What studio stand for 5x7-8x10?

[Nate Battles]

What studio stand would you suggest for a 5x7 up to 8x10 camera? Would the old Arkay's support a 5x7 or 8x10? Or do I need to find a Cambo or Bogen stand? I have a majestic head that I would use with it. Thanks, I need some support :) :o

[Michael Graves]

Years ago, I worked for a company that had the Arkay studio stand. It is very effective, but very clunky. Rolling it around the studio was not as easy as we thought it should have been. Wheels weren't that smooth. Scary part is, we bought it new. Everything else by Arkay I've ever used has been top-notch, so I wonder if we didn't just have a dud.

[Ron Bose]

Ever consider a Foba ? Not cheap !!

You could also consider a used Linhof Heavy Duty tripod ?

Or a big Bogen on one of their dollies ?

[CG]

Years ago I had an old Arkay, and I've kicked myself more than a few times for letting go of it. That said, it can't hold a candle to the new, slick, massive Fobas and Cambos etc.

Just throw as much mass and money as you can at the problem. Mass will make it stable and money will make it silky smooth and easy to use.

Best,

C

[Capocheny]

Hi Nate,

The Bogen/Manfrotto Salon 230 is a nice stand depending on how heavy your camera is. They show up every so often on the auction site but few sellers want to ship.

Cheers

[Photojeep]

I bought the Calumet studio stand and used it for all formats from 35mm to 8x10. Good unit, reasonably priced ($899 for 9' about 8 years ago) and well made. Never had a problem with it. In fact, it is now in use in the college studio where I teach.

Best regards,
Randy

[Armin Seeholzer]

Oh yes Foba is the way to go, you only buy it once in a live time.
I have a 50 years old from a studio wich boot the newest one and it is still perfect!

Its Swiss quality like a Swiss watch or the army knife!

[Daniel Unkefer]

I bought a Plaubel Profia Camera Stand from Midwest Photo tens years ago, for $100 :) It had a few problems, but I've had it completely apart, and I was able to fix the problems. It easily supports my 8x10 Sinar Norma (or any other camera, for that matter). I see them sometimes on Ebay, but shipping Camera Stands can be a problem. This one, in particular, weighs a -ton-.

[David A. Goldfarb]

Foba stands are really nice but I would think the first criterion would be "located within driving distance." These things are heavy.