Left-handed camera? (Page 3): Getting her a recently released cell phone that features an excellent camera, would produce pictures as good or better than most point and shoots, and...

jdub82 Loc: Northern California

wmurnahan wrote:

My husband lost his right hand in a childhood accident and has learned to shoot with a twisted around left hand hold using a traditional small camera, but since getting a good cell phone specifically for it's camera he is having no problem shooting pictures and gets results rivaling many of mine shot on several thousands of dollars worth of equipment.

Getting her a recently released cell phone that features an excellent camera, would produce pictures as good or better than most point and shoots, and would be easier to handle. Some of the cell phone cameras out now produce beautiful pictures. There are some that have zoom and variable aperture, etc. The cell phone can easily be turned upside down to take photos, putting the touch release screen button on the left side.

Silverman Loc: Michigan

mvetrano2 wrote:

Does any camera manufacturer that you know of make a left-handed camera (shutter release on left side)? My grand daughter had a stroke on the left side of her brain when she was born, and has little use of her right hand, but left hand functions normally. I bought her a simple point-and-shoot, but she has a very difficult time using it. She comes with me taking photos and would like to take them on her own. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry to hear of your Granddaughter's terrible Health circumstances, although it is very nice that as a Grandfather your loving interest in helping her in her with her interest in Photography. May I make a possible suggestion if it is applicable to her "Point & Shoot" camera. Will her camera accept a "Shutter Release Cable" which would screw into the top of her Sutter button, then possibly reach far enough so she can operate it with her Left hand, although she would have to hold the camera with her Right hand if possible. Another possibility is a separate battery operated Shutter release Button, which is sold on eBay, Amazon, Etc.
I sincerely hope she finds a resolution to her Sutter release situation so she may progress in her enjoyment of Photography.

ToBoldlyGo Loc: London U.K.

mvetrano2 wrote:

Thank you everyone for the good advice (some not so good). I think I will get her the smallest point and shoot camera and try to teach her to hold and shoot with her left hand. She is very bright and I'm sure she will master the technique quickly.

She may do better with a smartphone, assuming she would be happy using the touchscreen to take the photo. If not, she may be able to use a smartphone to fire the shutter on another camera. This of course will depend on her setup, and whether she is able to position the camera prior.

delkeener Loc: SW Rhode Island, USA

I have an old iPhone 4 that can no longer be used as a cell phone. It's worth is about $10 (if that) as a trade-in. However, it's still very useful as a pocket camera and I use the two buttons on the side as shutter buttons which should be easy peasy for a lefty. Hold the phone in the left hand and your thumb is perfectly placed to hit either one of the two buttons and it doesn't matter which you hit. You should be able to find one cheap since nobody wants them for cell phones any more.

mvetrano2 wrote:

Does any camera manufacturer that you know of make a left-handed camera (shutter release on left side)? My grand daughter had a stroke on the left side of her brain when she was born, and has little use of her right hand, but left hand functions normally. I bought her a simple point-and-shoot, but she has a very difficult time using it. She comes with me taking photos and would like to take them on her own. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

ToBoldlyGo Loc: London U.K.

JohnSwanda wrote:

In what way?

The tone of the last sentence. Add to that the fact it adds nothing to the conversation. It comes across to me as quite negative. I'm sure it wasn't intended to, just saying what I think.

distill Loc: Huthwaite, Nottinghamshire UK

Hi
You can get flash brackets ( just fit the camera no actual need for flash unless you want) and they can be universal, some makes also do specific left hand holding / shooting

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

ToBoldlyGo wrote:

The tone of the last sentence. Add to that the fact it adds nothing to the conversation. It comes across to me as quite negative. I'm sure it wasn't intended to, just saying what I think.

I was just pointing out the possible reason no camera maker seems to make left-handed cameras, which is relevant to the discussion. I imagine many things that might aid disabled people aren't made if there is no profit in it.

nadelewitz Loc: Ithaca NY

How about attaching an old-fashioned L flash bracket (which is held in the left hand) and securing a cabled remote release somehow to the handle? With the camera set for autofocus and auto or program exposure, the right wouldn't have to do anything, except maybe provide some support (if possible)?

ToBoldlyGo Loc: London U.K.

JohnSwanda wrote:

I was just pointing out the possible reason no camera maker seems to make left-handed cameras, which is relevant to the discussion. I imagine many things that might aid disabled people aren't made if there is no profit in it.

I get what you're saying. It really is a shame, the world is made for people who have all the usual number of limbs, hands and digits. Remove one and suddenly nothing fits or works how it should.

NikonEdd Loc: Spokane Valley, WA

Maybe by getting a digital camera that is capable of reassigning the shutter to a left side key. (refer to procedure for BBF). I just looked at some of my Nikon's, don't know the answer for these.
Maybe there are other brands that could accomplish this.
Hope something can be worked out.

NikonEdd Loc: Spokane Valley, WA

Perhaps MTshooter knows of a camera.
Or, has a suggestion of his own that would work.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

mvetrano2 wrote:

Does any camera manufacturer that you know of make a left-handed camera (shutter release on left side)? My grand daughter had a stroke on the left side of her brain when she was born, and has little use of her right hand, but left hand functions normally. I bought her a simple point-and-shoot, but she has a very difficult time using it. She comes with me taking photos and would like to take them on her own. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Can you permanently adapt a remote trigger to the left side of the camera???
SS

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

mvetrano2 wrote:

Thank you everyone for the good advice (some not so good). I think I will get her the smallest point and shoot camera and try to teach her to hold and shoot with her left hand. She is very bright and I'm sure she will master the technique quickly.

My wife and I lived in Medford in the 70's, she is from L.I. She worked for Sweezeys Dept. store in Patchogue, I for Grumman. Neat area, enjoyed L.I. Try the Vello remotes, or something like it, on L-plate or flash plate will make the camera ambidextrous. A smaller DSLR would keep the overall weight down and give great capability. Talk to a rep at B&H or Cameta (they are near you), tell them what you want to do.

Regards,
mike

alfeng Loc: Out where the West commences ...

PeterBergh wrote:

How about turning the camera upside down? Obviously, this will not work on a tripod, but handheld should work.

Yes, turning the camera upside down should work very well ...

… While the on-screen menus (and, the labels on the 'buttons') will be inconveniently upside down (I think that the OP's granddaughter should be able to overcome those hurdles without too much trouble), too, the shutter release can be easily actuated with an individual's LEFT THUMB.

I think that the size-and-weight an m4/3 camera would be a good choice if the OP wants to choose a camera for his granddaughter which has interchangeable lenses.

nadelewitz Loc: Ithaca NY

How do you read info on a display....viewfinder, lcd or top of camera.....if the camera is upside-down?