This is the newest model of the best accessory of its kind I have used. It safely solves otherwise vexing positioning dilemmas inside and outside of the studio. It is flexible, as adaptable (as you are) and simple to use. The variable friction is a welcome addition making it a critically improved version to a solid, professional quality studio standby. Expensive? Yes, but you get what you pay for. There are lighter, cheaper arms best used for small gobos, flags, reflectors and diffusers. However, the 244N is a safe solution for securely mounting expensive cameras, lenses or lights, assuming you do not exceed the load it is engineered to support, depending where you read it, between 6.6 lbs (3kg) and 8 lbs (3.64 kg). And if you apply care and common sense, this easy to adjust, secure arm will serve you well for many years.
Amazon reviewers have done a great job so I will simply address a small issue that you will likely confront after opening what might be a beat up box: an unassembled arm consisting of ten parts.
Did I mention there are no instructions? Thankfully, it is straightforward and intuitive but this might help:
1. Place the orange washer in between the two modular arms.
2. Insert the bolt with the head fitting the arm facing you with all of the text and model number.
3. That leaves the knob and a series of washers. Select the two small metal washers with grooves on one side.
4. Enclose the washer with bearings inside the grooved washers like a sandwich. The bearings fit perfectly into the top and bottom set of grooved washers.
5. It is time to assemble what goes on the bolt: From the two parts left, begin by inserting the only thick, shiny washer onto the open end of the bolt, which you pushed through the arms and orange washer.
6. Add the little "washer sandwich" with the bearings in between the top and bottom grooved washers.
7. Add the black plastic pull tab to your stack of washers on the bolt.
8. Screw on black knob to hold everything together. You are done!
There are alternatives but the only ones that sound interesting to me are the less expensive ($87 at this time) Kupo G100211 Max Arm that has a heavier load rating at 8.8 lbs (4kg) compared with the 244N, Kupo Max Arm, KG100211 or possibly the more expensive, Rotolight 10 Inch articulated arm w/ Ballhead PlusSuperClamp & shoe adapter depending upon your needs and use. I have not used either one and have no preconceptions about either. I know and trust Manfrotto. You might be more adventurous and be rewarded -- possibly finding a deal in the Kupo.
Note: I already have the Manfrotto quick release and super clamp for the Magic Arm. The 244N does not include either.
This is my 4th or 5th arm from Manfrotto. I've read where some folks have received their in a disassembled state. Mine came intact, only had to screw on the tightening knob. In the past I've received a few of these a bit scratched up due to poor packaging from the factory. I actually wrote an article on this on our Raildig website a few years back, suggesting Manfrotto utilize a sheet of bubble wrap to prevent the chrome spigots on the end of the arms from scratching up the black coating. Well, they haven't used bubble wrap (come on guys... it's less than a penny a sheet!) but they did wrap one of the arms in the included paperwork that came in the box, no scratches so I can't bark this time. Still, a single sheet of bubble wrap would insure these pieces get to customers in perfect shape.
This arm is a life savor. I know the most common use for this arm is photography and videography but I have purchased many of these to help me with sensors used in manufacturing. When these lock into place they are so rigid they can hold quite a bit of weight. They've also helped me as a temporary alignment tool until something more permanent is fabricated. This is a must-have in my tool box. I run to this mainly because of it's adjustability and stability.
Listen... I am very torn about this review. In general, when something is great, I give it 5 stars. This... is great. However, I don't know where the problem happened on this.... I ordered 3 of these, 2 were fine and the other did not include the knob. Be aware, if you need these for work, someone is manually adding the knob and perfection is not achieved. As a tool for professionals, this was a HUGE inconvenience and ended up costing me time and money (more money for a product from the local store plus the hour it took someone to run over for me). This gets 5 stars because it is absolutely essential in the studio and the review cannot discount that... I own about 20 of them, and that is still always a couple too few.
I have 4 or these things, and am likely to get at least one more. They give me an element of flexibility when positioning my wall-mounted light poles that you simply would not have with without them. If you're not an advanced photographer or at least dabble with complicated lighting setups, it's utility might be lost on you. But for those of you who have ever found yourself standing there with your hands on your hips saying "if only I could get the light angled juuuuuuhst like this, and get it to STAY THERE", this is for you.
Feature Product
- Large locking knob for ease of use.
- Variable tension by knob adjustment.
- supports up to 6lbs.
Description
Articulated arms are a great accessory for any studio application.. Features as 143N, but a large locking knob takes the place of the cam-lever. Variable friction and locking of arm obtained by adjusting knob. Arm tube diameters: 20mm.; attachment: type 17; attachment 2: type 17; black color; load capacity: 6.61 lbs. material: aluminum; weight: 2.40 lbs.
packaging was bad. i ordered 3 and all their washers were loose in the box. punctures in the boxes meant i only had enough pieces to assemble 2 full arms of the 3 i wanted. little details matter cos i ended up sending the 3rd one back and then ordered from somewhere else. product itself is great of course. this is a standard piece of equipment. i like the variable friction arm better than the one with the lever because it feels more precise and seems to hold more weight. if you treat these things nice they last quite a long time. <3 peace
The first one of these I received was totally disassembled and all of the small parts were just floating around in the box. In addition, the threaded hole in the studs were showing signs of rust. I sent an email to Amazon in the late evening inquiring if they are always sent in pieces and mentioning the rust. The next day at noon another arm showed up on my doorstep. Unfortunately this was missing a bunch of the small parts that hold the friction joint together. Since there were no assembly instructions with the arm I did some searching online and found a diagram that showed the proper assembly steps. I was able to then assemble one of the arms with the parts from both, ran a tap in the threaded hole to clear out any loose rust, and sent back the incomplete arm. The arm has worked great since then and works better than the arms with the lever.
The first one I bought was totally defective. The second one arrived and the packaging was destroyed (see photo).
But, overall, the thing is rock solid and does what it says it'll do. Durability is questionable since the first one didn't work, but otherwise it's a great product!
Good articulating arm. Holds really well with minimal tightening. Construction is solid and seems like it will last a long time.
I already had the other Magic Arm with the lever-lock system. It was difficult to operate. This Magic Arm with Variable Friction is much better. It is easy to set in any position by simply turning the knob to lock it there. I use it with a Manfrotto clamp 035RL on my tripod leg and the other end to a Tether Tools laptop table. Super Duper.
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