Thread: "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?

so is this for slower pace shoots, or flyball/derbie too? Seems interesting, but I'm not sure I'd ever be comfortable with this -vs- a strap. What don't you like about using a longer strap?

+1 for anything DIY though.

A second strap is just too cumbersome. I wear my main strap pretty tight, so it's always awkward actually bring the other camera up (have to actually loop the straps around each other for it to really work right. I often find myself just saying "**** it" and putting the second camera away.

I'd still be terrified that it would bounce out and onto the floor.

+1 for DIY solutions

gotcha.

That's a fantastic idea. Judging from the first pic., I don't think there's any way it would bounce up and out of that slot. Great DYI-er.

it looks pretty secure and the weight of the camera should be enough to keep it from bouncing.

i've wanted someone to make a true camera holster for a long time. this looks pretty close...

Id be a lot happier if the holster had some "locking" strap, like a cop gun holster. Easy to get off, but wont just bounce out

how's this thing in action, sam?

Originally Posted by ride5000

how's this thing in action, sam?

Trying it out at a wedding tomorrow, so I'll let you guys know. Now that I have the 14-24, I may skip carrying a prime though. I would be uncomfortable using this with a zoom. Will just have to see what the venue is like and what I want to carry on me.

So, I remembered the plate and the strap, but forgot the holster. I'm totally off my event photography game right now - forgot my leatherman (which of course I needed), my lens bag and a bunch of other stuff I've forgotten about again. My only solace is that this was the first event with completely new gear and I pulled it off pretty well in general.

So, I've actually been using my bracket for my main camera, but I threw together a variation on this using the quick release plate from our second Sigma 70-200 (which my wife uses with a monopod). Worked great. I kept a hand on it if I was running around, but it feels very secure and being able to whip it out and put it back quickly was great. Its very easy to put back, being sure it's in the socket without having to look. Definitely tempted to get a third body so I can always have two cameras on me. Guess I'll wait until the D700 is replaced.

nice, and dickies FTW, no metal anything except the fly...

This is downright brilliant! You could probably add a short length of bungee cord somewhere over the socket to create an easily-removed 'lock', just to ensure the ball doesn't fall out/get removed easily.

Also, your butt looks better in Dickies than blue jeans.


-A

Originally Posted by gongzero

This is downright brilliant! You could probably add a short length of bungee cord somewhere over the socket to create an easily-removed 'lock', just to ensure the ball doesn't fall out/get removed easily.

Yeah, not a bad idea. I'll play around with it. It might actually work out so that you don't even have to really **** with the bungie to get it out, it just "pops" out. Hmmm.

Originally Posted by gongzero

Also, your butt looks better in Dickies than blue jeans.

It really depends on the jeans. Those are my least favorite pair. I have some that are emo-tight that my ass looks absolutely fantastic in.

Yeah, but then you're stuck wearing emo-tight jeans.


-A

Originally Posted by gongzero

Yeah, but then you're stuck wearing emo-tight jeans.

But the chix diggit.

Yeah... emo chicks.


-A

This is FTW...

Been workin' on several different designed that are similar using vid cam support belts...

Mine uses caribiners.


...and tight jeans ftw as well.

Tight Jeans on Girls FTW

Originally Posted by SlvrScoobie

Tight Jeans on Girls FTW

+1

Originally Posted by SlvrScoobie

No Jeans on Girls FTW

OMG

http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/28/v...mostly-idioti/



Sue Idjiit, Sue!

I wonder how much...

and the more I think about something like this, the more I'm liking the idea. I just can't get into straps....

Truth. Straps are not too bad, but also pretty slow unless you have a super long one.

If you have two camera, forget about convenience with straps.

The quick draw makes a lot of sense.

I wonder how well it really works, id be really nervous using one of those.

http://www.spiderholster.com/spiderh...-infoguide.pdf

Originally Posted by jjswee

If you have two camera, forget about convenience with straps.

black rapid has a way of using 2 straps w/o any issues:
http://www.blackrapid.com/double-strap.php

Originally Posted by subimatt

I wonder how well it really works, id be really nervous using one of those.

yeah, at first I would too. It says it has a lock, but a 1 finger release... But my idea (or even with a DIY option like Sam's) is to just put a really long strap on it (or even some spectra since I have a ton of it) that is slack when in the holster... Then go run around the house, jump up and down etc until you know it works....

Originally Posted by jacobsen1

black rapid has a way of using 2 straps w/o any issues:
http://www.blackrapid.com/double-strap.php

I always wonder what expression these people are trying to portray when their picture is taken with their products.

plus, you'd pretty much have to wear something over that or you'll look like swat storming the party.

Originally Posted by jjswee

OMG

http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/28/v...mostly-idioti/



Sue Idjiit, Sue!

Hah, ****ers!

EDIT: Mine's quieter.

Originally Posted by Idjiit

Hah, ****ers!

EDIT: Mine's quieter.

did you patent it?
*hint.

Originally Posted by jacobsen1

I wonder how much...

and the more I think about something like this, the more I'm liking the idea. I just can't get into straps....

I'm running a system that locks in place for safety but yeah it's MUCH better than straps...I also carry an extra lens or two as well as two more flashes w/pocket wizards all on quick release locks from the sling belt.

It's not exactly light but when you're in the field I can easily throw a PW powered flash or two around wherever I need them.

