Manfrotto monopods shred DVX100a tripod socket

Mister Big

Mister Big

Well-known member
I got one a Manfrotto monopod. It has a screw with a spring that allows it to fit multiple screw sizes.

One problem is this type of screw design messes with the DVX100a's fragile tripod socket.

I'm lucky the camera didn't fly off the monopod into the Hawaii ocean.

This is just a warning to any people contemplating a Manfrotto monopod or trusting that their camera will stay affixed to the monopod if you hold only the monopod and elevate the camera or use the monopod as a type of jib.
 
I'll see if I can take a photo. But suffice it to say the socket is split. I highly recommend a monopod -- or at least one that doesn't break your camera. The six times I used mine, it made working the field much easier than lugging a tripod around and also worked to help stabilize the camera just by gripping the monopod and not even using it as intended. The monopod becomes kind of a half-assed imaged stabilization device that way. I hope I can get it sorted out so it never happens again.
 
i use a bogen head on my monopod so i can still pan and tilt. i know what you are saying about the spring loaded screw. i never tried to attach that straight to my cam. thanks for the heads up though.
 
I had the same problem with my Bogen Monopod, I got the one that was "beefy" enough to use with heavier cameras (ie: BetaCam, etc. . .)

I bought one of their tilt heads to put on the monopod and put the 1/4"-20 tripod screw in place on the tilt head.

This head is friction only and does have a locking knob. It does allow a little more flexibility than with a camera directly on the monopod.

MR
 
Get a quick release adapter for your monopod that matches your tripod. This way, you can leave the mounting plate on the camera at all times.

I have a 503 head for my tripod, a 577 quick release adapter for the monopod, and the my FigRig uses the same tripod plate as the other two. So it's a unified solution for all my camera support needs.
 
Yeah I think using a monopod on a heavier camera requires a bigger plate between cam and it, the small plate on the monopods isnt very big and puts lots of pressure on the screw itself. I get the idea behind using a monopod I just dont think they are generally made to handle a 5lb or greater camera.
 
Depends on the monopod, ENG crews use monopods on their heavy cameras all the time. Heavy piping...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top