Ulanzi MA05 Universal Phone Cage Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The Ulanzi MA05 Universal Phone Cage is a robust and lightweight accessory designed to transform your smartphone into a professional-grade filmmaking tool. It provides a stable platform for capturing smooth, shake-free video and photos, while offering multiple attachment points for essential accessories like microphones, LED lights, and tripods. Its ergonomic design ensures comfortable handling for extended shooting sessions.

2. Product Overview

2.1 Components

• Phone Cage Body: The main frame providing stability and mounting points.
• 360° Rotatable Phone Clamp: Securely holds your smartphone and allows for quick orientation changes.
• Ergonomic Handles: Integrated handles for comfortable and stable dual-hand control.
• Cold Shoe Mounts (x2): For attaching external lights, microphones, or other cold shoe compatible accessories.
• 1/4'' Mounts (x2): Standard threaded mounts for tripods, monopods, or other 1/4'' screw accessories.
• 1/4'' Mount + Arri Locating Hole (x2): Enhanced mounting points for accessories requiring anti-twist support.
• Detachable Bluetooth Remote Control: For wireless shutter control.

2.2 Key Features

• 360° Rotatable Phone Clamp: Effortlessly switch between horizontal (landscape) and vertical (portrait) shooting modes without removing your phone.
• Multiple Mounting Options: Equipped with two cold shoe mounts, two 1/4'' threaded mounts, and two 1/4'' mounts with Arri locating holes for extensive accessory compatibility.
• Bluetooth Supported: Includes a detachable remote control for convenient wireless photo and video capture from up to 10 meters away.
• Wide Compatibility: The adjustable phone clamp accommodates smartphones with widths ranging from 58mm to 89mm.
• Steady Dual-Hand Control: Ergonomic handles provide a secure and comfortable grip, minimizing camera shake for smoother footage.
• Solid & Lightweight Design: Constructed from high-density plastic, silicone, and copper nuts, ensuring durability while maintaining a light weight of 226g (0.5lb).
• Full View in Vertical Mode: Designed to prevent view blockage, especially crucial during vertical shooting.

3. Setup Instructions

3.1 Attaching Your Smartphone

1. Gently pull apart the phone clamp to extend its width.
2. Carefully insert your smartphone into the clamp, ensuring it is centered and securely held. The clamp supports phones with widths between 58mm and 89mm.
3. Once secured, you can rotate the phone clamp 360° to switch between horizontal (landscape) and vertical (portrait) orientations as needed.

3.2 Mounting Accessories

The MA05 Phone Cage offers various mounting points for your filmmaking accessories:

• Cold Shoe Mounts: Located on the top of the cage, these are ideal for attaching external microphones, LED video lights, or other cold shoe compatible devices. Simply slide the accessory into the mount until it clicks into place.
• 1/4'' Threaded Mounts: Found on the bottom and sides of the cage, these standard mounts are perfect for attaching the cage to a tripod, monopod, or other 1/4'' screw accessories. Screw the accessory clockwise until it is finger-tight.
• 1/4'' Mounts with Arri Locating Holes: These specialized mounts provide additional stability and prevent twisting for accessories that support Arri locating pins.

3.3 Bluetooth Remote Control Pairing

1. Locate the detachable Bluetooth remote control on the side of the phone cage and remove it.
2. Turn on the remote control (if it has a power switch).
3. On your smartphone, go to Bluetooth settings and search for available devices.
4. Select the remote control (usually named something like 'Ulanzi Remote' or similar) to pair.
5. Once paired, the remote can be used to trigger your phone's camera shutter or start/stop video recording.

4. Operating Instructions

4.1 Handheld Use

Grip the ergonomic handles on both sides of the cage firmly with both hands. This dual-hand control provides superior stability compared to holding the phone directly, resulting in smoother, more professional-looking footage.

4.2 Tripod Use

For static shots or interviews, attach the phone cage to a tripod using one of the 1/4'' threaded mounts. This allows for hands-free operation and even greater stability.

4.3 Switching Orientation

To quickly change between horizontal and vertical shooting, simply rotate the phone clamp. The 360° rotatable design allows for seamless transitions without needing to unmount your phone.

4.4 Remote Shutter Control

After pairing the Bluetooth remote control with your smartphone, open your camera application. Press the button on the remote to remotely trigger the shutter for photos or to start/stop video recording. This is particularly useful for group shots, self-portraits, or when the phone is mounted on a tripod.

5. Maintenance

• Cleaning: Wipe the phone cage with a soft, dry, or slightly damp cloth to remove dust and fingerprints. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or solvents, as these can damage the materials.
• Storage: Store the phone cage in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures when not in use.
• Inspection: Periodically check all screws and moving parts to ensure they are secure. Do not overtighten.

6. Troubleshooting

• Smartphone does not fit: Ensure your smartphone's width is within the supported range of 58mm to 89mm. Remove any bulky phone cases if necessary.
• Shots are unstable/shaky: Verify that your smartphone is securely clamped in the cage. Ensure you are gripping both ergonomic handles firmly. If using a tripod, confirm it is stable and the cage is tightly mounted.
• Bluetooth remote control not connecting:
  1. Ensure the remote control is fully charged or has a working battery.
  2. Make sure the remote is removed from the cage and within 10 meters of your phone.
  3. Check your phone's Bluetooth settings to ensure Bluetooth is enabled and attempt to re-pair the remote.
  4. If issues persist, try restarting both your phone and the remote control.
• View blockage in vertical mode: Adjust the position of your phone within the clamp to ensure the camera lens and screen are unobstructed. The cage is designed to minimize this, but slight adjustments may be needed for specific phone models.

7. Specifications

8. User Tips

• Check Phone Compatibility: Always check your phone's width against the clamp specifications (58-89mm) to ensure compatibility, especially for larger models like the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
• Balance Your Setup: When adding multiple accessories, try to distribute their weight evenly to maintain optimal balance and stability during handheld use.
• Experiment with Angles: The 360° rotatable clamp allows for creative angles. Don't be afraid to experiment with both horizontal and vertical orientations, and even slight tilts, to achieve unique shots.
• Remote Control Range: While the remote works up to 10 meters, optimal performance is usually within a closer range and without significant obstructions.

9. Warranty and Support

Ulanzi products are designed for durability and performance. For any issues or questions regarding your MA05 Universal Phone Cage, please contact the seller or Ulanzi customer support. This product may be eligible for free returns within 90 days of purchase, depending on the seller's policy.