Hands-Free Camera Harness - New Solution

KEYHOLEKEYHOLE Registered Users Posts: 10 Big grins
edited March 23, 2012 in Accessories
After years of trying to protect my camera while swinging around my neck during hiking, biking, snowshoeing, or traveling, I finally developed a product that safely, securely, and simply protects the camera, while allowing quick and easy access to it at all times. It's called the [FONT=TimesNewRoman,Bold]KEYHOLE™ Hands-Free Camera Harness. [/FONT]
[FONT=TimesNewRoman,Bold]
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The [FONT=TimesNewRoman,Bold]KEYHOLE™ [/FONT]attaches to the straps of your backpack or chest harness and secures your camera against your chest. It's easy to use, reduces the weight of the camera from your neck, and is inexpensive.

The [FONT=TimesNewRoman,Bold]KEYHOLE™ holds the camera in the vertical plane and is designed to prevent the lens from telescoping. It also holds your lens cap when it is not in use.[/FONT]


Please check out the website www.backcountrysolutions.com

Comments

  • AndyAndy Registered Users Posts: 50,016 Major grins
    edited December 13, 2008
    Looks interesting - thanks for sharing it with us and good luck on your venture! I suspect you'll hear here from folks who've tried it, who've made their own, and more.
    Andy

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  • KEYHOLEKEYHOLE Registered Users Posts: 10 Big grins
    edited December 16, 2008
    Hands-Free Camera Harness - New Solution & New Photo
    I have been asked to show a more detailed photo of the KEYHOLE, so the website homepage has been updated and the photo is attached here. I hope this helps!
    Thanks for all the interest!
    www.backcountrysolutions.com
  • Manfr3dManfr3d Registered Users Posts: 2,008 Major grins
    edited December 16, 2008
    I'm not going to mock anybody wearing this. Promised :D
    “To consult the rules of composition before making a picture is a little like consulting the law of gravitation before going for a walk.”
    ― Edward Weston
  • OsirisPhotoOsirisPhoto Registered Users Posts: 367 Major grins
    edited December 17, 2008
    Nice idea. When I'm not carrying a small backpack on my front to rest the camera on, I clip the camera to a couple of DIY webbing straps to get it in close to the chest and secure. Your product looks a whole lot easier and quicker to use.

    Just three questions.. can the camera still be used with a tripod mount (I suspect not), can I have it in black and do you post to UK?
    Stuart Walker Photography
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  • KEYHOLEKEYHOLE Registered Users Posts: 10 Big grins
    edited December 18, 2008
    Hands-Free Camera Harness - New Solution
    Here are some answers to your questions:

    1) Q - Can the camera still be used with a tripod mount?
    A - The knob needs to be removed, which takes about 2 seconds. However, you have a great idea and we will try to incorporate this idea in the next design.
    2) Q - Can I have it in black?
    A - The first run was all red. Hopefully a variety of colors will be in the next run.
    3) Q - Do you post to the UK?
    A - Absolutely. Please see the website for ordering details.

    Thanks!
    www.backcountrysolutions.com
  • zoom bugzoom bug Registered Users Posts: 5 Beginner grinner
    edited January 2, 2009
    Hands-Free Camera Harness - New Solution
    clap.gif Hi All,
    Hey, I ordered one of these Hands Free Camera Harnesses and got it just before my trip east to visit the folks for the holidays. It worked great!! I just hooked it on my daypack, snugged the straps, and I was ready to go. I used it mostly cross country skiing and loved the fact that it was so secure and my camera doesn't sway across my chest anymore.

    Easy to use and worth the $.
  • kdogkdog Administrators Posts: 11,681 moderator
    edited January 3, 2009
    Question:
    What's the weight limit on this product? I'm interested in this product for wilderness hiking to look for wildlife. I'd be using a DSLR, possibly a pro-body, plus a 400mm, or 100-400 zoom. Has this system designed and tested to handle a load like that? Any concerns about fractures from repeated flexing of the keyhole or other parts?

