Where to buy (good) used light stands?

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Fahnon

Well-known member
I'm putting together a light kit (a few Lowel DPs and Totas) but I'm going the used route. I'm hitting a bit of a wall when it comes to finding stands. Craigslist is surprisingly sparse for this sort of thing (being in NYC and all). Other than the obvious ebay searching where would you go to get used stands on the cheap? Also any recommendations for stands that will be sturdy holding the DP lights is much appreciated. Thanks!

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this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/262758-REG/Impact_LS_6B_Light_Stand_Black.html might not be what you're looking for, i picked one up recently and it's a little short and a little flimsy... but if you're using a gobo head and arm (which I always do anyway) stick a sandbag on there and you'll be good to go for a crazy cheap price.

and speaking of b&h, i stop by there frequently and every now and then they do have some pretty solid (though banged up) used lightstands for sale, pretty cheap. just keep an eye out. (in fact, looking at the used section in many camera shops is probably a good place to start, I think both adorama and 17th street photo have used sections though i've never personally seen lightstands there... I wouldn't be surprised if you could find good deals calling up rental houses and seeing what they're trying to get rid of, either)
 
sonofaresiii said:
this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/262758-REG/Impact_LS_6B_Light_Stand_Black.html might not be what you're looking for, i picked one up recently and it's a little short and a little flimsy... but if you're using a gobo head and arm (which I always do anyway) stick a sandbag on there and you'll be good to go for a crazy cheap price.

and speaking of b&h, i stop by there frequently and every now and then they do have some pretty solid (though banged up) used lightstands for sale, pretty cheap. just keep an eye out. (in fact, looking at the used section in many camera shops is probably a good place to start, I think both adorama and 17th street photo have used sections though i've never personally seen lightstands there... I wouldn't be surprised if you could find good deals calling up rental houses and seeing what they're trying to get rid of, either)
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Thanks for the suggestions. Here at the job we have a couple of those stands and I'm worried their too flimsy for the DP lights. The Tota I just got should be fine on one so I'll probably get one, but it'd be terrible to have a DP light fall because the bulb is more expensive than the stand itself. I looked at B&H's used area and they didn't have anything. I'll try Adorama and 17th St. Since you live in NYC do you know of any smaller mom and pop type shops that might deal in this sort of thing?
 
Terry_Lasater said:
PM sent? How am I supposed to carry on not knowing what you're wanting to buy from Paul? The suspense is killing me.
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Haha provided you're still with us (I've kept you in suspense for days), I can tell you I'm looking for something comparable to the Lowel KS stands but something off-brand and cheaper or used. Something sturdy that can easily hold DP lights and associated flags and gels and umbrellas. Hopefully air-cushioned, but I can live without that. Ideal price would be under $50 per stand, but I'm starting to doubt I can find anything that low.
 
Fahnon said:
Thanks for the suggestions. Here at the job we have a couple of those stands and I'm worried their too flimsy for the DP lights. The Tota I just got should be fine on one so I'll probably get one, but it'd be terrible to have a DP light fall because the bulb is more expensive than the stand itself. I looked at B&H's used area and they didn't have anything. I'll try Adorama and 17th St. Since you live in NYC do you know of any smaller mom and pop type shops that might deal in this sort of thing?
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Unfortunately there's nothing I can recommend that wouldn't have the same stuff as at B&H/adorama. A few extra places to look that may have used light stands but nothing guaranteed-- chances are equally as good finding something at the places already mentioned. NYC and "Mom and pop shop" aren't very synonymous anymore. Just gotta keep your eye open and you'll find something eventually.
 
Pyramid films (google 'em). If there aren't stands on their site, call them.

Personally, I've never once liked an "air-cushioned" stand, just makes them hard to close. I see that as an "added feature" for hobbyists to feel like they bought another bell & whistle.

I've bought many stands from eBay, but stuff like Matthews and Avenger - roller stands, babies, etc. C-stands tend to go for close to new on the bay though.

Manfrotto steel tripod stands are decent if you're looking for that sort of stand (and for every c-stand or roller I have, I probably have three of those, good for cards, flags, etc). But decent stands - Avengers, Matthews, etc - those are "buy-once" deals. I have c-stands that I bought 18 years ago. NONE of my steel tripods have lasted nearly that long.

If cash is just to tight for pro stands, grab a couple steel tripods from a decent eBay seller - they'll last a while, and man - you can NEVER have enough stands.
 
Michael Carter said:
Pyramid films (google 'em). If there aren't stands on their site, call them.

Personally, I've never once liked an "air-cushioned" stand, just makes them hard to close. I see that as an "added feature" for hobbyists to feel like they bought another bell & whistle.

I've bought many stands from eBay, but stuff like Matthews and Avenger - roller stands, babies, etc. C-stands tend to go for close to new on the bay though.

Manfrotto steel tripod stands are decent if you're looking for that sort of stand (and for every c-stand or roller I have, I probably have three of those, good for cards, flags, etc). But decent stands - Avengers, Matthews, etc - those are "buy-once" deals. I have c-stands that I bought 18 years ago. NONE of my steel tripods have lasted nearly that long.

If cash is just to tight for pro stands, grab a couple steel tripods from a decent eBay seller - they'll last a while, and man - you can NEVER have enough stands.
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Damn good advice. Thanks, man...
 
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