Topic: Attaching monopod to a clamp

[vantheman]

I’m going through a bit of adapter hell…

I’m going to be clamping to a counter-height surface in the back of a room and I want to find a way to connect a monopod to a savior clamp or super clamp and then send monopod 9-10 feet up. The photo below shows the effect I’m going for. The savior clamp is attached to the counter, and a super clamp is attached via cheap ball mount, with the monopod clamped to the super clamp. But the ball mount won’t work because it’s not strong enough.

What adapters do I need, or is there a better way to achieve what I’m trying to do?

[SMsound]

Does it need to be the Savior clamp?

I would do this with a second Manfrotto 035 mafer clamp (looks like you already have one). I'd add the little angle plate inside the jaws that some come with (hanging on the back) so it clamps the table better.

Standard way is to use the hex screws:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/325437-REG/Manfrotto_038_038_Double_Super_Clamp.html/?ap=y&ap=y&smp=y&smp=y&lsft=BI%3A514&gclid=CjwKCAiAo4OQBhBBEiwA5KWu_8Bivk8LGNS7Dx1Y_hHdhzIQRXJzA2ByE0o_fijSVvAfc9KxWHS6tRoCHw0QAvD_BwE

But my favorite way is with their little baby pin adapter---no time lost screwing and unscrewing:
https://www.manfrotto.com/us-en/right-angle-joining-stud-for-super-clamp-061ra/?gclid=CjwKCAiAo4OQBhBBEiwA5KWu_7_SJS7Mvnt4PGoimHcL69Vau8T6IJYMChTwkflVH1f9-WST81UrTBoCjikQAvD_BwE

[vantheman]

Amazing, thank you. I can buy another super clamp, as I assumed this solution would require some cost. Wish it was the other way around as I might prefer the savior clamp, but this will get the job done just fine. Thanks again.

[mnm207]

Matthews makes a couple of 90 degree pins that could replace the ball head in your setup. I think the snap-in version is most appropriate to your needs.

[vanark]

What you really need is a Manfrotto 099B extension pole. Perhaps the most used piece in my clamp and stand arsenal. Just put it straight on the stud.

[seethreepo]

there are also double superclamps  which connect two clamps together.  (so removing the ball head part of the equation)

[DavidPuddy]

What you really need is a Manfrotto 099B extension pole. Perhaps the most used piece in my clamp and stand arsenal. Just put it straight on the stud.

+1

Attach the ball head to the top of the pole

[jcable77]

What you really need is a Manfrotto 099B extension pole. Perhaps the most used piece in my clamp and stand arsenal. Just put it straight on the stud.

And a quick release 649
https://www.manfrotto.com/global/quick-release-clamp-649/

[vanark]

^^^ absolutely agree on the quick release clamp. So versatile. Mine is already attached to the 099B pole.

[jbell]

I actually prefer the Mathews extension pole to the Manfroto!  It also doubles as an onstage stand with the addition of a stand base.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/33185-REG/Matthews_429499_Telescopic_Baby_Stand_Extension.html/?ap=y&ap=y&smp=y&smp=y&lsft=BI%3A514&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI06vTjc_u9QIVgpmGCh2sEgckEAQYBCABEgIkyPD_BwE

What you really need is a Manfrotto 099B extension pole. Perhaps the most used piece in my clamp and stand arsenal. Just put it straight on the stud.

[vantheman]

What you really need is a Manfrotto 099B extension pole. Perhaps the most used piece in my clamp and stand arsenal. Just put it straight on the stud.

I’m not sure how I missed this. It’s been a couple months but I vaguely recall seeing this pole and I think it might have been out of stock at that time. I see it in stock now, I think I better just pull the trigger on it before it’s gone again. Thanks for this.

[tim in jersey]

Howdy, Van.


https://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=151303.0
https://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=186751.0

Lot's of good info, pics, and links to products.

[tim in jersey]

I think someone may have addressed this.

That plastic wedge on the Superclamp is removable. When clamping to a round object you'll want to remove the wedge. Much sturdier.

The wedge adapter is for clamping to flat surfaces.

https://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-035WDG-Wedges-Super-Clamp/dp/B0010CLAMY

Buy a few bags. Those things are like guitar picks.

[audBall]

I actually prefer the Mathews extension pole to the Manfroto!  It also doubles as an onstage stand with the addition of a stand base.

I have this one and it is quite versatile. I only wish the 5/8" stud was a threaded male instead. Without some sort of additional rapid adapter, you then need to clamp a mic mount to the top. Are there any other "seamless" alternatives?

[SMsound]

I actually prefer the Mathews extension pole to the Manfroto!  It also doubles as an onstage stand with the addition of a stand base.

I have this one and it is quite versatile. I only wish the 5/8" stud was a threaded male instead. Without some sort of additional rapid adapter, you then need to clamp a mic mount to the top. Are there any other "seamless" alternatives?

I have both Matthews and Manfrotto extension poles. They're very different beasts---Manfrotto is a lot bigger, and Matthews is 'convenient travel sized'. I typically grab the matthews as a 'in case if I need a boom/extension' backup when I go out. I bring a Manfrotto rapid adapter for the end of the matthews baby pin (so I can put a mic on it):
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/546490-REG/Manfrotto_014_38_014_38_Rapid_Adapter.html/?ap=y&ap=y&smp=y&smp=y&lsft=BI%3A514&gclid=Cj0KCQiAxoiQBhCRARIsAPsvo-wrcc0ya5nS8XlEtZV3Q18I1WDr6HNflStPBMQKU1hO_ke3gX84hrgaAnI0EALw_wcB

[audBall]

On an unrelated note re: rapid adapters, it'd be great if there was one with a semi-circular concave "shoe" at the end of the screw to better press against the 5/8" stud. I always feel like I need to over-tighten them and end up damaging the studs.

[kindms]

super clamp, articulating arm and a matthews is tough to beat setup. i love mine and use it any chance I can if i dont have to use a stand

[voltronic]

Happy to see another Savior Clamp user here! As you've already discovered, it's far superior in gripping ability to the SuperClamp with double the load capacity (same on both points compared to the Quick Release Clamp) so you definitely want to continue to use that as your foundation.

As a couple other people suggested, ditch the monopod and use a proper extension pole like the 099B and a 5/8" stud that pops into your clamp socket. I use this combo frequently.

If you need angle adjustment, put your ballhead at the top, or I like the Posi-Lok clutch because it has zero chance of slipping. It just needs adapters at both ends - 3/8" female > 5/8" male on bottom; the reverse of that on top.

[opsopcopolis]

The Matthew’s is my go to as well.

[SMsound]

One more way:

https://www.msegrip.com/products/mafer-accessories

non-twist Hex pin plugs into your Manfrotto mafer clamp; grip head holds your pole.

[DavidPuddy]

I use either the super clamp or 649 clamp with the 026 umbrella adapter and pole and it works perfectly

https://www.manfrotto.com/us-en/lite-tite-swivel-aluminium-umbrella-adapter-026/

[aaronji]

^ That's pretty cool! I might have to pick one up. Do you usually use it on the clamp side or the mic bar side? I can see it coming in handy on either...

[DavidPuddy]

^ That's pretty cool! I might have to pick one up. Do you usually use it on the clamp side or the mic bar side? I can see it coming in handy on either...

I use it on the clamp side for situations where the clamp is sideways or where the extension pole would be at a wonky angle. It's a little heavy to haul around, but I've had many situations where I was glad I've had it, like seat and soundboard clamping.

[aaronji]

^ Pretty heavy indeed. But it appears to be a truly flexible solution to weird clamping angles. Thanks for the heads-up!

[aaronji]

What you really need is a Manfrotto 099B extension pole. Perhaps the most used piece in my clamp and stand arsenal. Just put it straight on the stud.

I agree; I just found a new use for mine! Backstory: I recorded a show a couple of months ago (the only one of 2021, actually) and the FOH let me set up in the board cage. The legs on my 1004BAC were too big to fit in the spot, though. The engineer said he could fix it and came out with an old, beat-up vocal mic stand. It only went to 6.5 or 7', took a lot of gaffer's tape, and caused me quite a bit of stress, but it worked. Mixed with the board feed, the recording turned out great. It did make me realize that a stand with a smaller footprint would be useful for a similar situation. I thought about it for a while and realized I already had all of the parts. The Manfrotto 003, which I previously used with a 122b for on-stage, plus my 099b would make a pretty good small footprint stand. I think it is just over 8' with the mic clips. Maybe not super sturdy, but it will be protected by virtue of being in the cage. Plus, the legs of the base are flat enough to make taping it to the floor pretty easy (or maybe some sort of weight). I could add one of my 122b poles to go even higher...

[DavidPuddy]

^ That's the setup I use for a few tight venues here. With the 122b it goes over 10' tall and when it's taped down it's pretty stable.

[aaronji]

^ Excellent news! Do you put the 122b on the top or bottom? Probably doesn't make much difference (although I suppose it is easier to put it on the bottom), but I haven't tried it out yet.

[DavidPuddy]

^ Excellent news! Do you put the 122b on the top or bottom? Probably doesn't make much difference (although I suppose it is easier to put it on the bottom), but I haven't tried it out yet.

The 122 has to go on the bottom, as it has permanent studs on both ends

[aaronji]

^ Yes, that's why I figured it would be easier. I do have an adapter that would allow it to be placed on top, though, if that made a difference somehow.

[EDIT TO ADD: I must say I am pretty excited about giving this a try. I go to most shows by public transport and there is usually a fair bit of walking involved. This will be less bulky than the 1004BAC and shave off more than pound and a half of weight.]