    Thanks,
    -joel
    Moderator of Landscapes forum
    Link to my Smugmug site
  • KEYHOLEKEYHOLE Registered Users Posts: 10 Big grins
    edited January 4, 2009
    Hands-Free Camera Harness - New Solution
    Hi Joel,<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
    <o:p></o:p>
    Thanks for your question.<o:p></o:p>
    <o:p></o:p>
    The KEYHOLE protects your camera by securing it to your body. It eliminates the swinging and allows you to have your hands free. To fit your camera to the KEYHOLE, you must shorten the camera neck strap to a length which will allow the camera body attachment to engage in the KEYHOLE slot. The weight of the camera is reduced around your neck because the KEYHOLE requires some weight in the slot to keep the camera engaged. The KEYHOLE’s intent is to secure the camera in a ready-to use accessible location without requiring your hands. <o:p></o:p>
    <o:p></o:p>
    The KEYHOLE has been successfully tested with a 4 lb camera & lens. I am guessing your set up is about 10 lbs or more. <o:p></o:p>
    <o:p></o:p>
    The KEYHOLE will work well to protect your camera with your hands free when the weight resting in the slot is just enough to keep it engaged. If the KEYHOLE is used to support the weight of a camera and is overloaded, then the straps will sag and will not perform as intended. The device works best when the straps are snug and horizontal across your chest.

    The camera neck strap length may require a couple of adjustments to find the perfect balance.
    <o:p></o:p>
    The KEYHOLE has been extensively tested in the field for 2+ years and to-date, there have been no issues regarding fractures, fatique, or flexing of any parts.<o:p></o:p>
    <o:p></o:p>
    I hope this information helps.<o:p></o:p>
    <o:p></o:p>
  • Ric GrupeRic Grupe Registered Users Posts: 9,522 Major grins
    edited January 5, 2009
    kdog wrote:
    What's the weight limit on this product? I'm interested in this product for wilderness hiking to look for wildlife. I'd be using a DSLR, possibly a pro-body, plus a 400mm, or 100-400 zoom. Has this system designed and tested to handle a load like that? Any concerns about fractures from repeated flexing of the keyhole or other parts?

    Thanks,
    -joel
    Here's what I use...very stout.

    http://kgear.com/images/H717SLRabig.jpg

    Here.
  • kdogkdog Administrators Posts: 11,681 moderator
    edited January 5, 2009
    Ric Grupe wrote:
    Here's what I use...very stout.

    http://kgear.com/images/H717SLRabig.jpg

    Here.
    Was there a camera strap in that photo? :whew



    Hehe, thanks, Ric. That's pretty cool. How is hiking with your 100-400 and MkIII with that? Does it restrict your movements much? A lot of what we have here is bushwacking, or should I say, cactus-wacking. That requires stepping over cacti, scrambling over rocks, etc. Thoughts?

    Thanks!
    -joel
    Moderator of Landscapes forum
    Link to my Smugmug site
  • kdogkdog Administrators Posts: 11,681 moderator
    edited January 5, 2009
    KEYHOLE wrote:
    The KEYHOLE has been successfully tested with a 4 lb camera & lens.
    <o:p></o:p>

    Thanks for the info, Keyhole. <img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6029383/emoji/thumb.gif&quot; border="0" alt="" >

    -joel
    Moderator of Landscapes forum
    Link to my Smugmug site
  • scottVscottV Registered Users Posts: 354 Major grins
    edited January 6, 2009
    that would be sweet if the keyhole could accept an arca-swiss style quick release plate.
    http://scottvickers.smugmug.com
  • Ric GrupeRic Grupe Registered Users Posts: 9,522 Major grins
    edited January 6, 2009
    Was there a camera strap in that photo?
    :whew

    It took me awhile (no coffee yet) mwink.gif
    kdog wrote:
    Hehe, thanks, Ric. That's pretty cool. How is hiking with your 100-400 and MkIII with that? Does it restrict your movements much? A lot of what we have here is bushwacking, or should I say, cactus-wacking. That requires stepping over cacti, scrambling over rocks, etc. Thoughts?

