DIY Photo Equipment

Shay Stephens

Some people just like the challenge of making things for themselves. Some are driven to it for reasons ranging from need (not being able to find something they can buy) to thrifty-ness.

Are there any projects you have embarked upon that you would like to share? It can range, of course, from the ultra simple to the complex. Even if only a link to someone elses plans or ideas.

Some examples I can think of:
The string tripod http://www.xs4all.nl/~wiskerke/artikelen/string.html
Pinhole camera http://home.online.no/%7Egjon/pinhole.htm (adaptable to digital?)
A distance meter http://dfleming.ameranet.com/rangefinder.html
Misc digital projects http://www.photoprojects.net/index.html
Battery packs http://www.aljacobs.com/universal_battery_packs.htm

Andy

awesome thread, shay!

Shay Stephens wrote:

Some people just like the challenge of making things for themselves. Some are driven to it for reasons ranging from need (not being able to find something they can buy) to thrifty-ness.

Are there any projects you have embarked upon that you would like to share? It can range, of course, from the ultra simple to the complex. Even if only a link to someone elses plans or ideas.

Some examples I can think of:
The string tripod http://www.xs4all.nl/~wiskerke/artikelen/string.html
Pinhole camera http://home.online.no/%7Egjon/pinhole.htm (adaptable to digital?)
A distance meter http://dfleming.ameranet.com/rangefinder.html
Misc digital projects http://www.photoprojects.net/index.html
Battery packs http://www.aljacobs.com/universal_battery_packs.htm

here are some aw originals ... nothing earth-shattering but they work...

the quick release neckstrap

the ziplock bag raincover

but shay ... are you in trouble with the ceo of shaytech? you've not mentioned any of the shaytech industries products? c'mon

pathfinder

andy wrote:

here are some aw originals ... nothing earth-shattering but they work...

the quick release neckstrap

the ziplock bag raincover

but shay ... are you in trouble with the ceo of shaytech? you've not mentioned any of the shaytech industries products? c'mon

Andy - I used a similar arrangement on a Canon F1 years ago - worked fine - also wore off the black paint off down to the brass frame at the corners of the camera - didn't hurt the camera any at all, but sure reduced its resale value considerably. Neoprene eyeglass straps make nice tubes to slide down over the hasps to help prevent damge to the camera body.

I see you've already been subjected to this discussion on dpreview.... sorry Andy.

pathfinder

Shay Stephens wrote:

Some people just like the challenge of making things for themselves. Some are driven to it for reasons ranging from need (not being able to find something they can buy) to thrifty-ness.

Are there any projects you have embarked upon that you would like to share? It can range, of course, from the ultra simple to the complex. Even if only a link to someone elses plans or ideas.

Some examples I can think of:
The string tripod http://www.xs4all.nl/~wiskerke/artikelen/string.html
Pinhole camera http://home.online.no/%7Egjon/pinhole.htm (adaptable to digital?)
A distance meter http://dfleming.ameranet.com/rangefinder.html
Misc digital projects http://www.photoprojects.net/index.html
Battery packs http://www.aljacobs.com/universal_battery_packs.htm

I am so glad you brought this up - I think there are a number of DIY projects that might be of interest and use to us here especially in the area of lights and lighting equipment and backgrounds for portraits and studio type work. I think it would be very easy to use a bank of Ott Light flourescent bulbs to create a nice cool but warm appearing softlight

lynnma

andy wrote:

here are some aw originals ... nothing earth-shattering but they work...

the quick release neckstrap

the ziplock bag raincover

but shay ... are you in trouble with the ceo of shaytech? you've not mentioned any of the shaytech industries products? c'mon

The zip lock bag is wonderful idea Andy, I hike and camp a lot (do I remember the days of two legs?) and I use zip locks for everything!!! I was wondering how to protect my beloved reb on this years canoe camp.. thanks for that.:D

patch29

Tonight I was out and was handed a bottle of water in a koozie. While I held it I thought it would make a great lens holder, if your lens was the right size. It is cheap, soft, protective, lightweight, accessible from the top and can allow you to toss an extra lens in a camera bag or backpack, etc. Just don't buy the photo model it will be 5x the price. Plus you can use it to keep you drink cool.

mercphoto

Diy

andy wrote:

the quick release neckstrap

Haven't figured out how to do a quick-release for the way Canon has the strap fit a dRebel. Any ideas?

dkapp

mercphoto wrote:

Haven't figured out how to do a quick-release for the way Canon has the strap fit a dRebel. Any ideas?

I have the same issue w/ my D70. The current (factory) strap setup has much to be desired. It does not allow the strap to move or pivot much. The strap gets in my way all the time. I'm currently searching for a 3rd party strap, but I've not had much luck. I'm heading to the camera shop shortly w/ my cam to look around and bounce some ideas of the guys there. I'll let you know if I find anything good.

Dave

Shay Stephens

dkapp wrote:

I have the same issue w/ my D70. The current (factory) strap setup has much to be desired. It does not allow the strap to move or pivot much. The strap gets in my way all the time. I'm currently searching for a 3rd party strap, but I've not had much luck. I'm heading to the camera shop shortly w/ my cam to look around and bounce some ideas of the guys there. I'll let you know if I find anything good.

Dave

This is not a DIY, but you can buy the Optech pro series of camera straps. They have quick disconnects and wide neoprene that makes the camera feel lighter and easier on the neck.

dkapp

Shay Stephens wrote:

This is not a DIY, but you can buy the Optech pro series of camera straps. They have quick disconnects and wide neoprene that makes the camera feel lighter and easier on the neck.

I was looking for another strap that would be easier to convert & more comfortable than the factory strap. It takes a few minutes to get the strap off the camera right now.

I'm going to buy a hand strap, and want to be able to get the neck strap off in seconds while I use the hand strap. I'm still trying to figure it all out, but will post the final result when finished.

Dave

wxwax

patch29 wrote:

Tonight I was out and was handed a bottle of water in a koozie. While I held it I thought it would make a great lens holder, if your lens was the right size. It is cheap, soft, protective, lightweight, accessible from the top and can allow you to toss an extra lens in a camera bag or backpack, etc. Just don't buy the photo model it will be 5x the price. Plus you can use it to keep you drink cool.

That's an excellent idea. They're very foamy and protective.

greggan

Some more nice Diy photo stuff!
This website provide some intresting Diy photogear.
You can find a 6x17 camera project, an GPS gadget for Nikon cameras and some more stuff.
http://www.stockholmviews.com/diyphotogear/index.html

If anyone knows about other good DIY photo sites please post them here :0)

pyroPrints.com

Not mine but here: http://www.varaoke.com/diffuser.html

I recently bought one of these worklights at homedepot ($40), so I'm gonna try this.

Stormdancing

Build a Tilt-Shift Camera Lens for Peanuts
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=+1]Build a Tilt-Shift Camera Lens for Peanuts[/SIZE][/FONT]

http://www.creativepro.com/story/howto/25432.html

Just read this last night after it was posted on one of my groups.
Pretty cool! Be sure to use a new toilet plunger!

A few other neat ideas on that site also.