Savage Port-A-Stand ?

[PShank]

Does anyone have any experience with this backdrop stand? The reviews look good on Adorama and it definately fits my "hobbiest" budget now that I am looking at creating a small studio in my basement. Also are there any other good, affordable stands you would suggest? Thanks in advance...

http://www.adorama.com/BMSSPSP.html?searchinfo=savage%20port%20a%20stand&item_no=1

 

[dogwood]

The savage stands are okay-- a bit flimsy but a decent price for what you get. Two c-stands are better, but cost quite a bit more.

Is the stand width for the link you posted only 53-inches wide? That's just a bit over four feet-- I'd personally recommend getting one of the 9-foot wide stands just because it's more versatile.

--
Pete Springer
http://www.petespringer.com

 

[Jeff Maanum]

I have a Savage heavy duty light stand which I am very pleased with. Nice quality. I'd buy the background stand if I didn't already own a different brand.
--

Support our troops. Bring them home to their families.

 

[PShank]

"A versatile, yet compact metal portable background stand. Matte black finish. Stand opens to 9'5" wide, 8'10" high and collapses to 44" for ease of carrying. The vertical uprights can be used as light stands for a completely versatile all-in-one system. Comes complete with a bag. The perfect background stand for pocation. Weighs 12lbs. Accommodates 53" x 12 yds. or 107" x 12 yds. rolls of paper or fabric background."

It comes with a free roll of 53" wide white paper. Will accomodate 107" rolls and opens to 9.5' wide at max. My basement ceiling is only 8.5' so the 8'10" max height is a good fit as well.

The savage stands are okay-- a bit flimsy but a decent price for what
you get. Two c-stands are better, but cost quite a bit more.

Is the stand width for the link you posted only 53-inches wide?
That's just a bit over four feet-- I'd personally recommend getting
one of the 9-foot wide stands just because it's more versatile.

--
Pete Springer
http://www.petespringer.com

 

[lpm]

I was recently shopping around for a hobbyist-type background stand and ended up getting :

1) a Manfrotto 2983 telescoping crossbar: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5217-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_2983_Adjustable_Background_Holder_Crossbar.html

2) 2 - Giottos 244 Air-Cushioned lightstands: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/82713-REG/Giottos_LC244_Air_Cushioned_Light_Stand.html

That way, I'd have a good quality crossbar and a couple (budget, but decent) lightstands. The downside is that it cost a little more than the Port-A-Stand and didn't come with a roll of paper and a case.
--
-Lucina

 

[PShank]

After reading the portastand desciption closely, it appears it is the same setup just in a package deal plus the free paper. Both supports can be used as light stands... just doesn't say "air cushioned". What is the difference?

I was recently shopping around for a hobbyist-type background stand
and ended up getting :
1) a Manfrotto 2983 telescoping crossbar:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5217-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_2983_Adjustable_Background_Holder_Crossbar.html
2) 2 - Giottos 244 Air-Cushioned lightstands:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/82713-REG/Giottos_LC244_Air_Cushioned_Light_Stand.html

That way, I'd have a good quality crossbar and a couple (budget, but
decent) lightstands. The downside is that it cost a little more than
the Port-A-Stand and didn't come with a roll of paper and a case.
--
-Lucina

 

[lpm]

Air-cushioned just means that when you lower a section, it everything doesn't collapse too quickly.

After reading the portastand desciption closely, it appears it is the
same setup just in a package deal plus the free paper. Both supports
can be used as light stands... just doesn't say "air cushioned". What
is the difference?

 

[Dasher]

That is the background stand I have been using for 5 years or so. Works fine. Mine didn't come with the free roll of paper, but did include the bag which has held up well too.

 

[PSHPhoto]

Not sure which model I have, but have used my savage stands for over 15 years now and I bought them used. They seem to hold up well with a heavy 12' canvas backdrop I use, no tilting and seem to be steady enough.
--
'My favorite subject to photograph is the dark side of the sun.'
Paul

 

[photolando]

For a few more bucks I highly recommend the background support system from Calumet. The stands are very heavy duty (Manfrootos I believe) and can easily double as light stands if needed.

