Manfrotto Super Clamp: versatile 51 mm grip clamp with 5/8" stud mount for quick attachment of LED panels and small lights to pipes, table edges, or vehicle parts.
The standard Super Clamp measures 165 x 50 x 45 mm with a net weight of 680 g. The clamping range of 51 mm maximum diameter allows attachment to pipes, boards, table edges, or vehicle parts. The integrated 5/8" (16 mm) female thread accepts spigots for light heads. Variants include the Mini Super Clamp (035C) for loads up to 3 kg and the Super Clamp with spigot (035RL) as an integrated solution. The jaws are rubberized to prevent damage to sensitive surfaces.
Manfrotto developed the first Super Clamp 035 in 1983 in response to the increasing demand for flexible mounting solutions in commercial photography. The film industry adopted the system from 1985 onwards, as compact HMI lights made the use of smaller grip tools possible. Matthews Studio Equipment launched the Cardellini Clamp in 1987 as an alternative with a 76 mm opening width. Modern versions integrate quick-release mechanisms and carbon inserts for reduced weight.
On "Mad Max: Fury Road" (2015), lighting technicians attached LED panels to roll bars using Super Clamps for dynamic driving shots. Typical workflow: attach the clamp to a stable structure, screw in the spigot, mount the light, and adjust with a ball head. The limited load capacity excludes heavy tungsten lights but enables quick setups with LED or fluorescent units. Disadvantage: clamping marks on valuable set pieces require protective padding.
Unlike C-stands, Super Clamps do not require floor space and work on uneven locations. Gaffer Grips offer similar functionality with a larger opening width (up to 64 mm), but without a standardized connection thread. Modern alternatives like the Kupo Convi Clamp use quick-release fasteners instead of screw mechanisms for time savings. Magnetic mounts (Mag Shoes) replace clamps on ferromagnetic surfaces but offer only 4.5 kg load capacity.
Super Clamps retten mir regelmäßig komplizierte Lichtsetups, wenn keine Bodenfläche für Stative verfügbar ist. Besonders bei Autoszenen klemme ich LED-Panels direkt an Türrahmen oder Armaturenbrett für natürlich wirkende Innenbeleuchtung ohne sichtbare Schatten von Stativen.
Ich nutze an Super Clamps befestigte Leuchten für spontane Lichtstimmungen - eine kleine LED am Treppengeländer erzeugt dramatische Schatten, die der Geschichte mehr Atmosphäre verleihen als aufwendige Stativ-Konstruktionen. Die Flexibilität ermöglicht experimentelle Lichtführung direkt am Set.
Super Clamps kosten 45-80 Euro pro Stück, amortisieren sich aber durch eingesparte Grip-Zeit und reduzierte Transportkosten für schwere Stative. Bei Locations ohne Strom sind sie unverzichtbar für batteriebetriebene LED-Setups, die 60% weniger Aufbauzeit benötigen als konventionelle Beleuchtung.
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