In the first two parts of this series, I selected the lights and lightstands for a compact lighting kit. In this third installment we find a way to attach those lights to the lightstand!
The answer is the Adorama Universal Swivel Holder, aka LTUSH. There are several similar adapters available, some at the same price, some that cost more but the LTUSH stands out for several reasons: Not only is the entire housing a precision metal casting but the shoe is metal as well. Similar adapters use a (no kidding) plastic shoe. The shoe is removable but for our purposes we’ll leave it alone but will be sure to use its small knob to lock the shoe-mount flash securely in place.
The Adorama Universal Swivel Holder will mount on 1/4 or 3/8-inch threaded lightstands or studs up to 5/8-inches. (The current Manfrotto Nano stands that are recommended in part 2 have a threaded top, while previous versions do not.) If you prefer you can remove this stud from the adapter and slip the LTUSH over the top of the lightstand and, in my case, since I have the older model Nano stands, I removed the stud.
There is a slot underneath the flash-mounting shoe to insert an umbrella and a sturdy knob lets you lock it firmly in place. Depending on your flash you might have to slightly reposition the shoe to have it aim directly into the umbrella. A big knob on the top of the LTUSH lets you loosen, move the shoe, and then lock it into place. The LTUSH tilts 180 degrees horizontally and swivels a complete 360 degrees left and right allowing you to aim the umbrella at your subject and position it where you want in order to achieve the desired lighting effect. A sturdy lever allows you to lock the LTUSH into place and reposition it easily if you like as well.
The Adorama Universal Swivel Holder is more than a device to hold a light and an umbrella; the LTUSH is the glue that holds this portable lighting kit together. And, hey it costs less than fifteen bucks so three of them won’t break the piggy bank. Now that we have the lights, lightstands, and way to mount the lights, the next step in finding the right umbrellas.
Joe Farace is the author of a new book called “Digital Monochrome Special Effects” published by Lark Books and is available at Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com.
