Topic: Advice sought, clamps and clamping

[lharby]

Hi.

I hope this is the right area to post this. It's not necessarily film specific although in my case it is.

I am trying to source (and I don't know the words) something that will allow me to clamp flat items (paper, card, perspex etc) to a flash stand, or similar.

I have tons of these: ebay link

But I really need a clamp which itself can be clamped to something. Almost like one of these but on a much larger scale of course (attached).

I can go with something relatively DIY.

I can't attach something over the lens, as in many cases I will need some distance between the lens and the filter.

Thanks in advance.

[Pete_R]

This?

https://www.manfrotto.co.uk/spring-clamp-clamps-on-to-bars-up-to-40mm

[lharby]

Yeah that'll do it.

I also discovered I owned something which might work. It's like a crab claw and has a tripod screw thread.

And I found this: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/141439443012?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[Francois]

The metal A clamps from the hardware store really do make most photo studios hold together. This and gaffer's.
You can take a cheap A clamp and just epoxy a ¼-20 nut on it and it becomes super handy.
You can also screw them to dowels, lamp arms, lumber, pipes... they literally can hold anything.

[lharby]

Thanks Francois.

I have discovered another weird anomaly since I posted. The crab claw thing I have actually has a male thread instead of female, so I have no way of attaching it to a flash stand.

I asked at the local camera shop, they do sell these http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-joby-hub-adaptor/p1566349?mkwid=sm9j3z1iw_dc&pcrid=89741455619&kword=&match=&plid=&product=1566349&gclid=cofcz_dk1m8cfcavgwodeqeoag but they are 1/4 inch. And I can't find a female to female adapter, maybe they don't exist.

(I will try and post a photo  at some point, although I am hoping it's clear).

Will try epoxying threads to clamps though. Thank you.

[Francois]

If you go to a hardware store, ask them for a threaded rod extender. It's a type of long nut made to fit two threaded rods together.
Ans if yo need two different threads, you can always tap one side of extender to a different size.

[chris667]

My partner is a jeweller. In her workshop, there is a "proper" vice, but in the past she had one of these:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3-5-Aluminum-Mini-Jewelers-Hobby-Clamp-On-Table-Bench-Vise-Vice-Tool-Durable-/361756764561?hash=item543a622991:g:wb4AAOSwPcVVsedQ

100% useless as a vice, but perfect for what you want. If you are near Derby you can have ours for free but for £2.42, you might as well buy one and have it delivered.

[lharby]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3-5-Aluminum-Mini-Jewelers-Hobby-Clamp-On-Table-Bench-Vise-Vice-Tool-Durable-/361756764561?hash=item543a622991:g:wb4AAOSwPcVVsedQ

Thanks. I think I am actually set now for the clamp parts. Although that item would be useful and especially at that price.

The bit I am struggling with is finding screw thread and long bolts in the same diameter as tripods etc.

3/8 - 16 UNC
1/4 - 20 UNC

[chris667]

Unc was standard on British cars until the seventies. I imagine if you go to a garage that works on old cars they would give you a couple for free.

[Francois]

here in Canada they sell under the SAE standard.
If you want bolts and screws, I can shop at the hardware store for you, just let me know the length you need.
This is the site for the store chain that's nearest my place
http://www.rona.ca/en?catalogId=10051&langId=-1&storeId=10151

[lharby]

Francois, I might take you up on that. Thank you.

[lharby]

Massive shoutout to Francois.

What a legend.

Thanks so much.

 

[Francois]

Thanks!
You're very welcome