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

[NOLAfishwater]

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

actually you could use a bogen rapid adapter

[macdaddy]

Or, like I said, the bottom of the 99b extension pole. The end on that pole is a female; the post of the clamp I pictured is a male... The extension pole fits over the clamp pole, and you turn the screw on the manfrotto pole (instead of the removable stud that goes into a superclamp, it goes over the post on the clamp I pictured above). The clamp also can fit snugly over any size round bar or rail. It isn't that wide, or heavy. It is big, but it gets a job done that the superclamp cannot.

[doodee]

Or, like I said, the bottom of the 99b extension pole. The end on that pole is a female; the post of the clamp I pictured is a male... The extension pole fits over the clamp pole, and you turn the screw on the manfrotto pole (instead of the removable stud that goes into a superclamp, it goes over the post on the clamp I pictured above). The clamp also can fit snugly over any size round bar or rail. It isn't that wide, or heavy. It is big, but it gets a job done that the superclamp cannot.

I think that mega clamp should be renamed the "macdaddy".

[ArchivalAudio]

It is a matthellini clamp...

don't forget to carry 3 bricks in you r gear bag to support your extension pole... 

[andromedanwarmachine]

that's berserk!

and I can't see a downside to it- I don't mind the weight of gear; if it's the right gear...

[phil_er_up]

Thanks all for your answers. Can see there are many opinions on this and if others have more to add go for it.

Thanks again.

Will make a decision on the clamp and pole soon...

[mattmiller]

It is a matthellini clamp...

There are several of these on B&H:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=matthellini+clamp&N=0&InitialSearch=yes

Is this any one in particular, or is it a combination of one AND the Extendellini?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/686485-REG/Matthews_420113_Extendellini_For_Matthellini_Center.html

[mattmiller]

I'm still trying to figure out which one of these Matthellini clamps to buy.  While researching, I stumbled upon this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cAZfr_Myfs

[macdaddy]

I have been meaning to get back to you, Matt. I will measure mine when I get home...

[mattmiller]

I have been meaning to get back to you, Matt. I will measure mine when I get home...

I'm thinking this might be the one I need:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/301945-REG/Matthews_420210_Matthelini_Grip_6_End.html

[macdaddy]

I am almost positive that is the one I have; I will confirmwheni get home...

[Fried Chicken Boy]

It is a matthellini clamp...

don't forget to carry 3 bricks in you r gear bag to support your extension pole... 

 

[mattmiller]

The UPS man just delivered my new 6" Matthellini clamp.  This thing is awesome.  It's big, but I don't care how big or heavy something is if it's the right tool for the job.  This will be my go-to clamp for any round surface bigger than about 1.5" in diameter (the SuperClamp's maximum).  The only thing I'll have to be cautious of is the very rough/textured grip of the jaws.  It'll definitely tear something up if you don't use some padding, so I've gotta find something soft to wrap around any prospective railing that won't cause the jaws to slip.

[macdaddy]

Nice!

[it-goes-to-eleven]

It is a matthellini clamp...

Looks like something out of the movie Saw.

[macdaddy]

Yeah. But it actually isn't that much of a pita to carry. And it can grab stuff that a superclamp cannot. My only problem is that the 99b fits a bit loosely on the head. I assume wrapping the head tightly with some duct tape should do the trick, but I haven't done it yet...

[mattmiller]

Yeah. But it actually isn't that much of a pita to carry. And it can grab stuff that a superclamp cannot. My only problem is that the 99b fits a bit loosely on the head. I assume wrapping the head tightly with some duct tape should do the trick, but I haven't done it yet...

That's odd -- I'll have to check that out.  I thought these dimensions were all standardized and fit securely.  I've actually never even used my 99B extension, as I have a smaller Matthews extension that has been tall enough for all the scenarios I've found myself in thus far.

[Myco]

I use this clamp with the Manfrotto 099B. I used it recently @ the Orpheum in Boston to hold the 099B on the rail hanging down beneath the lip of the balcony. On this I had a Gak omni bar with a pair of Gefell m270's, and a clamp with a shure vert bar holding my gefell M200's. All of this was a fair amount of weight to hang over peoples heads, and the venue heads came to check it out, but they saw that it was safe & secure  and gave it the OK. I used a safety cable and gaff taped connections also. You can go as big as 2 1/2" with this one, as opposed to the SuperClamps 1 1/2".

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/124734-REG/Avenger_D230_Super_Clamp_Grip_Head.html#accessories

[acidjack]

I use this clamp with the Manfrotto 099B. I used it recently @ the Orpheum in Boston to hold the 099B on the rail hanging down beneath the lip of the balcony. On this I had a Gak omni bar with a pair of Gefell m270's, and a clamp with a shure vert bar holding my gefell M200's. All of this was a fair amount of weight to hang over peoples heads, and the venue heads came to check it out, but they saw that it was safe & secure  and gave it the OK. I used a safety cable and gaff taped connections also. You can go as big as 2 1/2" with this one, as opposed to the SuperClamps 1 1/2".

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/124734-REG/Avenger_D230_Super_Clamp_Grip_Head.html#accessories

Wow... that is bold.  Even if not extended, the 099B is pretty big and long.   

[vanark]

I saw Myco's set up and it sure seemed solid as a rock.

[bryonsos]

Can someone please post a link to a safety cable? I believe I need one of those rascals. Thanks in advance!

[acidjack]

I saw Myco's set up and it sure seemed solid as a rock.

Oh no doubt - I wasn't criticizing, just in awe/respect 

[Myco]

Can someone please post a link to a safety cable? I believe I need one of those rascals. Thanks in advance!

Here's one. Some people jury-rig other things to work the same way, but you'll see what I mean.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/634747-REG/Matthews_6348_1_100_Safety_Cable.html

Here is another one.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5026-REG/Manfrotto_FF3276_FF3276_Steel_Safety_Cable.html

[bryonsos]

Thanks! I just had a "doh!" moment, I searched for it in mics rather than lighting.

[Myco]

I use this clamp with the Manfrotto 099B. I used it recently @ the Orpheum in Boston to hold the 099B on the rail hanging down beneath the lip of the balcony. On this I had a Gak omni bar with a pair of Gefell m270's, and a clamp with a shure vert bar holding my gefell M200's. All of this was a fair amount of weight to hang over peoples heads, and the venue heads came to check it out, but they saw that it was safe & secure  and gave it the OK. I used a safety cable and gaff taped connections also. You can go as big as 2 1/2" with this one, as opposed to the SuperClamps 1 1/2".

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/124734-REG/Avenger_D230_Super_Clamp_Grip_Head.html#accessories

Wow... that is bold.  Even if not extended, the 099B is pretty big and long.

Yeah, I was a little nervous at first when i felt all that weight on there lowering it over the rail, but I checked all connections and used fail safes, so I decided to show some cajones and go with it. I was confident that I'd do ok with it and all went well.

[Myco]

Thanks! I just had a "doh!" moment, I searched for it in mics rather than lighting.

   

[Hypnocracy]

Myco...was the 099b horizontal or vertical? In other words...Hanging down off the rail vs Sticking out from the balcony?

[vanark]

Vertical - hanging down off the rail.

I've run the 099B horizontal off balcony rails before, but not with split omnis and another set of mics.  Only had a single set out there.  Was rock solid.

[Hypnocracy]

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

[it-goes-to-eleven]

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?

[macdaddy]

____


On another note, I had previously mentioned that the 99b was loose on the mathellini clamp - it is NOT. I must have not pushed it down all the way, cos i tried it gain recently, and it fits nice and snug, so no worries using the two together....