Converting a tripod into a light stand

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

08/12/2010 08:36:42 AM · #1

I have Manfrotto 3001B tripod which gets zero use, but it's very stable ... much more stable than most light stands ... so why not use it as a light stand?

The biggest problem is the height of the tripod ... I need more height. So I'm thinking of buying one of these:

//www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=5359&is=REG

... to attach to the top of the tripod column using these:

//www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=546531&is=REG
//www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=560177&is=REG

Does any see any reason why this won't work? Do you think the connection would be too weak to support an alien bee with umbrella outside with a light breeze? Has anyone done this before?

Yo_Spiff

Olympus 12-100mm f/4.0 M.Zuiko ED IS PRO

08/12/2010 08:51:06 AM · #2

Will probably work better than my own effort with a tripod, however I was using some Cheapo Sunpaks that I got for $7 on Woot.com.

The QR plate was weak plastic and the whole head assembly flexed way too much with the weight of an umbrella tugging on it. The only other downside I found was that the tripods took up way too much floor space than needed in my improvised studio in a small bedroom. I now have some cheap and well used lightstands that were only $10 each.

Message edited by author 2010-08-12 08:51:52.

Covert_Oddity

Nikon D700

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

08/12/2010 09:22:15 AM · #3

Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:

Will probably work better than my own effort with a tripod, however I was using some Cheapo Sunpaks that I got for $7 on Woot.com.

The QR plate was weak plastic and the whole head assembly flexed way too much with the weight of an umbrella tugging on it. The only other downside I found was that the tripods took up way too much floor space than needed in my improvised studio in a small bedroom. I now have some cheap and well used lightstands that were only $10 each.

I saw this picture of yours before and it inspired me to attach my generally unused gorilla pod to my sb600 and this just opened up a whole world of lighting options for me. Now I frequently have it hanging of all sorts of random stuff (doors etc), for much more useful lighting tan I was previously able to achieve.

Always meant to say thanks for the inspiration.

Yo_Spiff

Olympus 12-100mm f/4.0 M.Zuiko ED IS PRO

08/12/2010 09:24:35 AM · #4

You're welcome. I've also used the Gorillapod for my flash more often than for a camera.

08/12/2010 02:36:36 PM · #5

rethinking things ... it would probably be more versatile converted to a boom

chromeydome

Nikon D7000

08/12/2010 03:12:35 PM · #6

for what you would spend on the extras to kludge a light stand, you could purchase two real light stands

An otherwise unused tripod can be used instead to prop up reflectors, mount speedlights for backdrop lighting (from the sides), rim lights, low fill for clamshell lighting (with an umbrella).

A small problem that can develop with those studs and extender is that they dont really "lock" rotationally, so they can spin on the threads, spin on the mating surfaces. They can get wobbly as a result, even though the tripod may be stable.

08/12/2010 03:28:25 PM · #7

all true, but the link you posted is for light stands that are rated for 5.5 pounds ... this particular tripod could easily hold twice that weight

Originally posted by chromeydome:

Message edited by author 2010-08-12 15:32:34.

chromeydome

Nikon D7000

08/12/2010 04:31:51 PM · #8

Originally posted by hopper:

all true, but the link you posted is for light stands that are rated for 5.5 pounds ... this particular tripod could easily hold twice that weight

Originally posted by chromeydome:
for what you would spend on the extras to kludge a light stand, you could purchase two real light stands

An otherwise unused tripod can be used instead to prop up reflectors, mount speedlights for backdrop lighting (from the sides), rim lights, low fill for clamshell lighting (with an umbrella).

A small problem that can develop with those studs and extender is that they dont really "lock" rotationally, so they can spin on the threads, spin on the mating surfaces. They can get wobbly as a result, even though the tripod may be stable.

true, but for the same price you could get a single, higher capacity light stand (22lb load).... And, if you need a really heavy load support, while the tripod itself may easily take that load, the add-ons taken all together may not be as strong, steady as you think.

08/12/2010 06:36:48 PM · #9

Originally posted by chromeydome:

And, if you need a really heavy load support, while the tripod itself may easily take that load, the add-ons taken all together may not be as strong, steady as you think.

you're probably right

my thinking wasn't so much a heavy load as the ability to withstand the wind outside ... wider base

i have a few impact cheapo light stands ... they're fine inside ... just brainstorming, i guess

chromeydome

Nikon D7000

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100

08/12/2010 07:11:59 PM · #10

Originally posted by hopper:

Originally posted by chromeydome:
And, if you need a really heavy load support, while the tripod itself may easily take that load, the add-ons taken all together may not be as strong, steady as you think.

you're probably right

my thinking wasn't so much a heavy load as the ability to withstand the wind outside ... wider base

i have a few impact cheapo light stands ... they're fine inside ... just brainstorming, i guess

yea, I hear you :-) wind (or even a light breeze) is a pain. A modifier on a tripod can easily tip, too--wide stance, yes, but high cg as well. It is pretty easy to tip a tripodin the direction between legs. I have a great, solid, wide base gitzo--with only a 4x5view camera on it to catch the wind in the bellows, it was prone to tipping in a strong breeze: heart stopping kinda stuff!

Whichever way you go, some weight down low is essential in those conditions, as well as more aerodynamic modifiers (beauty dish instead of umbrella, for example).

I use these sandbags which can be a pain to carry on location (some folks take them empty, fill them on location, but I don't trust that there will always be something to fill them with).

I did try the route of hanging my camera bag from hook under my tripod--it works, sort of, but I found it a pain if you need to get in and out of your bag. And once you get the camera and lens out of the bag, it isn't always heavy enough. I gave that up pretty fast.

I know some folks who take some of those spiral tent stakes (sometimes also used for leashing pets). They spin em into the ground, then bungee or rope to stand or tripod.

I've toyed with the idea of using water bottles in bags or nets as weights--I take water bottles anyway--but then I couldn't drink up until the shoot was done! If they were dedicated for weight, and you could fill them on location, empty them before you pack out, might work. Haven't really ever followed thru to try this, just noodled on it.

Message edited by author 2010-08-12 19:13:41.

spiritualspatula