C-stands facts, misconceptions, & advanced uses

[@acouragefann]

A 10 minute long video with essentially no unnecessary filler and all subject matter? Subscribed.

[@vistek]

Thank you MC !!

[@CirqueitOfficial]

yeah. this is one of the best youtube channels ever imo

[@GarageGeek]

Best C-Stand video on KZbin!

[@declicked]

exactly.

[@wendyewing5305]

Agree!

[@stevofoo]

BEST C-STAND TUTORIAL!!!!!!

[@vistek]

Thank you Steve! Really appreciate that you took the time to say so!

[@stevofoo]

@@vistek we really appreciate you took the time to make these great video as well!!! Thank you again!!! Great channel!!! ☺️

[@gervaldofrancisco7794]

I swearrrrr

[@OrenArieli]

Good video. I'd only add a few things and they involve the amazingly useful split tennis balls. If you're inverting the c-stand to spread the legs, I suggest keeping that tennis ball on the tip, so you don't accidentally crack a tile (seen it done), or scratch a wood floor (seen that too). Also, I keep a bunch of split tennis balls handy when I'm shooting in someone's home or corporate offices. Place one on each foot so as not to scratch the floors. The color also helps people avoid kicking them when walking around a set. The client will appreciate the gesture, even if the floors have 18 coats of hard-coat polyurethane on them.

[@matt-marque]

I'm always struck by the emphasis on safety, order and methodology that is common to actual professionals. This was super informative and well-presented, to the point where I probably learned more in these 10 minutes than I have in the past year.

[@vistek]

Thanks for the amazing comment Matt! I really appreciate it! Knowing that you found it that helpful makes me very happy.

[@dchillman]

The most comprehensive C-Stand video out there. Kudos.

[@vistek]

Thank you so much Dave! Really appreciate the wonderful comment. Means a great deal.

[@lobisw]

It says a lot about the quality of this video that I came for one small bit of info that was helpfully right at the start, and the clear, no filler style of it made me watch until the very end. Great work.

[@vistek]

Thank you Lobi! Warms my heart!

[@orangejjay]

This is easily the best c stand video on KZbin. And thanks to it, I have all I need to know about them (and some glorious tips like ALWAYS. WEAR. GLOVES. and to mount a light to a grip head and not just directly to the end of the arm). ❤

[@vistek]

Thank you so much orangejjay!! So very much appreciated.

[@SomewhatAbnormal]

10 minutes that are worth watching. There are many more videos on C-stands but this is by far the best.

[@vistek]

Really appreciate the great comment, BRS!! 🙏🏼

[@andyoncam1]

One thing to remember when you are turning the C stand up-side-down to spread the feet is to make sure the extension knobs are tight first. Failure to do this when you turn the stand upright again can result in the stand expectantly reaching its full length perhaps striking someone standing nearby or the set/ expensive furniture/ the wall.

[@jacquesmersereau4173]

And watch out putting a scratch or dent into the floor when setting the stand tip on ot it - not a good look for the homeowner.

[@orthoooo]

your toe nails will thank you as well

[@IWTBFOY]

Wow such an awesome video. I been doing production for 8 years and still learned some new stuff in this video.

[@vistek]

Thanks Victor! Super appreciate the great comment! 🙏🏼

[@theopats2660]

It was 10 minutes full of useful information and no advertising. Excellent video

[@vistek]

Thank you Theo! Mission accomplished!

[@JonasBecker]

So much valuable information, you wouldn't get without being on countless big sets, holy moly! Thank you so much!

[@vistek]

Thanks for the great comment, Jonas!

[@Mike0193Azul]

Very thorough and in depth thank you

[@rich8037]

I got here by chance. I didn't even know what a C-stand is, so I watched a little just to find out. Now I know, and I probably won't ever need to use one. But I just wanted to say that I love, LOVE, the look you have got in this video. Lighting and colour balance to live and die for. Nice one!

[@vistek]

Thank you Richard! Really wonderful comment!

[@michaelmcphee2930]

Impressive vid, on point throughout, effectively presented in about ten minutes. I'm a retired on site safety advisor that worked in construction and was pleased to see the effort made on promoting safety. Good advice and wise considering the litigious nature of many these days. Excellent.

