|
There are some DIY solutions out there, but I was allways a bit hesitatnt of the counter weight solution. (And I didn't had any idea how I would solve the base wich I didn't liked in those builds). Browsing aliexpress, i found a column light stand wich looked interesting, and I thought this was an attractive product to try out. For 80 bucks, and the option to use it for low angle lights (siblstage) I gave it a shot. Was pleasantly surprised when it arrived. The stainless steel center column (several elements screwed together) is 3.5 cm, and the legs are massive and foldeable  The grip is cast alluminum, and can be disassembled by unscrewing. The inside of the front part of is is pretty much empty. -I attached 4x 2020 3d print sliders (two on each side) by using the two existing holes with M5 50mm sunk head screws. -Then I Feed 2x 1.5m 2020 profiles in each side, and adjusted the slider plates into position and fixiated them by the two screws. -After this I predrilled the holes for the additional screws using the plate holes as a template. (Predrilled with d3, removed the plates, and opened the holes with d5.5). -When I reattached the plates (using a thin nut, otherwise it would scrape / block the 2020 profiles) I saw off a small piece of a third profile and connected the 1.5m bars with some angle connectors at the front. -Then I drilled a hole in it at the center for a 1/4 - 20 screw and connected a Manfroto Move to it. -I planed to use a 3/8-16, but they didn't arrived in time. Also after the fact I think, it would lead to structural instabillity of the profile.  I choose the Move, since it allows me to exchange the heads, AND have adjusteability in the rotation of the photo head. And thats pretty much it. Sliding the arm down is a bit rough and not that easy to adjust, while sliding up is pretty smooth. I 'm also able to rotate the arm without rotating the base, wich is a bonus I didn't realised until everything was build together. With the Canon D600 I can expand the arm about 1meter, sliding it further would need some sandbags as counterweight. We will see how well this will workout. Currently I'm happy. Without the move it would be around 130 bucks, wich is half the price of a used professional column stand, and a tenth of a new stand And even if I get tired of it, I can easily unscrew everything and sell it by shipping :) |
