C-Stands: How To Set Up and Use

[@teacherofteachers1239]

This video might be five years old, but the demonstrations and explanations are right here when I need them. Very grateful. I only have two C-stands so far. For people (like me) on a budget the price is hard to take, but if a person can afford just one C-stand (and a sandbag if they don't have one), they will discover what the fuss is all about. Well, that was my experience anyway. Worth keeping in mind that at the moment it looks like they can be rented for $15/week each. - Dave

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

[@LongTimeTTFan]

Really enjoy your style of presentation. Straight to the point. Detailed but not wordy. I may never use a C-stand. But your enthusiasm and your humor makes it a joy to watch this. Thanks a lot.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks again.

[@AlekDarson]

This video needed to exist. Now it does! Plus, excellent presentation, as always! Thank you!

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks Alek!

[@MarcinRutkowski]

Since i've started to work on bigger productions your videos started to be extremely helpful. Before i didn't see sense to watch You, now i do.

[@deewonda1952]

I FINALLY purchased a c-stand and this video prevented me from damaging my brand, new stand. I was struggling to open the legs (...that didn't sound quite right🤣) and was about to loosen the screw at the bottom when I thought, "let me check KZbin before I do anything."! What a disaster that would've been if I hadn't found your video! Thank you!!

[@TheSlantedLens]

Glad to help avoid a disaster. Enjoy your shoots!

[@jodieinus5705]

A video that I didn’t know I needed. If you see this. I wish you luck on your YT channel. Good video by the way. I learned something

[@TheSlantedLens]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for your support!

[@JadeSambrook]

"Edward C-Stand Hands"! OMG hahaha! That made my day!

[@TheSlantedLens]

Glad you enjoyed it and hope you learned some good stuff!

[@joe.mccord]

Awesome video and thanks for the knowledge.

[@TheSlantedLens]

You bet! Thank you for watching!

[@DBFamilyVlog]

Jay teaches better than the teachers I had in film school. Well done :)

[@TheSlantedLens]

Wow, thanks, Matt!! Great to hear

[@DBFamilyVlog]

I subbed right away, its nice hearing those terminologies again! Keep it up!

[@TheSlantedLens]

We be doing this for pennies on the dollar 😂 It would be awesome to have TSL be our main gig 🙏

[@hugo2314]

Thank you for the valuable knowledge, good sir.

[@TheSlantedLens]

My pleasure. Glad you found it worthwhile!

[@fangshizhu9383]

Your content is educational and funny. Thanks for the great work!

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks for watching Fangshi! subscribe for our newest videos :)

[@fangshizhu9383]

@@TheSlantedLens Already subscribed! I have a question: when doing studio portrait shot, very often I use a light behind the subject to shine the background, achieving a spotlight/even lit background. I am looking for a really low to the ground light stand has a small size so you could easily hide it behind the subject. Any recommendation? I found you could attach a butt plug to the turtle based C-stand base but the base is self is still a little wide.

[@RewindingVHS]

Thank you for this! ❤

[@TheSlantedLens]

You're so welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@CarlosRaulEstrellaRuiz]

Can I use these stands to hold some monolight with a modifier like a strip softbox or some other?

[@TheSlantedLens]

Yep!

[@aizhanyeshova2191]

Thank you for the useful video

[@TheSlantedLens]

You are welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@NickFerry]

I hope that opening sequence was done in one take, poor seamless, lol - good stuff!

[@TheSlantedLens]

It was a one take wonder. thanks Nick your the man

[@jasiahemilio7486]

You probably dont care but does someone know a trick to log back into an instagram account? I somehow lost the account password. I love any tips you can offer me.

[@johnnyaydin4421]

@Jasiah Emilio instablaster =)

[@jasiahemilio7486]

@Johnny Aydin thanks for your reply. I got to the site thru google and im in the hacking process now. Looks like it's gonna take quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@jasiahemilio7486]

@Johnny Aydin it worked and I actually got access to my account again. Im so happy:D Thank you so much, you saved my account!

[@christophmayer8128]

I love your suspender. Beyern!

[@J-Gx]

Large leg always needs to point to the load!

[@NathanBLawrence]

YES. The large leg is designed to bear the whole load - the rest are just there to stabilize. If you don't orient the stand accordingly, you're playing with fire - literally, in the case of tungsten or HMI instruments.

[@martinpilarski4290]

That was the first thing i thought..

[@gopolarisstudio]

I don't know he did make sense....he said if you don't put the sandbags on the large leg, then part of the weight of the bags will be on the ground

[@martinvandrunen7422]

Yes!