[@vistek]

Thank you Michael! Safety first! Keep your fingers and eyeballs intact!

[@magdalenastone724]

Thank you for taking the time and creating those with such detail info. If you don't have one, I would love one about all those pins, baby pins, studs, what is what and for what! Clamps, super clamps etc. This is all new, and adding language difference, even more, confusing when reading just descriptions on the internet shopping sites!

[@vistek]

Thank you Magdelena. Fortunately it's quite simple. There isn't very many options. There are only two ways to mount a light or grip. Baby pins & Junior Receivers. They also go by another name 750 pin or 2k receiver. This number refers to the average light wattage that are typically paired these pins or receivers. However, 2k receivers can take lights as large as 20/18,000 watts, and 750 pins can take anything from 100w to 2k watts. It's obviously an estimation at best. Most lights that you can lift as one person will typically (but not always) fit on a stand with a 750 pin. If it's heavy enough to require a 2nd person, you'll always need a 2k stand. Hope that makes sense to you. As for clamps, it's also just as easy. There are some fun types of clamps out there for sure, like chain vices, duck-bills, etc - honestly, if you're just starting out, you'll likely never need to use these. They're quite esoteric. The only clamps we use on a daily basis are cardellini (aka mathellini) clamps or super clamps. Simple as that. Hope that helps.

[@MultiKinglarry]

Wow! This happened to be my first C-stand video… no need for any other … ever! Thanks

[@vistek]

Thanks Yogi Bear!!

[@SathanaST]

This video are so jam packed with quality content which are very rare these days. Respect.

[@vistek]

Thank you Sathana! What a wonderful comment! 🙏🏼

[@midwestdocumentarycenterin1680]

The corner application at 7:15 was a new one for me. Thanks for this!

[@vistek]

Thanks for the kind comment!

[@mrbardo]

Absolutely superb video with no waffle - just solid advice from someone who clearly knows what they're talking about. Thank you!

[@vistek]

Thank you Jason! Really appreciate it!

[@danaross]

Excellent. I've been on set and working with C-stands on and off for decades, and I learned a lot here. Brilliant! Well done. BTW they are called C-Stands because the originals were Century Stands.

[@ThingsStudsBuy]

Great info + tips + clear details + no fluff + no music = new subscriber

[@vistek]

Thank you for your support & kind words!

[@plutomarket]

Simply cool video! Easy though very informative. Thanks!

[@vistek]

Thanks for the great comment!

[@HDEFMAN1]

This is one fascinating video. I was hooked right from the beginning. The depth of knowledge on display here is impressive.

[@vistek]

Thank you for the great comment!

[@Tailslaters]

I skinny up/squash a c-stand to a wall all the time, but haven't seen the corner skinny! I love that this now exists in my brain. Thanks!

[@vistek]

Sweet! Thanks for the great comment!

[@GuyBoggan]

BY FAR the best C-stand tutorial I've seen, top job 👏🏼

[@vistek]

Thank you Guy!

[@Wizdumb97]

You just taught me almost too much information within 10 minutes. Absolutely a great video. Thanks for the knowledge. Amazing video unlike so many that are online. Thank you.

[@vistek]

Thank you Wizdumb! Super appreciate the support & kind words!

[@ernie28ernie]

Best video about c-stands I ever watched, with lots of professional tips. Thank You! :)

[@theonemodifier]

Much appreciated. I use one with a boom cradle 12 or 18 foot carbon fiber poles for shotgun mic. Much easier on the boom operators back for those long drawn out scenes. I always put the tall leg with the boom, but never knew to put the sand bag on it, in front, always thought it should be on the opposite rear leg as a counterbalance. thanks so much, learn something everyday

[@gdb2db]

Clear, and easy to follow safety instructions. Thank you.

[@vistek]

Thanks Thor2020!

