It's Magical!!! at DVinfo.net

David Seguin · August 17th, 2010, 04:03 PM

Recently, while looking at different options for mounting my LCD monitor onto my jib, I decided to go with Manfrotto's "Magic Arm". I received it in the mail a few days ago and am more than satisfied with my purchase. (FWIW: I bought the kit that comes with the arm, the super clamp, the wedge to use the clamp with flat surfaces, the backlight stand, and the part with the mounting thread).
After just a few minutes of playing around with it, my mind started racing at all the possibilities other than the purpose which I had originally assigned to it. I'm aware of some of it's more common uses, but my question for you guys is what are some of the less obvious uses for such a device? What have you guys used your Magic Arms for?

Laugh at my excitement if you will :P, but the fact remains that I am a man, and as most men do, I love my gadgets! You should have seen the look on my girlfriend's face when I tried to explain my excitement over what amounts to a clamp attached to some metal pipe!

Andrew Dean · September 5th, 2010, 04:04 PM

I have two magic arms, one variable and one normal locking. On a shoot last week we mounted both to the two sides of a wheelchair, and joined them both up in the center holding a camera head so we could have a camera trained at the talent as he navigated his chair. I reckon thats a bit unusual.

In the end it was still too bumpy so I ended up putting putting the talent on top of a doorway dolly. oh well.

Evan Lloyd · September 5th, 2010, 07:58 PM

How do you like your ProAm Crane? I've heard mixed reviews. My guess is that with enough practice and patience you can get some usuable footy.

August 17th, 2010, 04:03 PM	#1
David Seguin Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Montreal, Canada Posts: 104	It's Magical!!! Recently, while looking at different options for mounting my LCD monitor onto my jib, I decided to go with Manfrotto's "Magic Arm". I received it in the mail a few days ago and am more than satisfied with my purchase. (FWIW: I bought the kit that comes with the arm, the super clamp, the wedge to use the clamp with flat surfaces, the backlight stand, and the part with the mounting thread). After just a few minutes of playing around with it, my mind started racing at all the possibilities other than the purpose which I had originally assigned to it. I'm aware of some of it's more common uses, but my question for you guys is what are some of the less obvious uses for such a device? What have you guys used your Magic Arms for? Laugh at my excitement if you will :P, but the fact remains that I am a man, and as most men do, I love my gadgets! You should have seen the look on my girlfriend's face when I tried to explain my excitement over what amounts to a clamp attached to some metal pipe! __________________ Canon XH-A1, Sony Vegas Pro 8.0c, ProAm 12' Jib, Matthews M25 tripod, Rode NTG-1 http://ozvideoproductions.webs.com

September 5th, 2010, 04:04 PM	#2
Andrew Dean Major Player Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Motukarara, New Zealand Posts: 475	I have two magic arms, one variable and one normal locking. On a shoot last week we mounted both to the two sides of a wheelchair, and joined them both up in the center holding a camera head so we could have a camera trained at the talent as he navigated his chair. I reckon thats a bit unusual. In the end it was still too bumpy so I ended up putting putting the talent on top of a doorway dolly. oh well.

September 5th, 2010, 07:58 PM	#3
Evan Lloyd Regular Crew Join Date: May 2008 Location: Fresno Posts: 111	How do you like your ProAm Crane? I've heard mixed reviews. My guess is that with enough practice and patience you can get some usuable footy.