I had planned to write a love letter to C-stands, but then I remembered this video that caught my attention a year ago. Trigger warning; this video is not that new, but C-stands aren’t either, and they happen to be one of the most valuable pieces of kit I have ever laid my hands on. The video goes through the many, many ways in which to make use of them, and, I must say, in a very entertaining way.
I find this video not just informative in explaining how to safely set up and store C-stands, but also in shedding light on some lesser-known but highly useful setups. What the video doesn’t show is how you can use a purpose-made heavy-duty boom arm instead of the standard arm when you need a little extra rigging length.
I use them to hang tracing paper rolls to diffuse light, to hold various flags, and as DIY overhead stands for my camera. And yes, I sometimes put a light on it. In my honest opinion, you can never have too many C-stands. The brands do differ and are perhaps not made equal. Let me know your preferred brand in the comments and if you use gloves to handle them.
Excellent and concise, highly informative, no nonsense video.
Wish more people took this straight-to-the-point approach.
This was a great video. I love watching grip guys talk about their stands and techniques. I still don't know half of the lingo they use but it shows how seriously they all take their jobs. Today I learned my spring clamps are called "Ponies" haha.
Nice and the title is dead on unlike many other "for your click only" reviews and articles.
These are some very solid tips. Some of them I learned the hard while working as a gaffer. ;)
(In Germany gaffer also do the gripping – I know in the US it is divided between electricians and grips)