2006Arms forum
Master Arm elbow cracking and replacement options
20 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- Master Arms manufactured by Cinema Products originally had sharp-angled elbows that were prone to cracking under load.
- Replacing cracked elbows with rounded elbows resolves the structural weakness and allows the arm to handle heavy camera loads reliably.
- A Master Arm with rounded elbows can support substantial payload including 35mm cameras with multiple accessories for extended periods without developing cracks.
- Replacement elbows can be obtained through the manufacturer or specialized repair services.
- Regular maintenance and keeping the arm clean helps preserve its functionality after elbow replacement.
Depends on
- The original design flaw affected Master Arms from several years ago; unclear if all units were affected.
- Cost of elbow replacement was borne by individual owners rather than covered by warranty.
- Experience reported is anecdotal rather than from controlled testing.