Shooting Straight Down

**Ted Harris** · 10-Feb-2008, 14:28

Originally Posted by Mike Chini

I'm definitely going to get an Arkay stand at some point.

Careful if you are thinking of mounting a camera with any weight and want to really extend it. There is only one model Arkay stand that is rated to handle the kind of weight I talk about above.

**Brian K** · 10-Feb-2008, 15:23

Ted is right in that a heavy camera stand is best for what you want to do. If you are a serious studio photographer it is worthwhile considering the purchase of one. But bear in mind that new they are very expensive and new or used very heavy and expensive to ship. I currently have a Foba Astio and it weighs over 300 pounds and is about 10 feet tall so you can imagine that buying this type of item on eBay may have some difficulties.

The side arm you mention can work but you need to make certain that you add counter weight to stabilize the tripod.

**Mike Chini** · 10-Feb-2008, 16:59

Foba would be nice but the Arkay's are MUCH more affordable.

Ted-

Thanks for the info. Yeah - I know about the Arkay arm length. I've been getting all of my surfaces cut to 3x3 instead of the usual 4x4 so it shouldn't be too much of a problem.

**Ted Harris** · 10-Feb-2008, 17:58

Mike, it'snot a problem with the Arkay arm length, it is a problem with the weight of the base and the counterweighting system. I believe the top-of-the-line Arkay model will support a reasonable LF rail camera but not the others.

To follow-on with what Brian says you should look for a Foba, Cambo or Linhof stand. Since you are in NYC you might able to get a bargain on one otherwise you can still find one used for about the same or just a bit more than a new Arkay.