[Leica] OT best light monopod ?

[kididdoc at cox.net (Steve Barbour)]

On Mar 8, 2008, at 9:16 AM, Frank Filippone wrote:

> These are not heavy things:  Carbon vs Steel vs Al makes little  
> difference.
> The head makes a difference in weight , but little in  
> maneuverability.  You
> can do without.  Try it before you buy one.
>
> I have and use an old steel Gitzo series 200. And even older no name  
> AL
> cheapie ( that has 3 feet hidden in its base for tripod faking), and  
> an
> ancient Manchiotto ( SP?) ( Before Leica Bought the rights to the  
> Tiltall
> name) that is by far the best built.  They all work as well as the  
> other,
> with some differences in the way and ease the leg locks work..
>
> Note:  Jerry Lehrer had advertised recently a Tiltall Monopod for  
> $20.......
> a BARGAIN!!!!
>
> Now the big question...... do you want a recommendation for a  
> Monopod or do
> you want something to do the job of steadying your camera when you  
> need
> steadying; does not get in the way when you walk, and weighs  
> relatively
> nothing?
>
> A Definition of a monopod:  Something that you use to steady a  
> camera that
> does not have 3 legs..
>
> How about a piece of string?  Or the elegant version, a piece of  
> window
> weights' chain?
>
> DIY Directions:  Get thee a piece of string about 6 feet long.  Get  
> thee a
> 1/4 x 20 eye bolt around an inch long.  Get thee 2 nuts ( no laughter,
> please...)   Tie string one end of string to eye, use nuts to position
> leftover threaded part so that about 3/8- 1/2 inch is left uncovered.
>
> Use:  Screw into bottom of camera, step on string, pull UP on camera.
> Instant monopod.  ( You use the chain to give the whole thing some  
> weight so
> the string falls to the ground for easy stepping upon.)
>
> I carry this setup everywhere I go.  It is always in my camera bag.   
> I use
> it in museums where there is a no tripod policy, I use it for lowish  
> shutter
> speeds when I need to get things right.  And no airline will ever  
> mangle it.
>
> Note:  Ball head not required.  String can be selected dependent on  
> where
> you go... Black Silk for those formal invitations, brown twine for  
> desert
> hikes, nylon twine for longevity or white tie affairs.  Silver chain  
> for
> every day use, black chain for formal occasions, and gold chain when  
> you
> need to shoot rappers.
>
> My suggestion:  Try it first, then go buy one if you think you need  
> AND WILL
> USE a real monopod.   Carrying around a monopod connected to a  
> camera is not
> fun.


good advice Frank...thanks,

I 'm trying to avoid something that will stay in the box,


Steve
>
>
> Frank Filippone
> red735i@earthlink.net
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Leica Users Group.
> See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information

Steve

"I never wanted to be famous"
now available at www.blurb.com

kididdoc@cox.net