Topic: Bogen Rapid Adapter / brass studs - any lighter options?

[midside]

Trying to shave grams off my bag as grams add up to pounds.
These little rapid adapters and stud for clamps add up to a pound or 2 and I'm trying to get my bag as light as possible for carrying in the field.  Does anyone know of these parts in aluminum or other options?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/546490-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_014_38_014_38_Rapid_Adapter_.html

[Brian Skalinder]

Trying to shave grams off my bag as grams add up to pounds.

I think grams add up to kilograms.    How many are you carrying around?  My rapidapter weighs in at 3.8 oz.  I don't even notice it.  Carrying around multiple would add up, though.  I usually just keep mine attached to the stand(s).  I don't notice a few more ounces on my already-heavy stand.

If you do find a lightweight, robust alternative, let us all know.

[midside]

Yes, you are right...kilograms
Nevertheless, I carry gear for 4 channels:
(1) stand - 3373
(1) matthew's extension
(2-3) clamps
(3) studs
744 with 3 batteries
shure donuts, cables, rycote, caps, bodies, backup hard drive, blah blah blah....you know the deal....
It would be one thing if I just walked from my car to a show or something like that, but I carry my pack for weeks at a time along with all the other stuff I need for living/traveling.
So, reducing my bag from 23-25 pounds down to 18 would be nice!

[JackHenry]

I made some out of delron (I think it's called) Drilled a 5/16 hole right through. Drilled a close clearance hole (for the stand stud) part way through. Tapped the 5/16 hole for 3/8 and inserted a long 3/8 grub screw into the thread with some epoxy on it.

Then drill and tap a small thumb screw in the side. It's about half the weight of the brass one.

Or you could get a 5/8 to 1/4 thread adaptor and screw the mic clamp straight onto the stand.

[midside]

Very interesting, can you post some pictures?

[page]

What are your clamps, and how much do they *have* to hold? I've been surprised at how small and light the bogen nano is.

[sunjan]

Trying to shave grams off my bag as grams add up to pounds.
These little rapid adapters and stud for clamps add up to a pound or 2 and I'm trying to get my bag as light as possible for carrying in the field.  Does anyone know of these parts in aluminum or other options?

Don't know if it's actually any lighter, but since it goes straight 5/8 to 5/8, there's one less adapter to keep track of.
You might check out this alternative:
http://www.filmtools.com/microphone-stand-adapter.html

"McSpud Male Microphone thread ( 5/8-27") with 5/8" cylindrical receiver.
5/8" diameter threaded end with 27 threads to 5/8" socket."

[midside]

JackHenry:
I would really like to see some pictures of this piece you made...hint

page:
Currently I have (2) super clamps, a bogen mini clamp and the big ole Manfrotto c-clamp.  I just ordered a couple of the nanos to see if they will do the trick.  Usually, I just need to clamp a small shock mount and a mic or 2...no big deal.  But, sometimes I clamp an extension.  I have the big bogen but just ordered the small Matthew's.  Hopefully the nano will be able to support that, but I'm not holding my breath.

sunjan:
Thanks for the link, but I don't think that will be any lighter.  Plus, I usually use 3/8 anyways...my rycote is 3/8 female, most studs are 1/4 or 3/8 and it is easier and faster to thread 3/8 than 5/8.  So, on the 2 or 3 5/8 pieces I have, they all have reducers that live in them.

[page]

couple of the nanos to see if they will do the trick.  Usually, I just need to clamp a small shock mount and a mic or 2...no big deal.  But, sometimes I clamp an extension.  I have the big bogen but just ordered the small Matthew's.  Hopefully the nano will be able to support that, but I'm not holding my breath.

I think the max recomended load is 8.5lbs. I think the manufacture says 11 in their documentation, but everything online from resellers says 8.5. I wouldn't trust my LD on one, but a set of smaller mics work well. Good luck.