Topic: Super Clamps

[Brian E.]

Anyone have an opinion on the older Manfrotto:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/546356-REG/Manfrotto_035RL_035RL_Super_Clamp_with.html

vs. the newer "quick action" version:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/252211-REG/Manfrotto_635_635_Quick_Action_Super.html

I don't really know the difference.

[hi and lo]

If you don't need to support an extreme amount of weight, I'd recommend and ultra clamp over a super clamp all day long.

http://www.posthorn.com/Ats_1.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/239972-REG/Ultrapod_PD05020_Ultra_Clamp_Assembly.html

I have the older manfrotto and can tell you I never use it because I have the ultra clamp.

[Brian Skalinder]

I've never used the newer SuperClamp model.  But I don't have any complaints about my old one.  I don't find myself really missing the quick release.  It's not like it takes a really long time to open or close the clamp's jaws.  If it had much wider jaws, then I can see myself wishing I had the quick release.  But as it is, I don't find myself missing it.

The UltraClamp is good for clamping mics to a stand -- very flexible -- but not so much for a long extension bar + multiple sets of mics.

[twatts (pants are so over-rated...)]

The Manfrotto Superclamp (either one) only allows you to clamp onto a horizontal surface.  You'll need an extension arm to run vertical:  http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/546442-REG/Manfrotto_203_203_Extension_Arm_for.html

The 203 mini-extnesion arm will fit the Super-Clamp and rotates a full 360^ so you can mount your mics at any angle.  The regular extnesion arm 042 extension arm has a "hex" that inserts into the superclamp and only allows you 0-60-120 mounting of your mics.  Trust me, get the 203...  I got a 042 by mistake for my superclamp and had to get a 203 to replace it...

That being said, you don't need anything this "solid" unless you're running ADK TLs or something large like that...

Terry

[Brian E.]

good call, pants.

Brian, I'm at work and can't look - what kind of arms did you loan me?  are those the best for the job, or should I look into something else if I'm buying now?

[rastasean]

I only prefer the senior model and I don't understand what makes the new one quick release. I can easily use one finger to push the arm around to open it up whereas the quick release would take a thumb and fingers as well as twisting your wrist.

[Brian Skalinder]

Brian -- you have 2 out of 3 poles from On-Stage set MSA9500.  I only use the Posi-Lok occasionally, but the poles come in quite handy.

There's a telescoping Bogen extension arm that's pretty popular, but I don't know the model number.  (Due to specific requirements, I ended up having a custom one built by APIC.)  The telescoping extension is probably easier to deal with than the On-Stage screw-in type.

[flipp]

Rather than either of the Bogen/Manfrotto superclamps, I recommend the Smith-Victor version. It doesn't have the smaller T style handle but the lever handle has indexing capability which if you ever need that extra half-turn in a tight spot you can get it with this clamp whereas you can't with the B/M or other brand knockoffs.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/241615-REG/Smith_Victor_701980_Pipe_Clamp_with_5_8.html

[twatts (pants are so over-rated...)]

The internet is wonderful...

[Brian E.]

The internet is wonderful...

LOL

[rastasean]

Rather than either of the Bogen/Manfrotto superclamps, I recommend the Smith-Victor version. It doesn't have the smaller T style handle but the lever handle has indexing capability which if you ever need that extra half-turn in a tight spot you can get it with this clamp whereas you can't with the B/M or other brand knockoffs.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/241615-REG/Smith_Victor_701980_Pipe_Clamp_with_5_8.html

Does it also come with the wedge which would allow you to clamp to flat surfaces?

[tim in jersey]

Rather than either of the Bogen/Manfrotto superclamps, I recommend the Smith-Victor version. It doesn't have the smaller T style handle but the lever handle has indexing capability which if you ever need that extra half-turn in a tight spot you can get it with this clamp whereas you can't with the B/M or other brand knockoffs.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/241615-REG/Smith_Victor_701980_Pipe_Clamp_with_5_8.html

I ordered the Smith-Victor from B&H within the past week or 2 and they no longer have the indexing handle. They now use a handle similar to this:



Edit to add:

I also ordered this clamp, which does have an indexing/ratchet handle: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/690391-REG/Photek_SB_84GCS_Grip_Clamp_with_Stud.html

[flipp]

I don't know as mine was used and came in a box of miscellaneous items. The wedges for the Manfrottos work in the Smith-Victor. According to tim in jersey's post above, the S-V no longer has an indexing handle but he lists a Photek that has both an indexing handle and comes with a wedge.

Rather than either of the Bogen/Manfrotto superclamps, I recommend the Smith-Victor version. It doesn't have the smaller T style handle but the lever handle has indexing capability which if you ever need that extra half-turn in a tight spot you can get it with this clamp whereas you can't with the B/M or other brand knockoffs.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/241615-REG/Smith_Victor_701980_Pipe_Clamp_with_5_8.html

Does it also come with the wedge which would allow you to clamp to flat surfaces?

[F.O.Bean]

A good rowi clamp is all I have EVER needed, and Ive been recording for almost 15 years There are a few on ebay right now too.......

[page]

screw handle >= quick action

I played with both once and the quick action one wigged me out because you get X clamping action and that's it. If I want to screw the fucker down for peace of mind or necessity, the old-style will do it until the pipe breaks or the clamp breaks, where as the quick action won't torque more than it's setup for. I use a superclamp when I have weight or I'm using one of my adjustable arms (which precludes that I have some weight).

I only prefer the senior model and I don't understand what makes the new one quick release. I can easily use one finger to push the arm around to open it up whereas the quick release would take a thumb and fingers as well as twisting your wrist.

Because it will go from clamped to full off in a half or full turn (I swear it's a half turn), the index one takes like 10-12 cranks or something like that.