Monopods forbidden in Paris

[jterry85]

We just got back from a week long trip to Paris (pics to be uploaded later) and I bought a monopod for the trip since I had heard that tripods were not allowed in most places. Well apparently monopods are not as well. I kept getting told that my monopod was forbidden to use at several of the major sites and they would always point to the no tripods sign. When I tried to show them that it was just a monopod and would not take up any room around me they didn't care and just kept saying that camera stands are forbidden. So... if you're going to paris don't worry about taking a monopod. I wound up only using it for my outdoor photos and had to leave it behind when I went inside somewhere. They wouldn't even let you leave it attached to the camera, had to detach it and carry it seperately or check it.

 

[Tomasko]

Did they tell you a reason, why it's forbidden?

 

[joealcantar]

This works for me when I run into places like this or do not want to carry a tripod or monopod.
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SteadePod - Camera Accessories
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Shoot well, Joe

 

[EchoingWhisper]

This works for me when I run into places like this or do not want to carry a tripod or monopod.
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SteadePod - Camera Accessories
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Shoot well, Joe

Cool stuff!

 

[jterry85]

No they didn't give a reason. Lots of places had the no tripods sign posted though and I'm thinking that more than likely the employees were just blindly following a general no camera stands rule than actually knowing what the specifics of the rule was.

 

[ann]

joel thanks for posting that device, looks like one of those clever toys that could be useful.

 

[EchoingWhisper]

I saw from somewhere where they say that it is useless and sometimes introduce blur if you have the VR. Guess this is only for lens without VR and will not be useful soon when all lenses have VR.

 

[KenC]

If only the French had been so vigilant about invading armies ...

 

[Raincheck]

I had the same issue in Spain Barcelona “la Sagrada Família” a huge controversy about a tripod like it was some kind of deadly device. Paid 12.50 euro to get in and demanded my money back and I did in the end. Talked to some kind of manager and the reason isn’t safety it’s just money. They are afraid you are going to do a professional shoot and sell the photos as they sell them too, I think it’s the same for Paris.

 

[Derrel]

Would you expect anything less in a country where stupidity runs rampant on many levels? I am sure, based on your address, that yuo will find the following story published yesterday, to be at least mildly amusing; to me, it's a laugh riot!

Bird Dog GPS Collars Interfere With French Communications | Field & Stream


Bird Dog GPS Collars Interfere With French Communications


What's the best way to invade France? With your bird dog, apparently. Just hit the beach with a Garmin Astro or Sportdog TEK around your dog's neck and the French military won't know what hit it. Just make sure it's the U.S. version.
From this story on telecompaper.com (via Outdoor Pressroom):

France's national spectrum agency has issued a warning to consumers concerning GPS devices for pets, and often hunting dogs, which can cause interference with military and other communications networks. The agency counsels people to not buy any such device in the US or online from the US for use in France, because they operate on unauthorised frequencies in France.
The US pet GPS products can also affect police, ministry of the interior and TV signals. Devices designed for use in Europe are available on the market and can be identified by the CE label, a declaration that they conform to the R&TTE directive, a list of European countries where it can be used, and a clear indication of the product's brand and model number. Buyers must read the manual closely for country of use if they see an exclamation mark inside a circle.

 

[Derrel]

If only the French had been so vigilant about invading armies ...

Yeah, Ken, see my post above...nyuck,nyuck,nyuck!

 

[Raincheck]

""Just hit the beach with a Garmin Astro or Sportdog TEK around your dog's neck and the French military won't know what hit it.""

It's also a way to get rid of your dog if they get a missile lock-on, would be a great photo too!

 

[Hickeydog]

how many Frenchmen does it take to defend Paris?

dunno. it's never been tried before.

 

[dakkon76]

Look out guys... your ignorant American is showing.

 

[SteffJay]

Yeah, they try that at the museums in NY too. Usually you can get away with a monopod because it's technically allowed, but if an official says no because they don't know the difference between one leg or three, then you're out of luck. Sucks :-(