The Lowly Monopod

                     C220 Mamiya TLR attached to a Gitzo monopod*

I dislike having to carry a tripod.

The bigger they are the more I dislike them.

I dislike the bulk and cumbersome size of the
beasts.

Lighter, carbon fiber models don't seem to help. I will never like using one.



What I do like however is a good monopod. The lowly one-legged accessory which as it turns out is perfect for general photography on a TLR.

Not only is it unobtrusive it can be carried over the shoulder comfortably for many hours. Try that with a tripod.

The following is my list of reasons for using a monopod:

1. Cheaper than a tripod.
2. Ideally suited for use with a TLR
3. Comfortable on shoulder
4. Doubles as a walking stick or extension tool in the right hands.
5. Formidable weapon if needed.
6. Takes up hardly any space.
7. Makes you look serious.
8. Holds TLR steady down to 1/30 second with shorter lenses.
9. A good one like a Gitzo will last forever.

*my daughter Jena holds Gitzo monopod with C220 attached. 135mm lens, 1/250 second at f8.0
 Ilford HP5 film developed in D76 1:1 for 12 minutes. Negative scanned on Epson 4490