DIY - "Quickdraw" Camera Holder

Dreamt this up after using this a simple tool belt system I picked up at Home Depot. This is intended for the second camera I often use on shoots - typically a camera with a small prime lens on it to complement the full zoom-flash setup I usually use for event work.



I've modified things a bit by removing the bungie-cord-based attachments since when I tested it out it seemed pretty likely the camera would bungie out of the socket and on to the floor. Instead I pop the cap off the ball, removed the bungie and replaced it with a knotted nylon shoestring -
sealed up with hot glue.

Attaching is pretty simple whole loop goes through the bracket, through the usual strap mount, then the knob side goes through the loop. After that I usually do one more loop to make it a bit more secure and tight. Then you just mount the bracket which tightens everything up.


Once the loop is setup, attaching the plate tightens the whole system. The obvious downside here is losing access to the battery slot, but I usually don't go through enough shots on my secondary camera for it to be a problem. In any case, the plate unscrews easily.



Access to the CF cards is mostly unimpeded - just have to position the bracket forward a bit.


So far it seems pretty stable, but needless to say it's not nearly as fullproof as a strap set up. Chances are higher it will accidentally pop out of the socket, or I'll miss putting it back, or some snot-nosed cousin of the bride will simply lift the camera off me when I'm not looking. But hey, life's short, right?