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!

[@MultiKinglarry]

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

[@vistek]

Thanks Yogi Bear!!

[@ivondavid]

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

[@Voltisvoltis]

Really great video, thank you! Could you please tell me what belt you're using and what things you have on it as far as your personal tools ?

[@vistek]

Hi C. Thanks for the kind words. When I'm wearing my belt, I'm typically working as a gaffer. I do key grip from time to time, but it's rare. So as such, I have a lot of gaffer/electric based things on my tool belt. I have a circuit checker, extra cube taps, light meter, paper & spike tape, adjustable wrench, xacto knife, multi tool, & sash to clip clothes pegs to.

[@moonolyth]

always gloves and Glasses !! and read the OSH pamphlet .... These are great and cheap for their value.

[@jaidamann8365]

Good Stuff...

[@vistek]

Much appreciated

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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! 🙏🏼

[@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.

[@theMixElite]

Wow man, If I were a woman I would like to marry you

[@vistek]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@Retrogamer71]

My kid wants to be a Grip now.

[@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!

[@ChrisLeeX]

Kicking the sandbags off, the attention to details :D

[@shakesnbake]

Really useful c-stand video (admittedly it's the only c-stand video I've watched 😁)

[@johnnyinterval]

7:00 I just had to know the slang he was referring to, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C-stand incase you're as curios as I am

[@ZzdeathangelzZ]

so that's what a reg lightstand is called....spreader stands.

[@MaxMRasmussen]

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

[@vistek]

Thanks Max!

[@dance2jam]

Just starting with my first c-stand and light/modifier - and this was an absolutely excellent review (cute son)!

[@vistek]

Thanks dance2jam! 🙏🙏

[@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.

[@cris_photography]

Very nice video - to the point. Thanks mate

[@vistek]

Thanks CP! 🙏

[@kjmav10135]

There’s a wrong way to open a stand. Mine came with a hex key. I couldn’t pull the legs apart, so I figured I was supposed to loosen up the joints with the hex key. So, I did. And the leg joint things fell off. I can’t put them back on. And that’s the wrong way to open a C-stand. 😐

[@vistek]

Bummer!

[@tikasofyan7797]

Omg. Thank you! I almost bought one.

[@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!

[@plutomarket]

Simply cool video! Easy though very informative. Thanks!

[@vistek]

Thanks for the great comment!

[@sethko123]

Very nice! THX you and the little hero.

[@ChrisSilverman]

“Compelled to telling me I’m doing it wrong” 😂

[@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.

[@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.

[@Mike0193Azul]

Very thorough and in depth thank you

[@yeohszehow]

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!

[@YaleWall]

Super helpful, thanks!

[@vistek]

Thank you!

[@TubenIt83]

Gary Coleman would be proud!

[@melvinraschke3204]

wow, learned so much, amazing channel, thank you!

[@vistek]

Thanks Melvin!!

[@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!

[@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.

[@ptw_cine]

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

[@vistek]

Thank you Hobber!! Really appreciate the comment.

[@ernie28ernie]

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

[@AndrewMurphyFilms]

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

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Great video!

[@vistek]

Thank you TCMC!

[@A1Bokeh]

Just ordered my first c stand 😃

[@theozarksjourneytoself-suf5420]

Has anyone ever mentioned you resemble Tom Cruise ? LOL

[@vistek]

Perhaps. 😉

[@sam.oates_]

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

[@vistek]

Thank you Sam!

[@HaydnRushworth-Filmmaker]

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

[@elvis_chen]

Kupo stands are good stuff.

[@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!

[@ThingsStudsBuy]

I Googled it LOL

[@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.

[@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”

[@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!

[@Houstnwehavuhoh]

Man, I can’t thank you enough. I know stands seem like such a simple thing, but the last thing I want is to have a light fall and either hurt someone or just damage the gear. So thank you! I was curious if you had recommendations on solid complete c stand brands, and spreader stand brands? I was also wondering what would be recommended to boom a light out rather far and high up (such as an Aputure 300DII with a lantern attached)? As it seems something like a Matthews Mini Max is most ideal, yet those are quite pricey. Nonetheless, thanks for the content; subscribed!

[@vistek]

Thanks Jarret! I'll say what I've said to another viewer - that I've never seen a situation where one c-stand company is better than another. It's a very universal design. Over the years I've use Kupo, Matthews, Avenger, Manfrotto - and to be honest, they're all the same. What separates them is their design (for example, Kupo have a quick lock ring). Buy the stand you need and the stand you can afford. That's basically it. Same for spreader stands. Know what you're putting on it, and that will dictate if you can get away with an aluminum, or if you need to go with steel. In terms of the boom - I would say that you should either get a 1K boom pole, or if you have the space; buy a menace arm kit and some extruded aluminum pipe. The youtube channel Grip Tips has a great video on setting up a menace arm kit if you've never done that before. Good luck!

