Almost Universal Umbrella Pin

The Almost Universal Umbrella Pin? because nothing fits everything, but this one comes closer than anything else we’ve made.

Unlike the Yaeger and Backstage-specific umbrella pins that require a post hole to fit into, this one clamps directly to the lip of yer cart shelf. No post required. Works on almost any professional camera cart, Backstage, Yaeger Case, Inovativ, Magliner, Camera Jimmy’s, and more.

Designed in partnership with Jim Candreva of JC Camera Systems. Tightens with a clamp to the shelf lip, holds a Sportbrella up top, and stays put all day through normal set use. One reviewer: “Top-quality material and easy to install.” The same reviewer noted it can flex under strong wind, use it on a sturdy shelf, and if yer in windy conditions, yer camera cart is probably the bigger problem anyway.

Which Almost Universal Umbrella Pin size do you need?

All Sportbrella models require a small modification before mounting, remove the extension post (Super & Ultra), remove the corkscrew (Core), or remove the extension post and inner post plug (Premiere, XL & Sunsoul). May also work with other umbrellas with 3/4″ or 1″ inner diameter posts.

David’s personal pick: the Ultra-brella. Only comes in gray, but the tilting head makes it useful before 11am and after 1pm, which is basically every exterior shoot. All other Sportbrellas are fixed vertical. Once you’ve had a tilt, there’s no going back.

One caveat: The Yaeger Pro’s long lip is too thick for this clamp on the long side, but it does fit on the wide side.

Dimensions: 2″ × 2″ × 6″ · Weight: 1 lb

Frequently Asked Questions about the Almost Universal Umbrella Pin:

How is this different from the Yaeger and Backstage umbrella pins?
The Yaeger and Backstage pins fit into post holes, the tube post on the cart has to be the right diameter. This one clamps to the flat lip of yer cart shelf, which means it works on almost any cart regardless of post type. If yer cart doesn’t have a compatible post hole, or if you want one pin that travels between multiple carts, this is the one to get.

Which carts does this work on?
Almost all professional camera carts with a shelf lip, Backstage TR-01 through TR-05, Yaeger Case Cart, Inovativ, Magliner, Camera Jimmy’s. The exception is the Yaeger Pro’s long lip, which is too thick for the clamp on the long side (but it does fit on the wide side).

Which Sportbrella fits which pin?
3/4″ for Super-brella and Core. 1″ for Ultra-brella, Premiere, Premiere XL, and Sunsoul. When in doubt, measure the inner diameter of yer umbrella’s outer post.

Do I need to modify my Sportbrella?
Yes, all models require a small modification. Super & Ultra: remove the extension post. Core: remove the corkscrew. Premiere, XL & Sunsoul: remove the extension post and inner post plug. See the gallery for visuals on each model.

Will it hold in the wind?
It’s solid for normal set conditions. In strong wind the clamp-on design has more flex than a post-hole pin, as noted in a reviewer’s real-world feedback. For windy exteriors, weight the cart and position the umbrella to minimize leverage

Other umbrella and cart options

• Yaeger Cart Pins, post-hole umbrella pins specifically for the Yaeger Case Cart riser.
• Backstage Cart Umbrella Pin, post-hole pin for Backstage TR-04 and 1″ diameter posts.
• Backstage Cart Stand Hooks, hang yer monitor/Steadicam stands off the Backstage cart lip.