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Gear / Technical Help => Microphones & Setup => Topic started by: travelinbeat on October 03, 2009, 10:32:31 PM
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(http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/largeimages/546356.jpg)
I've recently purchased one of these-- stud and all. I'm having a very difficult time trying to conceptualize how in the world to get this thing to clamp onto a pole and provide a 5/8" male adapter pointing upwards. I know a lot of your guys are using this clamp and are very happy with it, and I'd much rather find a way to turn this horizontal 1/4" into a vertical 5/8" than spend more money on the windtech clamp (which, no offense, just don't look like it would be nearly as meaty and serious).
So if you guys have links / advise / photos, I'd love to see it, cause I've got the clamp but no clue how to use it!
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you need the mini extension arm.
(http://www.bogenimaging.us/webdav/site/main/shared/products/203/D0010_629aff81b73d1830eaa3d4928f969c92_L.jpg)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/546442-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_203_203_Extension_Arm_for.html
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alternatively, put the locking end into the clamp, then use an Rapid Adaptor with a 3/8>5/8 adaptor over the end pointed up, thats how I use mine frequently. If you need pictures I can take some.
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alternatively, put the locking end into the clamp, then use an Rapid Adaptor with a 3/8>5/8 adaptor over the end pointed up, thats how I use mine frequently. If you need pictures I can take some.
That would be great actually-- thanks for the inputs, guys!
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Or you can get an umbrella adapter to give yourself a right angle.
(http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/images345x345/546375.jpg)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/546375-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_026_026_Swivel_Umbrella_Adapter.html (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/546375-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_026_026_Swivel_Umbrella_Adapter.html)
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Or you can get an umbrella adapter to give yourself a right angle.
(http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/images345x345/546375.jpg)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/546375-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_026_026_Swivel_Umbrella_Adapter.html (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/546375-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_026_026_Swivel_Umbrella_Adapter.html)
Just beware of weight restrictions in that case. Superclamps can hold something like 45lbs, but once you start adding connections, your weight limit almost always decreases (there just isn't anything that holds 45lbs out there). The 396b arm I have drops my limit down to like 14lbs. Normally doens't matter until you start using LDs or become the base of a tree branch.
alternatively, put the locking end into the clamp, then use an Rapid Adaptor with a 3/8>5/8 adaptor over the end pointed up, thats how I use mine frequently. If you need pictures I can take some.
That would be great actually-- thanks for the inputs, guys!
Here is terminating to a 3/8ths screw. Adjust your adaptors for 1/4 accordingly.
(http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/1638/img2216q.jpg)
(http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/7955/img2214v.jpg)
(http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/1989/img2212gr.jpg)
If any links break, the album is here (http://yfrog.com/5iimg2216qjx)
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Fantastic pictures, page! I went ahead and ordered the extension arm though, I think that the extra distance from the mic-stand might come in handy.
Round two of "What to do with a Manfrotto superclamp"....
How in the world do you get from 1/4" to 5/8"??? I've been to three hardware stores and a photo supply store and each one of them went cross-eyed at the idea of such a thing.
Any links to adapters?
Thanks!
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Fantastic pictures, page! I went ahead and ordered the extension arm though, I think that the extra distance from the mic-stand might come in handy.
Round two of "What to do with a Manfrotto superclamp"....
How in the world do you get from 1/4" to 5/8"??? I've been to three hardware stores and a photo supply store and each one of them went cross-eyed at the idea of such a thing.
Any links to adapters?
Thanks!
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/535392-REG/General_Brand__Microphone_Reducer_Bushing_.html
You can mix/match, but thats an example. Surf around B&H for a while and you'll find selections (some cheaper, some not).
I ran my LD like that since it's shockmount goes straight out for about 5 inches, so I get roughly 6 from the stand. My SD setup I've got a 1/4-20 all thread rod (and 3/8-16 for use with the nano) that I could screw into the aux port and gain a similar distance.
If you get a chance, and if your going to put any serious weight on it, I'd personally consider the 3/8th stud. One less adaptor to fool with and a bigger bit to screw onto.
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^^^ here's one option for 1/4" > 5/8".... there a few different styles, but they all do the same thing....
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/535392-REG/General_Brand__Microphone_Reducer_Bushing_.html
edit: looks like page beat me to it..... he's a smart one!
