Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2008/03/08
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]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. Frank Filippone red735i@earthlink.net