Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

Hi Y'all.

I use my Einsteins on weddings. Now that often require that an assistant hold my lightstand in order to get the correct direction of light. Also, on weddings we have to move the light around quite a bit. That leads me to my problem.

I cannot seem to find a system that can actually hold the Einstein, lock it firmly enough, so that it does not rotate to the side.

The Einstein is quite heavy, and when u got an umbrella or softbox on it, it just becomes heavier. So when tilting the lightstand, the Einstein cannot be locked/tied so much that it holds it place. Sorry if my english is not good enough. I hope you understand.

So i am looking for some gear that will be able to lock the Einstein firmly enough, ensuring that it will stay locked and not slide.

Anyone found the right gear for that?

Are you looking for a light stand or a boom? Or is the light stand sometimes used as a boom/light pole. By boom or light pole, I am referring to usage in more of the horizontal position rather than a vertical position.

Usually, at weddings, i use lightweight lightstands. If the wind is not there, i can set it on the ground. If i need my assistant to hold it, he can put the legs together and carry it.

So, i kind of dont care if its a lightstand, monopod or other. As long at a person can carry it around, which we do a lot at weddings. The most important thing is that the Einstein doesn't turn due to not being able to tighten it enough, which is what is happening most of the times.

It also happends in my studio. If i put the PCB octa on it and tries to turn it sideways, it will slide back due to too much pressure. I simply cannot find a solution to make it stay where i want it.

You guys at PCB should try this. Set up an Einstein on a lightstand. Put the PCB octa on it and try turning it around i different angles. I am sure you will see my problem...

If you are talking about how the coupler spins on the tip of the light stand, that is a common problem, not with just our lights, but with most lights. When the stand is in the vertical orientation, this is not so much a problem, as there are no forces acting to spin the light. However, horizontally, gravitiy will pull on a softbox.

Solutions to consider would be to wrap the tip in gaffers tape. This should offer more resistence on the tightening screw. You could file a flat spot on the tip, preventing the light from spinning around. Or, you may want to look at a drop down pin, however, for your described usage, this may not be the best option.

I think you mean the connection where it connects to the lightstand? (the spigot on top).
If so, it's because it's round and the thing that holds the strobe to it is effectively a set screw. There's not enough resistatnce on the round spigot, so your best bet is to file a flat surface onto the side of this spigot for the screw to dig into. Or you can tighten it down until the screw digs into the spigot if your stand is made out of aluminum (I've done this before too but it takes a lot more force if you've got an octa hanging on it...I just had large softbox that was being spun by 25mph wind gusts and really had to crank it until the screw gouged the spigot :-)

I do actually use a spigot that has a flat surface. But its not enough. I think the best solution is to drill a hole in it and let the screw that tightens it together, go through the hole.

excuse my bad english...

I didn't know there were lightstands w/ spigot w/ a flat surface. Are you sure you're driving the screw into the flat part? If so, it really shouldn't rotate. If you put it through a hole, it'll definitely work.

p.s., your english is fine :-)

@kenyee, your'e right. I have no lightstand with a spigot that has a flat side. What i have been doing is using a Manfrotto thingie set between the Einstein and the lightstand. You know, it's one of those you use for an umbrella, softbox etc. It is not a good solution.

Last night i played around with my gear a bit. I used a Manfrotto Monopod 680B, attached a spigot with flat side, and attached my Einstein on that. It works nicely. Well that is, as long as you turn the monopod the right way. If i turn it wrong, the spigot gets loose and there is a high risk of the Einstein falling off.

Today, i'll see if i can modify one of my lightstands. Make the round spigot flat on one side. That has got to be the best solution.


;)Lars

And by the way!!!

If you want to use a lightstand for running around, turning it horizontal, buy an expendsive one. Usually they have 3 or 4 locks for extending it in length. Make sure these locks are real good. If not they will also turn when you tilt it.

From now on i will only use my (too cheap) lightstands when i am not turning and twisting my light;-)