Abstract: A support stand for a camera or other optical device comprises a head portion supported by support legs comprising first and second telescopically related tube portions, the inner tube portion forming the upper part of the respective leg and the outer tube portion forming the lower part. A fixing device for locking the tube portions of each leg relative to each other comprises an actuating member, a connecting rod and a clamping arrangement connected to the actuating member by the connecting rod and comprising at least one clamping cone member and at least one pressure element. The actuating member is carried on the inner tube portion in the vicinity of the support head portion of the stand. Actuation of the actuating member causes the pressure element to be expanded by displacement of the cone member until the pressure element bears against the inside surface of the outer tube portion, thereby to secure it in position relative to the inner tube portion.

Abstract: In a telescopically adjustable support, an axially divided elastic sleeve extends over outer and inner tubes and has projections engaging the inner tube through apertures in the outer tube. The sleeve can be tightened to the inner tube by a coupling nut. The radial length of the projections is larger than the radial spacing between the external tube faces so that additional clamping is brought about by the sleeve at a spacing from the sleeve end adjacent the inner tube, whereby clamping is effected at two spaced and separated areas to achieve a particularly rigid connection of the tubes.