Boom arm design issues at DVinfo.net

Les Wilson · May 20th, 2006, 08:01 AM

My Impact boom stand has built-in clamps handy for holding reflectors and backdrops. Two problems I have with the design of this boom stands is:
1)The design assumes an upside down L arrangement and the clamps are always on the same side of the boom arm. There are times I want to use the stand to hold things in a T configuration but have to improvise a clamp on the half of the boom without the clamps.
2) The collapsed length of the Impact unit and it's built-in boom arm is too long for my travel cases (37" max)

I want to purchase a boom to add to any light stand for travel. But, they all seem to assume a design where the arm is in an upside down L.

Does anyone know of a boom arm that will let me position the stand between the clamps in a T when I want it that way? I'm not adverse to assembling a rig from parts but I never see accessory reflector clamps, just boom arm swivel clamps. Any help is appreciated.

TIA

Marcus Marchesseault · May 23rd, 2006, 07:05 PM

Send a link so I can see what you are talking about. Which product?

Les Wilson · May 23rd, 2006, 07:22 PM

Below is the stand I have. In order to collapse, the boom arm must have both clamps on the same side as the swivel clamp. I was hoping a separate boom arm would let me have the swivel clamp in the center.

Impact Multiboom Light Stand and Reflector Holder
Mfr# 3218 • B&H# IMLSRH

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation

Jack Barker · May 23rd, 2006, 10:28 PM

Hi Ernest, I have a couple of those Impact stand/boom rigs, and I love them. I got them as part of some 42" reflector kits. Never thought of using them in a Tee configuration, but if you wanted to, I see no reason why you couldn't knock out the pin at the end and remove the end cap. That way, you could remove the boom, slide off one of the clips and remount the boom and the clip.

Alternatively, and perhaps for occasional use, even better, would be to get a Matthews-type grip head to mount on any stand with a 5/8" stud. That way, you could use any pipe or rod for your boom and whatever clamps are suitable for what's being held.

Here is one with a half-decent picture:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search

But there are more expensive and less expensive, as well.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ar&A=search&Q=
(sort this list by "Price: Low to High")

Jack

Les Wilson · May 24th, 2006, 05:13 AM

I see. On that Avenger grip head, which end goes on the boom and which on the stand? I can't tell if the grip mounts on the stand pipe or stud. TIA

Jack Barker · May 24th, 2006, 08:00 AM

Maybe this picture will help explain. Notice that there are two different sizes of grooves forming the 'jaws'. One for rod, one for pipe.

Oh, and they all mount slightly differently, but the principle is the same.

Les Wilson · May 24th, 2006, 05:41 PM

Thank you for the illustrated answer. A picture is truly worth a thousand words. I had not managed to find the Grip and Mounting category at B&H. Would this Matth Gag then let me connect the boom to the light riser and still use the stud for a light?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation

Jack Barker · May 24th, 2006, 10:38 PM

You know Ernest, I really don't know. I can't quite get my head around that model. But from what you described maybe this is what you're looking for:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation

It might help if we knew more exactly what your end use was. You want a left and right boom with the ability to still put an instrument on top. What is it you are doing?

Les Wilson · May 25th, 2006, 05:38 AM

I am trying to trim down the volume and weight of the equipment needed in my mobile studio. With a the right grip, and boom that leaves the light stand stud available, I can hang my background and mount my hair-light with only one stand. You've been very helpful. I'm open to recommendations on top mounted grips with their own stud vs the MatthGag (above) that (I think) mounts on the light riser below the stud and holds a boom at 90 degrees.

Bill Hamell · May 28th, 2006, 01:57 PM

I received a copy of B&Hs Pto Audio catalog and on page 197 are some items you might take a look at I did the first search for you...

Atlas BE-E
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...16&Submit.y=13

Atlas
PB21XE

On-Stage
MSA7040TB
MSA7020B

Quik-Lok
A-113
A-291

These look like they will do what you are describing.

