Converting microphone stands into light stands

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

11/30/2011 04:26:32 PM · #1

Lately I am experimenting with a flash and have been using an Â£8 microphone stand with boom to attach my flash or reflector. Much cheaper than proper boom light stands I have seen online and works great but for the fact than an umbrella is too heavy to attach securely.
I have been using rubber bands to attach the flash, but I would prefer a threaded convertor to screw it in securely.

Could anybody point me to any threaded convertor between mic thread and flash thread, or suggest alternative solutions?
(the thread size on my flash in the same as a tripod thread, not sure if all flashes are like that)

It sounds crazy but as for the moment I have only found convertors from light stands to microphone stands, never the other way around.

Thanks!

Judi

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

11/30/2011 04:34:35 PM · #2

I would be concerned about the weight tolerance of the microphone stand. Maybe this is why you are having difficulty finding the right thread conversion.

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

11/30/2011 04:50:27 PM · #3

Originally posted by Judi:

I would be concerned about the weight tolerance of the microphone stand. Maybe this is why you are having difficulty finding the right thread conversion.

Right now I'm using my mic stand/boom* as the support to drape my black backdrop cloth over ... :-)

Like most things, a more expensive mic stand will usually support more weight more rigidly, but I am usually "making do" most of the time myself. You can always provide extra support for the boom by wrapping the "joint" with some gaffer's tape in a figure-eight pattern, similar to treating a sprained ankle ...

*one of them -- the other one I'm using as a mic stand ;-)

11/30/2011 05:13:13 PM · #4

Judi, Paul, Thanks for the advice.

I found that by putting some ballast, like a towel on the other hand of the boom, and a rucksack on the legs, stability seems not to be an issue even when fully extended.
Then, I found my flash in a box filling with snow outside a shop in Copenaghen and bought it for much less than the pc synch cords :)
Was it a $300 speedlight I might be more concerned about mishaps.

Thanks for the gaffer's tape tip, sounds pretty effective in a pinch. Using the thing to hang a backdrop is another pretty good idea.

Thanks!

geinafets

Canon EOS-50D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

11/30/2011 05:44:05 PM · #5

I just got a 6-foot Opteka light stand off Amazon for about $15 last month. Instead of worrying about adapters (which might actually cost similarly) and weight issues, I'd recommend to get a new, cheap light stand.

I got a cheap one because I use it on location and I didn't want to invest a lot into something that will be banged into and knocked over, but despite having been crashed pretty hard at least 6 or 7 times (and a few more times that weren't as rough), the thing has held up amazingly.

11/30/2011 06:22:10 PM · #6

Originally posted by geinafets:

I see your point. Just, I find the boom pretty useful. I just got a proper lightstand and umbrella swivel on the cheap, which is great, but putting the flash in some tight places without invading the frame is a bit easier with a boom. Or maybe the problem it's just my over crammed, tiny house :)
On an unrelated note, after having spent a day bouncing light off the wall before finally receiving the umbrella, I now see your point on how soft off the wall bouncing can make light :) Still, I have to pratise with the umbrella and perhaps a foam snoot for off the wall bouncing (I have seen people doing pretty amazing things with in camera flash and a foam modifier

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

11/30/2011 06:23:03 PM · #7

Originally posted by geinafets:

I see your point. Just, I find the boom pretty useful. I just got a proper lightstand and umbrella swivel on the cheap, which is great, but putting the flash in some tight places without invading the frame is a bit easier with a boom. Or maybe the problem it's just my over crammed, tiny house :)
On an unrelated note, after having spent a day bouncing light off the wall before finally receiving the umbrella, I now see your point on how soft off the wall bouncing can make light :) Still, I have to pratise with the umbrella and perhaps a foam snoot for off the wall bouncing (I have seen people taking pretty amazing photos with in camera flash and a foam sheet as a modifier, quite surprising)

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

11/30/2011 06:27:28 PM · #8

For ballast or counterweights you can use half-gallon/two-liter juice bottles of water in those awful plastic grocery bags to hang off the boom; I have a hook on the bottom of my tripod I can hang them from to steady it. You can carry them around empty and fill only when needed, plus you'll have something to drink, or if your car overheats ... ;-)