Topic: Best clamp for theater seat arms

[axomxa]

Any input on a sold versatile clamp for use on theater seat arms (and round rails) would be appreciated.  Primary venue is orpheum boston.  Does anyone have any expereicne with this one and how it stacks up with the manfrotto 649?

Thanks

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=getItemDetail&Q=&sku=371927&is=REG&si=rev#pr-header-371927

[vanark]

Bob, what are you going to run off of it?

I've used the super clamp from the mezz rail at the Orpheum plenty of times.  When running from my seat, I just bungie my Manfrotto 099B extension pole between the backs of the seats (in front of me, not the one I'm sitting in.)  Works okay for me in many situations including at the Comcast Center in Mansfield.

You might post in the Team New England thread if you are looking for specifics on ideas for the Orpheum.  What show?

[tim in jersey]

If you are considering a super-clamp or super-clamp knock off, I always suggest this:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/690391-REG/Photek_SB_84GCS_Grip_Clamp_with_Stud.html

Reason being

A: I prefer the lever type handle; you get more leverage than the t-handle
B: Ratcheting handle for those situations where you can't rotate the lever a full 360°

[Hypnocracy]

.....When running from my seat, I just bungie my Manfrotto 099B extension pole between the backs of the seats (in front of me, not the one I'm sitting in.)  Works okay for me in many situations ....

Thanks vanark...the time I asked about this...I got

Ok...anyone have photo's of Manfrotto 649's and Extension pole on a Theater Seat?

You mean so it would poke someone in the arse?

[newplanet7]

I have used the bogen c clamp quick release and the extension pole on the arm of the chair.
At a seated MMW show I actually clamped to the flat part of the seat in between my legs with an extension pole.
Plenty of sturdiness.

[axomxa]

Hey Rory,  Thanks for info.  I have one taper for sci on 12/4 and may try to hit abb the night before.  Going to use the manfrotto 099b   

I have taped numerous times at orpheum with full rig but with two seats and as you probably know it is still a hastle with two in that place (love the sound though;-)  Just not sure if there is a big difference in performance between the impact or the interfit clamps and the manfrotto quick release aside from weight and price.  The bungie cord seems a bit precarious for staying secure. 

[ScoobieKW]

Hey Rory,  Thanks for info.  I have one taper for sci on 12/4 and may try to hit abb the night before.  Going to use the manfrotto 099b   

I have taped numerous times at orpheum with full rig but with two seats and as you probably know it is still a hastle with two in that place (love the sound though;-)  Just not sure if there is a big difference in performance between the impact or the interfit clamps and the manfrotto quick release aside from weight and price.  The bungie cord seems a bit precarious for staying secure.

Manfrotto gear is built very solid, difference in price isn't much compared to value of what you are supporting. The superclamp sometimes needs a right angle adapter to mount the pole, This thread goes into it more,

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=150309.msg1913276#msg1913276

[axomxa]

Hey Rory,  Thanks for info.  I have one taper for sci on 12/4 and may try to hit abb the night before.  Going to use the manfrotto 099b   

I have taped numerous times at orpheum with full rig but with two seats and as you probably know it is still a hastle with two in that place (love the sound though;-)  Just not sure if there is a big difference in performance between the impact or the interfit clamps and the manfrotto quick release aside from weight and price.  The bungie cord seems a bit precarious for staying secure.

Manfrotto gear is built very solid, difference in price isn't much compared to value of what you are supporting. The superclamp sometimes needs a right angle adapter to mount the pole, This thread goes into it more,

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=150309.msg1913276#msg1913276

Yes thanks the manfrotto superclamp is negligible in price I must have been thinking 649 clamp price.  I will go with the manfrotto.  my plan was to clamp from the side of the seat arm and not straight down.  would that work and if not would the 203 or 042 extension arm be the best adapter.  tahnsk for your input

[ScoobieKW]

Hey Rory,  Thanks for info.  I have one taper for sci on 12/4 and may try to hit abb the night before.  Going to use the manfrotto 099b   

I have taped numerous times at orpheum with full rig but with two seats and as you probably know it is still a hastle with two in that place (love the sound though;-)  Just not sure if there is a big difference in performance between the impact or the interfit clamps and the manfrotto quick release aside from weight and price.  The bungie cord seems a bit precarious for staying secure.

Manfrotto gear is built very solid, difference in price isn't much compared to value of what you are supporting. The superclamp sometimes needs a right angle adapter to mount the pole, This thread goes into it more,

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=150309.msg1913276#msg1913276

Yes thanks the manfrotto superclamp is negligible in price I must have been thinking 649 clamp price.  I will go with the manfrotto.  my plan was to clamp from the side of the seat arm and not straight down.  would that work and if not would the 203 or 042 extension arm be the best adapter.  tahnsk for your input

042 is longer, but the 203 has a round stud. This let's you rotate it. the hex of the 042 is limiting, for example when clamping down, where the superclamp jaws are facing down, the 042 will be 60 degrees from vertical. It has it's uses, but the 203 is much more flexible.

