Can anyone help me find a foot rest for my Bogen Monopod?

I have started using my Monopod with my XL-1s and have been experiencing some challenges with keeping the shot from going Left to Right. Has anyone seen a foot pedal kit or something similar that I can attach to the bottom section of my monopod (and keep my foot on it) to keep it from going side to side?

I was thinking of making something myself since I did not find anything on Bogen's web site to solve this problem.

Look forward to your creative comments!!

Regards,
Frank

I find that weightlifting helps ...

I'm looking into some monopod supports, although I need something that rotates on a wrestling mat without transmitting the vibrations to the camera.
The multi-function shoes seem to add some stability without adding much weight or inhibiting swivel. Though, I've yet to use them.

Gitzo G-1410.130 All Terrain Shoe - for Series 4 & 5 Monopods
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=193845&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

Giottos Multifunction Shoe - for Universal Series Tripods
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart&A=details&Q=&sku=318626&is=REG

I ordered the Giotto yesterday, but I don't know how these shoes will fit on either of
my Bogen Manfrotto tripods as they don't have a clean method for attachment. Perhaps this will help :

Bogen / Manfrotto 676SP2 Stainless Steel Retractable Spiked Foot Adapter - for 679 and 680 Monopods

Thanks Gints.
I looked at the two items you found at B & H. They may work but need extra modification to connect it to the monopod. I was hoping to find a foot stand that can fold in parallel with the monopod leg for storage, and fold open parallel to the ground so I can put my foot on it and keep the mono pod from moving side to side.

I am thinking of visiting a bicycle store to see if they have a kick stand (Jack)that I can use to do the job.

I hope someone out there may have seen an add-on device like this. I am also planning on searching other Tripod makers to see if they have a foot stand.

Regards,
Frank

For the "flat foot" solution, check out the July 2005 issue of Shutterbug,
which, conveniently, is no longer on the magazine racks ! But here's the
link on www.shutterbug.com :

http://www.shutterbug.net/features/0705eight/index.html

Check out page 2 for the section on customizing your monopod. I think you're looking for the DuoPod foot brace.

Though, for shorter periods of time, I find that standing with a nearly triangular, toes out posture helps with body stability. (This I learned from
martial arts training. It's an efficient tripod stance that helped me get through many standing events.) I like to stick the monopod base on
the inside of my foot. Bring your elbows into your body for yet another triangular structure. I'm bringing in postures from martial arts as I don't know what pros do.

This is exactly what I was looking for. Many thanks. You have been extremely helpfull. Now the fun begins...

I am still undecided between the foot brace model vs. the Bogen 3 chicken leg stand. Given the tight situations that I sometimes have to shoot in for weddings, perhaps the Foot brace will do the job. I will only have to keep track of 1 legg instead of 3!! Thanks again!!!

Best regards,
Frank

>Bogen 3 chicken leg

Have you actually tried one of these in person ? I don't know why they would
sell, other than as a super cheap option as a stand for a light reflector or something. I would never put anything that can be broken on one of these.
Sure, you can always remove the little legs as they are optional. Though, I think the temptation of a free-standing monopod would be too great. Stay away from evil.

No I have not tried one. I did some search for the DuoPod and it does not look like many dealers carry it. The only place I found they might have them was a place called 16 x 9. But I have not got a price from them yet. I did order the Bogen Chicken legg model for now as it was fairly inexpensive.

I am not counting on hanging my XL-1s on it and walk away. As long as this set up will eliminate the unwanted side ways movement, I should be fine. From what I have heard, you can actually remove and install these leggs individually. I hope. Perhaps I can make my additions to it and make it do what I want. Only if I had my own machine shop!!!

Do you know what a DuoPod costs?

Frank

Yeah, I've tried out the chicken legs on a monopod, and the model I tried (forget which) allowed you to remove the legs.

From the Shutterbug article :
"the Uni-Loc DuoPod (DPA, $89 street) and DuoPod Pro (DPK, $149.95 street) foot braces add a large dose of lateral stability"

Pro4 Imaging Inc. (Uni-Loc)
701 Aspen Peak Loop #523
Henderson, NV 89015
(800) 636-0844
www.pro4.com

Thankx again Gints. I will contact Pro 4 and see what they have available.

I can tell that, you have been through this search already. What did you end up with at the end?

Frank

I bought the Giotto multifunciton show with the swivel base, though I am unable to mount it on my Bogen tripods. I'll have to find some sort of adapter. It doesn't swivel as smoothly as I would like, though some lube will help.

Gints,

Did you find a way to make it work?

I ended up returning my Bogen chicken leg stand as it was not as stable as I thought. It will be a perfect tool for still cameras but not an XL-1s!!!

I am leaning more towards the Duopod now. I just got to get around to measurning the diameter of the Monopod to make sure I get the right version. My guess is that the Mini will be the right one for my Bogen Mono-Pod.

Frank

Gints,

Did you find a way to make it work?

I ended up returning my Bogen chicken leg stand as it was not as stable as I thought. It will be a perfect tool for still cameras but not an XL-1s!!!

I am leaning more towards the Duopod now. I just got to get around to measurning the diameter of the Monopod to make sure I get the right version. My guess is that the Mini will be the right one for my Bogen Mono-Pod.

Frank

Can you update us on what you finally ended up using -- the duopod or something else (and what you would do if you had to do it over again)?

Thanks.

Unfortunately, I have not done much with this project. I have to pick it back up again before the next wedding season starts.

Frank

Unfortunately, I have not done much with this project. I have to pick it back up again before the next wedding season starts.

Frank
Frank take a look at this new Fluid Base Monopod from Bogen...
http://www.bogenimaging.us/product/templates/templates.php3?sectionid=14&itemid=3236

I have the chicken legged one as well, and hate the flex in the legs as well, but these legs look much more substantial.

Hi Frank,

Have you considered just attaching one of those right angle metal corner units to the bottom by way of hose clamps ? Many sizes to choose from. Simple, cheap, quick and easy to mount/dismount. You can even mount 2 ( to use either foot) or 3 (for max stability) depending on what you need.

2nd, how about using a Belt Mount ? Nothing to trip over. Easy and cheap to make. Easier to change positions and move about.

Harold

I took the bottom part of an adjustable walking cane,the ones with 4 small legs, which I bought at a yard sale for almost nothing. I used the top half of my monopod and the bottom part of the walking cane. The best I remember it's diameter was a little smaller than my monopod, so I made two plastic shems from a plastic bottle. It works great. I can also adjust the height. I find it also helps stability a lot. Also I find the weight of the feet helps as a Hand held stableizer. Another plus, I can use it as hiking staff, without camera attached, of course. As tempting as it may be I would never use it as a stand alone pod.

I thought this might be something yuo might want to try.

Bob J. Trimmer
bdtrimmer@clearwire.net

Harold and Bob,

These are great ideas. That is why I keep coming back to this forum. There are many folks with lots of great ideas. I will try your suggestions and see what works best.

Harold - by "one of those right angle metal corner units" you mean the units that you can use to hang shelf on? Like a right angle bracket? or is it something that you can buy from places like B&H.

Regards,
Frank

Hi Frank,

Yes, the right angle bracket type. Can be as big or small as you want. The bigger one gives more weight and more to set your foot on.

Harold