Do you know what the "c" is for in the name, c-stand? As a photographer or filmmaker who uses these daily, you should. This video gives information you must know about c-stands, how to use them on set, and what to do and what not to do when using them.
Full disclosure, I didn't know the "c" is for century stand, and I didn't know you had a left and right side, of which the right-side tightens by itself. I didn't know what a rocky-mount base was either, and I never checked or knew that some c-stands could actually lift up like that.
The next time I'm on set, I will be the most knowledgeable photographer, shouting at the assistant setting the c-stand up incorrectly, and I will tell the team all about the glory of the c-stand.
On set we learn names of things by either using them or by someone calling out the words in a rush to get the next shot. On a day of shooting, whether you are in charge of lighting or the photographer, many things happen, and it's not always easy to think about what you've learned. The aim is to get the shots. But from this video, I noticed that I often take things for granted, and after the next shoot, I will surely take more time reflecting on the shoot day and how it all came together with the use of the unsung hero, the mighty c-stand.
I guess we know who taught Patrick to set his c-stands. C-stands and other grip heads should NEVER be set with the weight turning the knuckle to the left, like they are several times in this video. There is no actual locking mechanism on grip heads, so the weight of whatever is on the end of the arm will loosen the head over time unless the arm is set to the right (righty-tighty, lefty-loosey). This causes a safety issue and can seriously injure someone if they get hit with a falling light or flag.
edit: even though he states the right hand rule correctly, he shows it incorrectly several times in the beginning of the video.
"Righty-Tighty" -- that's the easiest way to remember it, especially if you're under pressure on a shoot with a million and one other thing to think about. :)
exactly. I was expounding on it for those that didn't understand.