I'm always struck by the emphasis on safety, order and methodology that is common to actual professionals. This was super informative and well-presented, to the point where I probably learned more in these 10 minutes than I have in the past year.
One thing to remember when you are turning the C stand up-side-down to spread the feet is to make sure the extension knobs are tight first. Failure to do this when you turn the stand upright again can result in the stand expectantly reaching its full length perhaps striking someone standing nearby or the set/ expensive furniture/ the wall.
Good video. I'd only add a few things and they involve the amazingly useful split tennis balls. If you're inverting the c-stand to spread the legs, I suggest keeping that tennis ball on the tip, so you don't accidentally crack a tile (seen it done), or scratch a wood floor (seen that too). Also, I keep a bunch of split tennis balls handy when I'm shooting in someone's home or corporate offices. Place one on each foot so as not to scratch the floors. The color also helps people avoid kicking them when walking around a set. The client will appreciate the gesture, even if the floors have 18 coats of hard-coat polyurethane on them.
It says a lot about the quality of this video that I came for one small bit of info that was helpfully right at the start, and the clear, no filler style of it made me watch until the very end. Great work.
I have a spreader with a boom (purchased for mic), looking to get a C-stand, but not sure…I hoped C’s were less prone to tipping. Anyway, the “who cares” part was hilariously true!
“Why is it called a C-stand? Who cares.” Thank you, goddamnit thank you. One video spent almost 30 seconds going into the history and I was like “Does this guy not like retention?”
Excellent. I've been on set and working with C-stands on and off for decades, and I learned a lot here. Brilliant! Well done. BTW they are called C-Stands because the originals were Century Stands.
There’s a wrong way to open a stand. Mine came with a hex key. I couldn’t pull the legs apart, so I figured I was supposed to loosen up the joints with the hex key. So, I did. And the leg joint things fell off. I can’t put them back on. And that’s the wrong way to open a C-stand. 😐
thanx for showing the corner trick! that's what I was looking for. but which type of c-stand do I need for this?? I suppose the type that's called "rocky mountain" in another video?
I got here by chance. I didn't even know what a C-stand is, so I watched a little just to find out. Now I know, and I probably won't ever need to use one. But I just wanted to say that I love, LOVE, the look you have got in this video. Lighting and colour balance to live and die for. Nice one!
What gloves would you recommend for grip work so you don't get burned and stay safe, there's a bunch out there and thought you might know which ones to head towards. Love your video!
Thanks Kestrel. I see a good deal of people with Setwear or Ringer's Gloves but I like to use Petzl Cordex Plus gloves - but they're not cheap. If you're on set a lot as crew, then get good gloves. Cheap ones won't last very long.
thank you very much for this informative tutorial. I was about to invest in a C Stand which cost more than all the tripod stand I own in my studio.... which I find actually I have no use for C Stand actually. All these while I thought a C Stand would be much safer outdoors and to boom heavier lights with modifiers and I was planning to extend the boom the arm further than 40 inches with aditional grip heads... guess now it make sense to me... Thank you and God Bless You.. May your production be fruitful and successful. All the best from Malaysia
Thank you for taking the time and creating those with such detail info. If you don't have one, I would love one about all those pins, baby pins, studs, what is what and for what! Clamps, super clamps etc. This is all new, and adding language difference, even more, confusing when reading just descriptions on the internet shopping sites!
Thank you Magdelena. Fortunately it's quite simple. There isn't very many options. There are only two ways to mount a light or grip. Baby pins & Junior Receivers. They also go by another name 750 pin or 2k receiver. This number refers to the average light wattage that are typically paired these pins or receivers. However, 2k receivers can take lights as large as 20/18,000 watts, and 750 pins can take anything from 100w to 2k watts. It's obviously an estimation at best. Most lights that you can lift as one person will typically (but not always) fit on a stand with a 750 pin. If it's heavy enough to require a 2nd person, you'll always need a 2k stand. Hope that makes sense to you. As for clamps, it's also just as easy. There are some fun types of clamps out there for sure, like chain vices, duck-bills, etc - honestly, if you're just starting out, you'll likely never need to use these. They're quite esoteric. The only clamps we use on a daily basis are cardellini (aka mathellini) clamps or super clamps. Simple as that. Hope that helps.
Fantastic video! I think for the solo filmmakers/videographers who are go-go-go they try to MacGyver or use 'common sense' with C-Stands but just like with any tool it'll benefit you to take the time to learn its strengths and weaknesses and how to properly use it in different scenarios. So much useful info packed into 10 minutes!
Thank you Dana! Re: gloves. To maintain the use of your fingers well into the future. I honestly can't imagine ever working on set without my gloves. Seems reckless to me.
Hi there! Thank you for your video. I have a question though...may I know what's the size of the locking knob between the legs and main body? As I have accidentally lost it. I'm not sure whether other C stands' knob will be compatible with my kupo C stand. Thank you!