    I use mine to carry my 400 DO IS attached to a MKIIN. Takes the strain off my neck. The lower strap that is supposed to attach and detach to keep the camera from swaying...I just leave it attached across my belly. From that strap, I hang a pouch that was supposed to be for a tripod support on a backpack...just picture a pouch for a large folding knife...in that pouch I slide in the lens bracket plate. The weight of the 400 keeps it nice and secure and is easily removed for shooting. Of course...it takes some use to get all the strap adjustments just so...but once you do it's something you can wear all day.
  • KEYHOLEKEYHOLE Registered Users Posts: 10 Big grins
    edited January 7, 2009
    f00sion wrote:
    that would be sweet if the keyhole could accept an arca-swiss style quick release plate.

    I don't know much about the quick release plate design, but would be glad to do some research. If we can incorporate this plate into our product, we'll offer it as an option. Thanks for the input. KEYHOLE
  • Art ScottArt Scott Registered Users Posts: 8,959 Major grins
    edited January 7, 2009
    This looks interesting.........

    Currently I use the Crooked Horn outfitters Bino flex and slide strap system....works really well but if you have lens creep then it has no way to stop that.....I can carry 2 dslr with lenses attached by wearing 2 of these and it is not uncomfortable at all and all the stress and strain is off the neck....
    "Genuine Fractals was, is and will always be the best solution for enlarging digital photos." ....Vincent Versace ... ... COPYRIGHT YOUR WORK ONLINE ... ... My Website

  • KEYHOLEKEYHOLE Registered Users Posts: 10 Big grins
    edited January 10, 2009
    Hands-Free Camera Harness - New Solutions
    Hi Art,<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
    <o:p></o:p>
    How do you use the two Bino-Flexes simultaneously? I think I've seen this 2-camera application before, but am not real sure of the mechanics. Do the cameras rest at different lengths or are they side by side? Are you able to keep the cameras from hitting each other without holding one?

    Also, I'm having a little problem visualizing the dual set up. In order to keep the straps from getting tangled when trying to take a photo, do you have one bino-flex (both front straps) on the left front side of your neck and the other bino-flex (both front straps) on the right front side of your neck? And then some sort of hook in the back to keep everything together?
    <o:p></o:p>
    Thanks.<o:p></o:p>
    <o:p></o:p>
    KEYHOLE<o:p></o:p>
  • Mouse82Mouse82 Registered Users Posts: 3 Beginner grinner
    edited March 22, 2012
    how much and where can I purchase one of these harnesses from? I can't seem to find a checkout for it on the website
  • kdogkdog Administrators Posts: 11,681 moderator
    edited March 22, 2012
    Mouse82 wrote: »
    how much and where can I purchase one of these harnesses from? I can't seem to find a checkout for it on the website

    Click on the bolded link on their home page that says KEYHOLE Purchase. Or just click here: http://www.backcountrysolutions.com/id25.html
    Moderator of Landscapes forum
    Link to my Smugmug site
  • IcebearIcebear Registered Users Posts: 4,015 Major grins
    edited March 22, 2012
    It's on there. There's a menu item "Keyhole Purchase" or summat. You ought to look at the Cotton Carrier System if you're carrying anything other than a compact DSLR with a kit lens. IMO it's way superior and more comfortable. Mo' pricey though, fer sure.
    John :
    Natural selection is responsible for every living thing that exists.
    D3s, D500, D5300, and way more glass than the wife knows about.
  • Mouse82Mouse82 Registered Users Posts: 3 Beginner grinner
    edited March 23, 2012
    kdog wrote: »
    Click on the bolded link on their home page that says KEYHOLE Purchase. Or just click here: http://www.backcountrysolutions.com/id25.html

    Ah I see it now, Thankyou
  • Mouse82Mouse82 Registered Users Posts: 3 Beginner grinner
    edited March 23, 2012
    Icebear wrote: »
    It's on there. There's a menu item "Keyhole Purchase" or summat. You ought to look at the Cotton Carrier System if you're carrying anything other than a compact DSLR with a kit lens. IMO it's way superior and more comfortable. Mo' pricey though, fer sure.

    I had a look at the CCS when I stumbled upon it in a mag, but for the equipment that I have it just seemed a tad OTT and the Keyhole harness is ideal for what I wan't it for, because I do alot of Mountain Biking and to have a decent camera at hand that can be carried with ease makes this a win/win for me
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