Why I Picked Up a Used GoPro Hero 8
if you’ve ever tried filming your own DIY projects, you'll know how frustrating it can be to constantly adjust the camera just to keep the frame right. It’s time-consuming and, more often than not, I’d get too focused on the work and end up missing the footage I actually needed.
So, after a bit of hesitation, I got myself a used GoPro Hero 8. After mounting it on a head strap and taking it for a spin, I found it surprisingly satisfying. The footage closely matched my actual POV, and best of all—both hands were finally free.
That One Thing That Bothered Me – The Missing 1/4" Mount
Now, the stock GoPro finger mount is functional and generally compatible with most accessories. But coming from someone who's fiddled with old film cameras, it just felt... lacking.
You see, almost every regular camera has this humble little 1/4-inch threaded mount. It’s a basic, expected feature—even if you rarely use it. And yet, the GoPro didn't have one. That small absence bugged me more than it should have. Maybe it's just one of those irrational fixations old-school tinkerers get stuck on. 😅
Swapping to a 1/4-Inch Mount – Easy, But...
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Eventually, I gave in and ordered a replacement finger mount that included a 1/4-inch threaded hole.
Technically, it wasn’t a “mod” as much as it was a simple swap. I removed the original finger mount, attached the new one, and tightened the bolt. That’s it.
The kit even came with a hex key, so I didn’t need any extra tools.
👉 If you're curious about how the swap actually went, I filmed the whole process and uploaded it myself. Feel free to check it out:
That said, at least on my Hero 8, the included bolt was longer than the original and didn’t fit properly. I had to reuse the original screw to make it work.
Looks Better... But That Didn’t Last
Once installed, I’ll admit—it did make the GoPro look a bit more like a “real” camera. I liked that, for a while.
But then came the disappointment: the mount thread was shallow. Like, really shallow—barely 4.5mm deep, compared to the standard 6–7mm depth you'd find on most tripods or ball heads.
Because of that, typical tripod screws didn’t secure properly. Worse yet, overtightening them could damage the housing. I could’ve added a washer or spacer to make it work, but honestly, that’s too much hassle for something I wouldn’t even use regularly.
Since I mainly use the GoPro for POV shots, tripod mounting wasn’t a priority anyway. In the end, I figured I’d made too much fuss over something so minor… and quietly swapped the mount back to the original.
Final Thoughts – Style Over Substance?
Sure, the camera looked cooler with the new mount, and I briefly felt proud of my handiwork.
But when it comes to actual utility? I’m not so sure.
Still, I’ll take solace in knowing I added a tiny bolt hole that no one will probably ever see—and call it a day.
If you’re considering a similar mod for your GoPro, I hope this post offered some helpful insight!
