Stands, an Overview
|
A stand is a primary tool for positioning a light. While even the newest user will immediately know it as something to mount lights on top of, more advanced users know that stands have many uses; such as a component of a boom, a background support, or with other accessories to support and position not only lights but reflectors and props in unusual positions. |
The average location lighting kit will come with stands that are selected to match the size & weight of the lights in the kit, but there can also be situations where you need to select the proper stand for the use at hand.
|
|
|
|
Lowel Stands Pictured Above: 1. Uni-Stand (UN-33); 2. Uni TO Stand (UN-55); 3. Omni-stand (O1-33); 4. Uni Sr. Stand (UN-66); 5. KS Jr. Stand (DT-33) 6. KS Stand (KS); 7. KSA Stand (KSA); 8. Full Pole (FP); 9. Grand Stand (GS); 10. Half Pole (KPH) |
|
 |
Stand Basics |
|
Stands come in a number of sizes. They vary in how tall they go, how much weight they can safely support, how wide their base/legs can spread out, and finally how small they can collapse down to. Always read the instructions that come with a stand fully.
The center structure of a collapsible stand is essentially telescopic, narrower sections (the top) are extended & locked from wider sections (the bottom). The generally accepted method of raising a stand recommends not extending the full length of any riser section unless needed. One approach is to visually gauge the amount of height needed to position the light, and spread that equally amongst all the risers. This avoids extending any riser fully, which keeps more stability but still allows some room for adjustment. Another approach uses the lowest sections first, and moves up to the smaller sections only if needed. Again, this is for stability. |
For heavier loads, the top riser might be raised only a few inches or not at all. It being the thinnest section, it is therefore the least stable.
If you already know you are going to need most of the height of a stand, mount your light and start extending sections with the top riser first. Continue extending the stand by adding the lower riser sections. Height adjustments are then made later on the lower sections. When adjusting a stand with heavier light fixture mounted on top, Take great care when loosening locking collar to avoid a sudden drop which can injure both you and the fixture. In situations like this, consider using a stand whose riser sections are air-cushioned, like the Lowel KSA or Grand Stand. When a section collar is loosened, the drop is dampened to avoid damaging shock to the bulb, pinched fingers, or the rig suddenly crashing down. |
|
||
 Some lights have stand fittings that are positioned off center, making their load unbalanced. At full height this can contribute to stand instability. Use a larger stand if needed.
|
Run the power cord under the stand so if the cord gets pulled or tripped on it will tend to slide the stand sideways instead of pulling it over.
|
 A stand has the most stability when its legs are spread as wide as possible. Use common sense when 'skinnying up' the legs to fit a stand into a smaller area. The narrower the base, the less stable the stand. And it gets worse the higher the stand is set.
|
