244N Variable Friction Arm without the Camera Platform

This is the newest model of the best accessory of its kind I have used. It safely solves otherwise vexing positioning dilemmas inside and outside of the studio. It is flexible, as adaptable (as you are) and simple to use. The variable friction is a welcome addition making it a critically improved version to a solid, professional quality studio standby. Expensive? Yes, but you get what you pay for. There are lighter, cheaper arms best used for small gobos, flags, reflectors and diffusers. However, the 244N is a safe solution for securely mounting expensive cameras, lenses or lights, assuming you do not exceed the load it is engineered to support, depending where you read it, between 6.6 lbs (3kg) and 8 lbs (3.64 kg). And if you apply care and common sense, this easy to adjust, secure arm will serve you well for many years. Amazon reviewers have done a great job so I will simply address a small issue that you will likely confront after opening what might be a beat up box: an unassembled arm consisting of ten parts. Did I mention there are no instructions? Thankfully, it is straightforward and intuitive but this might help: 1. Place the orange washer in between the two modular arms. 2. Insert the bolt with the head fitting the arm facing you with all of the text and model number. 3. That leaves the knob and a series of washers. Select the two small metal washers with grooves on one side. 4. Enclose the washer with bearings inside the grooved washers like a sandwich. The bearings fit perfectly into the top and bottom set of grooved washers. 5. It is time to assemble what goes on the bolt: From the two parts left, begin by inserting the only thick, shiny washer onto the open end of the bolt, which you pushed through the arms and orange washer. 6. Add the little "washer sandwich" with the bearings in between the top and bottom grooved washers. 7. Add the black plastic pull tab to your stack of washers on the bolt. 8. Screw on black knob to hold everything together. You are done! There are alternatives but the only ones that sound interesting to me are the less expensive ($87 at this time) Kupo G100211 Max Arm that has a heavier load rating at 8.8 lbs (4kg) compared with the 244N, Kupo Max Arm, KG100211 or possibly the more expensive, Rotolight 10 Inch articulated arm w/ Ballhead PlusSuperClamp & shoe adapter depending upon your needs and use. I have not used either one and have no preconceptions about either. I know and trust Manfrotto. You might be more adventurous and be rewarded -- possibly finding a deal in the Kupo. Note: I already have the Manfrotto quick release and super clamp for the Magic Arm. The 244N does not include either.

These magic arms are the original and the best ones made! Super useful for photo/video rigging, but also handy for a lot of other applications as well. I’m currently using a couple of these to expand my (musical) keyboard rack. One holds an iPad, and one holds a midi controller. It’s nice to be able to reposition them with ease and know that they will hold their position when cranked down tight. I did buy one from Amazon used and it was missing the cork friction washer. Seems like someone purchased it just to steal the washer because it was otherwise like new. I returned that one.

I have a few of these. I needed another so I bought it. I use it to hold certain video equipment (monitors, lights, PTZ cameras) that sometimes requires unusual mountings.

For the cost, a hint on how to assemble would be nice. Check YouTube or see steps below. Insert the bolt through the head fitting with the arm facing you with all of the text and model numbers. Place the orange washer on the bolt by itself between the two modular arms. Slide the thick, shiny washer onto the open end of the bolt sticking out of the 2nd arm. Select the two small metal washers with grooves on one side. Enclose the bearings between the two grooved washers with the grooved side of the washers on the inside like a sandwich. The bearings fit perfectly into the grooves of both washers when all three parts are held together. Slide the little "washer sandwich" with the bearings onto the bolt. Screw the black knob onto the bolt to hold everything together. On the outside of the 2nd arm of the assembly you should have the shiny washer first, then 3 piece bearing sandwich and then the big black knob. Position the arm and clamp as needed and tighten the knob for your desired position. The manufacturer responded with a link to a YouTube video. I had already found some days earlier. They said the missing thrust bearing washer is not a in-stock item and too costly and time consuming for them to provide but I could likely find it at a local hardware store for pocket change? After two days of searching locally and on line I discovered the 3 part thrust bearing is a non-standard size (8mm ID x 17mm OD) apparently custom made in Italy for Manfrotto. I eventually had to resort to ordering a package of 5 of these parts in the closest standard size available which hopefully, maybe will work when they eventually come? My 4 stars are ridiculously generous at this point.

The best tool I ever purchased

I wanted the 244n, but was a bit skeptical about purchasing this from Amazon. Some reviews stated that these are 'fake.' I took a chance and ordered one. I did see 'the sticker' on the product, and not a silk screened logo/product name on the actual arm. I reached out to Manfrotto directly. I sent them pictures. I sent them my Amazon receipt, as requested. While waiting for Manfrotto to confirm the product.... I ordered TWO more! One from B&H Photo, and the other from Adorama! All three (including the one from Amazon) had the EXACT same box and they all had a 'sticker' on them, and not a screen print! Ironically the one from B&H came, missing parts. It couldn't be used, so I returned it. I also returned the Adorama one too... (it was $50 more expensive) and purchased another from Amazon. Manfrotto told me the ones from Amazon ARE indeed genuine product. It is their store. Buy with confidence. These arms are great for all sorts of uses!

there is no apparent way to connect anything to this arm to anything nor do any of the holders that you'd buy for this come with any connecting parts. why would this not come with the part needed? the alleged part i need will take so long to ship to me that the return window might pass for this item. this is quite unprofessional and this part is overly expensive for what it is

I have the original Bogen (Manfrotto) Magic Arm - for those of you who have not used a Magic Arm - it has a lever which either releases or fully locks the arm in position. The lever release takes quite a bit of pressure to release and lock. On the variable friction magic arm, it is much easier to release and lock - with the added benefit that if you want to the arm to follow movement (pan) you have the option to partially lock it. I'm currently using the Magic Arm as a microphone holder with a Nano clamp to hold the mic. I don't know why I waited so long to purchase one of these - get it you will not be disappointed.