A friend of mine bought a bunch of these because the stands were so good and cheaper than buying two heavy duty stands. Plus he has some nice cases for all his stands.

http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/MF6095/

Mike

 

[ElanToXT]

I have this (I am a hobbyist) and it fits the bill for me (function-wise and budget-wise),

It just fit a 107" wide paper, but I guess one can get a longer crossbar if needed.
--

• Johnny

http://tuxbailey.zenfolio.com

 

[PShank]

is the included crossbar 1 piece/telescoping or several sections

I have this (I am a hobbyist) and it fits the bill for me
(function-wise and budget-wise),

It just fit a 107" wide paper, but I guess one can get a longer
crossbar if needed.
--

• Johnny

http://tuxbailey.zenfolio.com

 

[Joe Marques]

Sold my savage set-up for this:

http://www.amvona.com/?page=shop/flypage&view=1&product_id=3058

More stable and less expensive.

 

[bullet1]

Sold my savage set-up for this:

http://www.amvona.com/?page=shop/flypage&view=1&product_id=3058

More stable and less expensive.

Thank you for the link.

What is the difference between their Wholesale ($79) and Wholesale Case ($71) options? Is the second option just another case? Isn't a case included in the first package?

Can those stands be used as light stands?

Their prices seem quite nice but their web site is a bit hard to navigate. I looked for their shipping calculator but just could not find it.
--
Nelson Chen
http://pbase.com/nelsonc
http://NelsonChenPhotography.com/
100% RAW shooter with Capture One Pro



2007 Colorado Renaissance Festival photo gallery:
http://www.pbase.com/nelsonc/2007_colorado_renaissance_festival&page=all

 

[Joe Marques]

Sold my savage set-up for this:

http://www.amvona.com/?page=shop/flypage&view=1&product_id=3058

More stable and less expensive.

Thank you for the link.

What is the difference between their Wholesale ($79) and Wholesale
Case ($71) options? Is the second option just another case? Isn't a
case included in the first package?

It's price PER case, if you bought a case of stands. The kit does come with a carry case.

Can those stands be used as light stands?

I wouldn't, they don't have ther right post on top.

Their prices seem quite nice but their web site is a bit hard to
navigate. I looked for their shipping calculator but just could not
find it.

Pretty sure shipping is free if you spend $100. I bought 3 nice muslins recently for about $50 each and my shipping was free. You might consider adding a 5-in-1 reflector to take you over $100 (since shipping is probably $15-20).

Joe

 

[Gene L.]

...Also are there any other good, affordable stands you would suggest?

For the home studio I am looking at hanging systems with chain or motor drives. Amvona has both for a reasonable price. If you will use seamless paper on a regular basis, either of these would be the far better way to go in my opinion.
http://www.amvona.com/?page=shop/flypage&view=1&product_id=1651
http://www.amvona.com/?page=shop/flypage&view=1&product_id=1502

I have a stand similar to the one you are looking at and have used it for around 5 years now. It is solid and does a nice job of holding seamless paper provided you only use one paper and never roll it up. However, the darn thing is very difficult to use, as it has no mechanism for rolling up the paper. Changing paper is a royal pain with this system, especially in a limited space. It does not work well for small spaces because the footprint of the stand is quite large. Also, it is cumbersome to set up for location work.

If portability and/or space constraints are high on your priority list, then do consider the Photek PeoplePopper. You can get just the stand or the entire kit with painted background, stand, and posing stool. I strongly advise to get the kit. The background is beautiful, very light, and very responsive to light. The kit comes with a bags for the stand and a large bag to hold everything in one place.

Here is the kit (in stormy grey, which works well for portraiture):

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/236164-REG/Photek__PEOPLEPOPPER_Kit_6x7_.html

Here is a photo with the PeoplePopper for a background.
http://public.fotki.com/ttl-biz/pub/flowers/img1064.html

-Gene L.
http://ttl-biz.com

I am not convinced that creativity can be taught. However, I do believe that it can be coaxed from its hiding place.

 

[PShank]

Hmmm, might have to rethink this. I really like the idea of having 2 papers and a muslin always mounted and easy to switch. The space is also an issue so one of these mounted to the ceiling would make for less clutter and a safer environment for me and the subjects. However, I don't know how the wife will feel about me permanently mounting something to the ceiling. We just paid for the drywall to be finished down there and I know she won't be excited to here I am already putting holes in the ceiling.

Question- what size are the screws that will be holding this up? If they are standard screws, instead of toggle bolts, that would be an easier sell for me. 1/8"-1/4" holes possilbe. Predrilling 3/8" toggle bolt holes=doghouse for me.

Thanks for the suggestion.... so much to think about.

While we are at it, any affordable suggestions for small lighting systems? Maybe continuous light soft boxes? I think the most affordable way for strobe lighting will be using multiple flashes with wireless communication. Thanks again!

