DIY clamp "tripod"/mount solution.

ytterbium · 08-20-2010, 03:09 PM

Since i could not find a solid clamp mount for reasonable price, that i could get i decided to improvise.
I took the smallest and cheapest clamp tool (2$) and cannibalized head and center column from my old broken tripod. All i had to do was to drill two holes in both pieces and hacksaw part of the center column off.
Thanks tho the cheap materials used in clamp it was very easy.

Here is the result:

Conclusions:
Very cheap and easy to make. Almost easier than to try to acquire a specialized photo clamp.
Clamp pads not optimal for pipes, needs precise placement.
Robust construction, but also heavier than expected.
Pan head not the best for randomly placed column.
Can securely support even medium format TLR.

In future i might shorten the center column and tightening handle, to allow attachment for greater thickness.
Probably ball head should be used.
Maybe the head should be attached to the other end of clamp.

Peter Zack · 08-20-2010, 03:16 PM

As long as the head is firmly mounted to the center column, that's stinkin' brilliant. You could take that hiking and clamp to just about anything without having to carry a tripod what is bulkier and longer.

civiletti · 08-20-2010, 03:32 PM

Nice! If the center column were shorter, the clamp would fit around larger object, though.

ytterbium · 08-21-2010, 01:39 AM

Originally posted by civiletti

Nice! If the center column were shorter, the clamp would fit around larger object, though.

Yup. I plan to shorten it. I was afraid of cutting off too much, but it looks like i could gain a decent distance without loosing any stability.

TOUGEFC · 08-21-2010, 01:42 AM

Nice! Great idea mate!

Jools · 08-21-2010, 01:56 AM

Vey nice.

Harbor Freight... you've got an order.

**Ex Finn.** · 08-21-2010, 05:17 AM

That is great, good idea.

Here is something to consider for those that are less mechanically inclined, cost little more but works great, it has 1/4-20 and 3/8-16 threads on the stud allowing the use of most heads.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5160-REG/Manfrotto_2909_2909_Super_Clamp_with.html

Russell-Evans · 08-21-2010, 08:08 AM

Brilliant.

Thank you
Russell

ytterbium · 08-21-2010, 12:07 PM

Originally posted by Jools

Vey nice.

Harbor Freight... you've got an order.

Good. I'm interested to see with what you will come up. Be sure to let us know.

Btw mine has nuts, both outside and inside of the center column pipe. I wonder if i would cut a slit in the center column, and replace outside nut with a knob-style nut, i could make it variable height.

**Lowell Goudge** · 08-22-2010, 12:03 AM

I would be interested to know if you could attach the head to the fixed jaw of the clamp allowing you to eliminate as much of the clamp rod as possible

I like these clamps due to the padded jaws

ytterbium · 08-22-2010, 01:56 AM

You could simply strap the center column parallel to the fixed arm of the clamp with few hose clamps:

Marcus · 08-22-2010, 10:59 AM

I just bought this clamp from B&H. Works GREAT!!

Slik Clamp Head 32 618-021 - B&H Photo Video

You EASILY get your money worth with this. Very sturdy, very adjustable. I'd give it an award if I could.

MRRiley · 08-23-2010, 06:39 AM

Great DIY project. May have to look around Goodwill for a suitable tripod...

**Lowell Goudge** · 08-23-2010, 09:22 AM

I ha e a monfretto long lens support and the clamp that goes on the tripod leg also doubles as a clamp for a camera if you add a head onto it

ytterbium · 08-23-2010, 10:04 AM

Originally posted by Marcus

I just bought this clamp from B&H. Works GREAT!!

Slik Clamp Head 32 618-021 - B&H Photo Video

You EASILY get your money worth with this. Very sturdy, very adjustable. I'd give it an award if I could.

Those are nice. I'd rather go with this one:
Ultrapod Ultra Clamp Assembly PD05020 - B&H Photo Video
..unless the shipping price were twice the cost of the item itself.

