🔴 CAMVATE 5.7" Adjustable Magic Arm V1 (Red, 147mm) Review

Great build and looks, but installing a lightweight Atomos monitor couldn't keep it in place. I would like it harder.

Very good thing, compact and easy to set up. The center pivot even has ball bearings and a pair of serrated washers to help with positioning. I would say for this price it will be hard to beat.

The last thing you need is loose gear, especially when you're on set. I have 2 of these now. One for my EVF and one for the monitor. This is a solid kit. When you work at a professional level and people rely on you and your equipment. I don't know, it sounds silly, but it gives confidence.

Considering Camvate's reputation for quality products, I was disappointed when this magic hand failed to protect my external monitor, even after I epoxyed each end of the handle to avoid loosening. This worked for a moment, until the lever at the junction of the mounting base and ball head failed (see image). It was a part of the hand I had no idea, it was attached with glue during manufacture which then failed.

I chose the Camvate for its size and versatility, but gave it one star for reliability for two reasons. First, the vibration loosens the attachment points and anything attached to the hand just falls off with the hand. Second, when you tighten the red "handle" the bullet comes out one end or the other. In most cases it can be repaired. If you want to attach something to something that moves and/or vibrates, check out the Ram Claw. It's bigger, bulkier, but totally durable and versatile.

Perfectly sized friction lever. The only reason for 4 stars is rubber that is too thin and cheap washers/spacers on screw mounts. The adhesive breaks down when tightened to a certain torque and twists/sticks the washer and prevents it from staying screwed down. The best practice is to remove this washer and purchase a standard 3/8" (large) 11/16" OD flat rubber washer at any hardware store and gel it to the 1/4-20 mounting point. superglue. Now the stronger washer stays in place, won't twist or

Perfect flexible connection for flash positioning. Attach the flash at one end and the other end to a super clamp, tripod, etc. You may need a reversible female connector to connect the male end to the 1/4-20 tripod connector, but these are readily available from Revain Well. Once attached, loosen a red button and the ball joint on each end and the elbow joint will also come loose. Position the flash in the right spot and angle, then tighten the red knob. Now the flash and all hinges are fixed…