[ArchivalAudio]

Impact gear is great!
I picked up a quick release  and compared to the other manfrotto  one I have it's just as good, only 1/2 the price
I have that Impact "super Clamp" on my B&H wishlist
I just have not justified yet why I need another.

[hoppedup]

Manfrotto 649 with 099B extension:

[H₂O]

That pic looks like 1975 or something - old skool - obviously the taping rig is a bit out of place

[SmokinJoe]

I have super-clamped to some theater seats arms before, but it's very dependent on the particular arm.  I don't think I've ever done it at the Orpheum, I don't remember specifics, I'm guessing the arms aren't the right shape for gripping.

I will frequently just bring a couple of bungee cords, some zip ties, some tape, and when I get there inevitable the McGyver skills will kick in. like Rory said, just attach a folded up stand or mono pole to the seat upright somehow.

There will be bunch of us a SCI... if you have an official taper's ticket they will have us in some crappy OTS somewhere and you can probably clamp on to one of us.

[OOK]

Get both the super clamp and the 649...I have both and you never know which one is going to be the go to....  I use both equally as much...  ook

[axomxa]

I have super-clamped to some theater seats arms before, but it's very dependent on the particular arm.  I don't think I've ever done it at the Orpheum, I don't remember specifics, I'm guessing the arms aren't the right shape for gripping.

I will frequently just bring a couple of bungee cords, some zip ties, some tape, and when I get there inevitable the McGyver skills will kick in. like Rory said, just attach a folded up stand or mono pole to the seat upright somehow.

There will be bunch of us a SCI... if you have an official taper's ticket they will have us in some crappy OTS somewhere and you can probably clamp on to one of us.

Joe, Thanks for info.  You are right the section is the usual location when there is a section, left center orch.  At least I have an end seat closest to center.  Picked up the super clamp with a 203 adapter but will pack the duct tape anyway.  See you there. 

[goodcooker]

will pack the duct tape anyway

Don't use duct tape in a theater. Use gaffer's tape. It doesn't leave any residue.

Duct tape can peel off paint and leaves gnarly traces of adhesive. You can pick up a roll of gaffer's tape at A/V supply stores and Guitar Center

[achalsey]

Duct tape can peel off paint and leaves gnarly traces of adhesive. You can pick up a roll of gaffer's tape at A/V supply stores and Guitar Center

[hijack]

Is there a difference between gaffer's tape and electrical tape?

/hijack

[ScoobieKW]

Electrical tape is vinyl and made to block the conductivity of electricity. It is very stretchy and not strong.

Gaffer's tape is a cloth tape that goes down on carpet and comes back up clean, the adhesive has a good strong grip, and it tears off the roll easily.

[achalsey]

Electrical tape is vinyl and made to block the conductivity of electricity. It is very stretchy and not strong.

Gaffer's tape is a cloth tape that goes down on carpet and comes back up clean, the adhesive has a good strong grip, and it tears off the roll easily.

Cool, thanks!  Guess I didn't really know what gaffer's tape was.

[F.O.Bean]

I regularly duct tape my stand down in the venues I record in, since I'm FOB/DFC, and at LEAST a few people every set/show grab my damn stand But at the end of the night, its always worth it, and the duct tape is cheap at Sams Club

[hoppedup]

Using duct tape on any surface other than unfinished concrete sounds like a good way to get tapers banned from a venue.

[F.O.Bean]

Using duct tape on any surface other than unfinished concrete sounds like a good way to get tapers banned from a venue.

Trust me, I wouldnt do it if it was damaging anything

[axomxa]

Quick follow-up re results attaching super clamp to orpheum seats. . .  Yes clamping a super clamp to the orpheum seat arms does work.  It will clamp horizontally on the arm if you clamp as far as you can to the back of the seat.  Worked fine, very sturdy holding the manfrotto 99 and held up three mics on the K & M 18" bar and could have gon five channel no problem.   

[it-goes-to-eleven]

Pretty sure that couple is about to complain about your stand blocking their enjoyment of the performance.

[willndmb]

Using duct tape on any surface other than unfinished concrete sounds like a good way to get tapers banned from a venue.

Trust me, I wouldnt do it if it was damaging anything

you would be surprised on what venues think of damage
It might not seem like damage to you or even be one time but over time it can add up or the venue might look at it differently from the start
It's worth the extra few bucks to have gaff tape and be safe as well as have an answer if question come up
I had a local high school tell me no duct tape once and when I to.d them it was gaff tape they not only were pleased but made a comment about being nice to deal with a professional

[tim in jersey]

Using duct tape on any surface other than unfinished concrete sounds like a good way to get tapers banned from a venue.

