Adding a camera mount thingie to existing Leki Ultralights?

[Rufous Sided Towhee]

Would like to have one of my Leki ultralight poles do double duty as a monopod. Has anyone here already figgered out how to do this elegantly? I do see from googling that Leki actually offers this feature on one of their models, but I can't be buying new poles just for this. I need to rig a camera mount onto my existing pole somehow.

Though I did just find this interesting thing, it's a camera mount that screws onto a soda bottle...kewl http://cgi.ebay.com/Bottle-Cap-Tripod-Digital-Camera-Screw-Adapter-Mount_W0QQitemZ330070882125QQcmdZViewItem

Anyway, can anyone help me with my Leki question?

[hammock engineer]

I was thinking about doing that a few months ago. The problem with my leki's are that they have shock absorbers. They adjust using a screw on top of the poles.

If it was not for that I could do it. Just mount a nut in the top of the pole. Then get a piece of thread rod that will screw into both the nut and your camera mount.

Let us know if up come up with a better way.

[Rufous Sided Towhee]

I was thinking about doing that a few months ago. The problem with my leki's are that they have shock absorbers. They adjust using a screw on top of the poles.

If it was not for that I could do it. Just mount a nut in the top of the pole. Then get a piece of thread rod that will screw into both the nut and your camera mount.

Let us know if up come up with a better way.
Yeah, mine too. Plus, I don't want the hard pointy little camera mount permanently sticking up on the top of the pole, since I place my palm on top a lot in various situations. Ouchie.

Maybe velcro...

[bigcranky]

This will wrap around the handle of your trekking pole, plus it will work like a regular tripod:

http://tinyurl.com/on6tv

Love it.

[Smile]

I did it last year on my hike. I actually purchased a tripod, took the platform and screw off, and then removed the handle from my (leki) pole. I squeezed it in there and glued it off with some gorilla glue. It worked OK, but was not as sturdy as I had hoped with the camera attached.

Also, I unless held manually, it had to be propped up for shots of myself at locations when nobody was around. I used it with my video cam as well.

[2009ThruHiker]

This will wrap around the handle of your trekking pole, plus it will work like a regular tripod:

http://tinyurl.com/on6tv

Love it.

Any idea if this thing will work for a very small video camera, the Sony HVR-A1U weighing 1lb. 8oz? I need a tripod for it on the trail from time to time, wondering if this thing might be sturdy enough?

[2009ThruHiker]

Just found this gorillapod at joby.com they make different sizes for various cameras. NEAT!

[stag3]

I have a gorillapod and it's light and it works. You can also wrap the pod legs around a tree branch, hiking pole.....

REI has them

Stag3

[hammock engineer]

Man you guys need to stop posting such good ideas. I am trying to get ride of stuff in my pack and make it lighter. Now I am going to add that and make it heavier.

[4eyedbuzzard]

I've had an "Ultrapod I" for some 15 years. Cheap, light, and pretty rugged. The velcro works rally well on small trees etc. They have a lot more products available these days than when I bought mine, including one labelled the mini.

http://www.pedcopods.com/products.htm

[highway]

I know you already have poles. Leki manufactures one with a wood know screwed to a 1/4 x 20 stud. You can stab the ground with the pole, screw your camera onto the stud and press the timer and get into the shot.

http://www.leki.com/html/trek_travel_2091.asp

I bought one a couple years ago, used it once, and its been hidden in my closet since. Want to buy it cheap?

If you like pairs, buy another and you,ll have a matching set

[bigcranky]

I have a couple of the Ultrapods, too. The standard size will easily hold a small SLR or maybe that 1.5 pound video camera. The smallest Gorillapod will only hold the smallest digital point-and-shoots, but the next size up might be okay. The obvious advantage of the GP is the flexibility in use. (no pun intended)

That 1.5 extra ounces is worth it, IMHO.

[Frolicking Dinosaurs]

This will wrap around the handle of your trekking pole, plus it will work like a regular tripod:

http://tinyurl.com/on6tv

Love it.The male-dino has a monopod screw on his staff (we cover it with a soft rubber electical connection cap for safety's sake and to protect the threads on the screw). It has proven to have significant limitations and I have now ordered him a gorillapod (thank Big Cranky).

Rufous Sided Towhee (love the name - one of my favorite birds), before modifying your Leki, I suggest you make and use a monopod on a hike or two. The limitations have gotten in the way of many photos and left us longing for a real tripod.

[rswanson]

I'm sure someone has posted this screw cap modification (http://www.instructables.com/id/ELJX9RUWUKEV2ZJCRK/) before. Not as versatile as the Gorillapod but you can't get any lighter or cheaper.