pigpen

If you ever told me I would be in need of an underwater monopod I would think you crazy. However, since purchasing the new GoPro Hero 3+ black edition, I have a need for one. As expected, the underwater shots require slower shutter speeds, and doing it handheld is a gamble. Once the weather breaks for good I'll be able to test these things better. Any suggestions are welcome. I basically bought some PVC pipe and adaptors. Using the tripod mount that GoPro sells, seperately of course ($10 wal-mart), and some 1/4" staineless steel hardware, I was able to make my own version of a "quick release" plate. I will make these at different lengths and just be able to swop the top of the mount. I think these can be used for other things than just underwater. I use old spikes from those solar powered lights that you put along your walkway so this can be used anywhere you have dirt or sand to stick it into. I thought of maybe a long one (8'-10') might work well next to a jump at the local motocross track. I would like to find a spike that has a slightly smaller diameter. The ones I have now fit into the regular PVC pipe, but not into the high pressure pipe as it's too thick. Being able to use the thicker pipe will make this set-up that much more sturdy.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Consider drilling a few holes through plastic pipe, both top & bottom, to guarantee not trapping air, and for water drainage.

pigpen

good thought, thank you.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

That's very clever, and you can modify it any way you want. What kind of shooting have you done with the GoPro?

pigpen

Thank you. It is versatile. I just realized that a 90 degree elbow will allow me to take shots in portrait mode. I haven't done much with it, looking forward to the weather breaking. I got it mainly for underwater images and aerial shots. Here is by best attempt so far with very little experience.

(Download)

pigpen

The image above required me to PP 2 copies. One for the underwater and one for above. I then stacked them and "erased" halve the image to get proper exposure throughout. I have a feeling I'll be doing a lot of that kind of stuff with this camera.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Ah, I wondered about that. I thought it was one of those shots you sometimes see where the lend is centered at the surface of the water, and you see above and below. You shot achieves the same thing. Clever.

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

Do you have those cheap parasols - the kind that Restuarants put up in garden tables. The centre pole comes in two halves and is made of thin steel and will extend from 3feet to about 5.5 feet. you could put a carry strap on with self tapping screws (drill bottom of lower pole and top of upper pole and fasten short strap when 'collapsed' with a release clip - that way the screws don't interfere with it sliding) some large holes would allow water penetration and they usually come with a pointed end.

pigpen

I will look into this. I was in the lawn & garden section yesterday looking at the fencing they sale there to check out the spikes used. I never thought of checking out post for umbrellas and the such. Good idea, thank you.

pigpen

Thank you. The only thing missing is a native brook trout .

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Be patient.

Fergus Loc: Westfield,IN

We await some photos once you get the mechanics worked out.

uppics Loc: rockford, il, usa

i've been wondering about the cost of a monopod. very nice....american ingenuity @ its finest. i may borrow your idea, if it is okay w/ you.

GlenW

That looks like a great useful device shooting in current and something to keep you seady without banging up the coral and natural growth - A lot of my photography is underwater work - I have used a reef hook and steel spike to steady my camera shots in the past - but I have found another thing that is good to anchor yourself especially if you are in sandy bottom with nothing to hold on to - I purchased a pet spike which is basically an 12 inch large bore screw (4 in circumfrence) which screws into the earth , it is used for securing a dog leash to a spot in the yard.

jkaye65 Loc: Chico, CA

I made one very similar for my trip to Maui last June, except I painted mine gold and it didn't have the dagger in the end.

Depending on where you will be using the camera, you may need to add some buoyancy. As it sits, your camera/mono pod will sink when you lose your grip. I added some pipe wrap insulation and a strap off a broken tripod for added security.