Filmtools Light-Weight Universal Camera Mount for Cars

The Filmtools Universal Mount is comprised of the in-car windshield camera mount and the windshield camera mount update kit which includes two twenty inch" rods that are 3/8" in diameter, four Mini Matthews Grip heads, a 24" 5/8" rod (the main support Rods) and two 4.5" suction cups w/ standard 5/8" spuds, and a 6" suction cup. In addition we've added a ratchet strap for use outside the vehicle.

Kit includes:

• 1 x 6" Vacuum Cup w/ 3/8-16 spud
• 2 x 4.5" Vacuum Cups w/ 3/8-16 Spud
• 1 Compact 486 Ball Head
• 4 x Mini Grip Heads
• 1 x 2.5" Grip Head
• 1 x Manfrotto Cam Bracket
• 2 x 20"x3/8" Stainless Steel Rods
• 1 x 12"x5/8" Stainless Steel Rod
• 1 x 24"x5/8" Stainless Steel Rod
• 1 x 1"x15" Ratchet Strap
• 3 x 5/8" Pin
• 1 x 2.5" Washer

In the upper left corner, the 12" 5/8 diameter rod holds the camera over the cup and the two 3/8" diameter rods triangulate the mount to make it rigid.

In the upper right picture, the mount is configured as a "door mount" that is used to shoot interior dialog scenes.

The lower left picture shows the basic windshield mount with 12" rod. (not pictured is the Bogen 486 head that comes with it.)

The lower right picture shows the windshield mount with the update kit.

The six inch suction cups can support 70 pounds and the 486 Bogen Manfrotto Ball head (included) supports up to 13.2 pounds. Needless to say, the suction cup is plenty strong for these applications.

Note: The Bogen 486 can be mounted directly to the any of the suction cups by using the 2.5" washer with a 3/8" hole; you'll find the washer on the 6" cup.

View all of our camera mounts for cars here.

Remember: Always use a safety strap and check the pressure indicator often. (To date all of our customers have heeded this and we've had no reports of anyone losing a camera... just be prudent and you'll have years of enjoyable service from these products.

Vacuum cups employ the force of atmospheric pressure to grip a surface: When a vacuum exists between the cup and the surface on which it is attached, the weight of Earth's atmosphere holds the cup in place with incredible force. Unlike suction cups that produce a vacuum as they pull away from the surface, Powr-Grip® vacuum cups use a hand-actuated pump to efficiently remove air from between the rubber pad and the attaching surface--thus creating a much more reliable hold. Because the full face of the pad is brought into contact with the surface, distortion is reduced, allowing the cup to be used on materials of almost any thickness with little risk of damage.

The vacuum cup's pump features a plunger with a red line, which serves as a vacuum indicator. Introduced by Wood's Powr-Grip in the 1960's, this safety device is still recognized as one of the most reliable warning systems available. A few strokes of the plunger evacuate the vacuum pad, causing it to seal securely to the attaching surface. When the cup is attached completely, the plunger stops moving and the red line is hidden within the pump. A visible red line indicates that air has leaked back into the pad, making vacuum insufficient to use the cup. However, if the red line becomes visible while the cup is in use, a check valve allows the user to repump the cup without losing the remaining vacuum.

Lifting on the release tab near the edge of the pad allows air to refill the evacuated space, so that the vacuum cup detaches completely.

Guide to Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and Repair