Alternative to a Plamp: I recently went to a presentation during which the Plamp was demonstrated. It is a bendable "arm" that attaches to a tripod at one end and has a clamp at the...

Bobcat87

I recently went to a presentation during which the Plamp was demonstrated. It is a bendable "arm" that attaches to a tripod at one end and has a clamp at the other end. The presenter used it to hold a background she had mounted on piece of foam board (11" X 16") in order to take a close-up of a flower. The $43.00 price of the Plamp on Amazon, B&H, etc. is a bit beyond my budget, so I have a some questions:
1) Does anyone have experience the Kupo D700912 Mini flex arm w/alligator clip (Adorama), and would it serve the same purpose? Kupo is about $27.00.
2) Is there anything else out there in the $20-$25 (or less) price range?
3) Is there a "hack" that I could use to build my own?

Thanks in advance for your help!

jim quist Loc: Missouri

That's probably the least expensive one out there

Bill_de Loc: US

I haven't checked prices lately, but the main component comes from here. When I used a light meter most of the time I made one (a friend's idea) to clamp the meter to the gimbal. It's like having Legos, you can make all sorts of stuff.

http://www.modularhose.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1dOhuaX14AIVjluGCh09owuXEAAYASAAEgK2MfD_BwE

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davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

Bobcat87 wrote:

I recently went to a presentation during which the... (show quote)

Make one for yourself. You will need 1 clamp (it will hold stems, etc. so get one that is designed to hold something small), 1 stake of your choice but plastic is more suitable, and about 18"-24" of heavy gauge electrical wire. Put it all into a hat, shake the hat, wave your magic wand, and presto, out pops you own plamp! Have fun with it. If you are into serious flower shots these are a must. Got mine before Wimberely got involved and paid $15.00, use it frequently.

Bobcat87

jim quist wrote:

That's probably the least expensive one out there

Thanks, jim!

Bobcat87

Bill_de wrote:

I haven't checked prices lately, but the main component comes from here. When I used a light meter most of the time I made one (a friend's idea) to clamp the meter to the gimbal. It's like having Legos, you can make all sorts of stuff.

http://www.modularhose.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1dOhuaX14AIVjluGCh09owuXEAAYASAAEgK2MfD_BwE

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Thanks. Will check that out.

Bobcat87

davidrb wrote:

Make one for yourself. You will need 1 clamp (it will hold stems, etc. so get one that is designed to hold something small), 1 stake of your choice but plastic is more suitable, and about 18"-24" of heavy gauge electrical wire. Put it all into a hat, shake the hat, wave your magic wand, and presto, out pops you own plamp! Have fun with it. If you are into serious flower shots these are a must. Got mine before Wimberely got involved and paid $15.00, use it frequently.

Haha! Will have to dig out my magic wand. This gives me some ideas. Thanks!

rwilson1942 Loc: Houston, TX

Can't find the video now, but someone modified this Ikea work lamp ($13) to use as a Plamp.
https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/departments/living_room/20516/
He just removed the LED head and attached an inexpensive plastic clamp.

Haydon

FWIW I ended up buying a plamp with the same type of disappointment with the price. After an hour of searching for a DIY, I just bought it and moved on. It's so easy dwelling over something you want and don't understand the pricing. Generally speaking Wimberley products are top notch and they do have excellent customer service.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

Bobcat87 wrote:

I recently went to a presentation during which the... (show quote)

43 bucks??? Gee, when I bought mine, it was $14.95 and I thought that was way too much!

Bobcat87

rwilson1942 wrote:

Can't find the video now, but someone modified this Ikea work lamp ($13) to use as a Plamp.
https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/departments/living_room/20516/
He just removed the LED head and attached an inexpensive plastic clamp.

Thanks for the idea. I have an old gooseneck lamp somewhere-maybe I could use that.

Bobcat87

Haydon wrote:

FWIW I ended up buying a plamp with the same type of disappointment with the price. After an hour of searching for a DIY, I just bought it and moved on. It's so easy dwelling over something you want and don't understand the pricing. Generally speaking Wimberley products are top notch and they do have excellent customer service.

I appreciate the insight, Haydon.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Bobcat87 wrote:

I recently went to a presentation during which the... (show quote)

You can do this for about $8 each - $10 for a pair of 32" Kwiktwist ties, and another $6 for two pairs of quick clamps.

https://www.ebay.com/i/222513225703?chn=ps

https://www.flickr.com/photos/schellenberger/473925615

Bobcat87

Gene51 wrote:

You can do this for about $8 each - $10 for a pair of 32" Kwiktwist ties, and another $6 for two pairs of quick clamps.

https://www.ebay.com/i/222513225703?chn=ps

https://www.flickr.com/photos/schellenberger/473925615

Thanks! I found instructions on You Tube using Nite Ize gear ties, too. Will check this site out.

rjriggins11 Loc: Colorado Springs, CO

Worst name everrr.