It’s worth noting off the top that every brand of C-Stand may operate a little different. So, if you pick up a random c-stand on set, and it doesn’t operate exactly like our Kupo C-Stand in this video - don’t panic. Just breath deep and take your a moment to suss out its particular design. Everything is just a variation on a theme.
Unfolding: The best and safest way to unfold the stand is by placing it upside down in front of you. Grabbing the two outside legs with your right hand and smallest leg with your left hand, then pulling the left out counter clockwise. The middle leg may either automatically follow or you may need to pull out separately. Many technicians unfold the stand one-handed while holding it horizontally - but this often only works on well-maintained spring loaded stands, which exist far less than you would expect. Opening multiple c-stands in the same way, allows you to stack, or “soldier” them in a staging area.
The extension arm: A C-Stand with a grip head and extension arm is called a C-Stand complete.
The most important thing to remember with any grip head is the weight must cause the puck to self-tighten. This is the most common misuse of extension arms, and set up in the wrong direction could lead to a light fixture falling on, and seriously injuring someone. Remember RIGHTY TIGHTY LEFTY LOOSEY. The best way to ensure you are doing it right is to stand behind the stand and have the T-handle of all grip heads on your RIGHT. Then make sure all loads are moving away from you.
As for the adaptor pucks themselves - here is another area of deviation. Some pucks only have two channels - large and small, while others like the Kupo in the video have three.
Here are some other important rules to follow:
Always place a sandbag on the TALL leg
Always raise the stand with the top riser first, then lower riser.
Gloves are recommended to avoid pinched hands from manipulating the stand, or burns from hot fixtures.
For more info on the Kupo 40" C-Stand and our full line of stands and grip equipment please visit: [ Ссылка ]