08-20-2010, 03:09 PM	#1
ytterbium Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,076	DIY clamp "tripod"/mount solution. Since i could not find a solid clamp mount for reasonable price, that i could get i decided to improvise. I took the smallest and cheapest clamp tool (2$) and cannibalized head and center column from my old broken tripod. All i had to do was to drill two holes in both pieces and hacksaw part of the center column off. Thanks tho the cheap materials used in clamp it was very easy. Here is the result: Conclusions: Very cheap and easy to make. Almost easier than to try to acquire a specialized photo clamp. Clamp pads not optimal for pipes, needs precise placement. Robust construction, but also heavier than expected. Pan head not the best for randomly placed column. Can securely support even medium format TLR. In future i might shorten the center column and tightening handle, to allow attachment for greater thickness. Probably ball head should be used. Maybe the head should be attached to the other end of clamp.

08-22-2010, 10:59 AM	#12
Marcus Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: NJ Posts: 187	Clamp I just bought this clamp from B&H. Works GREAT!! Slik Clamp Head 32 618-021 - B&H Photo Video You EASILY get your money worth with this. Very sturdy, very adjustable. I'd give it an award if I could.

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08-20-2010, 03:16 PM	#2
Peter Zack Pentaxian Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2007 Location: Edmonton Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,643	As long as the head is firmly mounted to the center column, that's stinkin' brilliant. You could take that hiking and clamp to just about anything without having to carry a tripod what is bulkier and longer.

08-20-2010, 03:32 PM	#3
civiletti Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Oregon Photos: Albums Posts: 1,435	Nice! If the center column were shorter, the clamp would fit around larger object, though.

08-21-2010, 01:39 AM	#4
ytterbium Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,076 Original Poster	Originally posted by civiletti Nice! If the center column were shorter, the clamp would fit around larger object, though. Yup. I plan to shorten it. I was afraid of cutting off too much, but it looks like i could gain a decent distance without loosing any stability.

08-21-2010, 01:42 AM	#5
TOUGEFC Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,561	Nice! Great idea mate!

08-21-2010, 01:56 AM	#6
Jools Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: SW Wisconsin by way of Venezuela Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,398	Vey nice. Harbor Freight... you've got an order.

08-21-2010, 05:17 AM	#7
Ex Finn. Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southern Maryland. Espoo. Kouvola. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,975	That is great, good idea. Here is something to consider for those that are less mechanically inclined, cost little more but works great, it has 1/4-20 and 3/8-16 threads on the stud allowing the use of most heads. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5160-REG/Manfrotto_2909_2909_Super_Clamp_with.html

08-21-2010, 08:08 AM	#8
Russell-Evans Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 1,553	Brilliant. Thank you Russell

08-21-2010, 12:07 PM	#9
ytterbium Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,076 Original Poster	Originally posted by Jools Vey nice. Harbor Freight... you've got an order. Good. I'm interested to see with what you will come up. Be sure to let us know. Btw mine has nuts, both outside and inside of the center column pipe. I wonder if i would cut a slit in the center column, and replace outside nut with a knob-style nut, i could make it variable height.

08-22-2010, 12:03 AM	#10
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,887	I would be interested to know if you could attach the head to the fixed jaw of the clamp allowing you to eliminate as much of the clamp rod as possible I like these clamps due to the padded jaws

08-22-2010, 01:56 AM	#11
ytterbium Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,076 Original Poster	You could simply strap the center column parallel to the fixed arm of the clamp with few hose clamps:

08-23-2010, 06:39 AM	#13
MRRiley Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Sterling, VA, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,275	Great DIY project. May have to look around Goodwill for a suitable tripod...

08-23-2010, 09:22 AM	#14
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,887	I ha e a monfretto long lens support and the clamp that goes on the tripod leg also doubles as a clamp for a camera if you add a head onto it

08-23-2010, 10:04 AM	#15
ytterbium Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,076 Original Poster	Originally posted by Marcus I just bought this clamp from B&H. Works GREAT!! Slik Clamp Head 32 618-021 - B&H Photo Video You EASILY get your money worth with this. Very sturdy, very adjustable. I'd give it an award if I could. Those are nice. I'd rather go with this one: Ultrapod Ultra Clamp Assembly PD05020 - B&H Photo Video ..unless the shipping price were twice the cost of the item itself.