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Backdrop stand alternate
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Apr 19, 2016 10:34:14   #
Mark7829 Loc: Calfornia
 
Cdouthitt wrote:
I'm in the process of finishing our basement, in which I'm creating a small studio space which will also double as a library when not in use.

I've considered the typical background stand system, but what I don't like about them is how much of a footprint the stands take up on the ground. I would also like to avoid permanently mounting anything to the walls/ceiling.

As an alternative I found these, which would have a very small footprint.
http://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008OM1FZU/ref=pd_aw_sim_sbs_421_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=311tGo0TGFL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL200_SR200%2C200_&refRID=13J8FQJXQJ72VYMPDN5T

But they're somewhat pricy. That got me thinking...would a freestanding closet system work? My current paper rolls are only 42" wide and my wisest muslin is 6'. I have upto 8-10' to work with (plus an additional 10' for lights).
Closet system?
http://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B011KB8P5O/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?qid=1460971950&sr=8-8&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=floor+to+ceiling+pole&dpPl=1&dpID=516XNJIXraL&ref=plSrch
I'm in the process of finishing our basement, in w... (show quote)


The obvious advantage of the expensive system is its portability. The free standing closet system is likely not mobile. Being able to position the light where needed is critical to studio work.

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Apr 19, 2016 10:36:02   #
Mark7829 Loc: Calfornia
 
Cdouthitt wrote:
I'm in the process of finishing our basement, in which I'm creating a small studio space which will also double as a library when not in use.

I've considered the typical background stand system, but what I don't like about them is how much of a footprint the stands take up on the ground. I would also like to avoid permanently mounting anything to the walls/ceiling.

As an alternative I found these, which would have a very small footprint.
http://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008OM1FZU/ref=pd_aw_sim_sbs_421_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=311tGo0TGFL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL200_SR200%2C200_&refRID=13J8FQJXQJ72VYMPDN5T

But they're somewhat pricy. That got me thinking...would a freestanding closet system work? My current paper rolls are only 42" wide and my wisest muslin is 6'. I have upto 8-10' to work with (plus an additional 10' for lights).
Closet system?
http://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B011KB8P5O/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?qid=1460971950&sr=8-8&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=floor+to+ceiling+pole&dpPl=1&dpID=516XNJIXraL&ref=plSrch
I'm in the process of finishing our basement, in w... (show quote)


And then there are less expensive alternatives at half the price

http://www.amazon.com/FastCap-Support-System-144-Inches-3HAND5/dp/B000067S12/ref=pd_cp_421_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0WM3WWJMBX8D6CW8CRAE

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Apr 19, 2016 10:41:01   #
Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI
 
Mark7829 wrote:
The obvious advantage of the expensive system is its portability. The free standing closet system is likely not mobile. Being able to position the light where needed is critical to studio work.


Don't need it to be mobile...just need to eventually take it down when it's not going to be used for long periods. I figure if I cant level 2 poles and a crossbeam in 15minutes, there's something wrong with me.

I'm 90% certain this is what I'm going to buy. The construction should be done in two weeks...I'll order it then and report back.

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Apr 19, 2016 10:42:13   #
Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI
 


more expensive than the closet though...and you still need to buy a crossbar and figure out how to mount it to it. The closet has this already.

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Apr 19, 2016 11:10:37   #
Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI
 
Here's the current state of things...

The width is a little over 20' and it is 13' to the central wall. Centered in the space, is a 5' opening in the central wall. The backdrop will be centered on this opening so that I can shoot from the other room with a longer lens...which will give me about about 18' of shooting distance if I need it.

I figure if could do this before with my makeshift setup, that this dedicated space should be WAY better.



(Download)

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Apr 19, 2016 12:02:40   #
elee950021 Loc: New York, NY
 
Back in the day, "Polecats" were the less expensive version of the Manfrotto vertical backdrop setup, mentioned above for $600. The aluminum pole within a pole would expand and tighten against most average ceilings. They basically look like the closet system that was also mentioned above. I picked up a set of them with accessories, several years ago from a closing studio for under $100. I googled "Polecats" and they've disappeared. I guess they are no longer manufactured but I did find "Timber Toppers," available on the Set Shop's website: http://setshop.com/photo-backgrounds/formicasintratilebrick/tileboard/135tt-timber-toppers-for-2-x-4.html It was another inexpensive way to hang backdrops.

For you a "closet" system might the way to go. Check it out at a Bed, Bath and Beyond store or a Walmart, Lowes and Home Depot store.

