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Geared Follow Focus
iDC SYSTEM ROD - A Tradtional-Style Camera Platform
iDC SYSTEM ROD was designed for filmmakers who are committed to the idea of a 15mm rod-based camera support system. SYSTEM ROD is based upon the ARRI-standardized 60mm rod-spacing and the 85mm lens-to-rod relationship. SYSTEM ROD is completely compatible with all properly designed 15mm elements and accessories, regardless of their original source. See our list of compatible cameras
Quality levels for 15mm rod systems vary widely, so iDC's Product Designer - Director / Cameraman Bruce Dorn - made the decision to manufacture all elements of SYSTEM ROD right here in the USA. With a corporate philosophy of "Low Volume and Highest Quality", we extrude our own internally-ribbed 15mm Aluminum Rods, custom tailor every Camera Plate, and design every 15mm Accessory for the ultimate in versatility and perfect fitment - every time.
The result is a finely-tailored, rod-based filmmaking platform. SYSTEM ROD boasts striking design, camera-specific fitment, and cross-platform compatibility with all properly designed 15mm systems. Easily upgraded with the tightly tailored and modular iDC Camera Plates, SYSTEM ROD is effectively "obsolescence proof".
Sharing a number of modular components with it's handheld sibling, SYSTEM ZERO, SYSTEM ROD is the perfect solution when a 15mm rod-based support system is a must.
Available in either Geared or Gearless Direct Drive Focusing Options
"Look Ma, No Gears!" iDC SYSTEM ZERO introduced our award-winning Gearless Follow Focus design in early 2009. Our time-honored Gearless Direct Drive wheel is machined from industrial plastic bearing material and features a soft high-tech O-Ring for positive rubber-on-rubber operation. With no gear rings to buy, this unique gearless follow focus not only makes changing your lens a snap, it also keeps more of your hard-earned dollars in your pocket, where they belong.
Although iDC is the reigning champion of Gearless Direct Drive focusing systems, some lenses are equipped with focusing helicoids that are simply too stiff for our Gearless Direct Drive technology. For these lenses, a direct gear-on-gear mechanical connection is highly desirable. Problem solved: iDC's unique Geared Direct Drive Focusing Wheel is machined from self-lubricating bearing material, and features our proven and ergonomically superior 45° focusing wheel angle. Our unique and minimalist bevel drive design (patent pending) completely eliminates the traditional follow focus gearbox to allow lenses with super stiff helicoid designs (Zeiss ZE/ZF and Leica R Lenses, for example) to focus smoothly and repeatedly with no backlash.
You'll need to add a .8 pitch lens gear ring to each of your lenses (A universal gear ring is included with all Geared Kits). If you need additional gear rings, check our Accessories category for an affordable, universal lens gear ring that we recommend. And true to our philosophy of easy upgrades and component compatibility, the Geared Wheel Assembly is completely interchangeable with our Gearless Wheel Assembly.
By eliminating the need for a gearbox altogether – every one of the iDC Geared and Gearless SYSTEM ROD kits represent the most elegant and easy to use follow focus options on the market.
Old School meets New School!
Although we believe that all aspiring filmmakers should look very closely at the many obvious advantages of our innovative SYSTEM ONE camera platform, we understand that many established shooters have a substantial financial investment in the Old School rod-based approach and are loathe to change. SYSTEM ROD bridges the gap in an effort to offer these seasoned filmmakers affordable access to iDC's unparalleled quality and innovative design philosophy - all while maintaining their legacy investment in rod-based accessories.
Tripod or Shoulder Rig Ready
All kits feature a Universal Tripod Mount that will readily accept any 1/4"-20 or 3/8"-16 quick release plate. Our Universal Tripod Mount also features an integrated Arca-Swiss style dovetail, making it a direct fit to tripods heads from Arca-Swiss, AcraTech, Kirk, Really Right Stuff, and Wemberly.
Modular Construction and Forward Compatibility
From camera-specific Camera Plates to multiple rod lengths, SYSTEM ROD offers an almost infinite variety of configurations. Our black-anodized, aircraft-grade aluminum 15mm rods are available in a variety of sizes. SYSTEM ROD's high degree of modularity ensures that this kit will remain relevant for years to come.
Broad Lens Compatibility with Simple and Intuitive Lens Changes
And nothing could be simpler! Just slide the focusing wheel away your focusing ring, swap your lens, reposition the focusing wheel to the new focus ring position, make snug contact between the two and tighten the locking thumbscrew. It's that simple! You'll be hard pressed to find a lens that's not compatible.
Please note: Due to the rather wide 60mm rod spacing dictated by ARRI so many years ago, some still photography camera lenses of very small diameters may not be supported with the Gearless Wheel - these will be better supported either by the SYSTEM ROD Geared Wheel or by the more contemporary and trimmer design of iDC's SYSTEM ONE. The minimum lens diameter for SYSTEM ROD's Gearless wheel is 69.85mm (2.75 inches).
An Extensive Range of Lightweight and Modular Accessories
Need to add audio accessories or video lights? iDC also offers a nice selection of Grip Handles, Accessory Mounting Brackets, Quick-Release Clamps, and Accessory Mounting Dovetails for real-world production speed and efficiency. All accessories attach to the 15mm rods by way of a dovetailed bracket that may be located anywhere along the length of the rods.
Cross-System Compatibility
iDC's tripod-friendly SYSTEM ROD shares many modular components with its handheld sibling, SYSTEM ZERO. As your filmmaking style evolves - and your needs change - so can your kit. No need to start from scratch with the beautifully designed and modular systems from iDC PHOTO VIDEO.
Camera-Specific Fitment
No generic fitment here! Each camera body has its own dedicated camera plate with pin or contour registration to maintain perfect fitment. That translates as "Easy to set-up"! The purchase of additional dedicated camera plates will allow the system to support a variety of camera styles and brands. Supporting a broad range of large and small camera forms, SYSTEM ROD is a competitive 15mm rod platform that offers the use of either of the two unique iDC focusing wheel designs.
Get-Real Pricing
Affordable quality is the cornerstone of iDC Photo Video's design philosophy. All of our components are machined from aircraft-grade aluminum and proudly offer Made in America quality. Our modular design philosophy allows affordable upgrade paths when one chooses to upgrade cameras.
iDC: Intuitive Design Concepts. Designed by Filmmakers, for Filmmakers. Made in America.
