Magic arm for DVX

Q

QuickSloth

Active member
I need to take some shots from near ground level for a wildlife film using the DVX. I have been working on ways to get the DVX into awkward positions for closeups. I saw that the Bogen Magic Arm seems to do just that, with a maximum weight of 8lbs.

Has anyone used the magic arm with the DVX?
Can you recomend it?
Thanks
 
What are you attaching to?

..Don't forget that if it is an moving obect, the forces are increased dramatically.

- Mikko
 
I am hoping to mount it onto my bogen 3033 tripod. Come to think of it, can I attach a magic arm to a tripod mount, or do I have to use a super clamp and attach it to one of the legs?
 
The stud on teh end of the Magic arm are internally threaded, so yes it will go onto any tripod (or toehr) camera mount.
- However you will be better off (more secure, more flexible) using a super clamp.

- Mikko
 
I outfitted myself with a 75mm hi hat so I can operate low angle shots. Otherwise a sandbag on the ground will steady the camera fairly well if a lock-off is the intention.

I did see someone a few months ago using a magic arm in NYC's Times Square clamping to construction scaffolding on a building and arming the camera out into the street. Looked like a good idea for a nice shot. Plus no tripod restriction which NYC often enforces.

I also sometimes use the Manfrotto #3028 power grip which locks like an magic arm but has a suction cup base. It sticks well to any smooth surface. I don't use it as much as I thought I would but it does occasionally come in handy.
 
I use a magic arm with superclamp to mount a 13" LCD to my tripod legs. The LCD is pretty heavy... and this setup works pretty good as long as I don't extend the arm too much. Just for stability of the pod that is...

The arm should do what you want it to do. I was in love with this thing for a few years, but lately it grinds when I clamp it in position... there's an adjustment nut for the elbow joint (which clamps down on bearings) and this is what makes the whole assembly lock into position. I never thought any of this could wear out, but it seems like it is.

The thing does still work though... and I still like it... and it was GOLDEN for years. If you get the one with the arm, rather then the adjustable knob, then you can lock the arm in a 90 degree angle (approx) and it makes a great camera brace.

This is probably the one I'd get if I bought one today... CLICK.

This is the one I have had for years... CLICK.

Oddly enough, if you want to get the exact setup I'm using you'll save by ordering THIS... CLICK. and THIS... CLICK. seperately! Buy the two together for $120 or else buy them seperately and stick 'em together for $97.50! Funny huh?

Finally just pick out whatever superclamp you like the best. Done.

Also, I hope you have METAL tripod legs 'cause if the arm is extended very far you'll have to use substantial force on the superclamp. I have an aluminum Gitzo pod which has a pretty thick "hammercoat" on it and I always mount my superclamp on the same spot, on the same leg, 'cause it's a little marked up from the process.

Aside from those issues I don't know what else to tell you... I think the magic arm is one of the coolest little devices out there. When you combine it with a superclamp you can do tons of stuff with it.
 
MattinSTL-
Sounds great!
A few questions:
So you are using the Magic Arm with the DVX, and you find it to be sturdy enough?
You use it only to lock down the camera right? No pans or tilts?
Which Super clamp do you recomend? Bogen 2915 Super Clamp without Stud?
-What is the stud for?
How about attaching a Magic arm to the camera mount on a jib arm?

Thanks
 
i would get the bogen hi-hat if i were you.

mount that to one of the boards from overland (the same board pictured in the monthly contest prizes)

i have that setup and i used it extensively on a short i just finished shooting.

other than that the bogen and matthews grip equipment stuff has all sorts of solutions for mounting your camera in weird places.

matthew
 
Quick... yeah I use the magic arm with my camera and also my LCD (not at the same time) and when I use it for the camera I DON'T do any pans or tilts. If you've got a decent pod you pretty much blow the stability of the pod by placing the arm off the head... and then mounting the cam on the end of that. You might be able to do a slow pan/tilt with the cam on WIDE, but I'd be surprised if you didn't get some vibration creeping in.

As for superclamp choice you don't need the stud to make THIS combo work... that stud is for popping into a C-stand or some other mount to further complicate the setup (which may be needed at times, but not for what you're asking).

Basically the deal with Manfrotto stuff is like Taco Bell. Don't be confused by the various numbers and names for stuff... it's all rice, beans, cheese, and meat. Meaning if a Manfrotto part LOOKS like another part with only 1 tiny difference... it IS the same part... even if the numbers are different. Manfrotto or it's resellers have a nasty habit of screwing you on the tinniest little thing for a model number. So if you don't need the stud don't pay an extra $10 for it... (I don't know the cost, I'm just making an example.)

It's just like the point I made about the arm and plate that I'm using... Choose your Manfrotto bits by LOOKING at them! The model numbers are all over the place!

My only decision in superclamp would be whether you wanted a knob to tighten/loosen it or the little "arm" which gives you more leverage. Take your pick... I got the knob but I coulda' gone either way.

And one more thing... my point about the stability of the magic arm is just like the stability of your OWN arm. Grab a 5 pound weight and hold it next to your body for a minute... elbow bent... not too hard is it? Now hold your arm STRAIGHT OUT and hold it for a minute... did it get heavy? The magic arm is the same way... You can get the superclamp with the little arm style tightener... and then CRANK it down tight... but if you plan to mount your cam and extend that magic arm ALL THE WAY OUT... I think you'd STILL be fine... but just use some common sense. The magic arm will let you create a situation of tremendous leverage, but there's no guarantee that the superclamp (or the structure you're clamping it to) won't slip or somehow let you down. Would I confidently clamp the magic arm to the top of a door and extend it ALL the way and mount my DVX on the end? Yes. Would I do the exact same thing but put the clamp on the SIDE of the door? Probably not.

I guess all I'm trying to say is that for your initial purpose (and a million other things) the superclamp/magic arm is great... just don't do something stupid with it and it won't let you down.

Oh, and by the way... I have NO experience with the hi-hat... it may very well be a better choice for you... but that's your call.
 
I just went down to a local store to check out the magic arm in person. It seems very sturdy and strong.

I am planning to get the model with the knob instead of the lever arm, because it seems to allow for more presice positioning. Also, I am hoping that the knob will allow for some panning. The store only had the lever arm model.

Do you think that the knob model will not lock into place as sturdily as the lever arm model?.

Also, is the quick release plate big enough for the DVX? It looks tiny?
 
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