Negative Supply - Pro Riser MK3 Copy Stand
2026 © Thomas Gade
Negative Supply produces accessories for scanning slides and negatives using digital cameras. In addition to light sources and film holders, the lineup also includes several copy stands, such as the Pro Riser MK3. Unlike the more affordable Basic Riser models, the Pro Riser MK3 features a mechanical fine-adjustment drive for height control.
Technical Specifications
Manufacturer: Negative Supply
Model: Pro Riser MK3
Column made from 3 × 3 cm aluminum profile, 50 cm in length, mounted on a 10 cm high base.
Camera arm made of metal and plastic, adjustable via a threaded spindle.
Base plate made of metal. Dimensions: 37.5 × 37.7 cm. Weight: 5 kg
Magnets adhere to the base plate, which is useful for securing objects in place.
Wrench for attaching the camera or a quick-release clamp
Price: €924.77 (2026)
Delivered as a Kit
The copy stand is delivered in three main components: column, column base, and base plate. Assembly is straightforward, although the approximately 5 kg base plate is somewhat unwieldy. It is best to place all parts on a soft surface, such as a yoga mat, to avoid scratches.
A special wrench is used to attach and remove the camera. It is not permanently attached to the copy stand and can therefore be lost. Negative Supply should reconsider this somewhat unconventional design. Ideally, modern copy stands use quick-release clamps compatible with the Arca-Swiss standard.
Height Adjustment
Height adjustment is controlled via a relatively small knob at the lower end of the spindle. During operation, objects placed on the base plate in front of it may be shifted by accidental contact.
I would prefer a larger-diameter knob or a crank positioned at the top of the copy stand. The spindle and its bearings could probably be modified, but I did not want to try this with a loan unit. If the stand were mine, I would not hesitate to modify it.
Adjusting the Camera Arm Properly
The carriage of the camera arm initially sits somewhat loosely on the column and may slide downward on its own. In doing so, the long threaded spindle rotates as well. To correct this, four screws are provided to adjust the contact pressure of the carriage guide.
There are two screws above and two below the camera arm for setting the correct pressure.
To adjust the pressure correctly, first mount a camera on the arm and then fine-tune its movement. Height adjustment should be smooth and easy, but the arm must not slip downward on its own or during camera operation.
Evaluation
The Pro Riser MK3 copy stand from Negative Supply consists of many individual components, which makes it appear more complex overall than traditional copy stands made from cast modules.
I like the newer, compact copy stands from the camera scanning scene. They are typically based on 3 × 3 cm industrial aluminum profiles and cost between €150 and €350. They do not feature a crank for height adjustment, take up little space, can be easily stored when not in use, and are sufficient for light to mid-weight mirrorless cameras. However, there is also a wide price range in this category. What differentiates a €150 model from a €350 one?
The Valoi Essential Copy Stand V2 (€150) features a very solid metal mount for attaching the column to the U-shaped base plate. However, the adjustable camera arm is 3D-printed and appears less robust. The Basic Riser MK3 from Negative Supply (€360) offers better construction in this area. However, it requires a special wrench to mount or remove the camera, and a stabilizing base for the column is completely absent—it is mounted directly to the base plate with a relatively small footprint.
Up to around €200, these types of stands are acceptable. At higher price points, however, the KAISER RS 2 XA (from €280), with similar load capacity and a crank for height adjustment, is likely the better choice.
Once you approach the size and format of more traditional and proven copy stands, comparisons with the more robust KAISER RS 10 (€670) become inevitable. Similar Kaiser models are available used for as little as €100 to €200. These compete directly with the Pro Riser MK3, as does the Camera Stand PRO from Filmomat & Bobach, which is available in two heights for €1300 and €1500. At around €925, the Negative Supply Pro Riser MK3 is cheaper, but by no means a bargain. In my view, neither option surpasses the KAISER RS 10.
Anyone purchasing a light source and film holder from Negative Supply should not feel compelled by brand loyalty to also buy a copy stand from the same manufacturer. The German company Kaiser Fototechnik offers more affordable alternatives that have proven themselves over many years. While Kaiser products are particularly common in Europe and may be less widely known in the U.S., they are readily available through international retailers. Prices are listed in euros, reflecting the European market this review is based on.