...Also are there any other good, affordable stands you would suggest?

For the home studio I am looking at hanging systems with chain or
motor drives. Amvona has both for a reasonable price. If you will use
seamless paper on a regular basis, either of these would be the far
better way to go in my opinion.
http://www.amvona.com/?page=shop/flypage&view=1&product_id=1651
http://www.amvona.com/?page=shop/flypage&view=1&product_id=1502

I have a stand similar to the one you are looking at and have used it
for around 5 years now. It is solid and does a nice job of holding
seamless paper provided you only use one paper and never roll it up.
However, the darn thing is very difficult to use, as it has no
mechanism for rolling up the paper. Changing paper is a royal pain
with this system, especially in a limited space. It does not work
well for small spaces because the footprint of the stand is quite
large. Also, it is cumbersome to set up for location work.

If portability and/or space constraints are high on your priority
list, then do consider the Photek PeoplePopper. You can get just the
stand or the entire kit with painted background, stand, and posing
stool. I strongly advise to get the kit. The background is beautiful,
very light, and very responsive to light. The kit comes with a bags
for the stand and a large bag to hold everything in one place.

Here is the kit (in stormy grey, which works well for portraiture):

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/236164-REG/Photek__PEOPLEPOPPER_Kit_6x7_.html

Here is a photo with the PeoplePopper for a background.
http://public.fotki.com/ttl-biz/pub/flowers/img1064.html

-Gene L.
http://ttl-biz.com

I am not convinced that creativity can be taught. However, I do
believe that it can be coaxed from its hiding place.

 

[ElanToXT]

telescoping.
--

• Johnny

http://tuxbailey.zenfolio.com

 

[bcotter]

I have the Port-A-Stand kit and I must say that I am very pleased with it. It's really easy to set up and it is very sturdy once you put it up. I think one of the nicest parts about it is the adjustable crossbar where the backdrop actually hangs from. It is really easy to adjust and you can fit any size paper or fabric on there that you would like. I highly recommend this product, Very Good!

 

[Gene L.]

Question- what size are the screws that will be holding this up? If
they are standard screws, instead of toggle bolts, that would be an
easier sell for me. 1/8"-1/4" holes possilbe. Predrilling 3/8" toggle
bolt holes=doghouse for me.

I think there are some other options rather than drilling holes in the ceiling. I believe that the chain drive system can be mounted to a set of autopoles. I was also thinking of a wall mount, which then got me to thinking of building a frame (out of 2x4) with proper spacing for the roller mechanism. A frame could even be designed to be self-supporting with no attachment to the wall or ceiling.
Here is what I am talking aboug for autopoles

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/560207-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_432_3_7BSET_432_3_7B_Deluxe_Autopole_2_.html

Here is an example of a system with autopoles and chain drive

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5209-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_2960_Complete_AutoPole_Expan_Kit.html

While we are at it, any affordable suggestions for small lighting
systems? Maybe continuous light soft boxes? I think the most
affordable way for strobe lighting will be using multiple flashes

I don't think hot lights are the way to go. Too much heat, too many watts, and no way to adjust them except by moving (and you don't have space).

I used Vivitar 285 flashes for the past few years and recently got some JTL Monolights (Mobilight), which work in the studio and for location lighting.

I don't think you can go wrong with the Alien Bees monolights. There are others too, like Photogenic and SP-Systems. However, if you want absolute cheap monolights, I have heard good things about the incredibly cheap lights from this eBay seller. I have no first hand knowledge about this seller's stuff, but the feedback looks good.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=290017258799&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=019

When looking at studio lights, always be aware of what mount the lights use and what accessories are available for that mount. My JTL's (and I believe the above eBay lights) use the Bowens S-mount, which has a large base of available accessories. My Amvona softboxes came with a S-mount speedring connector, so that saved me some money by not having to buy new speedring connectors. Some of the Interfit monolights, Bowens, and the Westscott StarFlash use this mount, so their accessories should be interchangeable.

...Also are there any other good, affordable stands you would suggest?

I like the Impact from B&H. On the cheap, the Impact 8-1/2' stand is around $35 and is the minimum I would use to support a light. I do suggest spending a bit more and getting a heavier stand with a broader footprint like the Impact 13'. I hear that the JTL stands are good and not terribly expensive. My next light stand will probably be a JTL because you can find them cheap on eBay from time to time.

-Gene L.
http://ttl-biz.com