Self collapsing monopod?

I have a wonderful Monopod now, but I discovered one issue on my first outing that is difficult to live with. While walking around a crowded area, I wanted to keep the monopod pretty closed up. I had the 70-200 on it, and due to multiple back surgeries, I don't bend so well. Anyway, I found myself continuously opening and closing the monopod and locking and unlocking the leg. I was wondering if there was a monopod out there that could be instantly collapsed to the closed position by some kind of lever or something. Not sure if I am getting my point across right now, I had another back surgery today, so the drugs are kicking in as I write.

So, I want a monopod that when it is completely extended and locked, I can hit a button or something and the whole thing then "sucks" back to being its shortest length?

I had a budy send me a link to one that "kind of" does that, but not really. Google searches have been no assistance.

Thanks in advance for any help you might offer.

Im not sure but i think manfrotto has one that uses a grip system when you grip it it goes out to lenght you set it at when you let go it locks in ... not sure about the quality of it but its made by manfrotto...

heres a link to it...

http://www.manfrotto.c​om …d=103|113&lsf=1​13&child=2

Brandon

I own the monopod mentioned above (Bogen/Manfrotto 3245). It's a solid build, however I'd take a look at the 685B also. It's a little more expensive, but looks to be a truly single hand operation. The 3254 requires 2 hands to open. I don't own the 685B, but the pedal at the bottom looks very functional.

Thanks to both of you. Are you saying with the 685B I can fully retract without having to unlock a lower component?

Thanks for the responses, I will also look at those models online and see what they look like.

Joe

I can only speak for the 3245. To extend it, you rotate the bottom third of the monopod leg (one way or the other..can't remember which direction) to unlock it. That extends the lower 2/3 of the monopod. The remaining 1/3 can be extended and unlocked buy squeezing the pistol grip. You still have to hold the bottom 2/3 to extend the upper 1/3 upwards.

With the 685, I have to assume that you could just hold the pedal w/ your foot while squeezing the pistol grip and pulling upwards. This way you'd only be using one foot and one hand.

TXLEBER wrote in post #2527290
I can only speak for the 3245. To extend it, you rotate the bottom third of the monopod leg (one way or the other..can't remember which direction) to unlock it. That extends the lower 2/3 of the monopod. The remaining 1/3 can be extended and unlocked buy squeezing the pistol grip. You still have to hold the bottom 2/3 to extend the upper 1/3 upwards.

With the 685, I have to assume that you could just hold the pedal w/ your foot while squeezing the pistol grip and pulling upwards. This way you'd only be using one foot and one hand.

Thanks! If I buy another one, as recommended here, I'll let you all know. Now I just have to look at what you all suggested.

Joe

I also do have 3245, and I love this thing that adjusts the height with a single trigger motion. I use this feature all the time, and it's so handy. But it looks like 685 is an improved version, and when I wear out my 3245, I'll be looking at the 685.

cool I was looking for this too

See here

Very nice makes me want to get the 685!

Brandon

I have a 685B and love it. It's one hand and one foot to operate. It has a small flip out pedal on the bottom that just allows you to hold the monopod in place while you squeeze the grip to lower or raise the monopod.

My only complaint is that it's a little long, probably 24" collapsed. Other than that, it's the only one I will ever need.

Chad, is the extension on the 685B soley controlled by the pistol grip? Do you have to turn any of the monopod elements to unlock it (like the 3245)?

You don't have to do anything besides pull the lock down with your pinky finger and squeeze the grip. All one handed, nothing else to do.

Condyk
Great link, thanks. Very useful info. Looks like the 685b is just what I was looking for. Convenient, yet safe for my equipment!