[@mikezupancic2182]

No, large leg away from the load and with the weight. This counteracts the load. IF you aren't using a weight, then yes, have the large leg on the load side.

[@pinang1]

I applied for an assistant job on photography set. Got asked whether I know how to set up a C stand. Watched your video and replied: Of course I know! Very useful

[@TheSlantedLens]

Glad it helped you get a job!

[@pinang1]

@@TheSlantedLens C Stands there were a bit different but still helpful. Thanks!

[@chadp211]

I love love love how you teach - please dont stop

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks so much, Chad!

[@DmitryElizarov]

Fun and useful as always. I just like your energy :D Don't have any C-stands yet, just more light basic black ones, but now I'm ready for C-stands too, knowing how to use them :)

[@TheSlantedLens]

They are a great tool to have. Thanks!

[@MichaelHodge]

Awesome work flow information. Thank you@slanted Lens.

[@stevo7181]

Nice. Im curious how much weight they can actually hold though

[@TheSlantedLens]

About 22lbs.

[@Pepingco]

I love this video - thanks guys. Quick Question though: If I want to mount a light overhead, is the arm that you showed enough for a light with a large modifier (say a heavy large Beauty Dish?) I have been told that the arm is not strong enough to hold a light, and you have to get a special boom arm with a special head for the light. I am super new to C stands and I want to be able to light from above more often and I cannot do it with normal stands now. I need to move up in the industry and in gear.

[@TheSlantedLens]

According to Norms their stands will hold about 22lbs. I assume the heavy duty stand will hold more, but you can contact them to find out how much. You'd need to be sure to counter balance the weight out to the side. Thanks for watching!

[@TheSlantedLens]

I use a boom for lights most of the time.

[@LightSubscriber]

weight should always go over the tall leg, to prevent tip overs. Isn't that the most important rule when using a cstand?

[@logan2669]

This is what HE said to someone else saying the same thing: "Wrong is such a strong word when working on set. There are many different ways to accomplish the same task and the approach will change with the application. I have put up thousands of flags, lights, and whatever not leading with the large leg. The reason I do it is if you lead with the large leg toward the load it cuts the distance you can boom into the shot by 50% or more. You see the leg on the floor and you have to back off the stand. I place the large leg away from the load and sand bag it. It will take more sandbags but it allows the arm to get maximum distance. If I am not seeing the floor I can lead with the large leg for stability and do so when I can not see the floor. That is how I have always done it and never had a problem."

[@CincyPhotography]

please show how to connect a strobe and how to use baby pin to connect the strobe

[@TheSlantedLens]

This video might answer you questions: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYnbc3x5d8Rlaq8

[@tchntm43]

What I have been unable to find in any video so far is an explanation of how the monolight attaches to the grip on the boom arm. I have been using monolights with C-stands for a little bit since obtaining them, but I have attached the lights directly to stand because I haven't been able to figure out how to attach them to the boom arm.

[@flashdaz05]

tchntm43 it’ll fit direct on the other end of the arm, where the grip head isn’t. It works but not the safest way of doing it. Better to get your self a spigot, put that into the griphead, then put your head on the spigot. That way your load can stay upright and centred.

[@ThongNguyen-fl9jp]

Great tutorial! How many c-stands is a good number to own for an indie filmmaker? I'm just thinking the number of lights times the number of diffusers times the number of black negative fill can really start to add up. From experience, how many c-stands do you tend to use per scene?

[@TheSlantedLens]

I would recommend 6 c-stands. You can sometimes get away with 3, but 6 works better. And then rent if you need more on certain projects.

[@jeffobrien2897]

what type of bag or case do you use to transport?

[@acvoto]

Why are you wearing suspenders from Bavaria? And by the way, thnx for your support!!

[@morganpotter2567]

This was so incredibly helpful! All the information you presented was to the point and important. Thanks so much!! 💕

[@TheSlantedLens]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@prottentogo]

Can I use a 40" arm with the medium size version stand (25) without problems?

[@Rosetrain]

I can't find the super C stand your taking about?

[@TheSlantedLens]

Look here: facebook.com/NormsStudio/

[@PostColorGear]

Great video! Thanks for the discount code too. Havent bought yet. A little worried about that shipping cost across the country lol

[@MattPilchard]

Always love your presentation and great info. Thank you!

[@joshuvuh8118]

You sir are a hero.

[@JohanSchmidt]

Nice video

[@martinvandrunen7422]

Thanks I loved the neanderthal that tightens up the Cstand . There's always one. Now I know the solution.

