Attaching Flash Heads to Boom Arms

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Archive 2009 · Attaching Flash Heads to Boom Arms

Harry T
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p.1 #1 · Attaching Flash Heads to Boom Arms

Here is my issue.

When attaching flash heads to the end of boom arms using the stud mount and utilizing some sort of diffuser such as a medium softbox I always get a rotating flash head due to the weight of the added diffuser. I have seen many studio/lighting setups here that show lightheads with various assortments of diffusion attached and accomplishing angled setups I can never get myself.

Can the FM crowd help provide insight into what I'm doing wrong, what tools/equipment i need to ensure that when i attach a lighthead to my boom arm's end that it doesnt go and rotate on me? If i'm missing some items can you provide links to the items so i can get a visual of what i may need and in turn probably purchase?

Appreciate it in advance!

Mar 18, 2009 at 04:41 AM

c.d.embrey
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p.1 #2 · Attaching Flash Heads to Boom Arms

You can use either of these.

Pin pivots but can be locked down with a wrench. http://www.filmtools.com/mabadrpicat4.html

90 degree angle pin. http://www.filmtools.com/mabaripicat4.html

To use, put on end of boom and hange light. Acts just like strobe and softbox are on a stand, except they are hanging up-side-down.

Mar 18, 2009 at 05:01 AM

cwebster
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p.1 #3 · Attaching Flash Heads to Boom Arms

Sounds like your clamps are slipping? Some bicycle inner tube in the jaws of your grip head clamp might keep the boom arm from twisting.

What are you using for grip gear? What grip head and what boom arm?

<Chas>

Mar 18, 2009 at 05:16 AM

Harry T
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p.1 #4 · Attaching Flash Heads to Boom Arms

Hmm guess thats what i'm missing a grip head? Can you give a bit more details on what I apparently am not doing right...because now you've got me thinking i am for sure missing somethings!!

For the moment this what I have:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/512994-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_173HOB_173HOB_Mini_Boom_Arm_.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/302172-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_124_Clamp_for_3085_Boom.html

I should add i have various light stands.

Mar 18, 2009 at 05:22 AM

c.d.embrey
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p.1 #5 · Attaching Flash Heads to Boom Arms

Harry T wrote:
Hmm guess thats what i'm missing a grip head? Can you give a bit more details on what I apparently am not doing right...because now you've got me thinking i am for sure missing somethings!!

For the moment this what I have:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/512994-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_173HOB_173HOB_Mini_Boom_Arm_.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/302172-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_124_Clamp_for_3085_Boom.html

I should add i have various light stands.

REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_124_Clamp_for_3085_Boom.html is a grip head ! ! So you ain't missing it

As I mentioned in my first post all you need is either one of those dropdowns.

Here is a 90 degree dropdown http://www.filmtools.com/mabaripicat4.html mounted on end of the boom (it's the chrome 90 degree between boom end and light).

This image is copyrighted by the owner

At times I wonder why I even bother

Mar 18, 2009 at 06:50 AM

mmurph
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p.1 #6 · Attaching Flash Heads to Boom Arms

Once they are on, run a plastic zip lock - just in case they come loose, so they don't fall.

Mar 18, 2009 at 07:00 AM

mmurph
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p.1 #7 · Attaching Flash Heads to Boom Arms

Edited on Mar 19, 2009 at 02:45 PM · View previous versions

Mar 18, 2009 at 07:00 AM

mmurph
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p.1 #8 · Attaching Flash Heads to Boom Arms

Edited on Mar 19, 2009 at 02:44 PM · View previous versions

Mar 18, 2009 at 07:02 AM

Milamug
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p.1 #9 · Attaching Flash Heads to Boom Arms

What was that mmurph? Can u pls repeat?

Mar 19, 2009 at 03:32 AM

MSC
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p.1 #10 · Attaching Flash Heads to Boom Arms

No expert here, but I have some long Matthews arms and grip clamps--about 3-4' each. They are so strong that I can use two, one on the end of another, with a softbox or dish. No slipping. I have to use shot bags to hold the stand down but it works.

Mar 19, 2009 at 04:27 AM

mmurph
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p.1 #11 · Attaching Flash Heads to Boom Arms

Milamug wrote:
What was that mmurph? Can u pls repeat?

Grr ..... web site timing out ..

Mar 19, 2009 at 02:46 PM

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