[@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)

[@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!

[@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)

[@sabesyed222]

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

[@vistek]

Thank you Sabe!

[@stuartkidney3257]

Very useful video! notice the skin abrasion on the right arm...ruff neighborhood!

[@LeonardoVarasGuerrero]

Very complete and fun video!

[@vistek]

Thanks Leonardo!

[@lulinalulu2744]

Best C-Stand tutorial 👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽

[@vistek]

Thank you Lulina! I supper appreciate your wonderful comment.

[@FlowingCamera]

Thank-you …. a new perspective on the C-stand love it....but dang now I need to buy some safety straps and start wearing my GLOVES !

[@vistek]

Thanks KC!

[@walkmotopov]

This is really helpful and well produced.

[@vistek]

Thanks Bebeboom!

[@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!

[@grovermcdiarmid8109]

can someone explain the phsics as to why the weight (sandbag) is added to the front leg? wouldnt it be more useful securing the weaker back legs especially if there's weight on the front leg?

[@chrisrichardeagland]

Superb video. Thank you.

[@vistek]

Thanks Chris!

[@bcl1039]

This was the video i needed! Thanks!🔥🔥🔥

[@vistek]

Thank you!!

[@bhapampa]

Very helpful video. Much love from Nigeria

[@vistek]

Thank you!!

[@007xyzzy]

The best c-Stand video! Excellent work!

[@vistek]

Thank you Andy!

[@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!! 🙏🏼

[@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

[@JohannBeute]

This was so informative, from start to finish. Please keep them coming! Dropped a like, and here's a comment!

[@vistek]

Very kind comment Johann! I really appreciate it! Thanks.

[@dingdongrocket]

i never thought to put a b-plug into a turtle base - nice tip.

[@vistek]

🐢🐢🐢

[@Only1Science]

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

[@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.

[@danielstartek9729]

Hey "Digital Content Producer" get a shave you hippie!

[@adventureStaley]

SOLID! I learned stuff!

[@vistek]

Haha score! Thanks man!

[@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.

[@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)?

[@pklosterman73]

The junior adaptor we can google on our own.... is he making reference to the Magic Finger?

[@BillLivingstone]

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

[@vistek]

Wonderful comment! Thank you Bill!

[@CirqueitOfficial]

7:05 I totally googled it and now am laughing my @$$ off!

[@vistek]

;)

[@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.

[@DavidSixtyfour]

Can anyone tell me the name of the fixture used to attach the lamp to the grip arm around 5:36 ? I need one but don't know what it's called...

[@JohnCornicello]

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

[@vistek]

Thanks John!! Super appreciate it!!

[@photo2000]

C-Stand = first made by Century Lighting in NYC

[@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!!

[@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!

[@1001Hobbies]

You specify *GLOVES* several times, but don't say why. What is the advantage of gloves? I only use gloves for welding, to keep the arc from burning my skin.

[@vistek]

I feel like I did mention it in the video. No one likes to get their hands crushed. Sure, a work glove isn't armour - but it makes a huge difference when it comes to moving and operating steel stands, rigging, and lights. You're welcome to work on set without gloves if you feel like I need to be be proved wrong.

[@mistercohaagen]

I bet having this guy on your set makes your production look like a pitstop in an Indy race.

[@chrismcgowan6385]

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

[@vistek]

Thanks Chris!

[@talkflix9318]

The C stands for century stand. Just for those that don't know.

[@sonytaufan2284]

Thanks a lot. TNice tutorials video got started.

[@GuyBoggan]

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

[@vistek]

Thank you Guy!

[@MiaogisTeas]

02:55 If there's ONE THING I wish people would know, it's this part here. The number of "professional" photographers and KZbinrs I see f'ing this up makes me lose my mind. Also, they're always grip heads. Doesn't make sense to call it a gobo head because that's not what it does - it grips, and only sometimes does it grip a gobo/flag/scrim.

[@vistek]

Thanks for the great comment! As an aside, I believe the origin of the grip head being referred to as a gobo head is largely historical and references that the head “goes between” the stand and whatever it’s holding.

[@alfredogarza290]

Whats the other name for the junior to 750 adapter?

[@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.

[@Avidcomp]

Excellent tutorial. Subscribed 👍

[@vistek]

Thank you!!

[@slideralexa02]

Que chevere video!! Saludos desde Ecuador 🇪🇨🇪🇨🇪🇨