Adorama Podmatic 5 Section Monopod w/Case (no head) Our Version Of The Linhof Monomatic -discontinued--please purchase FPUC204

2014-12-09T19:00:00

I liked this monopod for the first two or three years, and then it began to slip. Thinking that I had nothing to lose, I grabbed some channel-lock pliers and vice grips, unscrewed the top cap, and removed the rubber button at the bottom. There appeared to be some adhesive on the threads, so removing the cap required persistence. Heat might have helped, and protecting the surface is advisable. After spraying degreaser down the extended pod, and rinsing thoroughly, the slipping went away! Don't toss it--fix it!

Bob t.

2011-12-04T19:00:00

It is very light weight and easy to carry. If you are using a light digital camera it is probably ok. It is not very sturdy and after a few outings with it the joints started to loosen up.

CHERI C.

2008-08-11T21:00:00

I too purchased this 'pod after Keppler (RIP) recommended it in Pop Photo - and added a Slik compact ballhead. I've dragged the thing all over the world, using it for both film and digital SLRs as well as compacts. If you follow the instructions, it works like a champ - fast, sturdy, and lightweight. A pro-photog friend bought one after seeing mine - promptly took it on safari in Africa, and loves it!

MARK P.

2008-08-01T21:00:00

the first one would'nt lock when extended but wouldslip down quarter to half inch, returned it and second one would not stop slipping with the light weight camera attached. gave up and bought a manfrotto modo, it works fine for light duty

Wally

2007-09-25T21:00:00

So light and simple. Your arms don't experience weakness as you wait for that perfect shot. Stops the shake, rattle and roll while you concentrate on your shot.

John

2007-07-09T21:00:00

I have problems adjusting the device for use with a belt loop. Little pieces of white plastic broke off from the most distal joint but I don't notice any difference in performance. I have been considering returning the product but I wasnt to try it on one more trip.

alanlmorgan

2007-02-25T19:00:00

Your request for a review came at a particularly opportune time. I purchased the Monopod for my son to use on a trip to Africa in 2002. I have had it since his return, but I had been unable to get it to lock properly-- until yesterday! I was going through some old boxes and found the one for the Monopod. And in it there were the instructions! They had remained stuck well into the box ever since I had easily slipped the Monopod out. Once one gets the hang of it, the Monopod is not that difficult to use. I am looking forward to using it now that I have learned how.

Bill

2007-02-17T19:00:00

Use it primaily with a camcorder to record sports events. Only problem I have encountered is that it sometimes does not lock in the position I want it to.

Mr E.

2007-02-13T19:00:00

This is my second purchase of this item. I left the first in a rental car and found I depend on this monopod quite a bit. The first one seemed to be of somewhat better construction and was easier open and set to height.

Charlie B.

2007-02-12T19:00:00

For the price, can't complain too much - on Prosumer point and shoots, it is good. For (D)SLR's, the joints just don't hold up on and it is a bit too easy to collapse. Look for something with a better locking mechanism.

Joseph H.

2007-02-11T19:00:00

I own this for several years. Major plus is that it is light and compact and easily extends and locks. Good for camcorder and for additional stability for my camera. Some drawbacks is that it is difficult to reduce length since it is optimized for quick extension. Once extended, it is not as easy to shorten it. Need to press a button at the bottom of the monopod. Would've been nice if it were at top since you need to flip it to press the button. Difficult to hold its settings at very short lengths.

miltie d.

2007-02-11T19:00:00

The screw head of my Podmatic unfortunately came loose, probably caused by the "pistol grip" head that was attached to it. Adorama, as usual, offered to replace or refund without a quibble since it occured in the first year

Bob

2007-02-11T19:00:00

I find the opening of the pod is tricky to open in that if it is to opened only part way, the lowest section must be brought out first. If you don't, the pod will not stay at the desired length. You must get the lowest section out first so that the catches will grab at any height. The trick can be learned, however. The closing is also tedious in that two small buttons must be pushed in simultaneously in order to slide the lowest section up and then the remaining sections will collapse easily. The lightness and compactness make it great for traveling.

Steve K.

2007-02-11T19:00:00

Not the sturdiest, but so small when collapsed. That's the tradeoff, size v. stability. Works well when I'm just out for an afternoon of walking and picture taking.

Mr B.

2007-02-11T19:00:00

When I first bought my Podmatic, I ordered two by mistake. I liked it so much I kept the second one to give to my brother for his birthday. (He really like the functionality also). Sadly, both Podmatics were stolen from my car along with some other photo equipment. I hope to replace them someday.

