Shoe to light stand adapters?

[Craig Seeman]

I believe in Doug Jensen's LED LIGHTS DVD he shows a Litepanels Croma attached to a light stand.
While the Sola ENG comes with a Shoe to light stand (TVMP) adaptor, the Croma and Luma do not, that I know of.

I do see Litepanels selling it separately.
I do see these options though.


Dot Line Mount for Speedlights
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/841095-REG/Dot_Line_DL_0315_Umbrella_Mount_for_Speedlights.html

Samigon CSA438
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/101791-REG/Samigon_CSA438_CSA438_Pro_Umbrella_Holder.html

Hakuba HCS25
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/194966-REG/Hakuba_HCS_25_HCS25_Ball_Socket_Shoe.html
I'm wondering how are others handling using a Croma or Luma or equivalent show (camera) based light to a light stand.

[Garrett Low]

I believe the Croma and Luma have 1/4"x20 threads so you could just use this:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/546494-REG/Manfrotto_014_14_014_14_Rapid_Adapter.html

[Craig Seeman]

Thanks Garrett.
I was thinking the ball joint on the Dot Line would allow me better positioning. That's why I was thinking shoe vs threading directly into the base of the light.
For example if I raise it up above the talent's head and tilt down.
Or am I overthinking the usefulness of a ball joint or otherwise movable adaptor?

[Craig Seeman]

This is nominally for Zylight but this looks like another idea since it tilts. Goes directly into the light rather than using the shoe.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/653236-REG/Zylight_19_02002_Tilting_Stand_Adapter_for.htmlOne BH reviewer notes it's the same as Lowel's but I don't see Lowel's equivalent on the BH site.

And now a "duh" moment... seems the Litepanels ENG adaptor is sold separately. I couldn't find it before. Since the shoe is standard of course it should work with Luma/Croma, etc.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/819362-REG/Litepanels_900_6105_Sola_ENG_Stand_Adapter.html
Sometimes I think the hardest part about putting together any kit is looking for the pieces to modify the purpose.

[Garrett Low]

The ability to aim the light is definitely good. I'm use to using C-stands with grip heads so I can generally position the light as needed. Also, most lights have some kind of yoke or ability to tilt so a ball joint might be a necessity. Also, you might check to see if the Light Panels shoe attachment already has a 1/4" x 20 hole at the bottom. A lot of the shoe attachments do so that you can screw it onto a tripod if needed.

[Craig Seeman]

True, C-stands with grip head would work.

The linked to Litepanels adaptor is specifically for shoe as I have one already for my Sola ENG. No 1/4"x20 on that.

Basically I'm looking at repurposing "on camera" type lights (Croma/Luma, etc) because I have to shoot in some very small offices and it was either get multiple Sola ENG (which I may do eventually) or look for adaptors in the meantime (or use C-stands with grip head as you mention).

[Steven Digges]

Craig,

I have about a half dozen of them, mostly all different brands. That is because most of them don't work. Especially the ball heads. I now try to buy name brands like Lowell or Manfroto for small adapters. On cheap ones the balls won't stay in position even with a small light. I also have a box of broken clamps and adapters because the plastic locking nobs break off in your hands.

Steve

[Craig Seeman]

Thanks. I suspect a safe one to get would be the Litepanels adaptor since I'm already using it with the Sola ENG and it seems reliable.

[Oren Arieli]

I'm a big fan of the 7" and 11" articulating arms. They can be used on almost any lightstand either with a 1/4 20 stud or on the post via clamp. Great for monitors and audio recorders as well.
11" Articulating Magic Friction Monitor Arm Super Clamp for DSLR Rig LED Light | eBay

(example link above, but shop around for best deal)

[Craig Seeman]

Some variations on articulating arms at B&H. Some need add on clamps.
Articulating Arms| B&H Photo Video

[David G. Smith]

If a light has a 1/4 20 threaded tap, what I do is screw the 1/4 20 male end of a Double Ended Spigot, like this:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/824397-REG/Impact_ca_100_Double_End_Spigot_with.html
into the threaded hole then stick the spigot into an umbrella adapter, like this:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/546375-REG/Manfrotto_026_026_Swivel_Umbrella_Adapter.html
Then put the whole thing on a stand. The umbrella adapter gives you the ability to tilt the light. I use these quit frequently and they work fine. I would go to eBay to buy the spigot and umbrella adapter though, the prices are much lower.

[Sara Jourhmane]

I'been using Manfrotto 026 for many years. Recently, I discovered this Norman Adapter at B&H.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/38494-REG/Norman_812409_812409_3_8_Inch_Friction_Float.html

This seem to be a good light weight alternative for mounting Speedlights etc.

[Arthur Gannis]

Here is another one I use a lot on my custom made LED on-camera lights.
There is another same one without the umbrella hole mount too.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/828734-REG/Vello_cs_bh2um_Cold_Shoe_Ball_Head.html