IS for only one dollar

A friend just sent me this link in an email. It's ingenious. Makes for a reverse tension monopod. I haven't tried it yet but for the whole $0 it's gonna cost me I figure heck, why not?

Follow the link: http://www.switched.com/2008/01/30/t...or-any-camera/

That's exciting!

The only thing I would change is I would add a card to wrap it around for storage, so you don't waste time untangling after a few sessions of storage or a long day traveling.

I don't know about others but my quick release has an eye bolt and could tie the string to that eye. I'd use a bigger washer so its easier to stand on.
I'm gonna give it a go. Its easier to make than that pano head I posted.
Thanks Jaedon!

Frog is now envisioning lines of photojournalists with strings hanging from their cameras

I use a similar strategy when I do my panos.

but instead of standing on it, i tie it to something on the ground and then use it as a visual reference....and instead of a bolt, I use a hair tie that goes around the end of the lens....and instead of feeling the tension, I look at the string and make sure it points straight up as I rotate around it....ok...lots of differences...but it does involve a string. :lol:

Actually this is an old photojournalist trick, for getting the shot when a handheld shot would be difficult and the tripod was back at the car. I have never tried it but it makes a lot of sense and I'm sure it works great - a stop or two of help, at least. Remember this was before digital, so if there was a roll of 400 in the camera and the light level dropped you couldn't just bump up the ISO as you can with digital.

I've heard of lightweight chain being used as well which wouldn't stretch at all but some kinds of string (nylon) will stretch a bit. A little bit of stretch and it wouldn't be very useful, I'd think.

I just might drill a hole in the edge of one of my Horizon Leveling Tool boards and add a piece of fishing line with a screw on it. Then I can up the price by $10.00. I think I am going to change the name of my kit to the "Multi Functioning Photographers helper". Order now and get ahead of the rush! Jeff

Nice idea Grandpaw, but I'm afraid you'd have to announce a recall eventually.:p Fishing line is going to stretch. However, I just made one with nylon coated steel (steelon), the same material used for making steel fishing leaders. It has no stretch and has a 40# breaking strength. I don't have to worry about that puppy breaking. Also, I did buy a very large washer. Danged thing cost me 39c and the bolt cost me another 11c. My steel leader material runs about 4 1/2c per foot and the 2 crimps cost 1 1/2c each, for a total of 83c including tax. I think it'll work pretty nifty.

One of those things that makes you go DUH! It's so simple, yet so effective.

Great post.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mn shutterbug

Nice idea Grandpaw, but I'm afraid you'd have to announce a recall eventually.:p Fishing line is going to stretch. .

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Read my signature..... I am an optimist, all I can see if it stretches or breaks is the opportunity to sell a deluxe, professional step-up kit, Jeff