An Optimal Finn-Stick/Monopod (1 Viewer)

[richt]

I've used my Nikon 10 x 42 SE extensively with my version of a "finnstick." (It's a "Pole Cat" adjustable walking stick and rifle rest made by Stoney Point. Cabela's sells it. I have the V shaped rifle rest heavily wrapped and cushioned with very large "H" shaped rubber bands for use as a binocular rest.) It works nicely. I always keep my neckstrap on though, that goes without saying! I keep one hand on the stick, just under the bins for "tilt and shift" and one hand on the bins for guidance and focusing.

By the way, I get a Hat Catalogue from Hartford-York in French Camp, CA. www.hartfordyork.com. In addition to great hats, they sell great Canes from various companies around the world. Some of them are crafted by FINNA in Catalonia, Spain.
I wonder if that is the origin of the name finnstick?

Cordially,
Bob

Hi Bob

Thanks for that i will check Cabelas out though i am UK based for shipping
Good news is it seems at least the 10 SE's will be ok for this and judging by the shape and size probably the Swift Audubon's
I am not quite so sure on the smaller "stubby" E2 8 x 30's

I have actually managed to source Elkcub's (Ed's) original "Finnstick" on the net today but as ever i may have to ship the item to our pals in Jacksonville Florida for later collection on our next US vacation


I did also see a neat looking monopod today at 7day shop for around £11.99 and a V shape screw on adaptor for £1.79 which i think gives a very similar net result to the finnstick mentioned on BF

And yes Luca it is hats off to Finland for this option

Regards
Richt

 

[elkcub]

Hi Ed

Have looked at this idea on and off for some time now and have just purchased Swift audubon's as you are aware
I wont be collecting the Swift porro's for a few months so cant specifically try them but is it likely this can work for say Nikon SE 10 x 42 or E2 8 x 30 porro's ?
Anyone tried these models with this stick ?

Regards
Richt

Hey, Richt,

The FISMO I developed is perfect for the 10x42 and 8x30 SLCs and probably any larger SLC. Porros, including my 804 Audubons and Nikon Es, don't have chubby tubes that come close enough for them to stick on the saddle without help. Also, the focusing wheel in the center gets in the way, or visa versa. The 828 Audubons work reasonably well but would benefit by putting some kind of pad under the leather saddle to make it wider. You might experiment with this when you get yours. Wrapping tape around the "V" rest before putting on the leather might work well.

I'd like to see a picture of Bob's arrangement, particularly since I've got oodles of rubber bands to work with.

How do you like the Audubon? Remind me what body type you have again. I guess it would be easier to support a type 2 than a type 3, which has a the focusing wheel centered between the hinges.

Ed

 

[richt]

Hey, Richt,

The FISMO I developed is perfect for the 10x42 and 8x30 SLCs and probably any larger SLC. Porros, including my 804 Audubons and Nikon Es, don't have chubby tubes that come close enough for them to stick on the saddle without help. Also, the focusing wheel in the center gets in the way, or visa versa. The 828 Audubons work reasonably well but would benefit by putting some kind of pad under the leather saddle to make it wider. You might experiment with this when you get yours.

I'd like to see a picture of Bob's arrangement, particularly since I've got oodles of rubber bands to work with.

How do you like the Audubon? Remind me what body type you have again. I guess it would be easier to support a type 2 than a type 3, which has a the focusing wheel centered between the hinges.

Ed

Hi Ed

Thanks for a helpful reply i did wonder about my porro models i think Bob's post ref the 10 x 42 SE's was interesting and maybe they can be a workable option with adaptation
As for the Audubon i purchased the latest model of the 804 Fully Multi Coated just prior to the 820
Unfortunately i wont be collecting them from Florida for a few months yet
Our friends in Jacksonville have looked through them and done preliminary checks so hopefully all will be well

PS Congrats i think ? on the recent 804ED from that famous auction site i was very tempted myself
Hope they are a good acquisition to your Swift stable

Regards
Richt

 

[elkcub]

Hi Ed

Thanks for a helpful reply i did wonder about my porro models i think Bob's post ref the 10 x 42 SE's was interesting and maybe they can be a workable option with adaptation
As for the Audubon i purchased the latest model of the 804 Fully Multi Coated just prior to the 820
Unfortunately i wont be collecting them from Florida for a few months yet
Our friends in Jacksonville have looked through them and done preliminary checks so hopefully all will be well

PS Congrats i think ? on the recent 804ED from that famous auction site i was very tempted myself
Hope they are a good acquisition to your Swift stable

Regards
Richt

Oh, now I remember. Thanks for the memory jog. I recently acquired a mint Type 4b(1), which is only marked MC but I believe has the same coatings as your 4b(2) anyway. You should be quite pleased and forever happy.

You noticed. The 804ED was bought for Renze de Vries, the coauthor of the Audubon paper. We're both delighted it worked out so well. He deserves one. (Stay tuned, we've uncovered more complexities in the history of the 804 that will appear in a revised paper during the next few months.)

Ed

 

[richt]

Oh, now I remember. Thanks for the memory jog. I recently acquired a mint Type 4b(1), which is only marked MC but I believe has the same coatings as your 4b(2) anyway. You should be quite pleased and forever happy.

You noticed. The 804ED was bought for Renze de Vries, the coauthor of the Audubon paper. We're both delighted it worked out so well. He deserves one. (Stay tuned, we've uncovered more complexities in the history of the 804 that will appear in a revised paper during the next few months.)

Ed

Ed

Nice work for Renze with the ED and i will definitely stay tuned for the 804 history developments
When i actually collect my Audubon i will post some thoughts but this will be a while



Regards to both of you

Richt