lawrence_smithers Posted January 29, 2003 Share Posted January 29, 2003 Many years ago there was a homemade aid which helped to handhold cameras steady. It consisted of a tripod screw with a 6 foot length of light chain attached.The lower end of the chain had an "s" hook attached to form a loop in the chain. You placed your foot through the loop and lifted the camera up against the tension of the chain to achieve steadiness. The size of the loop adjusted for various body heights.Has anyone seen or used this gimmick and does anyone know if it is available commercially. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pok_hon_wally_yu Posted January 29, 2003 Share Posted January 29, 2003 Steve Sint proposes a "one-dollar tripod" that works pretty much the same as what you describe. It's a 1/4-20 eye bolt with a long enough nylon rope tied through the eye. I used that with I shot a wedding last year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pok_hon_wally_yu Posted January 29, 2003 Share Posted January 29, 2003 Oops... It should be a "one-dollar monopod." Sorry about the typo... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john_stockdale2 Posted January 29, 2003 Share Posted January 29, 2003 It's a good idea. I think i'll make one. If the screw in the base of the camera had a rigid extension of, say, a few inches, it would give more stability Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueform Posted January 29, 2003 Share Posted January 29, 2003 Take a look at the y-pod , it`s ideal for medium format. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Posted January 29, 2003 Share Posted January 29, 2003 The idea has cropped up a number of times but I am uneasy about using it with large cameras because it places a stress on the tripod socket in the opposite to the designed direction. It may distort the body or even pull out the tripod socket. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoff_mcauliffe Posted January 29, 2003 Share Posted January 29, 2003 "The idea has cropped up a number of times but I am uneasy about using it with large cameras because it places a stress on the tripod socket in the opposite to the designed direction. It may distort the body or even pull out the tripod socket." Distort the body? Pull out the tripod socket?? I doubt it! Pro cameras are designed to take some stress, including being mounted upside down on the center column of a tripod when necessary. Maybe the camera should be left in the case, in the closet, so nothing can happen to it.I made my "monopod" out of clothsline and a 1/4-20 bolt from Home Depot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
feli Posted January 29, 2003 Share Posted January 29, 2003 I used one when I was shooting in a church, while on vacation in Germany. Not as good as a tripod, but it certainly helps. feli Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_littleboy__tokyo__ja Posted January 30, 2003 Share Posted January 30, 2003 If you are shooting an MF SLR, a heavy monopod seems to work (relative) wonders. The Velbon MUP-4G seems to sop up Mamiya 645Pro mirror slap quite nicely. I've managed to get some nice sharp shots with a 150mm lens plus monopod. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Posted January 30, 2003 Share Posted January 30, 2003 <P>Geoff, this thing about "pro" cameras being tough as nails and built to stand abuse is all well and good, but it <B>is</B> possible to damage them.</P><P>Rolleiflex users spend extra on the Rolleifix attachment because the 'flex body is not totally rigid, and twisting the camera on the tripod bush can cause trouble.</P><P> OK, perhaps you don't think the Rolleiflex is a pro camera because you can't use it to drive a fence post...</P> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete_andrews Posted January 30, 2003 Share Posted January 30, 2003 OK then. Here's another handy little improvised monopod tip.<br>Carry around a fencepost, which you can drive in with any <i>well-made</i> pro camera, and then use the fencepost to steady the camera. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lawrence_smithers Posted January 30, 2003 Author Share Posted January 30, 2003 Hi All: My thanks to those who responded with either wit or ideas to my query. Today I went out to gather materials to make my own steady chain. I found some new items which appear to suit the job. I found light weight 1"x1/8"link plastic chain,"S" hooks and French loops all in plastic.It makes a very light steady chain when attached to the camera via a 1/4"/20 ring bolt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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