Manfrotto 244N Variable Friction Arm Without The Camera Platform

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.

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.

I started with a Manfrotto 244Micro to have my external recorder mountable pretty much anywhere on my videography setup, and loved it. I then started using them for stuff like mounting my cell phone above my computer to use it as my webcam for Zoom/Skype/etc. (using the AWESOME Mac + iOS app Camo, check it out!)So when the time came that I built a small vocal isolation booth and I wanted to boom the microphone overhead, moving up to this 244N + a Manfrotto Super Clamp seemed like a great idea. And, lo and behold, what seemed to be was, in truth, fact!The arm + clamp combo is currently holding up a tube mic, and seems to have had no problem with any of my other microphones. I liked it so much that I'm geting a couple more. They're just super handy sorts of things to have around: mount little LED video lights on them, I can put my mirrorless on it if I'm not using heavy glass, etc. etc.Just… super handy, and does the trick!

packaging was bad. i ordered 3 and all their washers were loose in the box. punctures in the boxes meant i only had enough pieces to assemble 2 full arms of the 3 i wanted. little details matter cos i ended up sending the 3rd one back and then ordered from somewhere else. product itself is great of course. this is a standard piece of equipment. i like the variable friction arm better than the one with the lever because it feels more precise and seems to hold more weight. if you treat these things nice they last quite a long time. <3 peace

I love these things, but I’ve stripped the nut and bolt on two of them. Where can I get new ones? Does anybody know?

I took about a dozen pictures and sent them to Manfrotto customer service. On a chat today with Manfrotto - they said that Amazon is not an authorized dealer. I was told the items were "grey market" product.Manfrotto rep told me the box would not look like this.I've been using these for years. I just bought 5 more. Until today, I never noticed that the "Manfrotto" name on the product itself was on a label - because the quality of the label was very good. The ones that came today looked kinda crappy - cheapie lookig label. In the one picture above, you can see the new one in the background with white of the label around the edge. The one in the front is one that has been in use for over 2 years.

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!

This arm is a life savor. I know the most common use for this arm is photography and videography but I have purchased many of these to help me with sensors used in manufacturing. When these lock into place they are so rigid they can hold quite a bit of weight. They've also helped me as a temporary alignment tool until something more permanent is fabricated. This is a must-have in my tool box. I run to this mainly because of it's adjustability and stability.