Manfrotto 244 Variable Friction Magic Arm with Camera Bracket - Replaces 2929

by Manfrotto

• Variable friction control for accurate adjustment.
• Camera bracket allows easy attachment of equipment.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 3.2 x 3.5 inches ; 2.4 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00193W3Z2
• Item model number: 244
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • #14 in Camera & Photo > Accessories > Lighting > Mounting Hardware
• Date first available at Amazon.com: May 7, 2008

Product Description

This Manfrotto Variable Friction Magic Arm with Camera Bracket features a large center locking knob. Variable friction and locking of arm obtained by adjusting knob. Comes complete with Camera/Umbrella Bracket 143BKT only. This replaces the Manfrotto 2929. Arm length: 20.87 in.; arm tube diameters: 20mm.; attachment: type 17; attachment 2: type 17.; color: black; load capacity: 6.61 lbs.; material: aluminum; weight: 2.40 lbs.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Product with One Major Flaw January 8, 2012

By S. So

Amazon Verified Purchase

I LOVE this Magic Arm, but there's one critical design flaw that, once addressed, could make this product even more strong, attractive and popular.

The friction arms with the connecting knob can handle far greater weight load than the stated 6.61 lbs. It's the round shape spigot ends, however, that can't handle any load capacity beyond that point. Of course it can't, as the only thing that's holding this round shape spigot ends from turning is the tightening bolt which would eventually wear out at the tip or even break off. Since this Magic Arm is used primarily with the Manfrotto Super Clamp or other super clamps by so many users, all Manfrotto has to do is to come up with the Magic Arm with the hexagonal end spigots for the super clamp's hexagonal socket like the studs that come with the super clamp purchase (if you do purchase with one). It's that simple. There won't be any sagging or slippage with this simple fix. The load capacity, I'm certain, can be increased double or even triple-fold, easily.

I won't order another one until they address this design flaw. Yes, I do understand that they made the Magic Arm so the round shape end spigots can fit other products of their's. But as a company that can produce so many different versions of the same product, I don't see what's preventing them from making two different Magic Arm versions, one with the round shape end spigots and one with the hexagonal shape end spigots for the super clamp users.

For now, I'm limiting my use of the current Magic Arm for lighter weight stuff as I have no confidence in placing my very expensive photography gear and leave them dangling in air. Remember, if the tightening bolt gives way, say good bye to your expensive gear because, essentially, the bolt is the only thing that's holding your stuff in air.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Not 'Magic', put pretty darned cool December 26, 2010

By Mark Tee

Amazon Verified Purchase

There are two studs on ball joints on either end of the arm. When the knob is turned counter-clockwise, the ball joints and the center 'elbow' all loosen. The loosing is gradual, so it won't suddenly collapse. Once you have it set, turn the knob clockwise and all the movable joints tighten. I was a little leery of hanging my DSLR in the air, but this arm locks up pretty solidly.

Now I have a set point on my macro table for mounting the camera. Since focus and view angle is so critical in macro work, my tripod is a bit of a nuisance. This makes life a whole bunch more simpler. :)

The arm and clamp combo are also being used where tripods are not permitted/practical but where a solid mount point (e.g.fence post) is available.

Construction is solid, fit and finish are excellent and the usage is intuitive.

The Superclamp in the photos is not included, but unless you already have a mounting strategy figured out, you'll need one.

Quick edit: The knob on mine was fully assembled and there were no missing parts. Maybe they read the previous reviews.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Awesome bit of kit October 6, 2009

By S. Morris

Amazon Verified Purchase

This is an awesome bit of kit that no photographer should be without, when coupled with a super clamp this combo can be mounted practically anywhere, excellent for off camera flash use.
the reason why this didn't get a 4 was because the unit comes with the friction wheel disassembled, and there were no instructions for the correct assembly of the friction wheel, I was having difficulty tightening down the magic arm, when I happened to notice a bearing and two washers in the box, after these components were installed the unit functions perfectly.