2017-06-02T13:30:09
Rated 5 out of 5
convert to a lightstand!
These units are the same design as Manfrotto lightstands. In fact I'm pretty sure Manfrotto makes them. But they're about a foot taller than anything else of this type that I've been able to find. That's the real reason I've bought six of them. If Manfrotto still produces them as stands, they don't market them in the U.S.
To convert one to a lightstand just takes a couple of steps, neither of them too elaborate:
1.- Chop off the end of the top pole, right below the bracket, with a hacksaw.
2.- Then you can do one of two things. File down the diameters on one side of a Manfrotto stud adapter, and gently hammer it into the cut end of the top tube. (https://www.adorama.com/bg3094.html) When you hammer use lots of small taps, not a few big bangs. Once the stud adapter seats there'll be an end sticking out just like a regular 5/8 inch lightstand tip. Add epoxy or some adhesive first if you like, but a good friction fit should serve well by itself.
OR! Go to the hardware store and find a "spacer" or "sleeve" that is:
-metal, preferably brass,
-at least one inch long,
-one-half inch on the inside,
-five-eighths inch on the outside.
Use a hammer carefully to seat the sleeve around the cut end at the top of the stand. The outer diameter of the top stand tube is just about a half-inch, so the sleeve should fit right over it and hold in place by friction. Brass or steel should be able to take the strain of the flash holder's tightening screw without collapsing. For more support inside the tube, you could fill the interior gap with machine screw or nut, but I've gotten by fine without bothering.
Just one word of caution, aside from noting the obvious risks of hammering metal stuff: Clamp or secure the top stand section in some way so the force of your hammering doesn't cause the top length to somehow damage another part of the stand.
MICHAEL B.
2013-10-28T21:00:00
Rated 1 out of 5
Difficult Operation
The clips that hold the screen in are difficult to open for set up and removal of the collapsible background. Also, does not hold the background in a flat position, creating unwanted shadows. Probably should have two on hand to make the screen stay flat.
JMBennion
2012-12-23T19:00:00
Rated 4 out of 5
Perfect for collapsible back grounds
I purchased this stand because I already owned a collapsible background and needed a portable way of setting it up without dragging a lot of heavy gear with me. It's very light weight, and while I have not set it up outside in windy conditions, it worked more than adequate inside. Than background is 5x7 and the stand is tall enough to keep it off the ground a foot or two and position it without fear of tipping over. It comes with the clips you need to grab the background. From the stand to the clips, everything feels sturdy. I would recommend purchasing this for anyone needing a traveling stand for a collapsible background. I didn't rate this five stars only because it does not come with a case/ bag to carry it in, other than that it's perfect
Frank
2010-03-26T21:00:00
Rated 4 out of 5
Very Useful
Great holder for flexible backdrops for portrait work.
KJN P.
2010-01-18T19:00:00
Rated 5 out of 5
Lightweight &easy with other uses too
I bought the Westcott support stand to go with their small collapsible grey background. The stand folds up to a small size,is very light weight [but stable] and easy to use. It also came in very handy the other day when I had to shoot historical pictures under glass [client insisted they could not be removed] I used the stand [clip on the top and floating clip on bottom of the stand] to hold a white reflector board to minimize reflections. Worked fantastic -I can see using this stasnd for several things. Great product!
Bill A.