Bill

May 20th, 2006, 08:01 AM	#1
Les Wilson Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Boca Raton, FL Posts: 3,014	Boom arm design issues My Impact boom stand has built-in clamps handy for holding reflectors and backdrops. Two problems I have with the design of this boom stands is: 1)The design assumes an upside down L arrangement and the clamps are always on the same side of the boom arm. There are times I want to use the stand to hold things in a T configuration but have to improvise a clamp on the half of the boom without the clamps. 2) The collapsed length of the Impact unit and it's built-in boom arm is too long for my travel cases (37" max) I want to purchase a boom to add to any light stand for travel. But, they all seem to assume a design where the arm is in an upside down L. Does anyone know of a boom arm that will let me position the stand between the clamps in a T when I want it that way? I'm not adverse to assembling a rig from parts but I never see accessory reflector clamps, just boom arm swivel clamps. Any help is appreciated. TIA

May 24th, 2006, 08:00 AM	#6
Jack Barker Major Player Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 342	Maybe this picture will help explain. Notice that there are two different sizes of grooves forming the 'jaws'. One for rod, one for pipe. Oh, and they all mount slightly differently, but the principle is the same. Last edited by Jack Barker; November 20th, 2007 at 10:05 AM.

May 28th, 2006, 01:57 PM	#10
Bill Hamell Major Player Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Mystic Ct. Posts: 477	I received a copy of B&Hs Pto Audio catalog and on page 197 are some items you might take a look at I did the first search for you... Atlas BE-E http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...16&Submit.y=13 Atlas PB21XE On-Stage MSA7040TB MSA7020B Quik-Lok A-113 A-291 These look like they will do what you are describing. Bill __________________ Cinematographers Bring Shadow To Light

May 23rd, 2006, 07:05 PM	#2
Marcus Marchesseault Trustee Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 1,961	Send a link so I can see what you are talking about. Which product?

May 23rd, 2006, 07:22 PM	#3
Les Wilson Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Boca Raton, FL Posts: 3,014	Below is the stand I have. In order to collapse, the boom arm must have both clamps on the same side as the swivel clamp. I was hoping a separate boom arm would let me have the swivel clamp in the center. Impact Multiboom Light Stand and Reflector Holder Mfr# 3218 • B&H# IMLSRH http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation

May 23rd, 2006, 10:28 PM	#4
Jack Barker Major Player Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 342	Hi Ernest, I have a couple of those Impact stand/boom rigs, and I love them. I got them as part of some 42" reflector kits. Never thought of using them in a Tee configuration, but if you wanted to, I see no reason why you couldn't knock out the pin at the end and remove the end cap. That way, you could remove the boom, slide off one of the clips and remount the boom and the clip. Alternatively, and perhaps for occasional use, even better, would be to get a Matthews-type grip head to mount on any stand with a 5/8" stud. That way, you could use any pipe or rod for your boom and whatever clamps are suitable for what's being held. Here is one with a half-decent picture: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search But there are more expensive and less expensive, as well. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ar&A=search&Q= (sort this list by "Price: Low to High") Jack

May 24th, 2006, 05:13 AM	#5
Les Wilson Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Boca Raton, FL Posts: 3,014	I see. On that Avenger grip head, which end goes on the boom and which on the stand? I can't tell if the grip mounts on the stand pipe or stud. TIA

May 24th, 2006, 05:41 PM	#7
Les Wilson Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Boca Raton, FL Posts: 3,014	Thank you for the illustrated answer. A picture is truly worth a thousand words. I had not managed to find the Grip and Mounting category at B&H. Would this Matth Gag then let me connect the boom to the light riser and still use the stud for a light? http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation

May 24th, 2006, 10:38 PM	#8
Jack Barker Major Player Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 342	You know Ernest, I really don't know. I can't quite get my head around that model. But from what you described maybe this is what you're looking for: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation It might help if we knew more exactly what your end use was. You want a left and right boom with the ability to still put an instrument on top. What is it you are doing?

May 25th, 2006, 05:38 AM	#9
Les Wilson Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Boca Raton, FL Posts: 3,014	I am trying to trim down the volume and weight of the equipment needed in my mobile studio. With a the right grip, and boom that leaves the light stand stud available, I can hang my background and mount my hair-light with only one stand. You've been very helpful. I'm open to recommendations on top mounted grips with their own stud vs the MatthGag (above) that (I think) mounts on the light riser below the stud and holds a boom at 90 degrees.