[@nobocks]

gonna try to 3d print one

[@tonyngo3062]

Amazing video!!!

[@TrapPhoneLoveMelodiesss]

How do you mount things to it?

[@kurtlindner]

You forgot 1 thing regarding c-stand etiquette... always, like _always_-always, make 100% sure that everything is tightened down when putting them away, and handing them off. Fastest way to not be called back for the next job is to cause someone to break a finger.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Great point Kurt. Thanks for bringing that up.

[@hilldweller8605]

Could anyone recommend a good brand for C stands? I'm thinking about buying the Neewer Pro branded C Stand since it's the most budget friendly.

[@TheSlantedLens]

I love Norms (normsstudio.equipment) but also have some from Matthews.

[@ChrisLeeX]

wow, this is good stuff. thank you for sharing

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks! Don't forget to share it to your friends :)

[@evelasq1]

I mostly understand that I must have the large leg on the load side plus with a sandbag.

[@TheSlantedLens]

That's it. Hope you learned some good tips!

[@evelasq1]

@@TheSlantedLens But the you explained it by having the legs on an angle would make it more possible for the load to tip over. I have used C Stands in photography class and none have tipped over by having the large leg in directly parallel with the load. But some parts of the video with the tightening of the knobs and knob placement were helpful.

[@jehad9929]

Great video.. as always..

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thank you Jehad.

[@LiamKillen]

This guy's nuts!

[@jobanski]

Actually using the larger leg to weigh down is best, because placing a counter weight further away from the stand's center of gravity requires more force to tip it over. For example, you want to HOLD THE DOOR closed for some reason. It will require less force to HOLD THE DOOR closed if you are pushing furthest away from the hinge side of the door than, say, middle.

[@ArcanePath360]

Nice info, great presentation. I have no interest in buying one but I watched anyway.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Haha. Thanks!

[@chadp211]

Where can i email you to ask you questions

[@HJBProductionsLLC]

Nice! Educative,

[@djtoman6875]

Can't take anyone seriously that violates the first rule of using C-stands, that being place the weight directly over the highest leg. The additional goofiness just detracts further from the message.

[@mattdavidphotography]

Rule of c-stands ? You should be using the rules of physics. Adding a sandbag of sufficient mass has exactly the same effect.

[@MattHaslamProductions]

I'm so confused. Some people say to set up the c stand with the largest (highest) leg towards the talent or actor(s) for two reasons. 1 is because it offers the highest support and prevents the stand from falling over if you put something heavy at the end of the arm since if you put something heavy on the opposite side of this highest leg it can fall over easier and 2, they claim if you have one leg facing your talent, if your stand does fall over it won't fall on the talent but away from the talent. In your diagram you show the stands set up aligning to the angle of view but what if the stand does fall over? I know it shouldn't happen but you should always prepare for if it does someday. Sometimes people say to set up stands with one leg facing the talent and others like this video say to set up differently so what's the right way? I'm just so confused.

[@TheSlantedLens]

I said this above. There are many different ways to accomplish the same task and the approach will change with the application. I have put up thousands of flags, lights, and what ever not leading with the large leg. The reason I do it is if you lead with the large leg toward the load it cuts the distance you can boom into the shot by 50% or more. You see the leg on the floor and you have to back off the stand. I place the large leg away from the load and sand bag it. It will take more sand bags but it allows the arm to get maximum distance. If I am not seeing the floor I can lead with the large leg for stability and do so when I can not see the floor. That is how I have always done it and never had a problem.

[@martinpilarski4290]

MattHaslam Productions... yes, please do so. Do not kill people because of a youtube tutorial produced by a geek who can not admit he is wrong but rather prefers to kill people. What an ass that dude is. Makes me angry as fudge

[@Tappits84]

"I've been doing it like this for 20 years and it's been fine" Also seems you have been using stands and booms that are too short for the application too.

[@mymediaberlin]

Thanks 👌

[@TheSlantedLens]

You are very welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@jody1622]

errr, one thing is missing. How do I attach to the extended arm?

[@TheSlantedLens]

Most of you lighting equipment will attached to the arm.

[@SVELFARO]

Had my fingers pinched more than once by those stands, they need to come with a warning label that they bite! good reason to wear gloves.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Ah yes. That's one thing I have to warn my assistants about. Should have included that!

[@WendellFavacho]

Great my master!

