Camera Holster

[northcave]

To some this might seem like a load of balls but to anyone that climbs or does the type of exploring that includes a fair bit of rope work it might be useful.

If you are you know the bain i go through in getting your camera in and out, especially when hanging off a rope.

My solution, inspired by the opening scene of vertical limit, is a holster made from a tripod top. I tried a few methods of doing this but the top of a Velbon worked best since it is strong as hell and slim. Take the top of the tripod, and create small holes to fix using zip ties. I had to drill mine on one side. Now zip it to you harness where it won't flex too much. I did it over a gear loop as there is plastic in the hardness there.

Once on tightly I use a 50cm length of bungy attached to the camera as a safety in case you drop it. It also allows you to stretch it for certain shots without too much hanging around.

I found having the camera on the side works just as well as on the back. I think back is maybe best for actual climbing wilst side is good for general ropework and abseiling.

Anyway here is my new setup. Let me know how you get on if you try it.

If there are any haters out there that think this is crap or that you'd prefer to keep your camera in your bag thats fine, but take your frustration out elsewhere.

Illustration is with a d70 inc 'camera armor'

http://s15221219.onlinehome-server.info/camera_holster_1.jpg

http://s15221219.onlinehome-server.info/camera_holster_2.jpg

http://s15221219.onlinehome-server.info/camera_holster_3.jpg

http://s15221219.onlinehome-server.info/camera_holster_4.jpg

[Crossy]

Great idea mate. Looks like it was meant to be fastened there. Looks very natural!

[BenCooper]

Very neat :)

I use a shoulder strap made by a US company called BlackRapid - it puts the camera on my right hip, yet can lift the camera very quickly, and it doesn't flop about much.

[BenCooper]

There aren't any UK suppliers - I got mine direct. Postage and tax were a bit of a stinger, though.

(OT: I import bike parts, and I was thinking of importing a batch of these straps)

[styru]

I was going to suggest asking Rooks to knit you an R-strap, but if you watch the video of the inventor showing how it works it would be simple to make your own,

all it needs is a screw mount on the bottom of the camera, and a d-ring, carabiner, or similar to allow it to slide around a diagonally worn belt.

I quite like the look of the holster as well though!

[BenCooper]

Yup, it is a really simple design - the only other clever bit is the stop on the strap so when you put the camera down it centres itself on the strap. YOu could easily make your own - the BlackRapid ones are very well made, though.

The wotsit that goes on the camera is a big lump - fine for a huge lens, but not for fitting direct to the body I think. I clip onto the left neckstrap ring on the camera body, and that works really well.

[northcave]

urrr so its just like a long strap? That'll flap about like hell when climbing or scrambling up some scaffolding though.

I prefer the "Digi Holster" :popcorn :freak

[rookinella]

I'm not convinced unless it makes you walk like John Wayne.

[DownFallen.]

Palace Fan's shoulder camera bag....was the business for this...safe and secure in a bag on your back, no risk of of it snagging or hitting anything as you climbed up ( which your design might do)...when you need to get inside...it just rotates around to the side or infront of you...
I forget the name of it...but it was the best bit of camera stowage kit for climbing..my opinion.

[Bigjobs]

I like Northcave's idea, it's a simple idea that looks like it works well for the situation it was designed for.

[styru]

Palace Fan's shoulder camera bag....was the business for this...safe and secure in a bag on your back, no risk of of it snagging or hitting anything as you climbed up ( which your design might do)...when you need to get inside...it just rotates around to the side or infront of you...
I forget the name of it...but it was the best bit of camera stowage kit for climbing..my opinion.

Sounds like a Lowepro slingshot, I've been using one for a while, and it's great.

http://products.lowepro.com/product/SlingShot-100-AW,2034,4.htm

[DownFallen.]

Sounds like a Lowepro slingshot

Thats the one.
Awesome bit of kit, perfect for the job.
If I didnt carry around so much junk wth me...it would be my first choice

[Brick_Man]

Sounds like a Lowepro slingshot

I've got one, use it for when I'm going lightweight, cam in bag, can get a couple of marsbars + car keys in there, then tripod hooks over the strap pretty good, ideal for cranes! as the tripod hangs off the strap below you (like it would off a climbing rear (watch it!) gear loop)

can get smallest one for ~£10 going upto £30 for the monster long one for when you want a mediumslr + monster tele

[Raddog]

Yes, lowepro slingshot, but the small one, the big ones are more wasted space than anything else.

I like the general idea of the belt mounted tripod heads for a spot of climbing ladders or stuff because I refuse to put the neck strap on my camera, I can't help thinking that this is going to lead to epic camera damage unless you have some other covering!

[northcave]

epic camera damage unless you have some other covering!

camera armor.... i bought some after Downfallen rated it and hes correct. I did a mine the other day and it got friggin filthy and wet but the cam armor worked a treat and protected it well,,, its also take a knock or two with no ill effects.

[snappel]

Slingshot is good (and I have one), but not really if you have a big bag on your back as well.

[LittleMike]

Vaguely related, I've been using a shoulder bag for my camera, more specifically a lowepro rezo 110 or something or other. Anyway, it has a bit at the back so you can pass a belt through it, which makes sure it doesn't move about and stays firmly at your waist. Works well with a backpack with a waist strap, you can just pass the waist strap through the back of the camera bag.

The strap might get on your tits if your climbing though. It's good for draining as it's always handy and the waist strap stops it from dangling down in front of your face when you're stooping down small pipes!

[Überurbexer]

just bought a lowepro off trail 1, £30 takes a dlsr with lens + 2 side pocekts for other lenses or keys etc if you dont need them they come off and the whole thing is waist mounted swing it round the front to use it or round the back for walking or side mount for tight spaces. very versatile, it also has numerous hook hole to hang things off ...

[Oxygen Thief]

I've been using a Lowe Pro Off-Road for years. Like the Off Trail but a bit more useful IMO. My advice... remove the external pocket things, and upgrade the shoulder strap, they sell a better replacement one.

[muckyminer]

the whole Velbon would certainly make you walk like John Wayne! This is a cracking idea...

[styru]

R-Strap? I've been after one of those, were did you get it from? I can't find any UK suppliers:confused:

Make your own!

Someone sent me this link today...

DIY R-Strap (http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY_R_STRAP/DIY_R_STRAP.pdf)

[stepping lightly]

To some this might seem like a load of balls but

Once on tightly I use a 50cm length of bungy attached
http://s15221219.onlinehome-server.info/camera_holster_1.jpg


Then you put a satsuma in your mouth a telephone flex round your neck and fasten yourself to the back of the door and auto exphixiate :banghead

[northcave]

Then you put a satsuma in your mouth a telephone flex round your neck and fasten yourself to sl's mum behind the back of the door and auto exphixiate

You really are and odd one mr lightly