Self setting monopod

<p>For most shooting, I certainly buy the rule that a camera support is advantageous in obtaining best quality. However, setting up a tripod is not always convenient, at least in other than scenic, still life, nature or architectural situations. In comes the monopod, which I have been using more and more often.</p>

<p>What I would like to see is a monopod that would respond quickly to set-up, that could be left attached to the base of my camera in folded form, and that would self-level in a flash, seeking the extension according to the distance above the ground I am holding it.</p>

<p>Surely someone has approached this question and devised a monopod that would lower itself (extend) quickly and once arrive at the ground simply lock in that position, and perhaps with another simple motion or command it would return to its non extended form. This would be great for street shots or other potentiually fast changing situations.</p>

<p>I am probably dreaming of what doesn't (yet) exist. </p>

<p>I've never used it myself but looks like the Manfrotto Neotec works like what you just described.</p>

<p>I have Neotec tripod. Opens with one hand if you must. I suppose monopod would be even easier.<br>

It is not made of carbon fibers so it is heavier than the best monopods.</p>

<p>The closest I know of for this is the Adorama Podmatic 5 Section Monopod w/Case (no head) Our Version Of The Linhof Monomatic, which isn't made anymore sadly.</p>

<p>http://www.adorama.com/catalog.tpl?op=detailsdisc&sku=TPP</p>

<p> </p>

<p>The Manfrotto 685B Neotech Monopod does exactly that. I have one and it works great.</p>

<p>Ok, well it doesn't do exactly that. You can raise and lower it with one hand via the hand grip. Keeping your foot on the base, you can raise and lower it to the height needed.<br>

Mel</p>

<p>I have an Adorama Podmatic. You just pull it out to the height you want and it stays there. To collapse it you pinch two small tabs near the bottom and it pushes back together. It is fast.</p>

<p>It's a Pretty slick device, but I have one complaint with it. It's easy to raise it another inch or more to adjust it to the height you need, but to lower it an inch or so requires collapsing it entirely and then pulling it back out. There needs to be a way to release tension on the locking mechanism to allow it to be lowered a bit. Also, this is not a heavy duty unit that you would use to support a 600mm f/4 on the sidelines of a football field. It's more of a camera steadying device to be used to gain a stop or so of hand hold ability.</p>

<p>Mine no longer holds up well. It slips down when you set a weight on it. It holds my camera and a moderate lens, but not much more. Not sure if that is endemic to the design though.</p>

<p>Thanks to all. Very grateful for all the information. The discontinued Linhof monomatic device and Adorama podomatic don't quite do what I was hoping, while the Manfrotto does part of it (It I understand, lowering is automatic, but don't you have to raise the leg yourself rather than it coming up automatically after a button or something is activated?) it is also quite long when retracted (30 inches? Maybe to simplify it to only two or three tubes?) and heavier than many. Maybe one can just push down on the Manfrotto to retract it? If it lowers automatically to desired height, that might be OK, also if they choose to make it with carbon fibre.</p>

<p>Maybe I am asking too much in my wish list, but it seems not impossible for a tripod company to design something that would be so useful (setting up and taking down takes time, which does not normally bother me, but there are some circumstances where time is limited or convenience dictates a less obstrusive presence of the photographer). An up and down auto-mechanical movement might be hard to design without adding extra weight, unless this would be compensated with carbon fibre material. </p>

<p>Does anyone think that there would be a ready market for such a system? That would be a necessary incentive for a company to develop one.</p>