Lab stands and clamps

[moz]

A thought came up on Whirlpool this morning when I posted a link to this pic:

(taken while I was designing my flash extender)

Who here uses lab stands as part of their photography gear? I can see a real use for macro fans, but I seem to use the stand I have just for photos around the house quite a bit - linking two clamps lets me hold backgrounds in odd places and so on.

If you see one cheap, definitely buy it. I got mine for $5 in a garage sale and would love another couple.

[xorl]

I've been trying to find a good/flexible way to hold diffusers, backgrounds and other items at home. This looks like a great idea. Thanks!

[redline]

there're called burette stands for titrations in wet chemistry

[avkomp]

as far as designing a flash extender, I considered using a page magnifier to flash extend also
I couldnt be bothered figuring out how to mount it on the flash etc.
but ultimately I just ordered a better beamer.

I regard it as expensive for what it actually is, but plenty of people use them and gave them good reviews so I got one and have been very happy
with it

I posted a review of it here
http://www.dslrusers.com/viewtopic.php?t=11579&highlight=beamer

Steve

[DaveB]

as far as designing a flash extender, I considered using a page magnifier to flash extend also
I couldnt be bothered figuring out how to mount it on the flash etc.
but ultimately I just ordered a better beamer.

I went further than that.
Around 1986 (OMG, was it that long ago?) I built an extender using a large magnifier with a very clunky wooden and metal frame. This was for use with a Spotmatic & 400mm lens and a Mecablitz flash. It was too unwieldy to get much use, and when I came across the Better Beamer in 2001 (?) I was very impressed.

I don't think it's too expensive for what it is. It's a very neat and elegant solution (as long as you don't burn too many things - there are a few things that might be improved on it) and the price isn't all that exhorbitant compared to finding the right bits and building one yourself!
In particular the updated attachment system on the FX-3 I use with my 580EX flash results in a rock-solid mount.


I don't have any burette stands, but I do have a cheap "soldering stand" from DSE: a heavy base, two alligator-clip arms, and a magnifying glass (which I've removed - I use a head-mounted magnifier when working on small stuff). It's a very useful tool for studio macro work.

[moz]

as far as designing a flash extender, I considered using a page magnifier to flash extend also I couldnt be bothered figuring out how to mount it on the flash etc.

You mean like this?

$10 worth of fresnel lenses from China and a slightly used political sign The a4 fresnel was really big, and the 1/4A4 one worked 90% as well so I use that. It all folds flat and the rubber bands come from Aus Post. That focuses to match the 300mm end of the Sigma 70-300 you see there.

[Alpha_7]

Nice innovation there moz, have you done any field testing with it ?

[avkomp]

looks like a beamer,

they might bust you for copyright infringement
Steve

[moz]

Nice innovation there moz, have you done any field testing with it ?

A little - I built it after taking some shots of sugar gliders (black furry things on a dark night...), and since then I haven't really been out bush with the camera. But I've had a few niights running around the streets and Centennial Park tormenting cats and possums. Right now though, I'm not sure exactly where it is because I've moved, and I missed a couple of trips after breaking my collarbone last year (didn't go to Cape York!). Hope to get a lot more use out of it this year.

[nito]

god, know where and how our clamps are used in the lab, I wouldnt want my camera touching them.

[moz]

god, know where and how our clamps are used in the lab, I wouldnt want my camera touching them.

You don't think the autoclave would do any good?

[nito]

god, know where and how our clamps are used in the lab, I wouldnt want my camera touching them.

You don't think the autoclave would do any good?

Our clamps are rusty with numerous chemical spills on them. No biologicals on them. Just the offensive rust.