In article , LFeldman@nowhere says...
>What is the general opinion regarding monopods? Are they a
>useful investment?
>He uses a Mamaya Super 23 Press Camera, so the camera he would
>be using is not particularly light. Will that have an
>adverse effect on the usefullness of the monopod? (I'd think
>sway would be a greater problem with a heavier camera).

I find monopods not very useful with physically short and light
cameras, unless the 'pod has a side-foot or short bottom legs
to resist rotation around the axis of the 'pod. With heavy
cameras, or long and heavy telephotos, they are very useful
since the mass and/or length help to slow motion. Some video
monopods have the fold-down side-foot (which you put your foot
on), and the Stitz monopod has a set of short legs that are
stored inside the 'pod (which you screw into the bottom of the
'pod). Another trick is to attach a tripod to the camera, but
leave it folded (it provides some steadying even if it doesn't
touch the floor or ground). And, then, there is, of course, the
gyro-stabilizer..... (Have one to sell!)
Hope this helps.