Cavision RS-15IIM Rod Support System for Mini DV Camcorders- FX-1, Z1U, DVX-100, XL-2

  • Price: $155.00
  • B&H # CARS15IIM200
  • Mfr# RS-15IIM-200

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The Cavision RS-15IIM Rod Support System is designed for Mini DV Camcorders. Incorporates a mini-DV camcorder mounting plate, with vertical and horizontal adjustments, featuring uniquely designed locating pin for enhanced stability.

Height adjustable front Bracket for connecting a matte box
2 Carbon Fiber Rods for great mounting
Balance bracket with tripod connection thread
Mini-DV plate with vertical and horizontal adjustment, featuring uniquely designed locating pin for enhanced stability.
Construction Aluminum Plate
Rail Material Carbon fiber
Rail Diameter 15mm
Rail Spacing 60mm
Horizontal Adjustment 60mm
Front Bracket Adjustable Height 25mm
Back & Forward Adjustable Length 200mm
Mounting Hole 1/4" & 3/8"
Dimensions (WxHxD) Not Specified by Manufacturer
Weight Not Specified by Manufacturer

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Cavision RS-15IIM Rod Support System for Mini DV Camcorders
 
4.3

(based on 21 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (10)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (9)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Easy to use (15)
  • Well built / quality (13)
  • Interfaces well with camcorder (12)
  • Lightweight (12)
  • Improves performance (7)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Shooting outdoors (10)
    • Shooting indoors (9)
    • Upgrade (5)
    • Travel (4)
    • Home movies (3)
      • Reviewer Profile:
      • Film professional (12), Aspiring film maker (7), Tech savvy (4)
      • Was this a gift?:
      • No (5)

    Most Liked Positive Review

     

    Nice affordable Support

    Hi there, pardon me for my english.

    That is more than I´ve expected. The Cavision RS-15IIM Rod Support System seems to be very tough and versatile in adjusting yo...Read complete review

    Hi there, pardon me for my english.

    That is more than I´ve expected. The Cavision RS-15IIM Rod Support System seems to be very tough and versatile in adjusting your personal kit. You have headroom for different heights. The haptic impression is good. Screws after adjusting hold secure their place.

    BUT - I got a Sachtler Tripod and its plate has to be fixed in combination with the cavision in just one way, because of the adjustable Cavision-height-camcorder-plate. Now with that in mind You are not able to take advantage of the full versatile heightness.

    Now, in the end it works just fine with my setup. I´m using a Canon HV20, a Letus35 Extreme, various lenses from Nikon and Canon - and a Sachtler DVII tripod. I didn´t have any trouble to balance a good working center for the tripod.

    Well with my Setup You might need rods which are a bit longer. If You are mounting a longer 35mm Lense like lets say a 70-200, it must have an additional support just for the Lense. It would be perfect with 15cm extra lenght...

    VS

    Most Liked Negative Review

     

    Beware of camera plate mounting bolt!!!

    These Cavision rod systems have a horrible design flaw that renders them dangerous to your camera. The plate that the camera mounts to is held on by a SINGLE allen bolt. What's worse, a...Read complete review

    These Cavision rod systems have a horrible design flaw that renders them dangerous to your camera. The plate that the camera mounts to is held on by a SINGLE allen bolt. What's worse, a nearby hole for a tripod screw directly intersects the hole for this one allen screw. ARE THEY NUTS?!! It leaves an EIGHTH-INCH of functional threads keeping that one allen screw in place. When it breaks, (it WILL break) I hope you catch your camera before it hits the floor.

    Anyway, there is a point to this rant! To fix the allen bolt issue, I put a wafer of lead into the big tripod screw hole so it's lying on the exposed threads of the all-important screw. Then I put a set screw from the hardware store into the tripod mount hole and tighten down so that it's pressing the soft lead against the screw threads. Much more solid now!

    If anyone has this abhorrent piece of equipment (Cavision RS 15IIM), I HIGHLY recommend this preventative measure. Wish I could post photos to make this more clear, but you'll understand once you have the unit in your hands.

