Topic: Need help with Clamp and extension pole

[phil_er_up]

Have searched the forums and found many topics on this but not what I was really looking for:

What I want to do is buy a mic clamp and use the Manfrotto 3-Section Extension Pole with it:

Clamp I was thinking of purchasing:

Manfrotto 649 Quick Action Release Clamp
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/252212-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_649_Quick_Action_Release_Clamp.html

I want to use the clamp to connect to tables, rails, pipes etc.
Or if I need to buy a couple different kinds for different application that is fine too.


PS: If there is a better clamp let me know. Seems like many did not like the C-clamp.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I want it to fit with the following extension pole:
Manfrotto 3-Section Extension Pole (35- 92") (Black)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/546540-REG/Manfrotto_099B_3_Section_Extension_Pole_35.html

Do I need to buy a adapter that will connect the two?
It is not clear to me what the type of connection is for the Clamp - 3/8, 1/2 or 1/4 inch?

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks!

-p

PS: I called B&H and they could not tell me what I would need to connect the two or even what the clamp end was 3/8, 1/2 or 1/4 inch.

[acidjack]

That tabletop Manfrotto is what I use for straight tabletops, where I want the 099B arm pointing straight up.  You don't need an adapter to connect as the tabletop clamp has two sized threads on either end.

For non-tabletop type surfaces (e.g., balcony rail) I much prefer the Manfrotto Superclamp.  Better grip, easier to grip onto things.  But not ideal for tabletops because it is hard to get the extension arm pointing absolutely vertically.

[SmokinJoe]

The "Quick Clamp" is good.  A couple of my friends use them a lot, and for what most people need, it's great.

Since I have ADK-TLs which are some of the heaviest mics around, I made my own from a steel C-clamp and welded flanges so it has a wider grip on the table... it just says "holy shit... that's not going anywhere", and that's what I wanted.  But if you have normal pencil type mics or actives, the quick clamp should be fine.

The standard "superclamp" only works good if the table has really square edges.  If it has a radius or bullnose, it won't grip.

[page]

also, dont forget when clamping to tables to consider using cork (prevents or at least reduces marks on the table).

[su6oxone]

The "Quick Clamp" is good.  A couple of my friends use them a lot, and for what most people need, it's great.

Yeah, the quick action clamp is great.  Just be careful about tightening it too much, because then when you try to loosen it up it might not be able to.  And so you get the turning knob at the end screwing off the thread instead of the thread turning, and if it's on too tightly the quick release button won't work either.  But all in all a great clamp so long as you don't over-tighten it.

[ashevillain]

PS: I called B&H and they could not tell me what I would need to connect the two or even what the clamp end was 3/8, 1/2 or 1/4 inch.

That's piss-poor customer service right there! Those two items will fit together. IME most Manfrotto items will work with each other.

Only advice I have would be to buy the stuff from Adorama even though it will cost you $3.65 extra before shipping. B&H doesn't have the clamp in stock anyway.

[mattmiller]

For non-tabletop type surfaces (e.g., balcony rail) I much prefer the Manfrotto Superclamp.  Better grip, easier to grip onto things.  But not ideal for tabletops because it is hard to get the extension arm pointing absolutely vertically.

Beyond personal preference, I think the Superclamp is a necessity (instead of the quick-action clamp) in some situations.  You won't have any luck getting the quick-action clamp to (safely) clamp to a round railing.  The Superclamp is ideal for this (as long as the railing isn't too big; see below).  As a companion to the Superclamp, consider one of these:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/546442-REG/Manfrotto_203_203_Extension_Arm_for.html

If you find yourself clamping to a vertical rail, you'll need this in order to re-orient everything correctly.  It's saved me on many occasions.

This is a good opportunity to see help on a clamping failure I had last year at the Memorial Opera House in Valparaiso, IN.  The balcony had nothing that I could clamp to with any of my clamps (quick-action, Superclamp, Windtech).  The round rail was too large for the Superclamp, and there was no lip anywhere to get the quick-action to grab onto.  Is there a larger clamp appropriate for this situation?  I'm guessing the diameter of the rail was 4 inches or so (which is at least twice the capacity of the Superclamp).

[johnw]

The quick action clamp is heavy, overpriced and poorly designed. It looks bomb-proof but if you try and put it on anything that is not straight the little disc on the screw piece will snap off. This happened to me while screwing it onto a seat in an amphitheater. It's good for a ledge or a square rail but that's it. I'd recommend getting 2 superclamps and an extension arm for about the price of a quick action clamp. You can clamp the two superclamps together, one to grab the table/seat/ledge and the other to clamp your pole/stand. Or use a clamp with an extension arm going into a pole to get the angle. In the above situation where a clamp wouldn't fit I've found bungee cords work great. Last but not least gaffers tape.

[macdaddy]

Actually there is a clamp bigger than the superclamp. I have one, and will post the make/model number when I get home. It is big enough to clamp on a concrete cinder block. It is essential for those big bar tables that are too wide for the superclamp. Also for those wider round rails... A bit large, but it does what other clamps can't, and sure issmaller than a stand. I connect the 99b extension pole to it.

[F.O.Bean]

Everyone always forgets about Rowi clamps. I have about 12 of them, and the 2 basic models will cover you in just about any situation. They sell on ebay for cheap!

[doodee]

Have searched the forums and found many topics on this but not what I was really looking for:

What I want to do is buy a mic clamp and use the Manfrotto 3-Section Extension Pole with it:

Clamp I was thinking of purchasing:

Manfrotto 649 Quick Action Release Clamp
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/252212-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_649_Quick_Action_Release_Clamp.html

I want to use the clamp to connect to tables, rails, pipes etc.
Or if I need to buy a couple different kinds for different application that is fine too.


PS: If there is a better clamp let me know. Seems like many did not like the C-clamp.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I want it to fit with the following extension pole:
Manfrotto 3-Section Extension Pole (35- 92") (Black)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/546540-REG/Manfrotto_099B_3_Section_Extension_Pole_35.html

Do I need to buy a adapter that will connect the two?
It is not clear to me what the type of connection is for the Clamp - 3/8, 1/2 or 1/4 inch?

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks!

-p

PS: I called B&H and they could not tell me what I would need to connect the two or even what the clamp end was 3/8, 1/2 or 1/4 inch.

I have this exact setup and love it. I've used this clamp on round pipes and tubes with no issues. Love the wide mouth on the clamp.

[H₂O]

Everyone always forgets about Rowi clamps. I have about 12 of them, and the 2 basic models will cover you in just about any situation. They sell on ebay for cheap!

X2

Just look for older rowi's that are all metal. 

The rowi ukv kit is a nice to have as well.

[macdaddy]

It is a matthellini clamp...

[doodee]

It is a matthellini clamp...

Now that looks mega wide and heavy,heavy duty. Also just plain heavy.

[F.O.Bean]

It is a matthellini clamp...

How do you attach mics to it? I would have to use a rowi clamp on that sucka to get my mics where I would want them