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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

Monopod for Scarlet and Epic

A

Adam Johnson

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SIAP: But I have not seen this anywhere else. Please post your best Monopod options for Epic and Scarlet here. Pictures recommended!

Thanks,
Adam
 
I love mono pods... takes me back to my old photographer days.

Using a mono pod with a 300mm
http://www.zoomfilmtv.com.au/ftp/JUNK/RED_Surf_quicky_test.mov

MT_beach_epic.JPG

small_rig.JPG
 
Used the monopod I already had, a Gitzo 1578L and repurposed it. I had an RRS clamp on it for my Nikon, took it off and replaced it with the RED DSMC plate. A tip, if you're going to do this, use loctite to secure the threads of the screw. I decided to leave the round Gitzo baseplate on this time around since it allows me to keep the strap, which I prefer. The other thing that would be great for someone like Matt Duclos or RED to create is a RPP 300mm support ring that attaches to the DSMC Quick Release plate. It could better balance the setup, similar to still cameras, plus allow for rotating the camera for verticals.
 
Here's a tip for what NOT to do. Avoid the monopods with a 3/8 sleeve that surrounds a 1/4-20 screw. The Epic is heavier than the average SLR, and the sleeve will not stand up to the torque it produces. It's a real PIA if it breaks off inside the 3/8 socket. So look for a really heavy-duty monopod for Epic/Scarlet.
 
manfotto has one with a tilt only fluid head and little spreader feet. Really nice design, but not exactly industry strength.
 
Thank you guys for your awesome input!

Mark Toia - Is your Epic mounted to the monopod via the Wooden Camera Easy Riser (or Red equivelant)? That's what I was thinking about using with my Scarlet. How secure does this set-up feel? I was holding a Carbon Fiber Gitzo Monopod today and was blown away by how light it was and that it can support up to 44lbs! The price wasn't that bad either at around $180. But as Mark Phelan suggested a run and gun set-up will only need to be in the neighborhood of around 25lbs.

Let me know what you guys think is a good mounting solution between camera and Monopod.

Thanks!
AJ
 
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So is it safe to assume the Carbon Fiber Gitzo's rated for 20+lbs should fit the bill?

AJ
 
Adam Johnson said:
So is it safe to assume the Carbon Fiber Gitzo's rated for 20+lbs should fit the bill?

AJ
Click to expand...

I think so. It doesn't have the sleeve that David was talking about, but rather a single screw, that's where the loctite (blue) comes into play. If you want a very secure connection, take off the round plate and attach whatever clamp system you're using directly to the top of the monopod. Done.

But if you want a beast, get that 55lb. rated pole. Can't imagine anyone schlepping 55lbs. of camera on a monopod, but if that floats your boat, knock yourself out!
 
55lbs is overkill for sure. What is a cheap, secure mount to use between the monopod and Scarlet. I'm used to simply screwing the round mono pod plate into the camera directly, but I will have a Easy Riser plate (at the least) between camera and monopod for follow focus. Do you think that is secure enough? My camera rig will probably be 15lbs (maximum)
 
Björn Benckert said:
This stuff made me want to go surf, Very nice work for 5 minutes, that is less than one battery... We should all do a "best Red Volt" photo challange, to see who can make the nicest short using only one VOLT without recharge :)
Click to expand...

hahaha that would be fun, except I plan on using vmount batteries via Brook's plate. So I'm disqualified ;)
 
Adam Johnson said:
55lbs is overkill for sure. What is a cheap, secure mount to use between the monopod and Scarlet. I'm used to simply screwing the round mono pod plate into the camera directly, but I will have a Easy Riser plate (at the least) between camera and monopod for follow focus. Do you think that is secure enough? My camera rig will probably be 15lbs (maximum)
Click to expand...

You're going to use a follow focus on a monopod? Not saying you can't, just seems, busy. Like a one-armed paper hanger. Sure, you "can" screw the monopod directly into the Easy Riser I suppose, but it's going to work itself loose, count on it. Some form of quick release plate seems better to me.
 
Mark Phelan said:
Sure, but you don't need one quite that stout for a run and gun setup. Mine holds 17+ lbs. and is more than sufficient. Look for something around the 20lbs range and you should be fine. Not sure what Mark Toia has, he'll probably chime in here with an update.
Click to expand...

To be honest we just use anything... so long as it has a 1/4 thread.

I do however am looking at a light weight carbon so I can just lift up and hand held. Low weight is important to me, thats why I keep my rig simple these days.
Also a tight solid little ball head on top of the Mono pod would be handy when you want to shot up or down or on a slope.

love the mono pod for the ease and speed of shooting...
 
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