liepe]

Hey Mike, quick ? About your top handle and top plate. I have the same setup with the GMP, switronix, and quick back but I don't have the top plate. Do you think your handle would still clear the battery without your top plate?

I need to know if I need to buy one. Thanks!

 

[Mike Tiffee]

No I think you need the plate - at least with this leather handle. In the pic below I have an eraser up against the end of the handle and there is still a few mm of battery forward of the eraser. It will certainly clear the mount, but not the battery. If you didn't want to get the top plate, you could get an Easy Plate for $50. Not only will it increase the height, but you could have the handle a bit forward too. Or you could get a 100mm SWAT rail and go that route for easy handle removal too.

 

[Andreas Mendritzki]

The 15mm studio vs 19mm choice depends 100% on what the local standard is for rental items in your area.

 

[Nick Gardner]

One thing to consider, if you go 15mm, then lot of brackets, swing arms, focus motors etc, fit on both your studio and your LWS. That can make a difference if you have a lot of 15mm stuff.

Nick

 

[Mike Tiffee]

^^ True, you can also add a bushing to adapt any 19mm clamp to a 15mm rod.

 

[Brian Liepe]

Great thanks! Easy Plate it is!