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A desktop camera copy stand is highly useful for photographing fragile documents, or as a stable stand to film objects. You can build your own from wood, acrylic pipe, and a few other components for a fraction of the cost of a commercial stand. You can easily adapt this basic plan to add lights and other accessories.

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EditSteps

  1. 1
    Choose an acrylic pipe with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the wooden stand bar. For example, if the wooden stand has a diameter of one inch (2.5 cm), find an acrylic pipe with a diameter of 1.5 inches (3.8cm).
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  2. 2
    Cut a section of acrylic pipe.
  3. 3
    Sand off the acrylic pipe. Sand off the edges using a fine file. Sanding the edge will make it easier to slide this component.
  4. 4
    Select a bolt large enough that it can go completely through the acrylic pipe. You'll need a large bolt to hold the camera stand assembly in place. In our example, a bolt three inches (7.5 cm) long will work well.
  5. 5
    Mark a circle at the center of the pipe.
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    6
    Drill a hole the diameter of the bolt.
  7. 7
    Drill a wooden rod at set intervals. These holes will allow you to alter the height of your cam stand. Start with a wooden rod, ideally about 30 inches (76cm) tall.
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    8
    Measure the diameter of the camera screw.
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    9
    Drill a hole this size in the plastic pipe. The hole should be at right angles to the bolt hole position.
    • The camera screw should be able to attach to your camera tripod head.
  10. 10
    Glue in the screw. This is the most important component, and must be mounted firmly for the camera to stay attached.
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    11
    Attach the extension bar (optional). If your wooden rod is shorter than 30 inches (76 cm) long, slot it into another length of pipe to raise it to the full recommended height.
  12. 12
    Attach the base. The base provides support for the entire assembly. This is a square wooden plank, with dimensions 5 in x 5 in x 1 in (12.7 x 12.7 x 2.5cm).
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    13
    Drill a hole the diameter of the wooden rod (one inch/2.5cm).
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    14
    Pack the rod in tightly. Hammer it down.
  15. 15
    Screw in the camera tripod head. Screw the tripod head into the camera screw.
  16. IMG_2688
    16
    Test out your new camera copy stand. To use the copy stand, just move the acrylic pipe to the desired height and screw in the bolt. Attach the camera, and you're ready to shoot.
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EditTips

  • You may also attach a large baseboard to place items you plan to photograph.

EditThings You´ll Need

  • Acrylic pipe
  • Long wooden rod
  • Bolt
  • Drill
  • Plywood
  • Gorilla glue
  • Camera screw
  • Camera with tripod head
  • Marker or pen

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