background supports where to start!?

not sure if this is the right forum but it does involve light stands...

I need a backdrop support system, ebay and tons of other websites tout alot of bs when it comes to how solid their systems are? Does anyone have any reliable opinions as to where I can pick up a relatively durable backdrop support system for around 100 us....

and I guess also muslin....I should be getting black and white as starters?

thanks in advance

Photoflex ProDuty Background Support. Link

I have a background support system from Amvona.com. It works, didn't break the bank and travels easy in its included case.

http://www.amvona.com …ge&view=1&produ​ct_id=1011

I started with black - it was easy and required less light. Wish I had gone with medium grey.... I find white a real challenge because of the light it requires to really get it white.

wow well, yes that looks like an amazing stand! I just wish it was a tad cheaper...but then again..if it was cheaper, it wouldn't be good...

Check the PVC pipe and joints at a hardware store. Some ingenuity can lead you to create an inexpensive and portable background support.

ya know- I'm all about cheap, but by the time you buy the parts, cut the pieces, fit them all together and then find a bag to hold it all, you could drop by a camera store and get one all done and ready to go. AND- it looks a whole lot more professional...

ymmv

for what it's worth, I use the promaster setup bought at my local camera store for $125 on sale. Supports a 9 or 12' seamless paper roll, or muslin backdrops and can go 11+ feet tall by 12' wide.

If you don't need it to be very portable but do need it to be secure with a small footprint then go with Manfrotto autopoles - you won't have to worry about them falling over, about how much space the stands take up e.t.c.

rocker83 wrote in post #5780588
wow well, yes that looks like an amazing stand! I just wish it was a tad cheaper...but then again..if it was cheaper, it wouldn't be good...

Yes its a little bit more money than most, BUT I have owed three others, all cheaper and this is the first and only one I've kept. It also comes with an actual nice and usable carrying case and FWIW I wait 6 months for these to come back in stock. I just got it about a month ago and have no idea how long these supports are going to remain in stock this time around. The manufacturer seems to produce them in spurts. I say get one while you can as they are the best out there for portable solutions.

Ultimate Support Systems used to market a nice background setup.
I just found their site and unfortunately they no longer offer it, or anything even close from what I see on their site.
http://www.ultimatesup​port.com/

I bought my kit from Calmulet years ago, still working fine.

This system from Lowel is similar but not as nice or versatile.
http://www.calumetphot​o.com/item/LW8093/

I have to highly recommend Photoflex's ProDuty background support system. It is extremely well made and cleverly designed to make set-up and take-down a snap. It is capable of supporting 35-40 lbs of background material, making it more than capable for whatever you might want to use. The support stands are the best that Photoflex sells and can be used as heavy duty, professional quality light stands when you don't need to use them with the background cross bar. Overkill? Maybe, but it will most assuredly end your problems with finding a high quality background support system.

The photoflex does sound like a great investment, especially using the light stands when not as a backdrop support...my ceilings are only 9 feet high...so I don't know if I really need 12 feet...I know its future proof but...I really have no future plans of right now to be moving into some studio with more than 12 foot ceilings... I guess Im just being cheap...I want 2 good muslins and a and decent support system for about 200...and well...when you fix price that low...quality gets hit hard....
sigh...being broke stinks...

good muslins can run you $200 alone, so you've limited quailty by your budget. I understand being broke; I want a few more lights to get nice even BG lighting

Titus213 wrote in post #5780586
I have a background support system from Amvona.com. It works, didn't break the bank and travels easy in its included case.

http://www.amvona.com …ge&view=1&produ​ct_id=1011

I started with black - it was easy and required less light. Wish I had gone with medium grey.... I find white a real challenge because of the light it requires to really get it white.

Looks like I will be heading in this direction.

How do you enjoy this unit? Seems very affordable and hopefully does its job well!

Anyone else have experience with this unit?

I'm looking at an Impact backdrop stand from B&H, its only $99. It has recieved good reviews, but it's not "heavy duty".

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ound_Support_Sy​stem_.html

I have the amvona model AS-015.
I came with 3 crossbars. goes up to like 13 ft(if you use it lower will make it sturdier) and goes 12ft wide.

now to be honest I have had it for 3 weeks.... set it up but haven't used it yet..... we have been super busy on the weekends.

I got it for $90 shipped from ebay.

if you want a black or white (maroon green purple and a couple others for that matter)......

goto Joann fabrics. it is 108 inches (9ft) wide and they can cut however long you want at $7.99 a yard..... look in sundays newspaper for a 40 percent off coupon(comes to less then $35 for a 9ftX21ft)

if you know someone that sows they can put a quick seem around the edge and a loop for the bar to slide thru.

if you want a "mottled" background.... get a white one and check out DIY backdrop on google.... people are using dye and tyedyeing techniques to get some good results

hope this helps a little.....

sean