Is someone trying to tell me something?

[Bree Wagner]

Today I was trying on shoes at DSW and was trying to take a few pics. To do this I had one of those little tripods with flexible legs with me. They easily tuck away in the purse and are fantastic for just about all photo situations. I'd recommend one for anyone doing self portraits.

Anyways, I set up the camera and watched it fall over. Wondering what had happened, I checked it out only to see that one of the legs had snapped off. It looked the metal inside the leg had reached the end of its useful life and given up. Fine, I'll make this work with two legs! Sticking the two legs in a shoebox and resting the camera on the box ended up working.

When I got home I thought I needed a few more pics before changing. I wrapped the two good legs around some lawn furniture and made it work for a few shots. As the camera is happily clicking away it fell to the ground. Crap! Sure enough, a second leg had fallen off just like the first. Into the trash with you tripod! No, I mean bipod! Umm, guess it was just a unipod at that point. I did get a ton of use out of the thing, and for $8 it was well worth it.

About a month or two earlier my regular tripod had the centerpiece fall out of it. It may have been kid related or it could just be a piece of junk. It's marginally functional at the moment. Am I being told something? Stop taking pictures? I doubt it.

My guess is that the message is: You get what you pay for.

Perhaps I will be investing slightly more in my next tripod or two. The narcissism must be satisfied! :devil:

-Bree

[April_Ligeia]

Lol, I also have one of those flexible legged tripods. The first one I got broke immediately, and the one I have now tends to slowly sag down just when you want it to hold steady like a, well, like a tripod. They are really cool looking, though. I wish they always worked, but they are really cool and they do sometimes work.

[Sandra1746]

The tripod manufacturers have devised a conspiracy to get you to buy a new unit.
Either that or you take too many pictures...;-)

Cute story,
Sandra1746

[Tina B.]

I bought one of those tri pods, I didn't buy the name brand I was told was great, I got a cheap one, it works, but you have to be careful, or it sags, falls over, or leans to one side. But it's great wrapped around a railing. Now you have me worried about the legs falling off.
Tina B.

[Ressie]

Thanks for the tip. Haven't had mine fail yet.

[Chari]

Your tri-pod issue is a reminder that nothing lasts forever! Like any investment with warrantees, ie: car, television, refrigerator, hair dryer, etc -the item usually quits working or needs costly repairs the week after they are paid off or when the warrantee expires, and IMO, the manufacturer knows it!

[Alice B]

Often those small tripods do not handle the weight of a normal SLR very well, especailly if you have a strobe mounted. The center of gravity is off. Try getting as much spread as possible in setting up the legs.

[Sophistic8d_grl]

Often those small tripods do not handle the weight of a normal SLR very well, especailly if you have a strobe mounted. The center of gravity is off. Try getting as much spread as possible in setting up the legs.

I have one that is very similar to the model depicted in the link http://www.target.com/p/joby-gorillapod-original-slr-zoom-flexible-camera-tripod-large-gray-gp3-01en/-/A-10823999
I do agree with Alice though, you should spread your legs as much as possible. (buh-dum-bump) I'm here all week gals...don't forget to tip the waitresses and try the special!

[RainyNightGirl]

Hi girls

I highly recommend using the flexible leg tripods, I think they are sometimes referred to as 'Monkey-pods' because they can twist and grip on to railings or anything to get just right angle. The smaller ones are idea for little compact cameras and not too expensive on Amazon for example.

Just keep taking photos Bree!

Hugs
Natasha

[outhiking]

You can also try one of the "bean-bag" mounts. I've seen them advertised in outdoor photography magazines.

[Karren H]

I have one that has nesting plastic legs... Just flick them out and set it down with the self timer on and walk away... It also has a velcro teather so you can attach it to poles... railings... legs.... small animals! Lol.

[Marleena]

IDK Bree, I think you got the tripod I was supposed to get. My picture taking sucks no matter what I do.:heehee:

[Laura912]

Buy one like Karren's. With all the pictures she takes, it must be tough. ;)

[Bree Wagner]

I'd say even the cheapo versions of the flexible tripods (Spider Pods, Monkey Pods, Gorilla Pods, etc.) are worth it. You can get some really interesting perspectives that you can't with a traditional tripod. Given that I've seen them cost $60+ for the 'nicer' versions for all the use I got out of it the $8 on mine was well spent. You probably need to get a much heavier duty one to handle an SLR. I just use a tiny little point and shoot.


Hi girls
Just keep taking photos Bree!


If you insist! These were a few of the shots I got with the two legged version.

[Lori B]

DSW employee to Bree>"errr excuse me Miss,,,,,are you going to purchase any of those shoes??" :heehee:

[Marleena]

DSW employee to Bree>"errr excuse me Miss,,,,,are you going to purchase any of those shoes??" :heehee:

Lol...she's too busy right now!

Great pictures Bree!

[Lori B]

Lol...she's too busy right now!

Great pictures Bree!:heehee:!!................:hugs: