What is this used for?

Todd Barlow · Jun 24, 2025

Any idea what this used for? 1/4” tripod screw on either end with a 4’ chain between.
Thanks
Todd

cowanw · Jun 24, 2025

I will guess it is a monopod sort of device for a Rolleiflex. Small end goes in the camera and the black end goes under your foot.

pentaxuser · Jun 24, 2025

cowanw said:
I will guess it is a monopod sort of device for a Rolleiflex. Small end goes in the camera and the black end goes under your foot.

That's my guess as well for what it is worth

pentaxuser

Todd Barlow · Jun 24, 2025

Could be. Had thought about that but discounted since the tube is plastic and durability would be limited. Still no sure why the tripod bolts on both ends?

Donald Qualls · Jun 24, 2025

A portrait focus chain. Free end goes in the camera's tripod socket, subject holds the black part under their chin while the photographer sets exposure, loads film holder, pulls dark slide, etc. -- then lowers their hand just before exposure.

cowanw · Jun 24, 2025

Good questions. There is a quarter and 1/8th thread at either end for flexibility of use. I suppose they used crepe shoe soles then.
Here is something

Vintage Rowi catalogue Optronics Essex | eBay UK

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Look at the third picture down in the description and enlarge. There is a woman standing on a Rowi Chain Pod. the describe it as 180 cm but the pic shows 100

Todd Barlow · Jun 24, 2025

Ok got it!
Could have some application for point and shoot cameras with zone focus (once distances have been determined) or cameras with a tripod socket but no focus at all once closest focus is determined.

Thanks for all the responses!

cowanw · Jun 24, 2025

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/59gAAOSwVU5iBmTu/s-l1600.webp

Todd Barlow · Jun 24, 2025

Thanks Bill, the "Article Number" in the catalogue matches with Article Number 100 on the box.
"Rowi Chain Tripod" with 6' of chain.

Thanks Donald, Rowi didn't know it had a dual application as a "Portrait Focus Chain"!

All the best

Todd

reddesert · Jun 25, 2025

It's a camera-bullroarer. You screw one end of the chain into the camera, and use the handle end to hold it while you swing the camera around your head.

Somewhat supplanted by the Tarantino-style circular dolly shot as this was never really up to holding a full size movie camera.

Donald Qualls · Jun 25, 2025

reddesert said:
It's a camera-bullroarer.

What is this used for?

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