    REVIEWS

    Reviewed by 21 customers

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    Displaying reviews 1-20

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    5.0

    solid construction

    By Kevin

    from Albuquerque, New Mexico

    About Me Film Professional, Tech Savvy

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Easy To Use
    • Good Interface With Camcorder
    • Quality Construction

    Cons

    • No documentation
    • No manuals

    Best Uses

      Comments about Cavision RS-15IIM Rod Support System for Mini DV Camcorders:

      I really love this rods support. It is solidly constructed and versatile. The camera plate can be configured as pictured or reversed, plus it has vertical and horizontal adjustment. I use the front mount for Cavision's 3x3 matte box and the rods support comes with the screws to attach it as well as the two Allen wrenches you need to make the various adjustments.

      As with most Cavision products I've bought, this comes packed in foam with the aforementioned hardware and tools - no manuals, no documentation of any kind. Just be aware of that.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Comment on this review

       
      3.0

      Pretty good for the money

      By Natey B.

      from Hoboken, NJ

      About Me Film Professional

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Improves Performance

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Shooting Indoors
        • Shooting Outdoors

        Comments about Cavision RS-15IIM Rod Support System for Mini DV Camcorders:

        I use it with the Letus 35 Extreme. The rods are just barely long enough - I may get longer ones in the future. Otherwise a pretty good product.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Comment on this review

         
        4.0

        Well built Product, Easily Assembled

        By Josh the Filmmaker

        from Milwaukee, WI

        About Me Aspiring Film Maker, Tech Savvy

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Easy To Use
        • Good Interface With Camcorder
        • Lightweight
        • Quality Construction

        Cons

        • Poor Interface

        Best Uses

        • Home Movies
        • Shooting Outdoors
        • Travel

        Comments about Cavision RS-15IIM Rod Support System for Mini DV Camcorders:

        I use this product with my HV30 Digital Camcorder and a Letus35 Mini DOF adapter. The lens support structure at the end of the rods doesn't support Letus DOF adapters, so I had to buy an alternative from [@], however I expected this. The rods are carbon fiber, and the camera mount supports any camera. I highly recommend this product because of the price compared to other carbon fiber support systems. The only cons I can think of is that it would have been much easier if some parts of the interface had knobs instead of hex bolts - especially the tightening system. Overall, great product. 4/5

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Comment on this review

         
        4.0

        Very Pleased

        By Bernard

        from Philadelphia

        About Me Aspiring Film Maker, Film Professional

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Easy To Use
        • Good Interface With Camcorder
        • Improves Performance
        • Lightweight
        • Quality Construction

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Shooting Indoors
          • Shooting Outdoors

          Comments about Cavision RS-15IIM Rod Support System for Mini DV Camcorders:

          Bought a 35mm Adapter for my Sony Z5U and needed a rod support system. Priced many systems on line and this one was very comparable in price to other cheaper ones, but much better constructed and backed with BH's 30 day return policy, where others had no return policy or exchange only.

          Works great with the camera and adapter, easy to use and upgrade if necessary. Very pleased.

          Only 4 stars because I'm not thrilled about the price. Though it right in line with the market, it is still a bit too expensive IMHO.

          Comment on this review

           
          5.0

          Works Great

          By Dan

          from Chilliwack, BC

          About Me Advanced amateur

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Adds Good Support
          • Easy To Use
          • Quality Construction

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Home Movies
            • Make a rig
            • Shooting Indoors
            • Shooting Outdoors
            • Tripod

            Comments about Cavision RS-15IIM Rod Support System for Mini DV Camcorders:

            Just got it a few days ago. I wanted to have support for my Jag35pro 35mm adapter with my Canon Vixia HF M300. I did not know if it would work but it did. the back plate can move side to side, also up and down. also where the thread for the tripod is can be move forward and back. also the front small support thingy can be adjusted height wise and also can move back and forth. one thing I found was is if the front plate is down too much I have trouble putting it on the tripod. the plate on my tripod slides in, so it hits a lip in the front. but its not too bad, i still get it through. Definitely has a sturdy construction to it.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Comment on this review

