What is the difference between the MSM Phone Mount and the Arca Phone Clamp?

Both phone mounts can be used for polar alignment. The main difference is in how they are set up and used.

Arca Phone Clamp (Arca-Swiss type)

This setup requires the phone mount to be removed after alignment:

1. Attach the phone clamp to the wedge or ball head on the tripod
2. Mount your phone on the clamp
3. Use an app (such as PhotoPills or Stellarium) to guide polar alignment
4. Adjust the wedge or ball head to complete alignment, then lock it
5. Remove the phone clamp
6. Attach the NOMAD to the wedge or ballhead, making sure its rotating plate faces the aligned direction
7. Attach your camera setup to NOMAD

MSM Phone Mount (for polar alignment)

This setup stays attached during the whole process:

1. Attach the phone mount to the back of NOMAD
2. Mount your phone onto the adapter
3. Use your alignment app (such as PhotoPills or Stellarium) to guide polar alignment
4. Adjust the wedge or ball head below to complete polar alignment

👉 No need to remove the mount after alignment — you can proceed directly to shooting.

🎯 Key Difference

• Arca Phone Clamp → align first, then remove and remount everything
• MSM Phone Mount → stays on NOMAD, faster and more seamless workflow