Frank

For various reasons, too elaborate to explain, I need to consider some way of supporting my camera during daily shoots.

Having problems with the right hand, various medical conditions.

Will a wrist camera strap do the trick? That is, will it securely support the camera in the hand without me having to exert much if any force to hold it there??

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

A tripod and a cable release.

Elliern Loc: Myrtle Beach, SC

In my opinion it will not. How about a lightweight monopod?

selmslie Loc: Fernandina Beach, FL, USA

I agree on the monopod. Add a quick release head and a camera strap and you will have a useful walking stick between shots.

Don't skimp on the ball head. I had a light-weight one and eventually replaced it with a decent Manfroto 222 pistol grip.

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

You can PM, Nikonian72 and ask him about his rig and how he uses it.
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/user_profile.jsp?usernum=1323
He is holding his rig in his Avatar.
If he sees this post, he will probably respond.
He is a very helpful/contributor on UHH!
Pat

SpeedyWilson Loc: Upstate South Carolina

I've found this simple device helps me with a right hand affected by a stroke:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004VEOO2G/ref=oh_details_o08_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Dave Johnson Loc: Grand Rapids, Michigan

Have a look at the Cotton Carrier "Steady Shot"

http://buy.cottoncarrier.com/default.asp

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

To what extent would surgical reduction of the DC solve your problem?

PalePictures Loc: Traveling

I have DC. I only have it in my left hand. I had a 110 degree contracture. 10 years ago I had a Palmal fasciaectomy.... aka surgery. (Don't beat me up over the spelling of these medical terms) It relieved the contracture for 5 years. Then it reappeared in the Pip joint of my pinky, causing another 60 degree contracture. During that time they had invented a new drug treatment of injectable collagenase. Bottom line is it dissolves the contracture. Since having that procedure done last I have had very little reaccurance. (5 years) The injections are done outpatient. One meeting for the injection and one meeting to break the contracture 24 hours later. The hard nodules dissolve. The Drug name is called XIAFLEX. The drug cost about $3000 U.S. for my injection amount. Sure beats the price of surgery and most Insurance companies will pay for it now.(At least mine did)
I know this may not be what information you wanted but I thought this might give you another alternative to fixing the problem.

Regards
Russ Elkins

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Thanks for your response. Surgery is, of course, the most invasive treatment, but knowing that surgery is possible is knowing that there is a least hope. The scar tissue, being a collagen, is responsive to a variety of treatments; one clinic is using Collagenase, followed by extracorporeal localized lithotripsy, in effect, using a down-sized device with pinpoint accuracy to break up the scar tissue. It is said to be more effective and, of course, less invasive than needle fasciotomy. I am not a physician, but have been involved in the treatment of several friends and relatives. One doctor in Northern California prescribed a special diet and supplements and claimed to have slowed the progression of DC by more than 50% in a majority of his cases. Unfortunately, he was killed in a boating incident before publishing his findings. I became interested in DC when my doctor discovered a swelling in my left hand. An injection of Cortisone and manipulation monitored by an accupressurist solved my problem and I have had no recurrences or progression. Part of that, I believe, is because of the regimen of exercises and heat therapy advised (but npt prescribed) to ameliorate the effects of RA and OA. I would be very interested to hear if you have ever heard or witnessed the effect of lithotripsy or needle fasciotomy. Also, have you heard of any studies to combine treatments for DC, RA and OA? Again thank you for your informative response. Bill

Ellen101 Loc: Manhattan NY ..now Spring Hill, Fl

I have the same arthritis issues. My hands no longer work well and they hurt. I do not even try to carry my camera in fear of dropping it . I got a long over the neck and shoulder sling strap. It works very well when moving about shooting photos. I also have a short easy to use extension on my release button. I find tripods good but then I have to set it up. Damn Arthritis!

PalePictures Loc: Traveling

In the last few years all doctors in this area have moved away from any other corrective surgery including lithotripsy or needle fasciotomy. Given the results of my Xiaflex injection I would be hard pressed to recommend anything else. The hospital in our area is a learning and teaching hospital. My daughter is in Med school at WVU. I'll have to ask her if they are still doing anything but injections now. The internet news I found is really not up to date. In my family the DC Gene seems more apparent both my brother and sister have the condition in the bottom of there feet. Both of them have very mild DC but they do have small nodules.
In the clinical trials of Xiaflex the success rate was very high. From what I remember it was effectively 100%. The Doctor that I had work on me in Pittsburgh was on the leading edge of Xiaflex injection treatment. He knew of no adverse side effects with anyone.

Regards Russ

jcsnell Loc: SW Ohio

I have the same problem, not real bad yet but surgery looks to be an option. I was intrigued by your treatment with the injection. How many did you have , or was one all that was needed?..John

jeryh Loc: Oxfordshire UK

A wrist strap will work, but it depends on how much support you need. As a secure method of carrying the camera, it is excellent

Ted d Loc: Green Valley, AZ.

Always use a tripod whenever possible. I too have arthrites in the hand, and if I need to use hand held I user a faster shutter speed.
Ted d