             
            5.0

            Simple & Does what it's supposed to

            By MikeC

            from Los Angeles, CA

            About Me Tech Savvy

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Easy To Use
            • Good Interface With Camcorder
            • Improves Performance

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Shooting Indoors

              Comments about Cavision RS-15IIM Rod Support System for Mini DV Camcorders:

              Using this in conjunction with a tripod, consumer camcorder and IPAD ProPrompter. Cheap setup, easy, and works great for what I'm doing.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Comment on this review

               
              5.0

              Works great

              By The cat

              from MPLS, MN

              About Me Aspiring Film Maker

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Easy To Use
              • Lightweight
              • Quality Construction

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Shooting Indoors
                • Shooting Outdoors
                • Upgrade

                Comments about Cavision RS-15IIM Rod Support System for Mini DV Camcorders:

                I have a jag35 i usewith this rod system and for what i use it for its great.

                Comment on this review

                (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                 
                5.0

                Great support system

                By David J. Buchanan

                from Minneapolis, MN.

                About Me Film Professional

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Good Interface With Camcorder
                • Improves Performance
                • Quality Construction

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • Shooting Indoors
                  • Shooting Outdoors
                  • Travel
                  • Upgrade

                  Comments about Cavision RS-15IIM Rod Support System for Mini DV Camcorders:

                  This works well with my HFS200 and Letus Mini. Only thing I wish is that the rods were a bit longer. Other than that, this will keep your system stable and secure.

                  Comment on this review

                  (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                   
                  4.0

                  Excellent System

                  By Brian

                  from Columbia, SC

                  About Me Film Professional

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Easy To Use
                  • Good Interface With Camcorder
                  • Improves Performance
                  • Lightweight
                  • Quality Construction

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                      Comments about Cavision RS-15IIM Rod Support System for Mini DV Camcorders:

                      I have a canon hfs100 and a letus mini adapter....and this rod system works fine. Nothing to compare it to, but I am happy with the results.

                      Comment on this review

                       
                      5.0

                      a solid first rail system

                      By "always start with stars and bone"

                      from Ontario, Canada

                      About Me Aspiring Film Maker, Film Professional, Tech Savvy

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Easy To Use
                      • Good Interface With Camcorder
                      • Lightweight
                      • Quality Construction

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

                        • Home Movies
                        • Shooting Indoors
                        • Shooting Outdoors
                        • Travel
                        • Upgrade

                        Comments about Cavision RS-15IIM Rod Support System for Mini DV Camcorders:

                        I bought this system to support an hv40 with lens adapter. While the matte box support piece isn't necessarily designed as a lens support it does help steady such an extended lens.

                        While the rails aren't the longest they are just long enough to be able to attach a cine arm or two and even a follow focus. For the price this is a great support for any mid to smaller sized camera.

                        Only negative is that while the matte box support does work as a lens support, it would be great to have it designed for such (or have an option of it instead of the matte box).

                        I feel much more comfortable with my camera on these rails. Great quality for teh price!

                        Comment on this review

                         
                        4.0

                        It Works

                        By Phillip

                        from Grand Rapids, MI

                        About Me Film Professional

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Lightweight
                        • Quality Construction

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                            Comments about Cavision RS-15IIM Rod Support System for Mini DV Camcorders:

                            Cavision isn't Zacuto, and the quality and ease of use reflects that. However, this is durable lightweight rod system that is perfectly acceptable as pro gear. It is a little tricky to get everything aligned correctly, but that isn't a probelm if you have a bit of patience.

                            Comment on this review

                            (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

                             
                            2.0

                            Beware of camera plate mounting bolt!!!

                            By Michael the shooter

                            from San Francisco

                            About Me Film Professional

                            Pros

                              Cons

                              • Flimsy Design

                              Best Uses

                                Comments about Cavision RS-15IIM Rod Support System for Mini DV Camcorders:

                                These Cavision rod systems have a horrible design flaw that renders them dangerous to your camera. The plate that the camera mounts to is held on by a SINGLE allen bolt. What's worse, a nearby hole for a tripod screw directly intersects the hole for this one allen screw. ARE THEY NUTS?!! It leaves an EIGHTH-INCH of functional threads keeping that one allen screw in place. When it breaks, (it WILL break) I hope you catch your camera before it hits the floor.

