December 6, 2010

Manfrotto Super Clamp 35 Review

Manfrotto Super Clamp 35 upright
This is one of the most useful photographic support equipment that were ever produced !

The Manfrotto® Super Clamp 35 has unlimited applications in fixing lighting equipment, in supporting a camera, in attaching different equipment together... in... in... your imagination is the limit.

As it is used in the Benro B-2 Torque load test, I thought that it would be nice to have here a review of the functions of this clamp for reference.

The Clamp
Manfrotto Super Clamp 35 has a steady lower jaw and an articulated / spring loaded upper jaw. The upper jaw opening/closing is controlled by a large Lever knob which is fixed on a vertical extension of the lower jaw. When screwing the large Lever knob, the pressure exercised on the curved back of the upper jaw forces it to close. It is an ingenious mechanical design, with many copying attempts through the years.

Measured Specification:
Model:Super Clamp 35
Width:55 mm (2.16")
Max. Width w/ Lever Knob:100 mm (3.94")
Height:93 mm (3.66")
Max. Height Jaws Fully open:125 mm (4.92")
Length w/ Jaws Fully open:150 mm (5.90")
Weight:448 gr (0.99 lbs)
Maximum Load:B15 kg (33 lbs)
Made in :Italy

Mounting Options

Manfrotto Super Clamp 35 bottom view
The under side showing a receptacle for a lighting stand stud, an 1/4"-20 tapped hole and the plastic adapter for flat surfaces attached on the side security knob.
Double spigot with 1/4"-20 & 3/8"-16 studs
A double spigot  with 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 threaded studs is a useful accessory for lighting fixtures...
Manfrotto Super Clamp 35 bottom view - Double stud aside
... to be combined with Manfrotto Super Clamp 35.
Manfrotto Super Clamp 35 bottom view w/ Double spigot in mounting hole
The way to attach the spigot presented above, is the same way followed to attach the clamp on top of a lighting stand.
The silver push button on the side is the security release mechanism, which has to be pressed in order to insert or remove a spigot. The flat wing knob on the other side tightens and immobilizes the stud.
Manfrotto Super Clamp 35 bottom view w/ Double spigot screwed in 1/4" hole
Another option is to screw the side of the spigot with the 1/4"-20 threaded stud in the tapped hole and have a multi-function base for a Ball head.
Manfrotto Super Clamp 35 bottom view w/ V adapter aside
In order to clamp the Super Clamp on a flat surface, one has to remove the plastic adapter from the wing knob...
Manfrotto Super Clamp 35 openned - V adapter holes
... and inserted in the guide holes that exist at the bottom of the 90 degree angle lower jaw.
Manfrotto Super Clamp 35 openned - V adapter installed
In order to broaden and flatten the clamping surface.



Using the Clamp

Manfrotto Super Clamp 35 clamped on flat surface
Enabling fixing on a flat surface, like glass, wooden self, car window, etc, etc.
Manfrotto Super Clamp 35 clamped on tube
Clamped on a tube.
Manfrotto Super Clamp 35 clamped on tube w/ ballhead
Alternatively may be clamped on a tube with a small ball head mounted on top of the dual spigot.
Manfrotto Super Clamp 35 clamped on lighting bar
Here, shown attached on a lighting stand in order to hold a reflector arm horizontally.

and so on...

In general, caution must be taken not to over tighten the clamp on any surface because the jaws exercise a tremendous force.

I hope you found this review useful, thank you for viewing.
All Photos: © 2010 S.C.Vlachos

Availability:
Manfrotto Super Clamp 35 is available from Amazon, or from eBay


Referenced Articles:

Benro B-2 Torque load test

Triopo RS-3 Ball Head Review

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