[@Mpactpics]

I love ç stands. Not sure why, but I do. Thank you for showing those sexy monsters off and allowing them to revel in their glory! Where would the world be without them? They don't get a lot of recognition. You delivered just appreciation. Long live the C-stand. At least for a century! 🦊🇺🇸

[@sabesyed222]

Such a great video with no nonsense and straight up facts! Thanks for making this.

[@vistek]

Thank you Sabe!

[@ptw_cine]

This is the best c-stand tutorial I have ever see!!

[@vistek]

Thank you Hobber!! Really appreciate the comment.

[@hellotorin]

Fantastic video! I think for the solo filmmakers/videographers who are go-go-go they try to MacGyver or use 'common sense' with C-Stands but just like with any tool it'll benefit you to take the time to learn its strengths and weaknesses and how to properly use it in different scenarios. So much useful info packed into 10 minutes!

[@vistek]

Thanks Torin!

[@MaxMRasmussen]

The video I did not know I needed. Thank you!

[@vistek]

Thanks Max!

[@railenmiles]

Very comprehensive! Thank you so much! I was thinking about getting a c-stand but had a lot of questions. This clears things up quite well.

[@vistek]

Thanks for the great comment! Happy to hear it was helpful!

[@VllKlNG]

This is the best C-Stand video I've watched. Thanks for your tips. Subbed!

[@vistek]

Thank you V King! So appreciate the great comment and the support!

[@DelonYeoh]

thank you very much for this informative tutorial. I was about to invest in a C Stand which cost more than all the tripod stand I own in my studio.... which I find actually I have no use for C Stand actually. All these while I thought a C Stand would be much safer outdoors and to boom heavier lights with modifiers and I was planning to extend the boom the arm further than 40 inches with aditional grip heads... guess now it make sense to me... Thank you and God Bless You.. May your production be fruitful and successful. All the best from Malaysia

[@vistek]

THanks Delon! So glad that we produced something that could be helpful for you and your work!

[@linda_lawson]

This has got to be the best stand video I have ever viewed. Thank you!

[@vistek]

Thanks Linda!

[@DevonLadd]

attention to safety and ergonomy is so underated

[@AndrewMurphyFilms]

Dude this is quality So many things I didn't know about c stands! Love the corner one!

[@chrisnewton8418]

Nicely done Dale! This old dog learned a few new tricks.

[@vistek]

Thanks Chris!

[@jessestarks3128]

Extremely informative tutorial. I don't own a C-Stand but plan to purchase one. That said you provided good information on when to use a regular stand over a C-Stand.

[@vistek]

Thank you Jesse! I very much appreciate the comment.

[@007xyzzy]

The best c-Stand video! Excellent work!

[@vistek]

Thank you Andy!

[@DavidVelezPhotography]

Thanks, Dale! Definitely a video worth saving and watching more than one time!

[@vistek]

Thanks a bunch, David!

[@Gohsp]

Excellent piece - best I've come across on c-stands. Thanks for posting.

[@vistek]

Thank you HSP! Very appreciative of your comment!

[@MaxIsBackInTown]

Incredible video!! Please make more vids like this!! knowing how to use clamps, stands,flags, diffuseres ect like this is invaluable .

[@vistek]

Thank you Daniel! When the time allows, I'd love to do more grip & electric videos.

[@kissu_io]

The only person that properly explained why exactly the grip head should be on the right. 🎊

[@vistek]

I'm thrilled! Thank you!

[@stever2074]

Awesome! Thanks especially for the safety tips for setting up and breaking down the stand and accessories.

[@teacherofteachers1239]

I just have two C-stands so far and knew I did not have C-stand "game." This is the best vid on this topic I have seen so far. The addition of information on spreader stands corrected my thoughts on those (I was moving toward abandoning them altogether), so that is much appreciated. Excellent presentation, thanks. - Dave

[@vistek]

Thank you Dave! What a fantastic comment!

[@gregthompson8062]

If you want the most versatile stand used on film sets that has c stand capability. It's a 3 riser beefy baby stand with rock mountain leg with added 40" grip arm and head. That will take care of most situations there is. -Greg

[@paulbear5664]

super love the safety emphasis

[@vistek]

Thanks for the comment, paulbear5664!