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Be aware the mini extension arm does not lock into place. Not that it's a big deal,
mine works fine. The longer arms will lock into place and work nicely when clamped
onto a vertical pole (like a mic stand) but when horizontal they don't lock into the
position you want (not straight up/down). I took the longer arm and hit the bench
grinder to make it smooth like the mini arm.
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Be aware the mini extension arm does not lock into place. Not that it's a big deal,
mine works fine. The longer arms will lock into place and work nicely when clamped
onto a vertical pole (like a mic stand) but when horizontal they don't lock into the
position you want (not straight up/down). I took the longer arm and hit the bench
grinder to make it smooth like the mini arm.
Not sure what you mean by "does not lock into place".... do you mean that contrary to Gordon's reply, it won't fit into the superclamp?
page and yug, thanks for the links!
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Not sure what you mean by "does not lock into place"
It locks securely into the SC. But it doesn't lock into specific angles of rotation, if that makes sense, like a hex-head would.
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Not sure what you mean by "does not lock into place"
It locks securely into the SC. But it doesn't lock into specific angles of rotation, if that makes sense, like a hex-head would.
So on the mini-extension arm's stud bit that goes into the Superclamp, there is no hex-shape? Is it only round then, and the only security locking it into the SC is the screw-down?
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So on the mini-extension arm's stud bit that goes into the Superclamp, there is no hex-shape? Is it only round then, and the only security locking it into the SC is the screw-down?
Correct, no nex shape on the end that slots into the SC. See below for image. It secures the same way as the hex-head right-angle / extension: set screw + the safety rod (not sure what to call it...the silver rod that you have to push in to release the right-angle / extension from the slot). It's a very secure connection. (Though you should still use a safety wire for the whole clamp setup, in case it comes off the clamping surface.)
(http://www.bogenimaging.us/webdav/site/main/shared/products/203/D0010_629aff81b73d1830eaa3d4928f969c92_L.jpg)
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Thanks for that clarification..... I'm now trying to cancel my order for the mini arm extension and get the other one!
(http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/images345x345/546373.jpg)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/546373-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_042_042_Extension_Arm_with.html
EDIT: Tough to tell in this picture-- put this one does have the hex stud, yes?
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Thanks for that clarification..... I'm now trying to cancel my order for the mini arm extension and get the other one!
Not sure why? The mini is just as secure, and has the benefit of variable rotation. The other one is more limiting because it won't let you vary the rotation, except for every 60ยบ. Anyway...I prefer the mini.
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wouldn't the benefit of the hex help secure the extension?
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wouldn't the benefit of the hex help secure the extension?
The hex-head will help prevent rotation around the extension's long axis, yes. The hex- and round-head are both equally secure IN the clamp. The only question is whether the mini rotates along its long axis. FWIW, I've never had a problem with the mini rotating on me. Just need to tighten the set screw securely. I think the infinitely variable rotation of the mini is well worth it.
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wouldn't the benefit of the hex help secure the extension?
The hex-head will help prevent rotation around the extension's long axis, yes. The hex- and round-head are both equally secure IN the clamp. The only question is whether the mini rotates along its long axis. FWIW, I've never had a problem with the mini rotating on me. Just need to tighten the set screw securely. I think the infinitely variable rotation of the mini is well worth it.
If you go back and look at the pictures I posted, the mini-arm will have the same benefits and side-effects as my RA/stud combination. You just have to screw it on rather tight to ensure no rotation (which is quite possible), where as the hex stud you can snap it in, and screw it down and *know* it's not going to rotate. That said, you are more limited in your angles of use.
For the RA/stud combo you see, I've screwed it (forcefully and intentionally) over and over in the same spot so now if I'm careful when I get to where the screw touches the stud, it will align and correct itself since I've created a divot where the screw pressure is. The only worry comes if your going to have unbalanced weight on the end of it which will torque toward one direction and give it reason to rotate, and even then I've gotten off center with mine when weighted before with positive results. Just tighten it up good, it won't move if your careful about it.
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If you're getting a right angle extension, get the mini-extension. I got the full size hex at first.... then found a mini.... and now my full size hex is obsolete for the most part. Mini is much more versatile and won't go anywhere if you tighten it good. The full size works well in certain positions, but not all. I can tell you that it sucks when you need a certain angle and can't achieve it. Get the mini!
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Sounds like I'll stick with the mini after all!
Thanks for the wonderful insights and a super-focused thread, I think after all this discussion, photos, and linking, anyone will now be able to know exactly how to take their SuperClamp into full use!