Jaz

2007-02-11T19:00:00

A great take-along

WILLY S.

2007-02-11T19:00:00

This is a great idea--a small, light, quickly extended monopod. Great for traveling and for places where you can't use a tripod. But is was not particularly stable. About the 4th time I extended it, a clamp (section lock?) came loose from one of the sections and I could not repair it. I returned the monopod. [...]

Ron V.

2007-02-11T19:00:00

Returned first one-woobled when extended. Replacement SAME!! Poorly, cheaply made! Despite good reviews, would NOT recommend, especially for the money! [...]Get a less expensive unit and save your money!

larrythecomputerguy

2007-02-11T19:00:00

I find the product difficult to lock at precisely the height I want, particularly when I am in rush. And it collapses much too easily.

PK

2007-02-05T19:00:00

I bought this excellent monopod after reading Herbert Keppler's article about it in Popular Photography & Imaging magazine (read the article attached to the monopods description). I also ordered the Sunpak Compact Ball Head with it and later added Manfrotto's 3299 Quick Change Rectangular Plate Adapter with the 3157N Plate to make the monopod even more versatile. The monopod with the ball head will fit in the neat case but will not fit in the case with the quick change adapter added. This monopod is an excellent product that is everything Mr. Keppler says about it. Fully extended or completely collapsed is instantaneous. It also can be easily adjusted to any height in between fully open and completely collapsed.

burningtown

2007-02-05T19:00:00

Great Product, the quick load head adapter and the push butten leg release are both easy to use and have a very solid feel to them. I use this with a Samsung Pro815 digital camera which weighs over 6 pounds, and it holds it without a problem. It's a monopod so it's not 'hands free", but it certainly helps make your hands, "rock steady".

MPAgent

2007-02-04T19:00:00

Because it is lightweight and compact it goes with me on every trip I make. Fits nicely into my travel bag!

Gregory K.

2007-02-04T19:00:00

Packs small and light. Quick to open and use. Unobtrusive to carry for travel. Add the smallest, lightest, ball head you can find. Think small magnesium ball head.

Travelerben

2007-02-04T19:00:00

This monopod is lightweight and easy to carry around. No levers or screws to catch on every camera strap and coat jacket in sight. Adjusting it quickly takes a bit of practice -- if you make it too long you essentially have to start over in the fully collapsed position, but that's a small inconvenience considering its size and weight. Rock solid and heavy are great for tripods but with a monopod you need to be agil and a heavy bulky device just gets in the way. This is a good cure for that problem.

Ralph

2007-02-04T19:00:00

I got a Sunpak ball head for this mono-pod. It's a perfect match.

Mike

2007-02-04T19:00:00

I wound up sending it back because it was falling apart. I was very disappointed in the overall quality and contruction. I would not buy this product.

El

2007-02-01T19:00:00

I have to amend my earlier rating of this item. I initially thought this would work out OK. It's compact and opens in a jiff. The problem is folding it up. The little buttons are too short so you have to get your fingers right up in there. Then, it starts to go but sticks. You push harder and your fingers get seriously pinched by the sharp metal edge of the tube. I would like a dollar for every time this thing has drawn blood. Anyhow, what seems like a very minor problem is not. You will never want to fold it up so what's the point in having it open easy. I tried to smooth the end of the tube thinking that would fix it but nothing really made it right. I ended up scrapping it. I can not recommend this product. Get a standard monopod.

PictureMaker

2007-01-16T19:00:00

I've taken, and used, this monopod all over the world. Even in Paris, where tripods are banned, I was not hassled when an undercover cop looking for an American drug dealer questioned me. Obviously, it's not as solid as its bigger brothers, but that's not the point. You can take this anywhere and shoot those slow shutter speeds that are necessary to fully utilize ISO 50 and 100.

David V.

2006-11-16T19:00:00

Got two examples of this "highly rated" monopod, but units both wobbled and appeared to use cheap materials (hand strap is a joke). Wouldn't get this if I were you!

LAWRENCE G.

2006-09-07T21:00:00

This pod seems generally well made with lots of metal parts. It opens instantly to full height. (Getting less than full height takes some fiddling.) Full height is good for me though. It's solid but the joints do not lock tight like a conventional mono so they can wiggle. The solution is to put some torque on the shaft to take the slop out. This seems to work OK. Folding the pod is not as easy as opening. You have to squeeze the little nubs and push the bottom section in which can pinch your fingers a little. It's acceptable but not great. The best thing about this pod is that you'll use it.

PictureMaker