best c stands

doubledark said:
Michael; are you able to post a pic of your setup?

cheers
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Sorry, just noticed this -

No pics, and I have the smallest-cheapest rock-n-roller, and I don't have the tabletop thing for it.

But basically, I have an amazing view-camera case that I found for a steal and it's configured to hold my camera, on rails, with the matte box. Pull it out and stick in on the tripod, and the case holds 4x4's, batteries, FF and a couple lenses. I have a big roller-case for a quad biax and lots of lighting gear, usually a Pelican audio case, and a bag of stands, and a dairy crate with stingers and such.

#1 cart advice? If you have to tie stuff down, don't use bungees - get a couple "motorcycle tie down" straps. They're like 3/4" wide nylon with locking steel pull-through buckles. Work really well to snug everything down to your cart.

Look at this awesome case though… this was several cameras ago, bought it from a guy who shot 4x5 landscapes on film, I think it was custom made. Rollers and telescoping handles. Got it for $150. I'll own it til I die!!!

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Yes, Filmtools converted Junior Magliner. I got inspired by Charles Papert's cart.

And while nowhere near as flexible as his, by adding the triple header baby pin rail it allows me to mount dual monitors with scopes for easy A/B camera matching during low budget interview shoots when working solo.
 
Michael Carter said:
#1 cart advice? If you have to tie stuff down, don't use bungees - get a couple "motorcycle tie down" straps. They're like 3/4" wide nylon with locking steel pull-through buckles. Work really well to snug everything down to your cart
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My son "borrowed" my extra rope ratchets and I was in a bind.
 
To all tie-down users, if you want the ratcheting function to pull things tighter than you can comfortably do with your hands, then there are many options, but I've always been surprised that more people aren't using Ancra tie-downs. Ancra is instant.... just pull the tail and they hold wherever you stop pulling. No feeding and ratcheting, and no two-handed release. In the motorcycle world... Ancra is THE tie-down to use. Of course bikes have suspension, so the springs are pushing back... but just sayin'... for $22 a pair, Ancra is instant, easy, and can be done one-handed... as long as you don't need the leverage to ratchet the load down. I hate ratchet straps by comparison.
 
What kind of stands would you guys use to rig up a china ball that doesn't ever have to move?
 
QUOTE=David W. Jones;1986642020]Something like a simple eye hook. That way there are no stands to get in the way.[/QUOTE]


Ikea has a really good hook set with this cord. They include these plastic pieces that clip to the hook and it keep the cord from sliding down through a hooks when weight is applied. My gf had me installing one of these open faced hanging cords and I was really shocked by how useful it was for a permanent China ball type setup. Again this only really useful for the plastic clips and hooks. The cord is just a standard or less wattage rated cord and the fixture is plastic. But I've used several of these in my office and they're great.

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00312313/

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David W. Jones said:
Something like a simple eye hook. That way there are no stands to get in the way.
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Ah, you got me! I don't trust myself enough to correctly place the light the first, second, or even third time so drilling holes in my ceiling probably wouldn't be the best idea. If you had to pick a stand to rig up a china balll, which stand would you pick (is a more appropriate question)?
 
A: You don't need to drill a hole.

B: I would keep an eye open on places like eBay for a used C-Stand with grip arm. I'm big into saving money.
 
SDub said:
Ah, you got me! I don't trust myself enough to correctly place the light the first, second, or even third time so drilling holes in my ceiling probably wouldn't be the best idea. If you had to pick a stand to rig up a china balll, which stand would you pick (is a more appropriate question)?
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Well, you said "if it doesn't have to move"...

A stand and boom is only good if you can work within the throw of the boom. You're talking about 3' before the stand is in the shot (or in the way).

If there's a suspended ceiling, get a couple of those x-clips for ceiling grids. If the ceiling has exposed joists or pipes, a super clamp and pin would work with some tape.

If it's a very wide area, try 1/2" plumbing pipe, 10 feet, with a c-stand and super clamp at each end.

Or you could fasten a piece of, say 24" square plywood to the ceiling and mess with different placements or add a bunch of hooks.

Thing is, with a china your side-to-side moves don't have a massive effect if you're dialing it in over a table - you want more up-down control.
 
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