Monopod with 4x5 view camera...

[jasonjoo]

This may sound ridiculous, but does anyone use a monopod with their 4x5 view camera? While I'm not sure how common it is for people to hand hold their view cameras, I was wondering about using a monopod when taking candid photos of friends and family. I'm currently looking at the Bogen 682B monopod which has 3 very small legs at the bottom that can serve as a "tripod" when necessary. I'm sure it's not the most stable solution, but I have my tripod for those situations.

So does anyone use a monopod with their 4x5 view camera? Is it not very practical? I am waiting for the next wave of Chamonix 4x5 cameras to get shipped to me and to my understanding, there is no place for a hand strap. With the monopod, I could probably lean the camera over my should while I make adjustments or if I dare, I could use the 3 small retractable legs on the bottom as well!

Thanks,

Jason

Edit: Oh, while on the subjects of support systems, I was wondering if the Bogen RC2 quick release plate was large enough for the Chamonix 4x5. The plate is VERY small. I tried looking for the specs on Bogen's website, but the information is not there. Its about 1.5x1.75 inches. Will I need a larger quick release plate? I use a Bogen 468MGRC2 ball head at the moment... I'm not even sure if I can swap out the quick release system!

[BradS]

I've used the Crown Graphic with a monopod. It's not much different from handheld.

I think that supporting a view camera on a monopod with the mini tripod legs on the bottom of the monopod would just be begging for it to fall over and break your camera into a bunch of pieces. No way would I do that - not even with the crown graphic (it might chip the side walk).

For what you want to do, you might also look into a kind of pistol grip thingy. They used to be fairly common with the professional wedding photogs as I recall. It's kinda like a hand grip that screws into the triod socket....I guess it would be something like a very, very short monopod - but, the leg never touches the ground.

A big Strobo-frame might also be well suited to the task.

[BradS]

Honestly though, if you want to shoot 4x5 handheld, forget about the Chamonix. Just go get yourself a good used press camera.

[jasonjoo]

Thanks Brad. I'll have to see the camera first to see if it will be useful to have both a tripod and monopod for it. I won't be using the Chamonix like this all the time. Maybe once in a while if I want to take some candid portraits at family gatherings or when I'm with friends.

I'll mainly use the camera for landscape/still life.

Jason

[Paul Howell]

I agree with Brad, for the few times you are shooting in a candit setting get a Crown or Bushman press camera. I use my Crown and Speed all the time hand held or with a monopod.

[Barry S]

Jason-- I have the Chamonix 45N-1 and it's a great camera, but there's no point in getting a monopod. With a Speed or Crown Graphic, you have a rangefinder--so you can consider handheld or monopod shots. Portraits, yes--but on a tripod and good luck with getting candids--not so easy with a field camera.

[jasonjoo]

Thanks guys. It seems like the view camera was just not made for candid work

I was hoping that it could pull double duty. Since LF is very new to me, I want to invest more into lenses, a dark cloth, loupe, etc. rather than looking for another camera at this point. I'll save a bit more and hopefully in a few months I'll have a Crown/Speed Graphic for candid shots

Jason

[Barry S]

That sounds like a good plan. I was originally going to get a Speed after my Chamonix to use handheld and for barrel lenses, but somewhere along the way I took a detour into 8x10. The Chamonix will keep you busy for a while and the little accessories you need can add up.

[Ian Grant]

One problem I run into is tripods are banned at many places I'm currently photographing. I guess I could possibly pack a small monopod in my backpack but it's easier to hand hold the camera.

For hand-held work something like a Speed or Crown Graphic is ideal. I use my Crown Graphic in Turkey when I can't use my Wista & tripod. Even though the light is always good it's still worth using fast film, to allow me to use a fast shutter speed and stop down enough to get sufficient depth of field. Currently I'm using HP5.

Ian

[JLMoore3rd]

Jason- I have a couple Speed Graphics, so let me know when you're ready & I'll send you specs & prices... I've been meaning to put them up in the classifieds, but I haven't gotten around to doing that.

John

Thanks guys. It seems like the view camera was just not made for candid work

I was hoping that it could pull double duty. Since LF is very new to me, I want to invest more into lenses, a dark cloth, loupe, etc. rather than looking for another camera at this point. I'll save a bit more and hopefully in a few months I'll have a Crown/Speed Graphic for candid shots

Jason