Looks like Avenger has replaced my favorite light stands--the A630B and A635B--with new models that cost almost twice as much. I'd like a couple more of each, but I don't see any of the old ones in stock anymore. Can anyone recommend something similar to the old models? Obviously what I liked about them was that they were built so well: metal everything, etc.
...I just went through this myself...Roberts Imaging still carries the A635B in stock...just picked up two of them a couple weeks ago...my favorite stands too!
I did a quick search to see if there was anyone that had them in stock (I planned on buying 2 more of the 630B to give me 3, but it appears that's not an option (bastards).
The search came up with an old FM post (I believe you were in it too Greg), somethin that the a0035B is the replacement, and that the new ones are 180, instead of 80.
Shame too, because I WAS going to get them, but unless I can find them on the used market, or in stock at a store, I won't be buying them for 180, no way.
I stocked up on 635's and Stackers right before Bogen discontinued them.
A635B's were only $75 apiece new, $105 each is a bit much IMO. I'd buy a bunch of c-stands for that price instead. Or try to find some nice Junior rollers. Or if you really just want a good 630 equivalent, this one is the shizzle:
bacilonur, is that one way heavier because it's steel? It looks perfect if it's roughly the same weight. C-stands are great for local stuff but I'm not flying with them unless I have to. I can fit a whole bunch of light stands and umbrellas in an SKB case.
(BTW, send me your PayPal addy. I want to send you money. )
Interestingly enough, I just searched for A635B at the B+H site, to see what the replacement model number is, and it came up as "In Stock." So I added two to my cart, and it automatically told me that they have only one. So I bought it. We'll see if it's imaginary....
Greg, it's now listed as discontinued. I had 2 in my cart last evening, but I would rather hunt for two used 630B's instead. I logged on today, and it's now listed as d/ced.
They're basically the same, only it uses some plastic parts for the knobs and where the sections of the stand join. For the price difference, looks like i'll be using the Alien Bee stands.
Jeremy, those stands are terrible. I was given two of them in a package deal and the collars on both imploded within 4 shoots. The only thing I'd trust them with is as a reflector/flag holder. They're also not nearly as slick and tend to jam up easily when you're trying to open or close them.
Hey Greg, when you fly with your stands, what are your exact requirements and terrain environment? What's the highest you put your lights and do you have the ability to hang a pack or case/backpack off each stand? Just asking because especially since you're using Dynalites now, you may want to consider going with slightly lighter stands. Stackers are awesome, plenty sturdy and they pack about 60% tighter than regular stands.
So is there another stand that would compare to the 635 in the same price range then??
We used 3 or 4 of the alien bees stands at the studio I used to shoot in. Didn't really have any issues with them, but the 635 is built like a tank compared to the lightgear stands.
If anyone is interested a friend of mine owns a local camera store here in Orange county California. I know he has at least 3 A635B's and 2 or 3 A630B's. Send me an e-mail and I can give you his contact info. Happy New Year.
bacilonur wrote:
Hey Greg, when you fly with your stands, what are your exact requirements and terrain environment? What's the highest you put your lights and do you have the ability to hang a pack or case/backpack off each stand? Just asking because especially since you're using Dynalites now, you may want to consider going with slightly lighter stands. Stackers are awesome, plenty sturdy and they pack about 60% tighter than regular stands.
The only requirement is that they fit into this thing. Terrain-wise, it can get a little crazy. Toughness does count. I almost never have to extend them very high, though.
I probably could go lighter, but you know how it is when you first use an Avenger light stand after years of using crap. It's a revelation, and my first thought was "I'm never using anything else!"
Yeah, definitely know the feeling. I have 12 c-stands, 10 Mole baby rollers, 5 junior rollers, and an assortment of aluminum baby stands ranging from c-stand strength (635B) down to Nano stands. Solid stands are nice until you have to move them.
What you have to decide is whether you really need that additional weight and folded size for your work or if you'd be more productive and efficient with slightly lighter and smaller stands. Realistically, the only reason you'd need a 635B over a standard Bogen is if you're using a D600 (boom) or flying an overhead or huge octa with wind.
Take a look at the Lowel stands http://www.lowel.com/stands_poles.html The KS and the Grand Stand hold-up well to the rigors of motion picture production. i like them a lot.
Yes, they do, but you can easily replace them with a good, solid Avenger or MSE knob if you really care. I've never seen a light stand knob snap, but I've seen a lot of ruined threads from over-tightening.
I like the Lowel GS a lot for location use too...it has a lazy leg and it's the only one I know of in that weight range w/ one. C stands are heavier and feel stronger fully extended, but also need a lot of sandbags when extended that high because the footprint is smaller.
I learned that crappy cheap stands are NOT the way to go. I got 2 'Impact' (the B&H house brand) stands just for little things and they're fine, but now they're starting to lock up. I mean, they still work, but I'd like to smash them against the wall because they're starting to piss me off.
I'm going with 100 percent Avenger Century stands from now on.
...I just went through this myself...Roberts Imaging still carries the A635B in stock...just picked up two of them a couple weeks ago...my favorite stands too!