Review on 📸 Opteka M900: 71-Inch 5 Section Ultra Heavy Duty Monopod - Max Load 30 lbs by Matt Jenkins

Use this mainly for DSLR (Canon 7D) with 70-200 and video. I say I used it for indoor sports photography about 10 times a year. Everything was fine until the threaded fastener came loose and finally got into the body of the monopod. I figured this is it - it's broken. Well, in a few hours. THIS IS FIXED so wanted to share what I did to fix it. (Believe me, that was what I could find at home, so keep that in mind :-)). Also note that this isn't as easy to do as with some monopods where you can remove the pin and remove the mount. This Opteka M900 doesn't have that. The things I used. Allen wrench (for leg hex nuts)b. Something about 2 feet long (like a dowel or two screwdrivers) that fits into the large leg section that attaches to the bracket. Old point and shoot camera Steps 1. Using a hex wrench, loosen the nut on the large part of the leg (not the flip latch, but the nut closest to the bracket)2. Once loosened (maybe 12 full turns) flip the latch and you can spread your legs. When you do that there are 2 pieces of plastic that you need to put back in place (not hard, just remember how they go and keep them out of the way)4. Shake out the spring loaded 3/8" threaded bushings around the 1/4" threaded stud along with the base. Please note that the base is threaded. This should have been screwed behind the mounting hole! But cranked up for 3 years use.5. Gather the spring loaded thread back into the base (note there is only one way to push the spring back into the base)6. Place the thread/chain in the leg section. Carefully insert the anchor (or screwdriver) to bring the thread/base close to the mounting hole.7. Then flip the leg section over so the thread/base fits into the mounting hole (may take a few tries or use a small screwdriver to thread the thread into the mounting hole)8. After the thread is open, slide the pin to hold the thread/chain in place (keep pressing on it)9. We take a point and shoot and screw it onto the thread that comes out through the mounting hole.10. As you turn, you feel yourself tense up, you feel a slight pressure. Turn a little further and you will "feel" the inner base being screwed back into the threads of the bracket. Keep twisting the tip and shoot in a ratcheting motion11. You pull the thread/base back onto the mounting thread inside. Hand tighten but not too tight (basically don't break the tip and shoot ;-)) 12. Remove the point and shoot. Make sure the spring thread is fully open and working properly.13. Remove the key 14. Attach the two plastic pieces to the leg section (bottom) 15. Gently slide it back into the severed leg section 16. Align the flip clasps so they are all aligned.17. Tighten the hex screw.18. Test.19. You're done. It took me about 120 minutes to figure it out. If I had to do it again, it would probably take 15 minutes. Hopefully this helps someone one day (or not). Everything is fine and today is a good day!