Can you use a cymbal stand as a camera jib/crane?

Question

I am in dyer need of a camera jib wih very little budget and/or tools to build one. I am wondering if i can use a cymbal stand for a crash cymbal as a camera jib? My idea is to modufy it by attatching a small piece of wood to the top s***w where you would put a cymbal the s***w in an "L" piece (metal) to it or attach it ti the arm of the stand and just snigly fit it so as the arm is raised and lowered the "L" pice compensates and stays strait. i would attach the camcorder to the "L" piece with a 1/4 inch s***w and washers. i also need the arm to move smoothly will this work with a crash stand. all advice i am grateful for thanks

Answer 1

While technically possible to do what you want, it is not recommended. I have seen too many cymbals and stands fall over during rehearsals or gigs... I think you want a much wider stance on the base.

For the smaller cranes, use of a tripod works - but look at the pictures - the tripod legs are fully spread. In a couple of cases, using a "heavy duty tripod" - basically the same tripod used for PA speaker stands or light trees is done. In both cases, the wider stance of the fully spread legs will protect your camera investment.

It is all about balance and center of gravity. A cymbal is about 2-3 pounds and the cymbal takes up a very small area, typically not much wide thatn the cymbal stand's leg spread - and we already know you can pretty easily knock over the cymbal stand... a small consumer camera is 2-3 pounds + the weight of the crane (which will depend on how long the crane is + the counterweights + any cables you might add...

Cables? Sure. First, while not REALLY a requirement, since the camera is pretty far away from the person operating the crane, a LANC to start/stop recording and adjust focus and zoom is needed. As well, since the camcorder's viewfinder and LCD panel are that far away, in order to know if the shot is framed or in focus, you need a monitor. So cables... and that's potentially another couple of pounds.

Technically, will it work? Yes. Would I trust my camera gear on it? Uh... likely not... but maybe you might - if the cymbal stand leg spread was made much larger and re-inforced with several 2x4s... and it was really solid... Be careful with the crane arm and counterweight total weight. Cymbal stands were not designed to hold a constant 15+ pounds of cymbals... let alone a constant 15+ pounds of anything else...