                                Anyway, there is a point to this rant! To fix the allen bolt issue, I put a wafer of lead into the big tripod screw hole so it's lying on the exposed threads of the all-important screw. Then I put a set screw from the hardware store into the tripod mount hole and tighten down so that it's pressing the soft lead against the screw threads. Much more solid now!

                                If anyone has this abhorrent piece of equipment (Cavision RS 15IIM), I HIGHLY recommend this preventative measure. Wish I could post photos to make this more clear, but you'll understand once you have the unit in your hands.

                                Comment on this review

                                (2 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

                                 
                                4.0

                                Great Value - & a DSLR user suggestion

                                By Cloudy

                                from Dallas, TX

                                About Me Film Professional

                                Verified Buyer

                                Pros

                                • Easy To Use
                                • Good Interface With Camcorder
                                • Improves Performance
                                • Lightweight
                                • Quality Construction

                                Cons

                                • Finish a little weak

                                Best Uses

                                • Follow focus mount
                                • Matte box mounting
                                • Shooting Indoors
                                • Shooting Outdoors

                                Comments about Cavision RS-15IIM Rod Support System for Mini DV Camcorders:

                                Got this to attach follow focus/etc to my DVX and D90.The good: very tough and very lightweight, simple to use.The so-so: After a few hours of setting up & fiddling with it, finish is already coming off the knobs & latches.Works very well with the DVX; however, for a DSLR, you should get the Cavision "reversed" version (currently [$] at B&H). With this one, it's hard to get a FF close enough to an SLR body. Overall it's a great value - it's tough and lightweight, and available in 200mm and 250mm rod sizes - and of course it'll take any other 15mm rods you have or purchase.Still, I was thinking of exchanging this for the reversed one, but the finish issues may cause some hassle.

                                Comment on this review

                                (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                                 
                                5.0

                                Great Product

                                By Polanski

                                from WA

                                About Me Aspiring Film Maker

                                Verified Buyer

                                Pros

                                • Easy To Use
                                • Lightweight
                                • Quality Construction

                                Cons

                                  Best Uses

                                  • Shooting Indoors
                                  • Shooting Outdoors

                                  Comments about Cavision RS-15IIM Rod Support System for Mini DV Camcorders:

                                  I'd recommend this rod support. It's a great product from Cavision.

                                  Comment on this review

                                   
                                  5.0

                                  Awesome support system

                                  By moonstruck

                                  from Cleveland Ohio

                                  About Me Film Professional

                                  Verified Reviewer

                                  Pros

                                  • Easy To Use
                                  • Good Interface With Camcorder
                                  • Lightweight
                                  • Quality Construction

                                  Cons

                                    Best Uses

                                    • All support situations

                                    Comments about Cavision RS-15IIM Rod Support System for Mini DV Camcorders:

                                    I am using this on my Z1U with a Letus Extreme and it is very strong and durable. So easy to use and holds up the weight of the adapter with a 200mm lens. You can not find a better support for this price.

                                    Comment on this review

                                     
                                    4.0

                                    Great support for DSLR shooter setup

                                    By rcraig

                                    from Portland, OR

                                    About Me Film Professional

                                    Verified Buyer

                                    Pros

                                    • Easy To Use
                                    • Lightweight

                                    Cons

                                      Best Uses

                                      • Travel

                                      Comments about Cavision RS-15IIM Rod Support System for Mini DV Camcorders:

                                      This worked great for my homemade DSLR setup. Allowed me to add a follow focus easily while keeping the setup small and lightweight.

