Manfrotto's cute friction arm is an ultra-versatile video accessory support
Mount video vitals like an LED light, monitor or mic via Manfrotto's latest Micro Variable friction arm kit
Manfrotto has launched new compact support accessories targeted at videographers who need to mount video accessories to a tripod or camera cage.
The 244MICRO-AA kit incorporates three elements: The centerpiece is Manfrotto's 244 Micro Friction Arm - a small 15cm-long, two-section arm with ball & socket attachment points at either end. The idea is to mount one end of the arm to a camera cage or tripod, then the other end can be used to mount an accessory such as an external monitor, microphone, or a small LED light. Max payload is a hefty 3kg, and friction is adjustable so you can tailor the arm to work with different payload weights.
The two other elements of the 244MICRO-AA kit are the attachment points at either end of the Friction Arm. At one end is a new 3/8-inch mounting point that also features two anti-rotation locking pins designed for compatibility with Arri camera equipment popular with professional videographers. The reversible steel plate containing the anti-rotation pins can be flipped over to convert the attachment to a standard 3/8-inch thread without pins, maintaining compatibility with more mainstream camera kit.
The other end of the Friction Arm is a 1/4-inch Anti Slip Adapter that features a stainless steel circular plate with a versatile 1/4-inch thread. The plate is topped off by a textured rubber surface that reduces the chance of the mounted accessory working loose as you change its position on the arm.
The 244 Micro Friction Arm has been available in various kit bundles for some time, but this new anti-slip/2-pin anti-rotation package is sure to appeal to anyone who needs maneuverable accessory support with reduced risk of their gear working loose.
The 3/8” two pin (Arri style) anti-rotation adapter and 1/4-inch Anti Slip Adapter are available individually for $31.99/£29.95 and $22.99/£20.95 respectively, while the 244MICRO-AA kit containing both adapters and the 244 Micro Friction Arm will set you back $119.99/£109.95.
Expect availability in October.
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Ben is the Imaging Labs manager, responsible for all the testing on Digital Camera World and across the entire photography portfolio at Future. Whether he's in the lab testing the sharpness of new lenses, the resolution of the latest image sensors, the zoom range of monster bridge cameras or even the latest camera phones, Ben is our go-to guy for technical insight. He's also the team's man-at-arms when it comes to camera bags, filters, memory cards, and all manner of camera accessories – his lab is a bit like the Batcave of photography! With years of experience trialling and testing kit, he's a human encyclopedia of benchmarks when it comes to recommending the best buys.