Does there exist a commerically manufactured camera mount that is
based on a desk mounted swivel arm? I'm talking about the kind of
swivel arm made by Luxo: http://www.luxous.com/arm_technology.html
that clamps to a desk and is highly positionable.... This would be
used for close up and product shots, but in a fast production
environment where a traditional tripod is too big and in the way and
takes too long to set up.. I'm looking for a system to QUICKLY
position a camera for a reasonalbly good product shot, take the
picture then move on to another product. This is for ebay photos where
speed matters and not for traditional product shots where there are
hours for setup.

---

Clarification of Question by triptych-ga on 24 Jul 2004 20:51 PDT

I have actually allready hacked together a luxo magnifier and a little
clamp-pod tripod and it looks ugly but actually works really well. So
well that I am actually wondering if I should pursue this "invention."
(BTW, this here would be my invention disclosure so don't get any ideas. :)

And regarding the desk lamp link you listed -- actually there is  big
difference in the construction of the swivel arm in a desk lamp and
one that is built for constant movement. The lamp type has springs and
does not really stay in place in all positions. It would also probably
fail over time. The type of arm I used was off of a Luxo magnifier,
which is a lot better quality and designed to be moved around all the
time.

Dear triptych-ga

Thank you for allowing me an opportunity to answer your interesting
question. My wife happens to be a professional photographer and we get
the majority of our best products from B&H PHOTO VIDEO & PRO AUDIO
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/
*This is NOT an advertisment for them. I'm merely relating my personal
experience to you. These products can be purchased from other outlets.

A company called BOGEN makes an articulated arm like the one you are
looking for designed to do precisely what you are referring to. It is
called the MAGIC ARM:

Bogen / Manfrotto 2930 Magic Arm with 2933 Camera Platform  List Price: $ 169.00 
Our Price:  $ 109.95  
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=getItemDetail&Q=&sku=5181&is=REG&si=acc#goto_itemInfo


?A fully articulated arm with 90° pivotable and 360° rotatable ends,
and an elbow that rotates 360°. The lever tightens and locks for
precise positioning of a small light head or camera. 5/8 in studs on
ball joint at both ends with 3/8 and 1/4 in female threads. Supplied
with a camera platform. Maximum load: 8 lbs (3.6 kg) Requires Super
Clamp or Base.?

Here is a cheaper version:

Bogen Articulated Arm
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/product/5186/BO2935/REG/1351/Bogen_/_Manfrotto_Articulated_Arm


These articulated arm camera mounts must be used with either a free
standing tabletop base or a clamp (both sold separately ? see below)
or tripod if you already have one and choose to use it (not necessary
though if you use one of the other two options instead):

Bogen / Manfrotto Base for Articulated or Magic Arm  List Price: $ 34.00 
Our Price:  $ 26.50  
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=details_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=5190&is=REG

Bogen / Manfrotto 2915 Super Clamp without Stud  List Price: $ 31.00 
Our Price:  $ 24.95  
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=details_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=5166&is=REG


It may be cheaper for you in the long run though to buy the entire MAGIC ARM KIT

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/product/325440/BO143/REG/1351/Bogen_/_Manfrotto_Magic_Arm_Kit
List Price: $ 159.00 
Our Price:  $ 118.95  

Alternatively there is this (and I?m not certain about this one, so
you should check with B&H about this product first to see if it has
the capability of accepting a camera base). If it can also accept a
camera base this would be perfect for you (provided you bought the
base too, of course):

VZ-AR-5K Adjustable Joint Arm
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/product/297469/VAVZAR5K/REG/1351/Varizoom_VZ-AR-5K_Adjustable_Joint_Arm



Below you will find that I have carefully defined my search strategy
for you in the event that you need to search for more information. By
following the same type of searches that I did you may be able to
enhance the research I have provided even further. I hope you find
that my research exceeds your expectations. If you have any questions
about my research please post a clarification request prior to rating
the answer. Otherwise, I welcome your rating and your final comments
and I look forward to working with you again in the near future. Thank
you for bringing your question to us.

Best regards;
Tutuzdad ? Google Answers Researcher


INFORMATION SOURCES

Defined above


SEARCH STRATEGY


SEARCH ENGINES USED:

Google ://www.google.com




SEARCH TERMS USED:

articulated arm camera base

Wow. I'm very impressed. This is my first use of google answers and I
must say I will be back. I actually searched for this for quite a
while on my own and I consider myself to be very good at searching for
information on the web... The problem is it never occurred to me that
the word "articulated" was what I was looking for.

Anyways, the Bogen arm looks like a winner and I will probably be
buying one or more. However, my homemade system based on the Luxo arm
actually does have some advantages, namely that it has a more free
motion and you do not have to lock and unlock the individual joints.
However, it is not perfectly rigid and the camera does shake a bit
when it is moved into a new position.

Even if not, (you could actually call Luxo for more info.), I'm sure
That it wouldn't be too hard to convert a standard swing-arm desk lamp
for your use. It'd probably cost around $40... Get something like
http://www.vikingop.com/(ngdhsa55vdahiryzlz5eyprv)/catalogFamily.aspx?ID=7011071&xref1=SDTRAF
and remove the lamp. Afix a tiny tripod with a hose clamp or zip ties
and you're in business :).