                                      Comment on this review

                                      (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                                       
                                      4.0

                                      perfect for the HVX200+letus+small lens

                                      By Leondre

                                      from Rio de Janeiro

                                      About Me Aspiring Film Maker

                                      Verified Buyer

                                      Pros

                                      • Easy To Use
                                      • Good Interface With Camcorder
                                      • Improves Performance
                                      • Quality Construction

                                      Cons

                                        Best Uses

                                          Comments about Cavision RS-15IIM Rod Support System for Mini DV Camcorders:

                                          i am using it with nikon mount and a small 55mm lens. the rod support fits just perfect. didnt try it with bigger lenses but probably ill need bigger rods.
                                          for sure it is a must have for the gear - hvx200+ketus35

                                          Comment on this review

                                           
                                          4.0

                                          Cavision works, good for miniDV

                                          By lsocorro

                                          from Maracaibo, Venezuela

                                          About Me Film Professional

                                          Verified Buyer

                                          Pros

                                          • Easy To Use
                                          • Good Interface With Camcorder
                                          • Lightweight

                                          Cons

                                            Best Uses

                                            • Replacement
                                            • Shooting Outdoors
                                            • Upgrade

                                            Comments about Cavision RS-15IIM Rod Support System for Mini DV Camcorders:

                                            Nice kit, but I splited the thing in parts to use the "T" part wich costs half this kit and is sold directly from cavision, then I used some other parts to complete my HVX200 - Letus - Cavision (matte box) rig. Carbon fiber rods are lightweight and strong

                                            Comment on this review

                                            (1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                                             
                                            4.0

                                            Nice affordable Support

                                            By Yps

                                            from Herne, Germany

                                            About Me Aspiring Film Maker, Low budget

                                            Pros

                                            • Compact Design
                                            • Easy To Use
                                            • Improves Picture Quality
                                            • Interfaces Well With Camcorder
                                            • Rugged

                                            Cons

                                            • Limited tripod connection

                                            Best Uses

                                              Comments about Cavision RS-15IIM Rod Support System for Mini DV Camcorders:

                                              Hi there, pardon me for my english.

                                              That is more than I´ve expected. The Cavision RS-15IIM Rod Support System seems to be very tough and versatile in adjusting your personal kit. You have headroom for different heights. The haptic impression is good. Screws after adjusting hold secure their place.

                                              BUT - I got a Sachtler Tripod and its plate has to be fixed in combination with the cavision in just one way, because of the adjustable Cavision-height-camcorder-plate. Now with that in mind You are not able to take advantage of the full versatile heightness.

                                              Now, in the end it works just fine with my setup. I´m using a Canon HV20, a Letus35 Extreme, various lenses from Nikon and Canon - and a Sachtler DVII tripod. I didn´t have any trouble to balance a good working center for the tripod.

                                              Well with my Setup You might need rods which are a bit longer. If You are mounting a longer 35mm Lense like lets say a 70-200, it must have an additional support just for the Lense. It would be perfect with 15cm extra lenght...

                                              Comment on this review

                                               
                                              5.0

                                              Great product, great design!

                                              By PatrickLawler

                                              from Santa Barbara, CA

                                              About Me Semi-Professional

                                              Verified Buyer

                                              Pros

                                              • Affordable
                                              • Durable
                                              • Easily Interchangeable
                                              • Easy To Clean
                                              • Lightweight
                                              • Rugged
                                              • Strong Construction

                                              Cons

                                              • Paint can scratch easily

                                              Best Uses

                                              • General Use
                                              • Support

                                              Comments about Cavision RS-15IIM Rod Support System for Mini DV Camcorders:

                                              The Cavision RS-15IIM Rod Support System is a great product! It is lightweight, the carbon fiber rails are sturdy, and the overall ease of use and construction is excellent. It easily mounts on a tripod, and easily supports my Panasonic HVX with the Letus Extreme Lens Adaptor. I couldn't be happier! Don't let the price get you down, this is a great product and is very versatile. It also has many accessories that you can buy separately such as a shoulder mount, or hand grips. It is the most affordable rod support system especially for those of us who don't have [...] to spend on the more expensive rail systems out there.

                                              Comment on this review

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                                              What's in the Box

                                              Cavision RS-15IIM Rod Support System for Mini DV Camcorders- FX-1, Z1U, DVX-100, XL-2
                                              • 90 Day Warranty
                                               
                                               
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