US manufacturer of C-stands with distinctive turtle-base feet since 1946. Load capacity up to 22 kg, heights 51–330 cm, patented grip heads with 5/8" stud.
Technical Details
Matthews C-Stands reach working heights between 51 cm (20") and 330 cm (130") with load capacities of 10 to 22 kg depending on the model. The signature feature is the Turtle-Base leg with asymmetrical positioning: one leg lies flat, two stand upright – allowing for dense positioning without collision of the stand legs. The grip heads use 5/8" studs with 27 threads per inch and create holding forces up to 15 Nm. Century Stands (40") weigh 4.5 kg, the large Hollywood Stands (10.5') reach 8.2 kg. Characteristic are the knurled surface of the knobs and the anodized aluminum with Matthews' typical black coating.
History & Development
Matthews Studio Equipment was founded in 1946 by Louie Matthews in Los Angeles, initially for the maintenance of studio lighting at MGM. In 1952, Matthews developed the first modern C-Stand with Turtle-Base based on input from gaffers seeking more stable alternatives to the tripods of the time. The breakthrough came in 1965 with the patented grip head design, which became the industry standard. In 1978, Matthews introduced the "Century Stand" designation. Since the 1990s, the company expanded internationally; in 2019, it was acquired by Vitec Group.
Practical Use in Film
Matthews C-Stands stabilize flags, diffusers, and lightweight lights in practically every Hollywood production. In "Blade Runner 2049" (2017), DoP Roger Deakins used over 200 Matthews stands for complex flag setups for light control. The Turtle-Base allows for "nesting" – multiple stands can be placed close together with overlapping legs. Gaffers fundamentally position heavy stands with the flat leg facing the light source for maximum stability. The quick setup and breakdown due to the knob locks significantly reduce rigging times.
Comparison & Alternatives
Avenger and Manfrotto offer more affordable C-stand alternatives, but do not achieve the Matthews build quality and durability. Kupo from Taiwan copies the Matthews design with improved weight distribution, while modern carbon stands from Flashpoint are 40% lighter but have higher acquisition costs. Cardellini clamps from other manufacturers fit Matthews stands, but the reverse is not always true. For loads over 20 kg, professionals opt for Mombo Combos or Wind-Up Stands.