[@jcff1961]

Vielen Dank! Grüße aus Deutschland 🇩🇪

[@steelbluesleepR]

Jay, sorry, but you're wrong about the leg direction. You should always have the weight over the strong leg.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Wrong is such a strong word when working on set. There are many different ways to accomplish the same task and the approach will change with the application. I have put up thousands of flags, lights, and what ever not leading with the large leg. The reason I do it is if you lead with the large leg toward the load it cuts the distance you can boom into the shot by 50% or more. You see the leg on the floor and you have to back off the stand. I place the large leg away from the load and sand bag it. It will take more sand bags but it allows the arm to get maximum distance. If I am not seeing the floor I can lead with the large leg for stability and do so when I can not see the floor. That is how I have always done it and never had a problem.

[@falcychead8198]

'Safety' is a strong word too, as are 'liability,' 'lawsuit,' and 'fired.'

[@stephendevore]

"cuts the distance you can boom into the shot by 50% or more". I don't understand this. If the arm is stretched out over the leg, the arm is likely to be out farther than the leg....

[@steelbluesleepR]

The Slanted Lens and I've worked as a grip/electric swing on commercial and narrative sets for 5 years. If the weight of the arm is not directly over the longest leg, it is extremely easy to knock over. if you need a longer arm, use a longer arm.

[@martinpilarski4290]

The Slanted Lens.... stop bullshitting. Admit that you are wrong. ;) You win a couple inches but the stand is very likely to tip over. This is the very first thing every lightning student learns dude. Don't educate people into liability problems

[@LisaGarrisonEggleston]

Where were you when I was in photo school??

[@johnnyroc]

Cheapest non-diy way of storing these in a luxury sedan without damaging the vehicle? I got 3 of these but no truck

[@TheSlantedLens]

I would put sound blankets or something to that effect on the floor and walls of your car trunk.

[@AM2PMReviews]

B L I ... P P I! You remind me of Blippi

[@ogunsan]

Large leg hold the load. Should be at the back only if your load is pointing to the back 😁

[@TheSlantedLens]

Good point. Thanks for you comment and thanks for watching!

[@Moses_Kanneh]

I had to come watch this video. I saw so many people with the grip attached to the stand instead of the arm.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Hope you learned some good stuff. Grip away!

[@hotwireman49]

Did Norms go out of business or something? Your links don't work.

[@spider1g5]

You must run a fun set

[@TheSlantedLens]

We do have a lot of fun.

[@followmarshawn]

I thought….. I thought i would like the video without the extra jokes and cinema but thinking about it he kept my attention waiting for it

[@TheSlantedLens]

Great to hear. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@oneeyedphotographer]

Tamron has no lenses to fit any of my cameras.

[@TheSlantedLens]

What cameras do you shoot with?

[@oneeyedphotographer]

@@TheSlantedLens Micro four thirds, L mount.

[@emregologlu]

I'm very sad about background.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Don't worry it went to recycling!

[@ElvisOkhifo]

Always love your videos, but we would still love it if you don’t wreck your stuff man

[@aliparacha9441]

Okay okay

[@TheSlantedLens]

Hope you learned some good tips!

[@jjbenz9633]

i believe it's a sacrilege when ppl destroys photography stuff

[@nykolaszollbrecht9716]

I wish the website wasn't still under construction *did anyone else experience this*?

[@TheSlantedLens]

Not sure what web site you are talking about. The site should be up I just checked.

[@nykolaszollbrecht9716]

@@TheSlantedLens I was talking about the NORMS equipment website. Is that the one that was up for you? When I clicked shop now, the website said under construction.

[@ChristopherLMunoz]

"This is not it" hahaha that's for sure

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks for watching and keep on clickin!

[@derryk1]

Neanderthal grip yep that says it all I have lots of gear broken by that species of meat heads. Can't have nothing for long enough with out these gorillas getting a hold of expensive items and breaking it up like no one else can.

[@SpokaneCannabisReview]

i coulda used that paper...

[@AlexValtchev]

That was a lot of wasted seamless paper... :/

[@MiatchGrip]

DUDE, you said gary coleman out loud, OMG, thats not what you call a 20 inch C-Stand

[@TheSlantedLens]

That is an old stage name for the c-stand.

[@HackMyControlSystem]

+1 for destruction.

[@barfentertainment]

lol

[@TheSlantedLens]

Glad you found it entertaining!

[@pedrorarri2827]

That was so dangerous lol

[@TheSlantedLens]

*viewer's discretion is advised

[@martinpilarski4290]

What is the point of destroying a perfectly fine paper background ? Does not help the intro. Only produces garbage... Americans.. :(