Manfrotto 561BHDV-1 Monopod question

So I just got the Manfrotto 561BHDV monopod and I'm super excited to use it next weekend for a wedding. I only played with it for a little bit and already Love it!

I noticed that the ball joint at the bottom is a bit "sticky" and seems to catch a bit (an issue I've read about). Can anyone give me a step by step on how to loosen the joint so it doesn't do this?

Is there a way to both have fluid movement AND the sticking point in the middl for static shots?

Thanks in advance!

(And for those of you who don't own one yet. Go get one!)

WD40. We have 4 of them and they all get sticky. Especially the newer ones(red ring at the base)

Yeah, not necessary to loosen it, you want it tight, you just don't want it to stick.. thats where some lube comes in handy.

Thanks for the heads up!! I was about to go ruin my new toy... whew.

At every wedding before I head out the day before, check your equipment, gease or lube them. Also, the monopod will get loosen and you'll find yourself you extend to a certain height it drop down. Tighten the screws a little.

If you lube the joint, will you lose the static middle balance point? Thanks.

Gantoris wrote in post #15170481
If you lube the joint, will you lose the static middle balance point? Thanks.

You'd be far better off trying NOT to find that "static middle balance point" as that, in my opinion, could potentially lead to a big disaster if you want to get your hands off of the monopod. I purchased this "novelty" monopod a few weeks ago, but after a week of tests (including loosening and tightening and whatever) I promptly returned it. The monopod, in spite of its three legs, is not meant to be used hands-free. Even a light airflow from a heater vent in your house could knock your gear over. It WAS a cool novelty product while I had it, though.

I agree that it's a very bad idea to expect this monopod to free stand with a pile of gear on top, and it's unfortunate that some have touted this "feature", but you're doing it a disservice to refer to it as a "novelty". As a MONOPOD, it's the best available for video. I own one and use it as much or more than my Sachtler tripod. For run-and-gun solo work, it's a heck of a lot easier to lug around. Just depends on your needs and expectations.

Snafoo wrote in post #15171919
...but you're doing it a disservice to refer to it as a "novelty".

nov·el·ty/ˈnävəltē/ -

Noun:

The quality of being new, original, or unusual.

which 561BHDV-1 is...

I'm actually thinking about investing in this as well for my wedding videos.
I'm just thinking is it really worth to get it if I already have a stable tripod, stabilizer, slider?

What are some pros that this monopod can handle besides being more mobile than a tripod?

I've heard these work really well.

GeminiZ wrote in post #15172544
I'm actually thinking about investing in this as well for my wedding videos.
I'm just thinking is it really worth to get it if I already have a stable tripod, stabilizer, slider?

What are some pros that this monopod can handle besides being more mobile than a tripod?

Definitely. Once you get one.. You'll use it more than those three combined. You can imitate a crane, slider, and tripod with one tool. The ability to control DOF with smooth movement instead of racking focus and touching the lens is invaluable.

Drozz119 wrote in post #15172684
Definitely. Once you get one.. You'll use it more than those three combined. You can imitate a crane, slider, and tripod with one tool. The ability to control DOF with smooth movement instead of racking focus and touching the lens is invaluable.

+1... there are many creative shots you can do with wedding event on the monopod. Hold it at a certain part of the monopod it's almost like a hand held stabilizer if you dont have time to grab your flycam, merlin, or the glidecam.

Here is a helpful video that shows the versatility of the 561BHDV:

http://www.learn.usa.c​anon.com …on_monopod_tuto​rial.shtml

If i were you i would not use WD40 , WD40 has a water mix to the ingredients and that causes rust eventually . Use a Silicone base spray which not only works well but is water repellent .