[@chrismcgowan6385]

WOW... very educational! Had no idea there was SO MUCH I didn't know about c-stands. Subscribed!!!

[@vistek]

Thanks Chris!

[@RyanSandorRichards]

“Why is it called a C-stand? Who cares.” Thank you, goddamnit thank you. One video spent almost 30 seconds going into the history and I was like “Does this guy not like retention?”

[@vistek]

Haha. Thank you!

[@andrewenyeart3501]

I'm liking/commenting 49% for the info & production value, 51% for the small, but well-chosen bottle selection. (Former bartender, here.)

[@vistek]

Thanks Andrew! I appreciate the enjoyment in the background details. Most of what I have is hidden, but there is always a good rotation happening on the top. Big fan of aperitifs and digestives particularly.

[@andrewenyeart3501]

@@vistek Awesome! My first bar job was at an amaro-focused spot called Herb & Bitter, so I'm right there with ya. More than half my bottles at home are bittersweet, herbal liqueurs, and I actually named my cat "Cynar". 😅 Do you have any current (or all-time) favorites?

[@vistek]

I do love a good amaro, no question. They're all good, to my taste. I lived in France for a while, so I developed a taste for Pastis and Chartreuse. Those are often on the bar as well.

[@ivondavid]

thank you very much Mr. Vistek for your excellent info!

[@autonomous9031]

This video offers true value. Thank you so much this is awesome🙏

[@vistek]

Thank you Autonomous! Really appreciate that you took the time to share this comment.

[@panaruss]

I would suggest habitually checking that all the extension knobs are snug before turning a C-stand upside-down to open the legs. If one is loose, the top will take off on you like a greased trombone slide. I typically place the top of the stand (or top the grip head) on my foot when opening it to protect the floor. Long habit, so I even do it outside.

[@vistek]

Great point, panaruss! One I should have made in the video.

[@gmpixel9336]

So many good advices packed in 10 mn deserve a thumbs up !

[@vistek]

Thank you GM Pixel!!

[@danasuechilds]

Thank you for this very awesome informative video. Some things were obvious but others not so much. What was the reason for always wearing gloves?

[@vistek]

Thank you Dana! Re: gloves. To maintain the use of your fingers well into the future. I honestly can't imagine ever working on set without my gloves. Seems reckless to me.

[@danasuechilds]

@@vistek You'd be horrified over the things my husband does...no safety glasses for starters... (eye rolling)

[@lulinalulu2744]

Best C-Stand tutorial 👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽

[@vistek]

Thank you Lulina! I supper appreciate your wonderful comment.

[@ScoTreVan]

Hi Dale, I just purchased my first set of C Stands from Lencarta, this was super helpful, I didn't know what I didn't know, now I do thanks to you. (Subbed)

[@uniworkhorse]

Love the "google it yourself" for tangents that would take up too much of the viewer's time in the main vid. Awesome tips and it's always so cool to learn about grip terminology!

[@p.burley4533]

I have a spreader with a boom (purchased for mic), looking to get a C-stand, but not sure…I hoped C’s were less prone to tipping. Anyway, the “who cares” part was hilariously true!

[@bhapampa]

Very helpful video. Much love from Nigeria

[@vistek]

Thank you!!

[@SaintGabriel111]

Thanks!

[@vistek]

Thanks for the comment!

[@nightsky999]

I had no idea what a c stand was. Thank you.

[@leonglet1995]

Hi there! Thank you for your video. I have a question though...may I know what's the size of the locking knob between the legs and main body? As I have accidentally lost it. I'm not sure whether other C stands' knob will be compatible with my kupo C stand. Thank you!

[@CajournoOddity]

Very informative and enjoyable tutorial on C-stands. C-stands are my friends now 😁

[@vistek]

Thank you Cajourno!

[@TheEmptyHoliness]

This is the best C Stand video I’ve seen. In my 6 years shooting this is the first time I’ve actually wanted one. Thank you! Unrelated, I’m trying to find some sort of spied version of a super clamp, I’m thinking one with a toggle clamp or some other faster method than spinning the back handle. Any insights?