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Apr 19, 2016 12:10:17   #
Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI
 
elee950021 wrote:
...I guess they are no longer manufactured but I did find "Timber Toppers," available on the Set Shop's website: http://setshop.com/photo-backgrounds/formicasintratilebrick/tileboard/135tt-timber-toppers-for-2-x-4.html It was another inexpensive way to hang backdrops.



Those are interesting options...something I've never seen before.

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Apr 19, 2016 14:58:20   #
d2b2 Loc: Catonsville, Maryland, USA
 
Cdouthitt wrote:
I'm in the process of finishing our basement, in which I'm creating a small studio space which will also double as a library when not in use.

I've considered the typical background stand system, but what I don't like about them is how much of a footprint the stands take up on the ground. I would also like to avoid permanently mounting anything to the walls/ceiling.

As an alternative I found these, which would have a very small footprint.
http://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008OM1FZU/ref=pd_aw_sim_sbs_421_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=311tGo0TGFL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL200_SR200%2C200_&refRID=13J8FQJXQJ72VYMPDN5T

But they're somewhat pricy. That got me thinking...would a freestanding closet system work? My current paper rolls are only 42" wide and my wisest muslin is 6'. I have upto 8-10' to work with (plus an additional 10' for lights).
Closet system?
http://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B011KB8P5O/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?qid=1460971950&sr=8-8&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=floor+to+ceiling+pole&dpPl=1&dpID=516XNJIXraL&ref=plSrch
I'm in the process of finishing our basement, in w... (show quote)


I have two bookcases, separated so that the backdrop hangs between them. Mine is a family room, not a dedicated studio, so I did not want anything permanent. I put two, small nails on the unfinished areas of the wood, on the very top of each bookcase. The backdrop is hung on a PVC pipe or dowel, and the nails keep the pipe from rolling. Amateurish, but very utilitarian.

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Apr 19, 2016 15:00:50   #
Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI
 
d2b2 wrote:
I have two bookcases, separated so that the backdrop hangs between them. Mine is a family room, not a dedicated studio, so I did not want anything permanent. I put two, small nails on the unfinished areas of the wood, on the very top of each bookcase. The backdrop is hung on a PVC pipe or dowel, and the nails keep the pipe from rolling. Amateurish, but very utilitarian.


Interesting...especially since this will be a library during the times when I'm not using it for photography.

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Apr 19, 2016 15:11:21   #
SharpShooter Loc: NorCal
 
Cdouthitt wrote:

I figure if I cant level 2 poles and a crossbeam in 15minutes, there's something wrong with me.


Cd, I have a stop watch, let's put it to the test!!! :lol:
SS

PS, get the cheap system, anything will hold up a backdrop!

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Apr 19, 2016 15:13:42   #
Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI
 
SharpShooter wrote:
Cd, I have a stop watch, let's put it to the test!!! :lol:
SS

PS, get the cheap system, anything will hold up a backdrop!


I could do a box opening video too ;-)

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Apr 19, 2016 16:02:54   #
Billy Bob
 
1" pvc pipe make it the way want. Also think green screen.

Reply
Apr 19, 2016 16:09:20   #
joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois
 
Cdouthitt wrote:
I'm in the process of finishing our basement, in which I'm creating a small studio space which will also double as a library when not in use.

I've considered the typical background stand system, but what I don't like about them is how much of a footprint the stands take up on the ground. I would also like to avoid permanently mounting anything to the walls/ceiling.

As an alternative I found these, which would have a very small footprint.
http://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008OM1FZU/ref=pd_aw_sim_sbs_421_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=311tGo0TGFL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL200_SR200%2C200_&refRID=13J8FQJXQJ72VYMPDN5T

But they're somewhat pricy. That got me thinking...would a freestanding closet system work? My current paper rolls are only 42" wide and my wisest muslin is 6'. I have upto 8-10' to work with (plus an additional 10' for lights).
Closet system?
http://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B011KB8P5O/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?qid=1460971950&sr=8-8&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=floor+to+ceiling+pole&dpPl=1&dpID=516XNJIXraL&ref=plSrch
I'm in the process of finishing our basement, in w... (show quote)


Why dot just build something that hangs from the ceiling.

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Apr 19, 2016 16:16:00   #
Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI
 
joer wrote:
Why dot just build something that hangs from the ceiling.


I don't want to mess up (by screwing into) a new textured ceiling that may need to be fixed if I decide to take it down. A wall is different, since if that needs to be repaired (spackle and paint) in the future, it can easily be done.

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Apr 19, 2016 18:54:15   #
OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey
 
If you decide screwing to a wall or ceiling is back in the game plan, Think Window shade mechanism, or something similar to the old slide show screens we had in school hidden behind a valence when not in use.[/quote]

Here is a quick drawing of something I would do....just food for thought.


(Download)

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