Topic: Clamp-aholics. The ultimate clamping and rigging team thread

[if_then_else]

I use the magic finger. I stuck a cotter pin in the hole for added security to avoid slippage...

http://www.filmtools.com/mamaficatno3.html

Pretty sure this is it ( somewhere in this thread I linked to the place I purchased it; thus us just the first link that popped up on google)...

Thanks for the hint. The Tether Tools Elbow on bhp (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1033020-REG/tether_tools_rs606_rock_solid_aero_elbow.html) looks pretty similar to the Matthews Magic Finger and is also available from photo shops here in Germany. The specs ("Load Capacity: 80 lb") are looking good, too. So, I might go for that one.

[StarkRavingCalm]

This question may be answered with the 2 posts above but I want to throw it out there anyways.
In the picture below, my rig is the one furthest from the stage (or closest to camera... depending on your perspective).
If you look closely, you can see the active bar is askew and not pointed directly at the stage.
This is due the shockmount I used having a tight radius (for lack of a better term) and not offset enough to give clearance.

The magic finger and Tether Tools seem a little pricey for something I will 'probably' only use in these situations.

Anyone have a different solution?

[Brian Skalinder]

Anyone have a different solution?

In your scenario, you don't need to concern yourself with much load -- since the component will need to bear the load of the actives + shockmount only -- I would think any old ballhead for a DSLR would do the trick, for example (one of many):

~$13 | http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/221096-REG/Giottos_MH1004_320_MH_1004_Mini_Ball.html

Or something like:

~$7 | http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/400142-REG/On_Stage_MSA_9501_Posi_Lok_Clutch.html

(Not sure what the load rating is on the Posi-Lok Clutch, though I've used with my extension pole before many times.)

[StarkRavingCalm]

That looks perfect!


Thanks!

[Fried Chicken Boy]

^^ If you're not intent on attaching your mics to the end of the extension pole and are cool using a clamp on the bar itself, the Windtech C-clamp is a great multi-purpose tool.  It's pretty sturdy, relatively inexpensive, and would allow you to mount your mics upright, giving you full rotational adjustment as well. 

[StarkRavingCalm]

^^ If you're not intent on attaching your mics to the end of the extension pole and are cool using a clamp on the bar itself, the Windtech C-clamp is a great multi-purpose tool.  It's pretty sturdy, relatively inexpensive, and would allow you to mount your mics upright, giving you full rotational adjustment as well.

Have 4 of them!
Agreed it would have been a great option, but I got there last that night!

[bluewingolive]

That looks perfect!


Thanks!

I've used both of those recommendations.  Very handy and cost effective. 

[Gordon]

I very rarely clamp to balcony's. I picked up some accessories last year just to have. I'll be using some of them for ARU in athens soon.

I grabbed a couple of these safety cables but I'm not real sure how to use it properly!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/195824-REG/Altman_SC_36_BK_Steel_Safety_Cable_Black.html

it says

Thread it around a piece of hanging equipment and around a support structure, such as a pipe or a batten, and then clip it to it's loop

I get how to loop it around the balcony but not sure how to use it around the clamp/mics/pole. 

I'll be using this clamp more than likely

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/252212-REG/Manfrotto_649_649_Quick_Action_Release.html

I may or may not use an extension pole.

any tips/pics etc? I remember seeing pics (probably in this thread) but I remember not being able to really tell what was going on.


edit:

the pic a few up helps!

sort of.  when I use the 1/4"-20 thread eye-hook on the bogen rapid-adapter it's not very tight on the pole. the eye hook doesn't fit on the clamp well enough for the bar not to be loose.


this is what I'm going for if not using the extension. the silver part does not come off the clamp even if the top piece is loosened all the way.






so this should work if I pull the mics and actives through right?

[jbell]

We should use my Manfroto extension pole!!

[Gordon]

I have one as well. haven't confirmed if they let folks use them there. asked zman but he didn't say. he said super clamp or even windtech will work. so the above should work fine with or without extension.

[jbell]

He just super clamps his mics to the rail?? 

I have one as well. haven't confirmed if they let folks use them there. asked zman but he didn't say. he said super clamp or even windtech will work. so the above should work fine with or without extension.

[Gordon]

not sure. he didn't answer that part 

[Fried Chicken Boy]

^^ You might not want to thread the microphone cables through the loop of the safety cable.  I'd secure the mic cables to the extension pole separately.  My .02 cents.

[jbell]

Bring the extension pole so I can clamp!

not sure. he didn't answer that part 

[Brian E.]

my extension arm broke a tightening section somehow   Seemed to still work but I'll probably have to buy a new one.