Anybody try the think tank holster/speed belt combo. I am thinking of trying this since I already have the belt system.

Originally Posted by RallyGuy2k

I'm running a system that locks in place for safety but yeah it's MUCH better than straps...

any more info?

Originally Posted by BobbyT

Anybody try the think tank holster/speed belt combo. I am thinking of trying this since I already have the belt system.

I have their belt and one case, then one lowepro case. Not a huge fan. I prefer my boda on the waist strap, but it on it's shoulder strap more...

Originally Posted by jacobsen1

any more info?

Posting pics in a couple min...

A couple of the pics...the metal locks are from Police supplies...handcuff key holder...











With this set up I can have a body or two...a lens or two, and a couple SB800s w/pocketwizards in the pouches in the back.

Having them lockable is pretty cool, but I definitely need mine to be one-handed, or else I probably wouldn't use it as much, which is the whole point. I'm typically shooting with one camera strapped to me, and my hip camera is just for quick opportunistic shots with a prime, so having it be hard to get at defeats the point.

That must rock if you're moving through crowds, etc. though - cool!

Originally Posted by Idjiit

Having them lockable is pretty cool, but I definitely need mine to be one-handed, or else I probably wouldn't use it as much, which is the whole point. I'm typically shooting with one camera strapped to me, and my hip camera is just for quick opportunistic shots with a prime, so having it be hard to get at defeats the point.

That must rock if you're moving through crowds, etc. though - cool!

I'd prefer a non-locking system like yours since it's smoother and quieter...but I'm a total clutz and shoot in really weird situations.

Originally Posted by RallyGuy2k

I'd prefer a non-locking system like yours since it's smoother and quieter...but I'm a total clutz and shoot in really weird situations.

Yeah, I'd like to check out the one linked - if it works like I think it works, it may be the best of both worlds.

Originally Posted by Idjiit

Yeah, I'd like to check out the one linked - if it works like I think it works, it may be the best of both worlds.

Yeah...curious...also on price. I wonder how well it clips onto a belt...

I was really concerned on how tough I could make the system so the metal clips don't 'clip' on...they slide through and can't come off unless you take the belt off...and the 1/4 20 eye bolts that thread through the camera and lens isn't pretty polished aluminum, but I wanted to make damn sure nothing falls...lol

Idjiit - I bought the same clip as you did. I want to try it out this coming weekend at hyper-fest (car racing show thing).

I am working on improving the design and having a way for it to stay in, as I think it is too loose as is. Right now I have a small washer and a large washer on the cord between the ball and the cone shaped piece. This works great when the cone piece is pushed up, but the cone piece keeps moving down.

Any ideas on how to keep it in place? If this is accomplished it would become pretty tight and would almost be like snapping it in.

I am thinking of two things. Have something wide that clamps on the cord under the cone so it doesn't move. Or pull the cord and fill the cone with epoxy.

saw this in a magazine today:
http://cottoncarrier.com/index.html

interesting, but I want JUST the belt part with one camera clip, not the entire "vest" for 2 bodies for $119 (special pre-order pricing!!!).

I saw a guy there at hyperfest with a vest like thing like that. It was much better because it had long straps connected to the shoulders, and they were long enough that you could shoot with the camera attached, and adjustable if you need to move quick.


Update on what I finally came up with: I tossed the homedepot clip and went for an approach similiar to RallyGuy's. I went back to homedepot, picked up an Stainless Steel eyebolt (1/4"), a washer and two nuts. Then I picked up a carabiner. I attached the carabiner to my belt and then the eyebolt to that. It worked great and cost me all of 2 dollars. The only issue I had was that the eyebolt on the camera tripod mount was getting loose and I had to retighten it once. I am sure if I made it tighter, it would have been fine.

+1 on interesting camera holder

FWIW, I've improved on the holster to prevent the camera from accidentally popping out (only would happen when I sat down with the D700). Just take a round file, make a notch for the elastic strap to provide tension across the ball. This took a little tweaking to get enough tension to keep it in, but not so much that it's hard to get seated. This is more due to the position of the bungie than the amount of tension.

So, even with my tensioner I managed to drop the GF1 twice this weekend running around at a Flyball tournament. I think I'm going to go ahead and grab a Spider Holster. You can actually lock the Spider Holster, which for tournaments would be great since I often end up having to run around to get a different angle, etc.

I was really excited about an update, but this one is sad.

I dropped my GF1 this weekend too. Damn thing is just a tad too big to stay in a zippered sweatshirt pocket (the kind that's 2 on each side of the zipper obviously) when you squat down to help your son. Lucky for me it was ~6 inches to the floor and a soft landing but still...

I really want SOME way of easily holding/carrying the GF1. I skied with it Saturday and LOVED having a "real" camera w/o it being the D700. (I also had the s90 in my other pocket but didn't even DL or PP those shots yet). My issue is the unzipper, unglove, unbag (it's in a soft bag to avoid scratches) THEN uncap all takes longer than it should. I'd love to have some sort of chest bag almost? Or a belt option that's quick, my belt is UNDER my ski jacket when on the hill which could work, but the issue there is bumping it into the lift if the dudeman bumps it poorly or some ******* slams the bar down....

I'm also considering getting a UV filter for the lens. Maybe even an ND so I can shoot wide open in the sunlight. But ditch the cap and use just a cheap filter I replace when it gets scratched enough to matter?