Gripper Mini 494 - The Filmtools 3/8 4.5" Vacuum / Suction Cup Camera Mount

The Gripper 494 Mini Vacuum / Suction Cup Camera Mount. The base is a Filmtools 4.5" vacuum/ suction mount with a 3/8-16 threaded spud married to a Bogen Manfrotto Mini 494 Ball Head. The vacuum cup can support 40 pounds and the Bogen Manfrotto 494 Mini ball head (3" tall) can support an 8.8 pound camera or monitor. View all of our camera mounts here.

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-Gripﾮ 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