Using grip arm to hold strobe head

[texxter]

I am replacing my cheapo studio light stands with more durable, professional equipment, and I have a question about C-stands for those of you using them. My goal is to acquire several sets like this one - I got my first one this week. I know exactly how to attach flags or foam core boards to the grip arm - but I am not sure I know how to attach a heavy strobe head. The grip arm has a fixed grip at one end, nothing, just the bare rod, at the other, see picture here:



I can mount the head on the riser, which has the 5/8" male collar, but I am not sure that the grip arm rod is designed to hold a light. Is there an adapter or something I need to get the light on the grip arm? I can use a superclamp, but it feels like a hack...

I also got a high quality small boom with an Avenger stand - man, this equipment is built like a tank - I don't know why I've been using those cheapo Ebay stands for so long (they were cheap and lasted 3 years, and are still going strong) but this equipment is the real thing! Very happy to invest in safe, durable equipment! This Avenger stand is 14' tall, with wheels and just terrific.

[texxter]

Found my answer on Fred Miranda, many thanks to this guy named C.D. Embrey - pasting it here for future reference:

Grip Arms - FM Forums

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Looks like it time for me to make a gripping for still photographers video

There are several things you can use to attach a light to a grip arm safely.

1. Use a collared pin that fits in a grip head, and hang the strobe from it 5/8" Spud w/ Collar. 6" long The MSE version is available from B&H

2. Use a baby right angle pin attached to the end of the arm. This allows the lamp to hang beneath the arm (no danger of twisting) Matthews Baby Right-Angle Pin. CAT 429232

3. Use a baby drop-down pin this allows the pin to swivle (it can be tightened off). This also fits end of arm. Matthews Baby Drop-Down Pin. CAT 427804

Filmtools Filmtools: Hollywood's source for grip, electrical, lighting, sound, video and film supplies is a good source for all types of useful film stuff. Grip and lighting hardware, gaffer tape, dulling spray, gels and even Streaks 'N Tips

Matthews Studio Equipment MSE - Matthews Studio Equipment Lots of good stuff.

American Grip, Inc American Grip Inc. More good stuff.

[Phanee]

Thanks for the info Paco. Subscribing to this thread for future reference.

[srwatters]

Why not just mount the strobe directly on the bare end of the arm? That method has worked for me the last 4 years...

[texxter]

Originally Posted by srwatters

Why not just mount the strobe directly on the bare end of the arm? That method has worked for me the last 4 years...

Glad the bare rod works for you.

My concern with this approach is that this is chrome, slippery and without a collar. A light fixture mounted on the grip arm and pointing down could slip off, especially if it's heavy. Some people have suggested scruffing the end of the grip rod to provide a better grip. I think it works fine when the grip arm is pointing up, even withouth the scruffing, but I'd be nervous to point it down.

The hardware posted above solves my problem and gives me peace of mind.

[KD5NRH]

Originally Posted by texxter

1. Use a collared pin that fits in a grip head, and hang the strobe from it 5/8" Spud w/ Collar. 6" long The MSE version is available from B&H

2. Use a baby right angle pin attached to the end of the arm. This allows the lamp to hang beneath the arm (no danger of twisting) Matthews Baby Right-Angle Pin. CAT 429232

3. Use a baby drop-down pin this allows the pin to swivle (it can be tightened off). This also fits end of arm. Matthews Baby Drop-Down Pin. CAT 427804

4. Hold light near desired position on arm. Wrap with half a roll of gaffer's tape. Cut slot for lens if needed.

It's like you people just go out searching for more specialized equipment to spend money on.

What ever happened to coffee cans, furring strips and concrete?

(Bonus; the stick-and-can stands double as great portable target stands. People get grouchy if you shoot at their fancy-schmancy chromed stands.)

[texxter]

Originally Posted by KD5NRH

4. Hold light near desired position on arm. Wrap with half a roll of gaffer's tape. Cut slot for lens if needed.

It's like you people just go out searching for more specialized equipment to spend money on.

Let's see. A roll of gaffer's tape is about $14. Half a roll every time I use this equipment, about 40 times a year, is $7x40 or $280.

A pin adapter costs $10 and it will last forever if I don't lose it.

That's $270 dollars less per year than your solution. $280 after the first year.

You do it your way, and I'll do it mine.

[jlrphoto]

Try this:

Avenger | E700 Baby Drop Down Pin - 5/8" | E700 | B&H Photo



Works great for me holding my octa, or my beauty dish on the end of my grip arm.

[ldelacruz]

I didn't know it was this difficult.