Compact Studio Stands

[calebarchie]

Hi guys,

I have been searching for a rather compact studio stand for a repro setup in my container (see signature for more). I thought I had it narrowed down to a few models (namely the Foba ASLAI) but more and more rather unknown models keep popping up. As you can imagine space is limited inside of a container so it really needs to have a small footprint, I plan to use a VX125 on it, with a geared head plus the back and lens lets say we are looking @ around 5KG load. For now I can get away with my tripod but a stand would be much more convenient - can anybody share some suggestions of models they know of or have used that may work in my scenario?

For example, I just came across a Linhof Studio Stand II (https://www.linhofstudio.com/products/Linhof-Tripods/Linhof_Studio_Stand_II#) which looks ideal aside from the price. These almost never come up for sale used and I bet there is a lot more unknown models around that will also suit.

Any help is greatly appreciated!
C

 

[calebarchie]

Some more examples:

 

[AgX]

Have you ever considered modifying a standard stand to your dimensional requirements?

 

[calebarchie]

Have you ever considered modifying a standard stand to your dimensional requirements?

Depends what you mean, I could probably build something suitable from scratch (but have enough on my plate at the moment). If I can get something that will fit for a reasonable amount that would be more convenient of course. I know Cambo and others offer custom height options for a fee however my main concern is the footprint (eg base and cross arm) which is not as easy to modify.

It also comes down the availability - I'd rather not modify something new and most of the local used stuff is far too big anyway.

 

[choiliefan]

I cut a foot off the center tube of a Bogen Salon stand so it doesn't scrape the ceiling.
Hasn't really been a problem but some day I'd like to shorten the cable for the counter weight.
Physically, the thing is still big though.

 

[AgX]

Depends what you mean, I could probably build something suitable from scratch .... my main concern is the footprint (eg base and cross arm) which is not as easy to modify.

For the footprint you could take off the wheels and remount them more towards center and cut off the protruding parts of the legs. Whith a casted leg that might be a troublesome as there might be only on casted plarform to mount a wheel onto, but with designs as at the Inka stand, legs from extruded tube, such would be most easy.

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

Look for a Bogen or Arkay stand. They made some that are smaller in footprint and with shorter columns (or columns you could shorten). And they'll be (relatively) inexpensive.

 

[calebarchie]

For the footprint you could take off the wheels and remount them more towards center and cut off the protruding parts of the legs. Whith a casted leg that might be a troublesome as there might be only on casted plarform to mount a wheel onto, but with designs as at the Inka stand, legs from extruded tube, such would be most easy.

Sure I considered this for the Inka, including cutting the cross arm - in the end it was too much effort for the price he was asking. If I picked it up for very little then the work is justified.

Look for a Bogen or Arkay stand. They made some that are smaller in footprint and with shorter columns (or columns you could shorten). And they'll be (relatively) inexpensive.

I don't think many Arkays made it over here, haven't come across a used manfrotto locally yet the bases are quite big though might have to replace. Thank you for the suggestion

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

Another brand to look for, although they're probably quite rare in Oz, is Union Brothers. Also Saltzman. Saltzmans are generally quite huge, so they're probably not a great fit, but they did make some studio tripods that you could put on a dolly and are pneumatically balanced on the central column like some of the TV camera stands you were looking at.

 

[calebarchie]

A few more oddball models:

The last in an old Cambo MST - probably the most likely one to find in Australia so far..

 

[calebarchie]

Bump!