Manfrotto monopod

derek andrews · Sep 25, 2017

I've just acquired a Manfrotto monopod without a 'head' thinking I could buy a ball and socket later, only to discover it has an unusually big screw that doesn't seem to fit any 'heads' on the market. Any advice what heads will fit, other than manfrotto's that will probably be very expensive

Prof_Pixel · Sep 25, 2017

My Manfrotto monopod has a 'two-ended' mounting screw. One end is the US Standard 1/4-20 thread, the other end has a larger 3/8-16 thread. Just unscrew it from the tripod bracket, turn it over, and reinsert.

Just looked at the tripod again. The actual opening on the adjustable tripod bracket is the larger thread size. The insert that mounts the camera to the tripod has the larger thread on one end. The 'collar' of the other end is the larger size, while the end of the side is the smaller size thread.

Are you perhaps missing the adjustment/mounting screw?

Taking off the adjustable tripod bracket, the actual screw on the end of the tripod proper is 1/4-20

RalphLambrecht · Sep 25, 2017

derek andrews said:
I've just acquired a Manfrotto monopod without a 'head' thinking I could buy a ball and socket later, only to discover it has an unusually big screw that doesn't seem to fit any 'heads' on the market. Any advice what heads will fit, other than manfrotto's that will probably be very expensive

I'm a big fan of monopods but, I use it without a ball head, mounted directly to the camera.

mdarnton · Sep 25, 2017

Are you sure? Every Manfrotto tripody thing has a 3/8" screw, as does every head I have ever seen have a 3/8 hole. Better check again!

AgX · Sep 26, 2017

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derek andrews said:
I've just acquired a Manfrotto monopod without a 'head' thinking I could buy a ball and socket later, only to discover it has an unusually big screw that doesn't seem to fit any 'heads' on the market.

All Monfrotto tripods/monopods have standardized tripod screws. Keep in mind there are two sizes of threads: 1/4th" and 3/8th".
Large 3-D heads for instance use the large thread.

Your monopod has 2 coaxial screws.
The outer one is springloaded.

LimeyKeith · Sep 26, 2017

My Manfrotto monopod has a 'telescopic' 3/8" thread over the standart 1'4" tripod screw thread so either option is available.

Prof_Pixel · Sep 26, 2017

AgX said:
Your monopod has 2 coaxial screws.
The outer one is springloaded.

Mine doesn't - it only has a 1/4-20 - so it appears there are at least two different monopod models (mine says 3006)

Edit: I just looked at the US Manfrotto website and there are over a dozed monopod models!

derek andrews · Sep 26, 2017

How ingenious. I've had a closer look at the 'big' screw and it does seem to be covering another smaller threaded screw...but how to unscrew the screw seems to be the problem without damaging it?

derek andrews · Sep 26, 2017

LimeyKeith said:
My Manfrotto monopod has a 'telescopic' 3/8" thread over the standart 1'4" tripod screw thread so either option is available.

View attachment 187278

So is mine! Problem solved.....thanks so much. I'd never have guessed at a spring-loaded screw!

CMoore · Sep 26, 2017

Other than some Weight/Size.....i never got the whole "Monopod" thing. Maybe if you use the mono 95% of the time, it would be worth having a singular stick.?.......I always just turned whatever tripod i had into a usable monopod.......

MattKing · Sep 26, 2017

CMoore said:
Other than some Weight/Size.....i never got the whole "Monopod" thing. Maybe if you use the mono 95% of the time, it would be worth having a singular stick.?.......I always just turned whatever tripod i had into a usable monopod.......

A monopod is much easier to transport than a tripod.
Do you ever combine bicycling or backpacking or minimal luggage travel with photography?
Many years ago I spent seven weeks travelling through Europe with a small backpack, a small camera/utility bag and a convertible (three retractable small legs at the bottom) monopod. It was ideal.

RalphLambrecht · Sep 26, 2017

mdarnton said:
Are you sure? Every Manfrotto tripody thing has a 3/8" screw, as does every head I have ever seen have a 3/8 hole. Better check again!

checked; fits directly to camera.

CMoore · Sep 27, 2017

MattKing said:
A monopod is much easier to transport than a tripod.
Do you ever combine bicycling or backpacking or minimal luggage travel with photography?
Many years ago I spent seven weeks travelling through Europe with a small backpack, a small camera/utility bag and a convertible (three retractable small legs at the bottom) monopod. It was ideal.

Hey Matt -
Yeah...i should have maybe made that point stronger i guess. But like i said, unless it is a weight/size issue.
And i guess that IS the place for a monopod, when weight and size are critical. I have never been in a situation where it mattered all that much.
For ME, a monopod has always been a.....convenience, side issue kind of thing, if you know what i mean. I have always just made do with putting all 3 legs close together, or raising two of the three and making a mono from the remaining third leg.
There is always a use for a tool..
I went to a minor league baseball game. They WILL allow a Monopod, but they Do NOT allow a Tripod.

Manfrotto monopod

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