Pbleic: Views and Things

Improve Your Photography with a Tripod

Two nice tricks I learned last year at the Nikon School of Photography - first is a monopod substitute that you can always carry with you. Simply take a 1/4"-20 eyebolt and attach a 6 foot length of light chain to it with an S-hook. All of these are available in any hardware store for pennies. Screw the eyebolt into the tripod screw on the camera and stand on the other end of the chain. By pulling up on the camera you can steady about as well as you can on a monopod.

Second is a bit more expensive to set up but very useful. Take a vice grip pliers and weld (any welding shop can do this for you) two 1/4-20 bolts onto the handle at 90 degrees to each other. You can now clamp your vice grips to anything, screw your tripod head onto it and have a solid camera mount. Perfect for outdoor sporting events.

2 Comments:

• "you can steady about as well as you can on a tripod."

I think you mean "you can steady about as well as you can on a MONOpod."

Also, unlike a monopod, the stability of the camera is dependent on your ability to maintain a constant tension on the chain while making the exposure.

Nonetheless, you're right- it's a great way to stabilize your camera. I find that stretch-resistant nylon cord works well, and is lighter than chain. I tie the cord to an old credit card, and step on the credit card to anchor the whole deal. It prevents slipping when wearing lugged shoes or on soft/uneven ground. I just wrap the cord around the credit card for storage without tangles.

By  Anonymous, at May 25, 2004 12:48 PM  

• Aargh, yes of course. I meant to say monopod. I will magically change it to avoid confusing others.

By  Anonymous, at May 25, 2004 12:50 PM  

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