photography for people with rheumatoid arthritis
Jun 11, 2018 08:10:09 #
I am a photo enthusiast and I have rheumatoid arthritis. My hands don’t work well and I can’t hold heavy objects for very long. I try to compensate for this by using a Fuji x100s and an Olympus EM-1, mark 1, bcause they’re light and small. [I like the cameras. I don’t feel that they’re any sort of compromise.] I try to use light camera bags, as well. Does anyone have other suggestions for types of bags that are lighter than most or other accessories that are small and light, but useful in photography. For example, I recently ordered a Platypod Ultra tripod substitute because it’s so small and light. Is there a way to engage in photography to minimize fatigue and the pain of accessing good photo sites outdoors? I should confess that my one questionable indulgence is the purchase of a Panasonic 100-400 lens because I really like bird photography. I accept the reality that I can use this lens only at limited times.
Thanks,
Thanks,
Jun 11, 2018 08:22:42 #
I’m in the same boat, switched to Oly mft myself, as for bags, the little Domke works great, classic, light and simple
Jun 11, 2018 08:25:01 #
I am in the same situation as you. I have the Sony a6500 and that does ok but sometimes use a older, smaller point and shoot, the Canon s95. The a6500 and small lens is a lot lighter than the big dslr cameras. Do you know of a better small camera? Sorry to answer with a question.
Accessing good sites is difficult, as I have aged I tend to stay on the paths and more accessible areas. Not as much fun😬
Accessing good sites is difficult, as I have aged I tend to stay on the paths and more accessible areas. Not as much fun😬
Jun 11, 2018 08:30:21 #
I too have arthritis and have lots of camera bags. My favorite camera bag comes from Tamrac. It is liightweight and nice-looking and I have it in 2 sizes. I burned the flap of the larger one on a candle at an event and immediately ordered a new one. It has side pockets that can hold a water bottle. There is a pocket across the front where I place pens, cell phone, sd and business cards. These can be purchased from Amazon or from Tamrac and are reasonably priced.
Jun 11, 2018 08:33:06 #
NCMtnMan
Loc: N. Fork New River, Ashe Co., NC
A gimble head to use on your tripod and a remote shutter release would possibly help since it would take the stress of the weight off of your hands and allow easy movement of the camera and lens. The remote shutter release has larger buttons that are easier to manage than that on the camera. While the "premium" gimbals can run $300 to 400 you can get an excellent one for a lot less money. I recently got a Movophoto from Amazon for $100 and I really like my Pixel remote. You can chek their website to see if they have one for your camera.
Jun 11, 2018 08:48:51 #
Thanks for the replies. As to a better smaller camera, I’m not all that fussy about camera quality because there are so many good ones out there. And I think that the Sony 6500 is a very good camera.
Thanks again,
Thanks again,
Jun 11, 2018 09:57:27 #
As I approach age 70, arthritis is getting to me too; there are times when I can't curl my right hand around even a coffee cup let alone my DSLR. The pain is very sharp with a distinct afterglow. I figure when I can't properly handle my cameras anymore, I'll just start working exclusively with tripods and a cable release.
Jun 11, 2018 10:48:40 #
NCMtnMan wrote:
A gimble head to use on your tripod and a remote s... (show quote)
I can second the MOVO Gimbal recommendation. My much used go-to favorite Canon 100-400mm lens is usually on a MOVO GH800 carbon-fiber gimbal that is mounted on a carbon-fiber tripod.
Jun 12, 2018 06:48:23 #
Have you thought of getting a camera vest? you can carry just about anything.! 
Jun 12, 2018 08:12:50 #
I too have a Fujifilm X100 and although I do not have one, I understand that they sell an enlarged shutter release button that should help. Also, you might explore the many other "bags" not specifically for cameras that work for your purpose. I am a victim of arthritis also and find it limits my photography; I found the light little X100 excellent.
Jun 12, 2018 09:30:34 #
dsiner
Loc: Kent, WA
I have had arthritis in my hands for 40+ years. When I took up photography a few years ago, I too struggled with bags and backpacks. I switched to using the backpack for transport only. When I am actively shooting I use a Black Rapid sling for the camera and a vest for the rest.
Jun 12, 2018 09:31:46 #
Arthritis here, too. I found a large fanny pack with pockets at ebags. I measured my Sony a 6000 and lens to make sure I got the perfect size. It's very handy to use. No awkward flaps, or heavy straps on my shoulders.
Jun 12, 2018 10:04:27 #
You might check out this stabilizer strap, use it with a light weight monopod. It will place the weight of the camera on the strap pocket.
www.coolcameragadgets.store
www.coolcameragadgets.store
Jun 12, 2018 10:22:46 #
i'm 79and limited. I still manage to shoot a 645D and the 400mm lens. I spend the winter figuring ways to shoot all summer.
Jun 12, 2018 12:20:50 #
AlohaBob
Loc: Los Angeles, CA
I got rid of my almost all my arthritis by doing this. No drugs, no supplements, no "products" It's a miracle. https://www.drmcdougall.com/ Took less than three months.
kluger wrote:
I am a photo enthusiast and I have rheumatoid arth... (show quote)
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