Man, I can’t thank you enough. I know stands seem like such a simple thing, but the last thing I want is to have a light fall and either hurt someone or just damage the gear. So thank you! I was curious if you had recommendations on solid complete c stand brands, and spreader stand brands? I was also wondering what would be recommended to boom a light out rather far and high up (such as an Aputure 300DII with a lantern attached)? As it seems something like a Matthews Mini Max is most ideal, yet those are quite pricey. Nonetheless, thanks for the content; subscribed!
Thanks Jarret! I'll say what I've said to another viewer - that I've never seen a situation where one c-stand company is better than another. It's a very universal design. Over the years I've use Kupo, Matthews, Avenger, Manfrotto - and to be honest, they're all the same. What separates them is their design (for example, Kupo have a quick lock ring). Buy the stand you need and the stand you can afford. That's basically it. Same for spreader stands. Know what you're putting on it, and that will dictate if you can get away with an aluminum, or if you need to go with steel. In terms of the boom - I would say that you should either get a 1K boom pole, or if you have the space; buy a menace arm kit and some extruded aluminum pipe. The youtube channel Grip Tips has a great video on setting up a menace arm kit if you've never done that before. Good luck!
Hi Dale, I just purchased my first set of C Stands from Lencarta, this was super helpful, I didn't know what I didn't know, now I do thanks to you. (Subbed)
Much appreciated. I use one with a boom cradle 12 or 18 foot carbon fiber poles for shotgun mic. Much easier on the boom operators back for those long drawn out scenes. I always put the tall leg with the boom, but never knew to put the sand bag on it, in front, always thought it should be on the opposite rear leg as a counterbalance. thanks so much, learn something everyday
This is great! One wee question. My C-stands all have a 5/8" (or is it 1/4"?) nipple in the center of the legs, at the bottom, pointing downward. The only thing I can imagine this being used for is possibly mounting a camera upside-down, just above the floor. And that seems like an odd idea. What's the purpose of this connector?
You specify *GLOVES* several times, but don't say why. What is the advantage of gloves? I only use gloves for welding, to keep the arc from burning my skin.
I feel like I did mention it in the video. No one likes to get their hands crushed. Sure, a work glove isn't armour - but it makes a huge difference when it comes to moving and operating steel stands, rigging, and lights. You're welcome to work on set without gloves if you feel like I need to be be proved wrong.
This is the best C Stand video I’ve seen. In my 6 years shooting this is the first time I’ve actually wanted one. Thank you! Unrelated, I’m trying to find some sort of spied version of a super clamp, I’m thinking one with a toggle clamp or some other faster method than spinning the back handle. Any insights?
Thank you BF! I’m not sure what you’re referring to in the 2nd bit of your comment. Care to elaborate a bit more? I’m not sure what you mean by “spied”
can someone explain the phsics as to why the weight (sandbag) is added to the front leg? wouldnt it be more useful securing the weaker back legs especially if there's weight on the front leg?
Thanks for the support! In terms of your question, at the very least you will need a good 2K combi stand (ideally steel, but aluminum is fine if you bag appropriately). Then you’ll need a 2K boom pole. You should also get a racket strap like I do in the video or a magic arm with two mafer clamps as a way to secure the boom from any slippage or failure. Make sure you bag each leg of the stand on the outside (not on the cross bars). The bag should ideally get hung up on the machines bolts of the cross arm.
I loved this video. "Why is it called a C-stand? Who Cares." YES! I don't need the history of how it was made, and who created it, etc-- just tell me how I can use it.
Very thorough video, thank you! From and old Film Guy here, I appreciate the short, concise videos with tons of info. Well done! By the way- "C-Stand" is short for "Century Stand," one of the original makers. Much like Kleenex vs. Facial Tissue. Cheers from Flagstaff!
Before watching this video, I knew the stand will be great. After watching this; I’m intimidated and a little overwhelmed on how I’m actually going to use it 😵
Great video. So apart from the ability to manipulate the position of the legs to fit into tricky spaces like corners etc, what are the benefits of using a c-stand over a similar weighted spreader stand with a grip-head? Won't it essential allow you to do the same things?
Yep! C-stands are more commonly used indoors and spreaders are used outdoors where more stability is required. C-stands are more maneuverable in tight spaces than spreaders.
Hey this is a great video thanks! I have a question @ 6:07 - is there any reason I shouldn't put the attached head onto the c-stand and use the detached head at the end of the extension arm? It looks like in this example that you don't have any of the arm hanging out the back.
This by far the best c stand video i ever see! If you allow me one question please. Which is your favorite c stand brand and why?! Thanks in advance and sorry for my English I'm still learning Have a Productive and Healthy day!
Thank you Freddy! To be honest I don’t have a favourite. Most stands are the same, in the general sense. I do think the Kupo is a great value for how well built they are. I particularly like the ring lock as it makes setting up and striking much faster and easier for those who may not be so strong.
