Reviews
Nicely made, strong clamp, with many uses
This is more compact than I was expecting, but that's a good thing. At just under 8 ounces, this will be a no-brainer to toss in my camera pack. I've had great experiences with K&F Concept products so far, and this doesn't seem like it will disappoint. It feels very solid, both in hand and in use—while they are rating it at 5 Kg (about 11 pounds) I don't think I'd put a 6 or 7 pound camera/lens combo (I'm mainly shooting medium format at this time) hanging off of it—but would absolutely position most APS or smaller full frame bodies and lenses with it; and most flash systems, which is where I think this will really shine. I will hike with a tripod, but not with light stands, etc.—and I can see this as very useful in holding a fill flash or wind blocking panel, say.
The machining and finish on everything is quite nice.
Why not 5 stars?
1. There is no instruction sheet, of any kind. Heck, I'd be happy with a QR code that takes you to the correct page on their site. Not that the direct usage of the clamp and arm really needs instructions, but I still end up with questions.
2. The "magic Arm" has two ball joints on it, that seem to rely on O rings. The package included 2 extra O rings, and a small hex key, so I can see how one would use the hex key to open up the two ball sections and replace the O ring—but... What is the life span of the O ring? (I know I can order more from McMasters, or even probably pick them up at a well stocked hardware store, but still, the idea of the grip depending on a piece of rubber that is replaceable doesn't sit right. Although, to be fair, it's possible that the gripping only pinches the rubber, which maybe acts as a friction helper before you tighten down everything?)
3. It's the old compactness versus usability decision, but I think both knobs could be a bit larger. Getting the clamp to stay put on a vertical 2 x 4 would be easier if I could get an additional finger on the clamp.
4. I'd like the 1/4 inch screw plate end to be a bit larger—again, larger is more weight and not as compact, but adding an extra 1/2 inch to each direction of the square base would give you a more secure grip (unless what you are mounting on it has holes placed exactly correct to align with the spring loaded pins on the plate).
The two added accessories—an ultra compact phone holder and a Go-Pro holder, are sort of un-explained. (see #1 above) The phone holder took a bit to figure out, but is clever, and small enough to also throw in the pack. I don't have a Go-Pro, so can't comment on that part.
The machining and finish on everything is quite nice.
Why not 5 stars?
1. There is no instruction sheet, of any kind. Heck, I'd be happy with a QR code that takes you to the correct page on their site. Not that the direct usage of the clamp and arm really needs instructions, but I still end up with questions.
2. The "magic Arm" has two ball joints on it, that seem to rely on O rings. The package included 2 extra O rings, and a small hex key, so I can see how one would use the hex key to open up the two ball sections and replace the O ring—but... What is the life span of the O ring? (I know I can order more from McMasters, or even probably pick them up at a well stocked hardware store, but still, the idea of the grip depending on a piece of rubber that is replaceable doesn't sit right. Although, to be fair, it's possible that the gripping only pinches the rubber, which maybe acts as a friction helper before you tighten down everything?)
3. It's the old compactness versus usability decision, but I think both knobs could be a bit larger. Getting the clamp to stay put on a vertical 2 x 4 would be easier if I could get an additional finger on the clamp.
4. I'd like the 1/4 inch screw plate end to be a bit larger—again, larger is more weight and not as compact, but adding an extra 1/2 inch to each direction of the square base would give you a more secure grip (unless what you are mounting on it has holes placed exactly correct to align with the spring loaded pins on the plate).
The two added accessories—an ultra compact phone holder and a Go-Pro holder, are sort of un-explained. (see #1 above) The phone holder took a bit to figure out, but is clever, and small enough to also throw in the pack. I don't have a Go-Pro, so can't comment on that part.
23/11/2024