Matthpoles vs Autopoles?

Moseph

Moseph

Veteran
I was surprised to not find anything on this subject when I did a google search. Anyone have any information as to which (if any) is superior? The only thing I can come up with is the different length ranges. A longer pole that's extended out less should be more stable than a shorter pole that's extended to it's outer limits. Anything on the actual build quality of the two?
 
Just use a wall spreader, you'll have to cut some lumber to fit the space, but it's much more secure.
 
RyanT said:
Just use a wall spreader, you'll have to cut some lumber to fit the space, but it's much more secure.
Click to expand...
Doesn't something have to be bolted into the walls for those? If so, it's out of the question, I can't be patching up and repainting holes in locations at the (low) level that I'm at. Otherwise I'm completely open to it, I have tools for cutting lumber (just finished a set of nesting apple boxes today actually). Only thing is than that I can't really figure out what they are. I've seen pictures of two different types - one in which the fixture hangs on an arch affixed to the walls, made out of a material unknown to me. It would appear that the more weight is on the arch, the more pressure is exerted on the walls. The other type just uses a 2x4 placed in some end caps, one of which has some hardware that lets it expand, placing pressure on the 2x4 and the walls. This sounds like what you're talking about as well as the simpler kind, but is anything holding it place other than the friction? The end caps clearly have screw holes in them, but I'm not sure if they're necessary to use.
 
> Doesn't something have to be bolted into the walls for those?

No, not necessarily. You can if you really want it to hold some weight, or you can just use the screw mechanism to put pressure on the walls - like a polecat. Make sure you put it on a stud otherwise you will be patching holes in the walls - quite big ones at that... Another option is to brace the sides with vertical 2x4, painted or dressed to match the set.
 
The longer Autopole/Matthpole(s) are for mounting vertical, & generally used for hanging seamless, or similar. Used horizontally they'll sag, & won't support much weight.

The short versions can be used to hang lightweight lamps, such as 4Bank without ballast.
 
If you are hanging anything heavy from overhead neither are a safe, secure option. As mentioned above wall spreaders are a far more reliable way to accomplish this.
 
I get that. This is mainly for hallways, so we're talking about the smallest of them available. Is there really a difference at that level?
 
The Matthpoles I purchased years did not have a safety pin/lock that prevented the arm lever from springing open on it's own. The Autopoles have a little red button release for this purpose. It seems from the image from the Matthews site that the design has not changed. I use velcro straps to prevent the lever from being released unintentionally.
 
I am grappling with this same issue. I shoot a lot in small locations. I have, to date, used Manfrotto autopoles with Mafer clamps, horizontally. I can hang an inbetweenie as a hair light, or a Pepper for a kicker but more than that, it bows and causes me concern (and the derision of hired grips!). Grips don't like 'em! I asked that grip about an alternative. The answer was "wallbangers." That grip went on to tell a happy tale about punching through a wall with them in a house location and with a chuckle said "That's what insurance is for.." Great!

When the autopole works, it's the perfect solution especially for wides. I've hung a single tweenie on one also, bounced it and it was good. However, I need something on which I can hang a Kino Diva and a 650 fresnel. So... I'm a little stuck here myself and am looking for solutions.

The question is, how can I safely expand 12 - 24 feet with a "pole" to hang a Diva and a fresnel other than an autopole (if matthpoles are better, I'll get them but they seem the same) without sinking screws? Will this work to hold them if I don't sink screw but mount "on" a stud? http://www.filmandvideolighting.com/mostpitewafo1.html. Does this system require exact pipe lengths or can one use "couplers?" It looks like one element there is a coupler so that's my hope. The nice thing about the autopoles is that their length is variable. How is that acheived with the pipe system? Do you cut pipe on location? Has anyone put together a workable "collection" of pipe sizes to avoid cutting on site?

What is the pipe for a system like this. Is it 1 1/2" electrical conduit? Say it ain't galvanized pipe! Can't be, that would weigh a ton. It's got to be aluminum right?
 
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