[@vistek]

Thank you BF! I’m not sure what you’re referring to in the 2nd bit of your comment. Care to elaborate a bit more? I’m not sure what you mean by “spied”

[@Paddy_Mac]

Top video Dale! Love the tip for using the stem from a turtle base stand as a boom. Very cool!

[@vistek]

Thanks Paddy!!

[@CultureTripGuide-HilmarHWerner]

thanx for showing the corner trick! that's what I was looking for. but which type of c-stand do I need for this?? I suppose the type that's called "rocky mountain" in another video?

[@vistek]

Thanks CTG! Any c-stand will work for the corner!

[@drmatthewhorkey]

There are a lot of tips here that may seem 'common sense' but I learned a ton... Especially on how to position the legs

[@vistek]

Thank you Matthew!

[@EdwardKilner]

Some excellent content here. Never been on a set, fine introduction to very basic good practices.

[@vistek]

Thank you Edward!

[@Blazing_Trails_Media]

Very thorough video, thank you! From and old Film Guy here, I appreciate the short, concise videos with tons of info. Well done! By the way- "C-Stand" is short for "Century Stand," one of the original makers. Much like Kleenex vs. Facial Tissue. Cheers from Flagstaff!

[@vistek]

Thanks so much Jon!

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Great video!

[@vistek]

Thank you TCMC!

[@BillLivingstone]

Wow really good tutorial for c-stands! I'm definitely putting this in my favourites.

[@vistek]

Wonderful comment! Thank you Bill!

[@rickymcc8624]

Thanks. Good advice so liked and subscribed. Just bought two good quality C-stands - much to like about them for indoor use. I have separate turtle base (Avenger/Manfrotto) as looked better quality, durable etc and a tad lighter than many others. I get the big leg facing load/boom position (and 'righty tighty' clamping for GH) but as you showed, if load is heavy enough then side tipping is still a possibility due to limited spread radius so warrants a counter balance on a longer boom and maybe reverse position for counter balancing or use of more sandbags. A couple of newb queries .... typically what mass of sandbags ought one to be considering? My first DIY effort for 2 bags used lead shot, but it's going to get expensive and a lot less portable the more mass I need to use. Secondly if C-stands used outside (I know less ideal than wider base spreader stands and that a 'turtle base' less helpful than an adjustable 3rd leg for levelling) how useful and practical are ground screw-in anchors on soft ground to compensate for shortcomings on C-stand. I accept that they are useless on hard/paved ground. Also prob no subst. for an assistant watching stands - but it's sometimes a case of balancing safety, costs, portability, practicality etc etc on small jobs where I'm essentially limited in what I can physically carry.

[@vistek]

Thanks for the comment!!

[@JohnCornicello]

Thank you! You saved me from having to make this video. I will be sharing this.

[@vistek]

Thanks John!! Super appreciate it!!

[@walkmotopov]

This is really helpful and well produced.

[@vistek]

Thanks Bebeboom!

[@JMDPhotography-Chi]

Great video! I am a photographer and I picked up quite a few tips and a Savage C Stand which is amazing 🤩

[@vistek]

Thanks Jason!

[@lindakuo88]

So so good. So well explained, and demonstrated. Thank you!!

[@vistek]

Thank you Linda!

[@Only1Science]

Subscribed! Nothing but straight to the point quality video. 👍🏽

[@sam.oates_]

This is such a great best practice video, Thank you!

[@vistek]

Thank you Sam!

[@kestrelbridges4398]

What gloves would you recommend for grip work so you don't get burned and stay safe, there's a bunch out there and thought you might know which ones to head towards. Love your video!

[@vistek]

Thanks Kestrel. I see a good deal of people with Setwear or Ringer's Gloves but I like to use Petzl Cordex Plus gloves - but they're not cheap. If you're on set a lot as crew, then get good gloves. Cheap ones won't last very long.

[@stephenpoonskies]

Fantastic video. I found that I did a couple of the advanced moves intuitively, but also needed to refresh a couple fundamentals in the basics bit! Thanks for the great content!

[@vistek]

Thanks Stephen!

