Jump to content

Onboard monitor arms - best?


Brett Manyluk

Recommended Posts

Not quite Steadicam equipment, but it does have value for traditional operating. Plus, I've occasionally had to throw something on the rig in a pinch and a Noga arm came in handy.

 

So... what is the best, strongest, articulate, reliable onboard monitor arm you've worked with? I've had a collection of Noga arms over the years that work with modest payloads, but many 7" monitors can be too much for them at full extension. Looking to see links to other products that are top performers.

 

Also, any quick release solutions for monitors on and off the camera quickly? Threading sometime takes too long when the panic starts on set. Also, I'm sure we've all had a grip pull a camera off our shoulder only to see the onboard monitor spin loose and smack the back of the camera. Some solid way to quick on/off that is positive lock would be swell. My assistant bounced my monitor off the pavement last night trying to thread the monitor arm back on. Figured there has to be a better way that the camera kids can handle reliably.

 

How are the Zacuto's with heavy payloads? And what about those funky dinosaur bone thingamajigs? Whatever they are called?

 

Thanks!

 

:-)

Edited by Brett Manyluk
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Premium Members

I'm still looking for the perfect monitor arm but these quick release mounts from 16x9 might be helpful to you.

They're a bit expensive but they provide a solid mount and they do save a lot of time wasted twisting a monitor onto an arm.

 

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=571960&gclid=CMe6s5jE8c0CFUc2gQod0kIN2g&is=REG&ap=y&m=Y&c3api=1876%2C92051677682%2C&A=details&Q=

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Premium Members

How are the Zacuto's with heavy payloads? And what about those funky dinosaur bone thingamajigs? Whatever they are called?

 

 

 

Brett, I've used the Zacuto for about a year and I'm very happy with it. I have the shorter one and it's rock solid and has a beefy tightener that I find quite easy to use.

 

The weak point is always that 1/4 20 mount on the monitor (as you note), that comes loose if the monitor gets bumped / touched / looked at. Zacuto's connector piece in this case is pretty good with the claws to keep the monitor from turning loose, but not perfect.

 

zm-3.jpg

To your question about quick release, since the rod end of the arm fits into this bit, you can pull the monitor off the arm without unthreading, which was a major selling point for me.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Premium Members

Ive been hearing about the bright tangerines and the matthews infinity arm.

also the 16x9 mount works great. we leave the mount on the camera and the arm on the monitor and then just clip the monitor in when going handheld for the DP to check out the image.

Are you shooting from a 7" monitor? I have a hard time shooting from a monitor, especially that large. Makes my eyes cross and I feel that Im always straining my neck. If its for your operating, consider an eyepiece.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 months later...

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...