PROJECT 3
TIP 1 SET UP YOUR PLAMP
Wimberley’s The Plamp II is simple and effective, but it offers a high level of adjustability too, should you need it. On the large clamp end you can adjust the clamp’s spring tension with a screwdriver. While at the smaller ‘clip’ end you can adjust the force required to rotate the clip by removing the last ball joint from the arm (we found bending it back around on itself did the trick), you can then access a Torx 20 mounting screw which you can adjust with your included hex key to make it more stiff or loose. You then need to apply a good bit of pressure to get the clip end onto the arm again. If you struggle with this last step you can warm the female end in near-boiling water to expand it a little.
TIP 2 ATTACH YOUR PLAMP
You now need to attach the large clamp end of your plamp onto a solid object to anchor it. If you’re shooting indoors a table is the obvious choice, but if you’re shooting outdoors look for tree branches or a post, or carry a second tripod with you so you can lash it to one of its leg sections. It’s then time to carefully move the articulating arm into place by manouevering the ball and socket joints of the arm, these can be quite stiff but they are very sturdy. Now loosen the thumbscrew at the clip end to open the jaws of the smaller clamp, you can then insert items like a 30cm reflector into the notch designed to hold them, or use the foam padded jaws to hold delicate subjects like a flower stem steady to stop it moving around in windy conditions.
TIP 3 STAKE YOUR PLAMP
Staking your plamp into the ground is ideal when there isn’t an obvious anchor point for the clamp on a conventional plamp. You can either use the Plamp Stake and tether your standa