[@nikilragav]

Hey this is a great video thanks! I have a question @ 6:07 - is there any reason I shouldn't put the attached head onto the c-stand and use the detached head at the end of the extension arm? It looks like in this example that you don't have any of the arm hanging out the back.

[@HaydnRushworth-Filmmaker]

Mate! That was just THE. MOST. FANTASTIC tutorial!! Thanks very much :-)

[@itaylorm]

Wonderful detail in here thank you!

[@vistek]

Thank you Taylor, and you're welcome!

[@rickymcc9072]

Thanks, some good tips here. Talking of tips I was always concerned about propensity of a C stand to tip over, outside in any real wind on account of the limited base footprint. It always struck me that one really needed an extension base/pole that could be superclamped to the turtle base in order to add stability. Mybe more sandbags or cardolini clamping some 'free weights' (eg from a bumbrell set) to lower part of C stand? Any thoughts on this? Prob just a bigger beefier spreader stand?

[@vistek]

Hi there! Thanks for the great comment. Even though you will see c-stands outside often, they aren’t ideal. C-stands are best indoors when you need a stand to snug into tight spaces. Outside that’s less of a problem - so steel spreader stands (has various names depending on your geographical location) - are a much safer bet. You can also bag them more securely as well.

[@uploadsnstuff8902]

Yes. This is a good c-stand video, finally, thanks a lot. Finally someone who names all the parts...

[@vistek]

Thank you Uploadsnstuff!

[@marco_renard]

This definitely was the bast C-stands tutorial. Would love to see a video on how to use flags properly !

[@vistek]

Thanks Marco! Oh man, that's a whole other ball of wax... My general rule of thumb is: 4x flops go on the grip head, not the extension arm (unless there is a need for extension). The extension arms should always be either straight up and down or angled down and above people's heads. I see a lot of extension arms just jutting out unnecessarily all the time - often by new technicians, and I have to walk around and fix them all. Jutting arms are both a safety hazard, but they also make it much harder to manipulate the flag.

[@marco_renard]

@@vistek Thanks for such a complete answer man ! Just watched the podcast with Mark Blinch, it was really cool to have him on !

[@vistek]

Thanks Marco! Blinchy is the man!

[@Toyrapy]

WOW, straight to the point, and all great points, thank you!

[@vistek]

Thanks Tom Toy!

[@maxhighstein]

This is great! One wee question. My C-stands all have a 5/8" (or is it 1/4"?) nipple in the center of the legs, at the bottom, pointing downward. The only thing I can imagine this being used for is possibly mounting a camera upside-down, just above the floor. And that seems like an odd idea. What's the purpose of this connector?

[@vistek]

I've never seen anything like this. Do you have link to a photo online (since you can't upload photos to a YT comment)?

[@thewomandirector]

Best C-stand tutorial ever! I always use yellow and black-striped sandbags (for better visibility). Any reason not to use them? (I can't believe they would interfere with the lighting that much).

[@vistek]

THanks for the great comment! i see no reason to not use them other than the fact that if you use bags to hide things in a scene, the chance that you would see the yellow detail is there... but that's all I can think of at the moment.

[@JuanCastro-dx1jk]

Great content, simple, well explained, no bullshit, straight to the point, that's how I like it, SUBSCRIBED

[@iamchriseagland]

Superb video. Thank you.

[@vistek]

Thanks Chris!

[@juscuro]

Great video thanks so much, what brand of gloves are those? They look comfortable.

[@vistek]

They are Petzl rope access rigging gloves. They are great, but they are expensive - and TBH not any more durable than home depot construction work gloves.

[@sethko123]

Very nice! THX you and the little hero.

[@LeonardoVarasGuerrero]

Very complete and fun video!

[@vistek]

Thanks Leonardo!

[@jakefk4216]

Great video. So apart from the ability to manipulate the position of the legs to fit into tricky spaces like corners etc, what are the benefits of using a c-stand over a similar weighted spreader stand with a grip-head? Won't it essential allow you to do the same things?

[@IndieMusiCon]

Yep! C-stands are more commonly used indoors and spreaders are used outdoors where more stability is required. C-stands are more maneuverable in tight spaces than spreaders.