Hasselblad and Monopod ?

[david b]

I am going on an extended trip to a place that might not allow tripods too often.

So I am thinking about using a monopod.

Any thoughts/experience on this?

 

[Loose Gravel]

If they don't like tripods, they usually don't like mono, bi, tri, or quads either. Maybe a beanbag.

 

[Stan. L-B]

I quite often use my blads on a monopod and found it to work very well. I have not been questiond by any authority yet...maybe because I use my Gitzo trekking pole that is suitably fitted with a camera mounting screw that will take the Hasselblad quick release shoe or fit straight to the camera. Go for it! Stan. L-B

 

[winger]

I bought my monopod to use with my Hassie and it does work better than hand-holding. If I were doing a long exposure, I'd still want the tripod.
For traveling, the monopod is definitely easier.

A lot of places that don't allow tripods, do that because people can trip over the legs. It can be more for safety than security.

 

[Charles Webb]

I have and still use a monopod made by the old Daylite Screen company,
It looks like Bat Masterson's gold top cane. I have never been stopped by the museum authorities or even asked not to use it. They work better than
hand held, but a tripod is still the only way to go if possible. A bean bag is
not my cup of tea, they are hard to carry, work great, but take up too much space for me. I began using one while shooting the old Denver bronco's football games, A 180 mm was norm then, and nose heavy so the monopod
mounted to the lens socket (1/4x20T) helped balance the camera body very well. I also use a walking stick carved out of a hard wood stick with a quarter twenty machine screw epoxied into the top for primitive rendezvous and Civil War reenactment. These folks dont want to see a bright shiney modern anything in their camps. (And rightly so!)

 

[eric]

I
So I am thinking about using a monopod.

I got my Mono to use with my Hassy too but I think I need a ball head. A 3d head is kinda hard to use.

Do you have the Hasselblad Manual book? There's an interesting photo on how to actually use a monopod. I did not know that the bottom (leg) should be angled in front of you and your 2 legs + the monopod, creates a Tripod. I always thought monopods should be straight up and down.

 

[biloko]

Yes, tripods are forbidden in many places... Not only to avoid people of falling on the legs... but also to sell more "good" pictures in the tourist shop! It's the same reason why flash is forbidden in such places as many of the artefacts will never be affected by the light... (while of course some would be)...
So, I have one monopod... that I use everywhere and everytime I cannot take my tripod... To make sure I don't forget them at home, both of them typically remain in my car...
I also never directly use the shutter button of my blad but use a short cable to reduce camera twisting because of the pressure...
It's just an unexpensive monopod (don't believe a monopod would require many features in my case, I even removed some additional elements it had and that I didn't care) on which I have a manfrotto head. This allows me to have same quick fix on this monopod, my own tripod, and even some other people's tripods that are using Manfrotto ballhead... and so quickly decide for the best solution at every time.
In addition to these solutions I quite frequently use my camera bag (a medium size lowepro) for longer shots (1/15s to 1sec) with very good results... but of course with very limited levelling options... I never have seen any place where the camera was allowed and not the camera bag...

 

[PB001]

Monopods or not?

Hi,

I use a monopod regularly, if they'll let you use one it would be a great advantage, that's of course if its a reputable make and sturdy. It has saved my skin on several occasions when I've been using a Broni as well as using longer lenses on 35mm. If a tripods is not possible, they're essential!

P.Berry

 

[rbarker]

Another travel alternative is the chainopod. Once attached to the camera, drop the chain to the ground, step on it, and pull gently up on the camera. Not quite as steady as a monopod, but it's easily concealed in a jacket pocket. You could also use the stealth model, made from black rope.

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[Thomassauerwein]

Another travel alternative is the chainopod. Once attached to the camera, drop the chain to the ground, step on it, and pull gently up on the camera. Not quite as steady as a monopod, but it's easily concealed in a jacket pocket. You could also use the stealth model, made from black rope.

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What a cool Idea! Never seen it, never done it, would be trying to find a pole to lean against.
I have a monopod I use all the time. Have been asked to get rid of it on a couple occasions. 99% of the time it is not a problem. I'd say go for it and if they ask squeeze the shutter then comply. Or ask them if they would hold very still while you use their shouder to secure your camera.

 

[Charles Webb]

The chainpod works very well, I learned about it from the movie industry long
before "Steady Cam" and such. If using the black rope modification don't use
nylon (boat) rope, it stretches much like a bungee cord. Chain though different from what rbarker shows in his excellent photo was my choice, all available from the local hardware store. I had not thought of this idea in a long time, rbarker thanks for the post as well as the reminder.

 

[waynecrider]

I'd rent a wheelchair and clamp a ballhead to it.