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Hi,

 

I´m looking for a good docking stand for heavy rigs. I hear good things about the American Stand, and found an online dealer: http://www.filmandvideolighting.com/amsttstbl1ri.html

 

I see there's two options for the base: Standard-12instraps and wide-14instraps.

 

I would guess the wider base is the way to go for spin balancing a heavy rig, without necessary having to put a sandbag on it. Anyone having experience with this?

 

And if you have another stand to recommend, feel free to scream it out.

 

 

 

Thanks,

Stig

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I have the prototype American Stand with the 14" straps/wider base. It is nearly identical except the wider stance. I have had it for two full seasons on a show and I love it. I don't use wheels -- just beats up the rig and weighs a ton -- so this is the perfect stand for us.

 

won't let me upload a pic...but you know what it looks like anyways

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Thanks for your reply Ron.

 

Yeah no i'm not very fond of the idea of using weels on the stand myself, although I've never tried it. Shooting too much out in the woods etc with bulky terrain and obstacles.

 

I'll probably go for the wider base. Cant stand (...) an unstable docking station ;)

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Forgot to mention that Lance and Phil are great to deal with (Lance owns American Grip and is super cool). Also, I have never needed a bag with the wider base unless on some crazy uneven ground or leaving it overnight at Jumbos (sometimes the girls mistake the stand for a pole)

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Turns out the site I linked to only ships to US. I'm located in Norway. Found an international dealer: http://cvp.com/index.php?t=product/steadicam_fgs-900073 Not sure how wide that base is, it doesn't say. If anyone have an international dealer to recommend, let me know.

 

Too bad my 1650 case already is stuffed with...stuff.

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Tiffen uk should sell it

 

aaand I think CVP buys them from Tiffen - according to the package I received from CVP (had stickers by Tiffen and FGS-900073 is Tiffen's product code). The shipping costs were something like €9 to Finland.. All thumbs up for CVP!

 

2 rise LS32 stands are perfect for the job and you can forget the sandbags. 2 rise (2 telescoping sections) is also good if you have a superpost to balance.

 

Caster wheel set work well in studio enviroment when the set decorator decides to have a wall built just there where it was OK to set up your base camp 15 minutes ago.. Wheels are good add-ons to take with you when you want but weigh quite a bit. I take mine off (10 sec job) when I know there's not going to be a flat floor to roll around :)

 

Lykke til Stig!

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I feel wheels are for the magliner with docking bazooka and stand is for tight places where wheels would be no good. Still I've never tried wheels.

 

The best stand in the business is the one modified and sold by Optical Support in London. Maybe someone can chime in as to the modifications but I think its absolutely awesome. I have that stand. Its around the £600 mark though which is a lot of money but to me its money very well spent.

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Ive got the american with the 12" base and wheels. ive never had an issue with or without the wheels. I shoot a lot on the beach and like rolling the stand across the piers or parking lots and then pulling it right out of the wheels and plopping it into the sand. but everyones got their own methods. i put all three wheels and the utility tray and my docking bracket into one milk crate, along with some extra ratchet straps etc. for travel in the truck.

also, i have the two-riser version and I wish i had the single rise, but if you are doing any superpost work at all, then the two riser is probably a must. and the two-riser is probably much better for the jumbos girls.

 

while i love the stand, i had a gnarly experience with american. it took over two months for them to build the stand (as they didnt have them in stock), constant communication issues, and i had ordered the single riser version but they built and charged me for the double-riser. i did not find phil easy to work with until i showed up at the factory to pick up the stand and i was writing the check.

 

also, i suggest wrapping the knobs in a buffer/rubber coating of sorts to avoid any bumping with your rig. i just used some long gear ties and wrapped them around the knobs to buffer any knocking around, which happens from time to time. just trying to keep everything in good shape. you can see them in orange in the photo.

 

brett.

 

CreativeCamera_Photo30_zps179ed529.jpg

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Tiffen uk should sell it

 

aaand I think CVP buys them from Tiffen - according to the package I received from CVP (had stickers by Tiffen and FGS-900073 is Tiffen's product code). The shipping costs were something like €9 to Finland.. All thumbs up for CVP!

 

2 rise LS32 stands are perfect for the job and you can forget the sandbags. 2 rise (2 telescoping sections) is also good if you have a superpost to balance.

 

Caster wheel set work well in studio enviroment when the set decorator decides to have a wall built just there where it was OK to set up your base camp 15 minutes ago.. Wheels are good add-ons to take with you when you want but weigh quite a bit. I take mine off (10 sec job) when I know there's not going to be a flat floor to roll around :)

 

Lykke til Stig!

 

 

Tusen takk Tuomas!

 

I just ordered the stand from CVP. Went a little nuts and added the wheels as well. Now I'll be rolling on the floors like a madman for sure.

 

Interesting to see what preferences people have when it comes to the docking stand. Thank you for all responses, guys :)

 

Best,

Stig

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