Mounting cameras to light stands

[markyboy]

Hi all

I've been using tripods in my setup but they take up too much room. Ideally I'd like to mount my cameras on light stands, say 4 or 5 cameras per stand. Can anyone direct me to some good clamps that I can use to mount DSLRs to lights stands? Looking for something that's sturdy, adjustable and above all doesn't cost a fortune.

Regards Mark

[mala]

Manfrotto superclamps with stud are probably the best solution

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B000JLM4XG/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1399818709&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX110_SY165

[Exhale]

Hi ,

Yes I have the same one. They are the best I believe.

[markyboy]

Thanks for the reply, but I assume thats just a clamp? I'll then need to buy something to actually mount/adjust the camera angle ?

[FLuca]

Mark,
with the manfrotto super clamp you need to add a spigot  adapter and a basic rotule head
for spigot it is preferable to have a long one (http://www.la-bs.com/ArticleDetails.aspx?Code=MA013) to allow your camera to be more freely oriented
for the rotule you can use the Manfrotto MA492 which doesnt have a removable plate but have a very small footprint allowing to open the battery case without removing the cam
to mouunt the clamp on you can also use the Manfrotto autopoles which can avoid the large space taken by the tripods, three heights are available. they can also be mounted on a tripod if your ceiling is too high
http://www.manfrotto.com/black-autopole-extends-from-210cm-to-370cm

regards

[markyboy]

Thanks all for your replies on this. So

Manfrotto Super Clamp 19.95
Manfrotto MA492 Ball head 28.00
Manfrotto Adaptor Spigot 7.95

Total 55.90 UK pounds

That price is fine if I only want to do it for one camera, but for multiple cameras it becomes very expensive. Is there a cheaper option ?

Thanks Mark

[Tyler J]

Bike Handlebar Bracket Mount Holder 2.49$

I use several of them, they are very good.

[markyboy]

Hi

I've tried a few of the handle bar clamps and they didn't allow me to position the cameras with enough precision. Also could only mount camera portrait.

[Andrew]

Anyone tried any of these? http://www.cullmann.de/en/results/cat/klemmen.html

I only know those tiny ball heads and they are rather not sturdy enough to keep Canon 600D's with kit zoom lens. They just might be okay for the light 100D with light prime lens though. The clamps themselves though might be adequate, while being half the price of Superclamp with stud.

[Lambo]

I have 60 of these:  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00585CLVS/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
They are not the best in the market but for the price there is nothing that beats them.
The only thing I found out that you have to do to make sure they hold the camera in place without loosing its position (since the pivot ball is kinda small) is to open them (it takes 2 seconds since they snap out) and sand down slightly the little ball, that gives them more friction and after that, I have used them for almost a month now without any issues.
The only problem I found is that they do not fit the first (bottom) section of the bigger sturdier poles I am buying now and for that I found these:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ISU8HO/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
But for some reason I dont seem to find them anymore??
There are some other ones but most of the ones I tried are not as good.
Leo

[Marcel]

You can also build stands using 'Bosch' profiles,  these are aluminium profiles that can easily be connected with screws and corner pieces. The advantage is that they are not very expensive (around 8$ per meter)  and incredibly strong and stiff.

[markyboy]

Regarding these: http://www.cullmann.de/en/results/cat/klemmen.html - They look ok but as they say in the description they are only designed to hold a light DSLR with lens. I need it to be able to hold 600D and 1100Ds

[markyboy]

Just looked at your suggestions Lambo, would those allow me to mount the camera like this (see attachment, excuse poor mockup).

Just looking as some other Arkon stuff on Amazon maybe these would allow me to mount the cameras at the angle I want?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/CMP205-Motorcycle-Bicycle-flexible-extension/dp/B005EWTJU6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1400146819&sr=8-2&keywords=Arkon+Camera+Bike+Motorcycle

 

[Lambo]

Ok, the ones I mentioned do not allow for 90 degree mounting like that. I have all my cameras tilted 90 degrees that normally is better for human capture for the proportions, etc.
That mount you linked seems to do what you want, the only thing I don't know is the weight limit?
The reviews say that it shakes too much with the slightest movement though
Another one I used is this one:  http://www.ebay.com/itm/400527719238?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649
It doesn't have the ball that rotates all around but it has a pivot that rotates a complete 90 degrees. I don't know if it would be far enough from the pole to allow a DSLR to rotate that much but...
I have a couple in my house so I can do the test for you tonight.
Leo

[Lambo]

Nope, it doesnt work for mounting the camera in Landscape orientation. Since it rotates in just 1 axis and also it is too close to the pole