Matthews Combo Stands: Versatile & Reliable Support for Film Production

What is a Combo Stand?

A combo stand is a grip and lighting stand developed by Matthews Studio Equipment that features a Pop-up Combination Casting at the top of the stand. This casting combines an 1-1/8” Junior Receiver and a pop-up 5/8” Baby Pin, making this a very versatile support solution.

How does a Combo Stand differ from a C-stand, Baby Stand, and Jr. Stand?

A combo stand differs from a C-stand, Baby Stand, and Jr. Stand due to its ability to support both Junior Pin fixtures and equipment featuring Baby Pin receivers due to its Pop-up Combination Casting.

What are the typical uses for a Combo Stand in filmmaking?

Combo Stands are Typically used to support medium to larger lighting units and grip equipment such as mirror and reflector boards.

What are the advantages of using a Combo Stand in film production?

Due to their ability to support equipment featuring either an 1-1/8” Junior Pin or 5/8” Baby receiver, Combo Stands are very useful and versatile stands. They also tend to have a good amount of vertical reach allowing for tall support, as well as a good weight capacity, allowing them to support medium to heavyweight equipment.

What types of receivers do Combo Stands include?

Combo Stands include 1-1/8” Junior Receivers for supporting heavier equipment and also include a pop-up 5/8” Baby Pin to receive Baby fixtures and lighter weight equipment.

How stable are Combo Stands on uneven surfaces?

Combo stands have a relatively wide footprint, providing a great foundation for support. Matthews Combo Stands feature a Rocky Mountain leg that extends too ensure that the stand stays level on uneven surfaces.

Can Combo Stands be equipped with wheels for mobility?

Combo stands can be equipped with slip on wheels for mobility. Different wheel options are available, such as Matthews Combo Adapter Wheels featuring dual locking, non-marking 4” wheels. A Heavier Duty option is also available for all-terrain usage with Matthews Big F’ing Wheels. These feature an 8”x2” puncture proof tire, adjustable face locking brake with pad and a rounded top-plate for safety.

How does the tripod-base design benefit a Combo Stand?

The tripod base of a Combo Stands allows the legs to extend, providing a stable platform while also easily retracting to offer a compact stowing for transport. The leg braces of a Combo Stands triangular base also offer increased stability as well as offering a great location for hanging sand bags for increased stability.

Are Combo Stands suitable for heavy lighting equipment?

The Matthews Hollywood Double Riser Combo has a capacity of 90lbs(40.82kg), making it capable of supporting some of the heaviest lighting units used in the lighting world.

What materials are commonly used in the construction of Combo Stands?

Combo Stands are commonly constructed out of steel tubing and hardware with aluminum castings and leg braces. Some lightweight Combo Stands are constructed entirely of aluminum with steel hardware.

How do Combo Stands enhance safety on film sets?

Combo stands offer safe and stable, high reaching support options for medium to heavy lighting fixtures, reflectors, grip equipment and more. Their wide footprint with Rocky Mountain Leg provide a stable foundation with the benefit of adjusting the base for uneven terrain.

Can Combo Stands be easily stored and transported?

Combo Stands fold up tightly making them easy to store and transport. Matthews Studio Equipment Combo Stands feature Hang Pins, located on the top spider casting, designed to interface with Combo Stand Door Racks. Door Racks can be mounted onto truck doors, equipment carts or studio walls for the convenient storage of Combo Stands, Keeping them up off the floor and conveniently out of the way when not in use.