Magic Is As Magic Does

In the rush to get the newest of cameras and lenses - lighter, faster, stronger, and better smelling - we sometimes lose sight of the humbler components of photography. That is, until we are desperately trying to make the new gear do a simple old job. The answer in my studio, as in many, has often been Manfrotto. They have been casting aluminium and turning steel for decades to make the supports, hooks, stands, and other accessories that create our set-ups. Often copied, but never bettered, Manfrotto is the go-to when you need something to Stop Moving, Darn It! It is the gear that stabilises the cameras and backdrops before the IS starts to work. Okay, most photographers can use an extra pair of arms in the studio - that's what assistants are for. But even the best of them are still shaky and complain when they have to stay rigid for an hour. This is where Manfrotto comes in - the Magic Arm kit will stand to attention all day without complaint. a. First component is the redoubtable 035 Super Clamp It will grip onto light stands, tripods, Autopoles, 2 x 4 pieces of timber, or the roof beams in a 70's house*. The screw action of the jaws is powerful enough to support even large format field cameras** so it's plenty for anything digital. If the pole or timber is round, use the jaw grips - if it is a piece of MDF board put the little triangular plastic piece in the jaw and squeeze away. There are thumb-screwed sockets to take standard light stand spigots or any number of Manfrotto 1/2" accessories. b. One of which is the Magic Arm. Totally flexible once the big lever is loosened and totally rigid once you tighten it. If you are clamped to something solid at the 035 end, you can mount a light or flag at the other end. Or... c. One of the toughest camera plates in the business. This is not a quick-release sort...though Manfrotto make a whole series of these in their own mount and the Arca-Swiss style - but nothing is going to get loose and make a run for it once you screw this into the tripod socket of the camera. All of a sudden you have a camera held firmly without having to be on three legs. If you are doing tabletops you can just grip the edge of the table. If you are doing down shots or copying you can hold onto the back of the light table and look straight down. Nothing moves. d. If you need to stand the thing on the table or on the floor you also get a folding set of legs. Overkill? Not if you want precise results. Overbuy? Not if you want to be able to do this precise work for the next two decades without having to replace it. Let's face it - if you loved Meccano or Erector sets, you'll love Manfrotto. And now that you are a real photographer you can play to our heart's content and no-one can say you nay. * and **...4 x 5 field camera slung from a roof beam looking straight down.