Trust me, I wouldnt do it if it was damaging anything

you would be surprised on what venues think of damage
It might not seem like damage to you or even be one time but over time it can add up or the venue might look at it differently from the start
It's worth the extra few bucks to have gaff tape and be safe as well as have an answer if question come up
I had a local high school tell me no duct tape once and when I to.d them it was gaff tape they not only were pleased but made a comment about being nice to deal with a professional

I watched a fellow taper peel up a few layers of fresh wax and paint on a newly refurbished theater floor by using duct tape. Never saw any fall-out from it, but you never can be too safe... Gaff vs. duct tape is a cheap expendable in the grand scheme of it all, IMHO...

[F.O.Bean]

Yeah you guys are prob right. I just wished I could get gaffers tape locally

[2manyrocks]

I can't get it locally either.  Just have to internet order. 

Having said that, there are some camera mounts that use suction cups.  That shouldn't mar any kind of smooth surface. 

[bhtoque]

Yeah you guys are prob right. I just wished I could get gaffers tape locally

B&H has it on sale. $5 or $6 a roll right now. Or place an order from findtape.com prices are great and you can just stock up.

It's nice not having sticky tape residue all over your gear.

JAson

[RobertNC]

Superclamp (and Superclamp style knockoffs) are generally useful for anything that is not too big for the jaw extension - i.e. most theatre seat "hardware" (handle, part of the mount etc), drink rails, some balcony constructions etc.

BUT ... I often find that to get a good solid lock on whatever it is I am clamping to, I need to take out the little rubber wedge, and/or by the time I get the superclamp good and solidly locked down, the post is either tilted or just not at all where I want it to be.

Dave Bishop gave me this accessory and all I can say is this thing is the greatest since sliced bread, rapid adapters, shock mounts, T-bars.  Put this little gem together with a superclamp and you are set for almost anything you will encounter in a clamp/extension pole scenario.  It is not a lot of bank, well built, allows you to correct for ANY angle you end up having to contend with, and I now consider it as essential to my gear bag as mics, cables, recorder, and batteries.

I never leave home without it and use it at almost every show I do now!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/656152-REG/Impact_9101880_Umbrella_Bracket_with_Adjustable.html

[F.O.Bean]

OMG that is badass. I'll be buying one of those soon

[willndmb]

Superclamp (and Superclamp style knockoffs) are generally useful for anything that is not too big for the jaw extension - i.e. most theatre seat "hardware" (handle, part of the mount etc), drink rails, some balcony constructions etc.

BUT ... I often find that to get a good solid lock on whatever it is I am clamping to, I need to take out the little rubber wedge, and/or by the time I get the superclamp good and solidly locked down, the post is either tilted or just not at all where I want it to be.

Dave Bishop gave me this accessory and all I can say is this thing is the greatest since sliced bread, rapid adapters, shock mounts, T-bars.  Put this little gem together with a superclamp and you are set for almost anything you will encounter in a clamp/extension pole scenario.  It is not a lot of bank, well built, allows you to correct for ANY angle you end up having to contend with, and I now consider it as essential to my gear bag as mics, cables, recorder, and batteries.

I never leave home without it and use it at almost every show I do now!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/656152-REG/Impact_9101880_Umbrella_Bracket_with_Adjustable.html

that is sweet and the price is right

[it-goes-to-eleven]

I never leave home without it and use it at almost every show I do now!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/656152-REG/Impact_9101880_Umbrella_Bracket_with_Adjustable.html

Cool.  Very useful in many situations, and fairly priced. But it looks heavy. Any idea on weight?  And does the pivot lock with just friction, or are there teeth that engage?  I recall a similar device that locks with teeth that engage, so no worries of slippage. I can't find it right now, but I think Brian Skalinder is a user and posted about it years ago.

I find I can often correct the geometry at the shock mount via small plates, whether they be flat or angle plates.

[willndmb]

I'm not a super clamp expert but this one seems like it is good and much cheaper then the name brands http://www.adorama.com/LTPC.html?gclid=CMnkq9yrhLwCFY9lOgodtVgAmA
Has stud and wedge, adorama is a good place to deal with too

[Brian Skalinder]

Dave Bishop gave me this accessory

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/656152-REG/Impact_9101880_Umbrella_Bracket_with_Adjustable.html

Looks like it accomplishes the same thing as my Posi-Lok clutch, but in a slick little package.  Might be worth replacing my Posi-Lok to save a bit of space in the gear bag.

Does the variable angle elbow joint lock down tight enough to hold extension + mics at a substantially horizontal angle, e.g. 0º, 15º, 30º, 45º, 60º from horizontal?  Reason I ask is I sometimes clamp off balcony rails and need something that can hold my extension / mics not just down (or up), but also quite a ways out / horizontally.  The Posi-Lok clutch is very secure in this regard.  (And, of course, I use safety cables / safety rope.)  But that thing is damn cool and looks mighty small.

[F.O.Bean]

I LOVE that elbow clamp posted in this thread. For $25 you simply cant beat that!!! Plus its a well known brand!

[2manyrocks]

I misplaced my Impact super clamp with the ratchet handle and just got in a Manfrotto superclamp 035.  This Manfrotto cost more, didn't have the stud, and the ratchet handle is plastic.