Monopod... my new friend!

kylelewis1

Well-known member
For those who are looking for a low cost accessory, I would like to suggest you take a look at a monopod. I purchased a Manfrotto 681 monopod two weeks ago off of Ebay for $30 plus shipping. For those who don't know, a monopod is basically a tripod but with only one leg, like a glorified stick. But it holds the DVX100 nicely and makes it pretty steady. I was also able to do some nifty moves with the monopod that a tripod can't do as well, like spin the camera 360 degrees quickly. Who knows when you would need to do that, but it's good to know!

So if you are ever filming something on the run and don't have room for a tripod, you should consider a monopod for decent results. It is not as steady as the tripod, but still works very well and folds up nicely. I recommend the Manfrotto brand because this one seems like high quality, but is sturdy and light.

For those that have used monopods, perhaps you could post your experiences with them.
 
Re: Monopod... my new friend!

Here is a picture of the Manfrotto 681 monopod... :)

65_1.JPG
 
Re: Monopod... my new friend!

i 2nd that motion...monopods are a must especially for run-gun situations easy set up and breakdown....

kyle what part of MD you from?

one thing about the picture...my 681 i have at work is a 3 stage monopod, strange that the pic is a 2 stage...da well
 
Re: Monopod... my new friend!

Montgomery County, MD! Right near the larger cities of Rockville and Silver Spring. Are you from the MD area?
 
Re: Monopod... my new friend!

Yeah, I just recently got a Manfrotto monopod with legs. I bought a belt pouch, an arm for steadying against my shoulder, and a mini video head. Then I ran a rope around it and my neck so I can take my hands off if needed. This is a very versatile setup for getting quick steady shots.
 
Re: Monopod... my new friend!

hey I used that monopod as a makeshift stedicam when I was running after a killer. works pretty well, and I totally agree with you.
 
Re: Monopod... my new friend!

I grew up in montgomery village....live up in frederick now...went to film school in orlando (full sail)
....maybe we could calab on a project one of these days...
 
Re: Monopod... my new friend!

I live and work in Fairfax Co, near Tysons. Count me in on any projects :)
~Andrew
 
Re: Monopod... my new friend!

we could definatly have something hear......

lately ive been doing weddings and little projects here and there to pay for a little bit of debt..and what not..
been doing a lot of audio recording with friends trying to dyversify myself a little more...

ill keep you fellas posted on any upcoming projects...
pm me with ure email addys...
 
Re: Monopod... my new friend!

[quote author=Kyle_of_Maryland link=board=Links;num=1088738313;start=0#0 date=07/01/04 at 20:18:33]For those who are looking for a low cost accessory, I would like to suggest you take a look at a monopod. [/quote]

They are very handy for using as a poor man's steadicam as well.

I recently added a DuoPod. It comes in two sizes, but I bought the Pro model so I can use it with big cameras as well. This is the monopod that has the folding foot at the bottom. I adapted a bowl mount to it so I can even add the Vinten Vision 3 head to it when we want. The folding foot allows us to use it on irregular surfaces, rocks etc. and still do pans and moves.
 
Re: Monopod... my new friend!

I really don't find a monopod useful at all. I can't work with it properly. I rather do handheld.

All the best

Fidel.
 
Re: Monopod... my new friend!

Now one thing I am not completely sold on is the little screw at the top that I am suppose to use for the DVX. I never know when I have put it in enough (because I don't want to strip it) and then I never know if it has unscrewed without me knowing. I am always afraid the camera is going to fall off it!

Does anybody know of some sort of quick release that could go on the monopod to make it attached better?
 
Re: Monopod... my new friend!

[quote author=Jourabchi link=board=Links;num=1088738313;start=0#6 date=07/02/04 at 05:42:55]I grew up in montgomery village....live up in frederick now...went to film school in orlando (full sail)
....maybe we could calab on a project one of these days...
[/quote]

Wow! Montgomery Village is my stomping grounds alright! And Northern Virginia is only an angry mule's kick away! We should talk the next time we want to do a group project.
 
Re: Monopod... my new friend!

im down ...i can also get my friend from detroit to come down with his and help out...that would be a monster shoot 4 of us runnin around with a dvx....

haha
 
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