DIY Photo Equipment

Shay StephensShay Stephens Registered Users Posts: 3,165 Major grins
edited May 11, 2007 in Technique
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
Creator of Dgrin's "Last Photographer Standing" contest
"Failure is feedback. And feedback is the breakfast of champions." - fortune cookie

Comments

  • AndyAndy Registered Users Posts: 50,016 Major grins
    edited June 27, 2004
    awesome thread, shay!
    mwink.gif
    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 mwink.gif
  • pathfinderpathfinder Super Moderators Posts: 14,694 moderator
    edited July 7, 2004
    andy wrote:
    mwink.gif

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

    the quick release neckstrap
    1933448-M-1.jpg
    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 mwink.gif


    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 dpreviewsad.gif.... sorry Andy.icon10.gif
    Pathfinder - www.pathfinder.smugmug.com

    Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin
  • pathfinderpathfinder Super Moderators Posts: 14,694 moderator
    edited July 8, 2004
    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
    Pathfinder - www.pathfinder.smugmug.com

    Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin
  • lynnmalynnma Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 5,207 Major grins
    edited July 8, 2004
    andy wrote:
    mwink.gif

    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 mwink.gif
    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
  • patch29patch29 Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 2,928 Major grins
    edited September 24, 2004
    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. rolleyes1.gif Plus you can use it to keep you drink cool. :Dumph.gif
  • mercphotomercphoto Registered Users Posts: 4,550 Major grins
    edited September 25, 2004
    Diy
    andy wrote:

    Haven't figured out how to do a quick-release for the way Canon has the strap fit a dRebel. Any ideas?
    Bill Jurasz - Mercury Photography - Cedar Park, TX
    A former sports shooter
    Follow me at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bjurasz/
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  • dkappdkapp Registered Users Posts: 985 Major grins
    edited September 25, 2004
    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 StephensShay Stephens Registered Users Posts: 3,165 Major grins
    edited September 25, 2004
    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.
    Creator of Dgrin's "Last Photographer Standing" contest
    "Failure is feedback. And feedback is the breakfast of champions." - fortune cookie
  • dkappdkapp Registered Users Posts: 985 Major grins
    edited September 25, 2004
    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
  • wxwaxwxwax Registered Users Posts: 15,471 Major grins
    edited September 26, 2004
    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. rolleyes1.gif Plus you can use it to keep you drink cool. :Dumph.gif
    That's an excellent idea. They're very foamy and protective. nod.gif
    Sid.
    Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam
    http://www.mcneel.com/users/jb/foghorn/ill_shut_up.au
  • greggangreggan Registered Users Posts: 4 Beginner grinner
    edited May 11, 2007
    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.thumb.gif
    http://www.stockholmviews.com/diyphotogear/index.html

    If anyone knows about other good DIY photo sites please post them here :0)deal.gif
  • pyroPrints.compyroPrints.com Registered Users Posts: 1,383 Major grins
    edited May 11, 2007
    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.
    pyroPrints.com (my little t-shirt shop)
    pyroPrints.com/5819572 The Photo Section
  • StormdancingStormdancing Registered Users Posts: 917 Major grins
    edited May 11, 2007
    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!eek7.gif

    A few other neat ideas on that site also.
    Dana
    ** Feel free to edit my photos if you see room for improvement.**
    Use what talents you possess: the woods would be very silent if
    no birds sang there except those that sang best.
    ~Henry Van Dyke
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