C-stand

[3] The stand is constructed of metal and consists of a collapsible base, two riser columns, and a baby pin on top.

In recent years, C-stands have found a new use, supporting the brackets used for balancing Steadicam (and similar) camera sleds.

The unique staggered leg design allows C-Stands to be nested and therefore be placed extremely close to one another on set.

[7] In later years, studios, grips and gaffers began to manufacture the earliest versions of what we now call C-Stands.

The original C-Stands had welded bases that did not fold up or adjust but the fact that they easily nested together made them invaluable on the stage.

[8] Today, the term C-stand is a popular name for the grip stand made by Matthews Studio Equipment, Inc. and has been copied by other manufacturers.

[5][4] Failure to follow this rule will cause the weight to slowly loosen the head, eventually dropping the gear altogether.