Weights/Sandbags/cable ramps at DVinfo.net

Paul Jefferies · January 6th, 2007, 10:29 AM

Hi,
Can anyone suggest a good source for cheap weights and sandbags for lighting stands, and cable ramps or mats? I'm UK based

Jon Pavli · January 6th, 2007, 04:44 PM

How about bags of rice. You can get them anywhere...

Mark Sasahara · January 7th, 2007, 12:07 AM

You might be able to buy the sandbags unfilled, and then fill them yourself. Norms, a U.S. grip manufacturer sells them. Not sure what grip companies are in the U.K. You'll need a heavy duty sewing awl, the tye used for stitching shoes. I've heard that hotglue works, but I'd try and do both, sew and then glue. Fill them with sanitized sand, or lead shot.

Photoflex and Lowel make water weights. they are plastic bags that can be filled with water and then emptied after the shoot, refilled the next time. Great for travel, but in some places water is precious. I feel weird about using them, so I don't.

Some hardware stores sell premade sandbags for damming, but they use that woven blue tarp material and they probably soon leak all over the place.

I have used dumbell weights with a short rubber truck strap to go through the hole and wrap around the stand's base.

Exercise weights for the arms and ankles. Probably can be found at fairs, boot sales (I think that's what y'all call them) and flea markets.

Kevin Randolph · January 7th, 2007, 12:24 PM

Mark,
Thanks for the tip on exercise weights for your wrist and ankles. I never would have thought of it. Cheap, durable, and ready-made - the only thing better would be if they came in different weights... Oh wait, they do! Thanks Mark, I'll be buying a set or two at Target today.

Thanks again,
Kevin

Mark Sasahara · January 7th, 2007, 01:10 PM

Glad I could help.

Check the prices and compare. It might be cheaper to buy a "real" sandbag. Look at your local resources and see who sells grip equipment. Some rental houses are also dealers for the equipment they rent. Call a local rental house and see if they will sell you new sandbags. You don't want to buy used ones, they're beat to sh*t. For a few dollars more, you'll get a very durable weight that's made to do what you want. The exercise weights may fall apart after a while.

Check it out.

Michael Carter · January 10th, 2007, 08:55 AM

I have several "zipper" sandbags for travel... they're like regular shot bags with a zipper on each pouch. You can fill 'em on location and dump 'em when you pack. I got mine at a big pro photo store, you might try googling those up. (Just peeked at mine, they're made by Tenba, a major camera bag & case co.)

Also, check out www.dvcamerarigs.com... I havne't purchased the book, but they mention "cheap sandbags". The book seems pretty highly regarded by DIY types.

January 6th, 2007, 10:29 AM	#1
Paul Jefferies Major Player Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Croydon, England Posts: 277	Weights/Sandbags/cable ramps Hi, Can anyone suggest a good source for cheap weights and sandbags for lighting stands, and cable ramps or mats? I'm UK based

January 7th, 2007, 12:07 AM	#3
Mark Sasahara Major Player Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: NYC Posts: 649	You might be able to buy the sandbags unfilled, and then fill them yourself. Norms, a U.S. grip manufacturer sells them. Not sure what grip companies are in the U.K. You'll need a heavy duty sewing awl, the tye used for stitching shoes. I've heard that hotglue works, but I'd try and do both, sew and then glue. Fill them with sanitized sand, or lead shot. Photoflex and Lowel make water weights. they are plastic bags that can be filled with water and then emptied after the shoot, refilled the next time. Great for travel, but in some places water is precious. I feel weird about using them, so I don't. Some hardware stores sell premade sandbags for damming, but they use that woven blue tarp material and they probably soon leak all over the place. I have used dumbell weights with a short rubber truck strap to go through the hole and wrap around the stand's base. Exercise weights for the arms and ankles. Probably can be found at fairs, boot sales (I think that's what y'all call them) and flea markets. __________________ Mark Sasahara Director of Photography

January 7th, 2007, 12:24 PM	#4
Kevin Randolph Major Player Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 423	I love this board! Mark, Thanks for the tip on exercise weights for your wrist and ankles. I never would have thought of it. Cheap, durable, and ready-made - the only thing better would be if they came in different weights... Oh wait, they do! Thanks Mark, I'll be buying a set or two at Target today. Thanks again, Kevin __________________ "... the drama is on your doorstep..." - John Grierson www.grvideo.net

January 7th, 2007, 01:10 PM	#5
Mark Sasahara Major Player Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: NYC Posts: 649	Glad I could help. Check the prices and compare. It might be cheaper to buy a "real" sandbag. Look at your local resources and see who sells grip equipment. Some rental houses are also dealers for the equipment they rent. Call a local rental house and see if they will sell you new sandbags. You don't want to buy used ones, they're beat to sh*t. For a few dollars more, you'll get a very durable weight that's made to do what you want. The exercise weights may fall apart after a while. Check it out. __________________ Mark Sasahara Director of Photography

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January 6th, 2007, 04:44 PM	#2
Jon Pavli Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Washington, USA Posts: 81	How about bags of rice. You can get them anywhere...

January 10th, 2007, 08:55 AM	#6
Michael Carter Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 108	I have several "zipper" sandbags for travel... they're like regular shot bags with a zipper on each pouch. You can fill 'em on location and dump 'em when you pack. I got mine at a big pro photo store, you might try googling those up. (Just peeked at mine, they're made by Tenba, a major camera bag & case co.) Also, check out www.dvcamerarigs.com... I havne't purchased the book, but they mention "cheap sandbags". The book seems pretty highly regarded by DIY types.