George II Loc: Fayetteville, Georgia

Whilst in China my monopod head became detached from the carbon fiber pole. The camera strap was around my neck no camera damage. My first thought was that I had overloaded that sucker. I hade a Canon D70, battery grip, pan head and the Sigma 18-300mm lens. The monopod was rated at 17.5 lbs, my camera and "stuff" weighed in a 5.2 lbs. I made three calls to Smith-Victor inquiring how to glue it back together I also need the spike/rubber tip for the bottom. The woman, Polly, that answered the phone told me she did not know what I was talking about. I wonder if she even knows what a tripod/monopod is. I was told to send a email. all emails to them were returned undeliverable. More phone calls resulted to a deer in the head lights response.

Is there anyone out there in Hedhehog land know where or how to repair this monopod? I did try the search function with nil results. I do not want to buy a new one as coinage is hard to come by and besides I like to fix what can be fixed, I believe JB weld will woth as it will bond Carbon Fiber to Aluminum. Any thoughts out there any suggestions?

Thanks,
The "G"

GW Loc: Idaho

JB was going to be my suggestion or a good quality epoxsy...good luck...

tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio

I have good luck with "Liquid Nails" but a good epoxy should work also. I'm glad you had your strap around your neck!

Michael Hartley Loc: Deer Capital of Georgia

Maybe post a photo of the detached head, and pole?

Bushymonster Loc: Oklahoma City. OK.

Epoxy will make a good set. The two part liquid that you mix to get it to set.
-Bushy

George II Loc: Fayetteville, Georgia

Thanks for the input, this will be something to look into whilst I wait Smith-Victor to respond.
The "G"

George II Loc: Fayetteville, Georgia

Thanks for the input, this will be something to look into whilst I wait Smith-Victor to respond.
The "G"

mrtobin Loc: North East Ohio

It is still not clear "how" the monopod head became detached from the carbon fiber pole.

Bushymonster Loc: Oklahoma City. OK.

Epoxy is a unique tool and is a great bonding salve. Can't go wrong. It sounds like a nice monopod. I am going to get me one that will double as a walking stick. Did you say it was carbon? If so and you don't mind me asking what do they cost?
-Bushy

George II Loc: Fayetteville, Georgia

I use mine as a walking stick as well. The cost was around $85.00 USD. Check Amazon. Smith- Victor CFM-500 Carbon Fiber Monopod. Despite the problem I am having with mine I would buy it again..
Just sayin the "G"

George II Loc: Fayetteville, Georgia

Are you familure with the construction of Carbon Fiber mono pods? The very tippy top of the mono pod has a mounting plate attached to the carbon fiber pole. They apply some type of bonding agent, glue/epoxy, who know some super secret "stuff" It is then pressed into the poll and there you have it. A carbon fiber monopod. Now how it became unnected (disconnected, detached) I do not know, my first thought was that I attached to much weight. Not so the combined weight, camera, battery pack grip, lens and pan head came to 5.2 lbs the monopod is rated at 17.5 lbs. It was just one of those things that happens. I will take some studio type photos of it (not) and post them for all to see. Whilst were on posting photos could some kind soul tell me how that is done please.

Thanks groupe. by the wat Smith-Victor requested photos as well, the have never had this happen..

Thanks guys, one and all, I will keep you posted.
The "G"

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Most heads are attached to tripods with a large screw (typical sizes are 1/4" and 3/8"). If that broke, I'd try to remove any remainder and replace it.

If it's the carbon fiber tubing that's come loose from an aluminum or cast metal socket, you must use certain types of epoxy to reattach those. Other glues either won't adhere to or will damage carbon fiber.

I'm not surprised that folks at Smith-Victor aren't knowledgeable about the gear... they are basically a purchasing and distribution company. They buy stuff from suppliers with their name on it, import and warehouse it, then wholesale it to retailers. This sort of outsourcing is the basic business model of a lot of "photography" companies including: Vivitar, Polaroid, etc.

As cheap as Smith-Victor stuff generally is, I doubt they have many warranty claims. If it breaks, I bet most people just throw it away and buy a new one. (I use a Smith-Victor BH8 ballhead myself, which was a bargain at $60... comparing surprisingly well with ballheads that cost 6X as much, or more.)