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Mini-review: Capture camera clip
Nikolai
Registered Users Posts: 19,035 Major grins
Over the time I have tried various camera support systems: straps, harnesses, etc., only to find one or more reasons not to like them.
At some point ago I have acquired two copies of Peak Design's Capture camera clips
http://peakdesignltd.com/capture/
and was finally able to use them during my last half-a-day Mojave shoot.
So I thought I'd share some first impressions.
Clip worked as designed. You attach the clip to your belt, the snap-in part to the bottom of your camera (or lens collar) and slide the camera in. It's very easy to do, even without looking, and it locks with the reassuring click.
The connection plate is very slim and thus can be left on camera at all times. Comparing to the amount of time you have to spend to struggle-in the camera strap loops, the attachment process is as easy as it gets: all you need is a coin (or a flat-head part of your tool) to tighten the flat head screw. I already carry a little set of allen wrenches in my backpack, adding a quarter to this collection didn't cost me much (and now, I always have a quarter!:-)
The connection plate is Arca-Swiss compatible, which is awesome. I often debate with myself if I should attach the L plate (which is cumbersome) if I know that I'm not gonna use it in 99% of cases. Now I don't have to worry. Whenever I need to use the tripod, the camera is ready for it.
And FWIW, if you do feel a need to attach a strap. the plate has four big "eyes", making the task of connecting a strap to those a breeze.
The fact that connection plate is a square that allows you to slide the camera in four ways makes it very versatile, and also facilitates the lens change, as it holds the camera securely so you can operat with poth hands instead of one.
The only part I didn't like is how the base plate feels on my belt when I was driving. Basically it either tends to "bite" into my body if I place it in front, or scratch the car seat if I shove it farther to the side or to my back. This probably should not be a big obstacle, as my typical shoot does not require changing locations often, and my last shoot (and the first one to try the clips), when we changed 3 locations in a quick sequence was rather an exception. At any rate, I should get into habit of attaching the belt clip to my belt only after I get out of the car. The clips are small and light, and keeping them in a backpack should present no issue at all (compared, say, to the size of a nice padded neck strap or a Black Rapid harness). Attaching the belt to the clip takes no more than 30 seconds, probably less once I get used to it.
Naturally, if your intention is to attach the clip to your backpack this becomes a non issue at all.
All in all, thus far I like it. I hope to post more about it once I use it more. I have several shoots coming this fall, including a two day public event, Moorpark Civil War Reenactment, which is typically very tasking on any camera gear (long duration, dust, etc.)
HTH
At some point ago I have acquired two copies of Peak Design's Capture camera clips
http://peakdesignltd.com/capture/
and was finally able to use them during my last half-a-day Mojave shoot.
So I thought I'd share some first impressions.
Clip worked as designed. You attach the clip to your belt, the snap-in part to the bottom of your camera (or lens collar) and slide the camera in. It's very easy to do, even without looking, and it locks with the reassuring click.
The connection plate is very slim and thus can be left on camera at all times. Comparing to the amount of time you have to spend to struggle-in the camera strap loops, the attachment process is as easy as it gets: all you need is a coin (or a flat-head part of your tool) to tighten the flat head screw. I already carry a little set of allen wrenches in my backpack, adding a quarter to this collection didn't cost me much (and now, I always have a quarter!:-)
The connection plate is Arca-Swiss compatible, which is awesome. I often debate with myself if I should attach the L plate (which is cumbersome) if I know that I'm not gonna use it in 99% of cases. Now I don't have to worry. Whenever I need to use the tripod, the camera is ready for it.
And FWIW, if you do feel a need to attach a strap. the plate has four big "eyes", making the task of connecting a strap to those a breeze.
The fact that connection plate is a square that allows you to slide the camera in four ways makes it very versatile, and also facilitates the lens change, as it holds the camera securely so you can operat with poth hands instead of one.
The only part I didn't like is how the base plate feels on my belt when I was driving. Basically it either tends to "bite" into my body if I place it in front, or scratch the car seat if I shove it farther to the side or to my back. This probably should not be a big obstacle, as my typical shoot does not require changing locations often, and my last shoot (and the first one to try the clips), when we changed 3 locations in a quick sequence was rather an exception. At any rate, I should get into habit of attaching the belt clip to my belt only after I get out of the car. The clips are small and light, and keeping them in a backpack should present no issue at all (compared, say, to the size of a nice padded neck strap or a Black Rapid harness). Attaching the belt to the clip takes no more than 30 seconds, probably less once I get used to it.
Naturally, if your intention is to attach the clip to your backpack this becomes a non issue at all.
All in all, thus far I like it. I hope to post more about it once I use it more. I have several shoots coming this fall, including a two day public event, Moorpark Civil War Reenactment, which is typically very tasking on any camera gear (long duration, dust, etc.)
HTH
"May the f/stop be with you!"
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Comments
Question:
Did you use it with a 70-200 lens? If so, did you attach the plate to the lens tripod foot. How was the balance?
Who is wise? He who learns from everyone.
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Randy,
you're welcome!
Yes, I tried it with 70-200, too (very briefly though). However, I attached the plate to the camera body, not to the collar (on which I kept a regular plate), so ther was no balance issue.
No, I didn't. For me it's a one-hand operation, left or right side, rather natural and convenient one.
That said, I have fairly long "musical" fingers, so I can see that it might be an issue for a person with small hands, esp. female.
The clip holds very securely and I do like that they included the additional safety screw which I use if I'm biking with the camera out. I have yet to feel that it will come loose or is insecure. When attached on my backpack strap, I do use 2 hands to remove the camera, but it is doable with 1 hand. I can imagine having it on a belt as you have used would be much easier for one handed release.
One note to keep in mind, the plates they sell on their website are a new style. The new one includes the camera strap attachment loops as well, but the best part for me so far is the screw now has the half circle ring to tighten or attach a strap to that uses a clip to attach on the base. The disadvantage is I don't think you can enter the plate into the clip or arca head in any direction. It has 2 ways to enter.
Glad to hear someone else has one and is using it! Great review so far and I'd be curious to hear more the more you use it.
www.zblackwood.com
Gary
However, for my work (wedding photojournalism) I have come to prefer the Spider Holster. It's much easier to use, and in my opinion more comfortable.
=Matt=
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Looks cool though...
Thanks Nik
Fred
http://www.facebook.com/Riverbendphotos
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No I have no idea why it wouldn't fit...I have the Quick Release.
Info taken from here follow the RRS link.
Fred
http://www.facebook.com/Riverbendphotos