Gotten Old
Mar 30, 2019 23:47:46 #
I don't understand what happened but somewhere along the way I've gotten old. I am a hunter for as long as I can be although I am setting up a macro studio. I can no longer get down on one knee, let alone two knees or prone, and get up again without help. Are there any devices or methods that will allow me to continue to shoot ground level subjects for a while longer?
I have tried Live View but it is of limited value in bright sunlight. I have considered right angle finders for my D7200 but $179 is a lot of money for something that may not work. Any and all suggestions except, find somebody to go along with me, are greatly appreciated.
Old age sucks, but it beats the other alternative. 
I have tried Live View but it is of limited value in bright sunlight. I have considered right angle finders for my D7200 but $179 is a lot of money for something that may not work. Any and all suggestions except, find somebody to go along with me, are greatly appreciated.
Old age sucks, but it beats the other alternative. Mar 30, 2019 23:53:17 #
I’m right there with you. The best answer that I have found is a reticulating screen.
Mar 31, 2019 00:02:01 #
jaymatt wrote:
I’m right there with you. The best answer that I have found is a reticulating screen.
I agree with that.
Mar 31, 2019 00:02:06 #
I'm getting up there too, but, like you, it's not the getting down part, it's the getting up.
Equipment wise, I would suggest tethering to a smart phone, tablet, or laptop while shooting. I don't do it, so I can't help with the details, but I've seen others using a pretty simple rig - apparently just a cable.
Technique wise, I find that even with a bum knee and sciatica, I can get up fairly well by rolling sideways rather than attempting to stand straight up.
Getting old may suck, but it certainly beats the alternative.
Andy
Equipment wise, I would suggest tethering to a smart phone, tablet, or laptop while shooting. I don't do it, so I can't help with the details, but I've seen others using a pretty simple rig - apparently just a cable.
Technique wise, I find that even with a bum knee and sciatica, I can get up fairly well by rolling sideways rather than attempting to stand straight up.
Getting old may suck, but it certainly beats the alternative.
Andy
Mar 31, 2019 00:34:02 #
I have an Ultra Pocket Pod (Model TFA-01) from Really Right Stuff. At $120.00, it is on of their cheapest products. The Pocket Pod allows stability on table tops and other surfaces with ratcheting angle stops, allowing for fast height adjustment. The legs can be held together to serve as an effective mini monopod, or they can be splayed out to create a solid, stand-alone stabilizer capable of a 100lb load.
Folded Length with Stud: 5.9"
Height at 1st Angle Stop: 4.7"
Height at 2nd Angle Stop: 3.3"
Height Fully Splayed: 1.5" ⬅️
Weight - 4.8 ozs
I paired the Pocket Pod with an equally sturdy RRS ball head, the BH-30 Pro ($275.00) - Height 2.9”,
Weight - 10 ozs, Load Capacity - 15 lbs. Check out the combination on the RRS website. The ball head allows careful tilt and vertical orientation of the camera. Recommended.
Folded Length with Stud: 5.9"
Height at 1st Angle Stop: 4.7"
Height at 2nd Angle Stop: 3.3"
Height Fully Splayed: 1.5" ⬅️
Weight - 4.8 ozs
I paired the Pocket Pod with an equally sturdy RRS ball head, the BH-30 Pro ($275.00) - Height 2.9”,
Weight - 10 ozs, Load Capacity - 15 lbs. Check out the combination on the RRS website. The ball head allows careful tilt and vertical orientation of the camera. Recommended.
Mar 31, 2019 07:06:12 #
Old age ain't for sissies! I have to suck it up, move on and enjoy the memories of youth and relish in the light of an older age. It's not the years it's the miles, baby>
Mar 31, 2019 07:17:33 #
Curmudgeon wrote:
I don't understand what happened but somewhere alo... (show quote)
Actually for me the alternative is far better.
As far as macro with the camera itself down low that is a different matter.
Use a top quality telephoto with an extension tube and a tripod to get close-up photos of low items.
If the camera needs to be low then there is no real solution without getting it down.
Try looking at production movie camera setups to adapt to your camera, not likely cheap but would possibly work. I am thinking like an adjustable boom that you set up standing then lower to the ground but remain standing looking at the video screen to adjust composition etc.
Mar 31, 2019 07:30:05 #
Getting old sure ain't what it's cracked up to be. But it beats the alternative. What I have learned after have two very arthritic knees, which are now replaced, is having a strong cane or walking stick helps getting up
Mar 31, 2019 07:59:22 #
Curmudgeon wrote:
I don't understand what happened but somewhere alo... (show quote)
I'M coming up on 80 soon and have the same trouble. I use a very stout Gitzo tripod, goes down to ground level and then I use it to pull myself back up.
Mar 31, 2019 08:00:59 #
Curmudgeon wrote:
I don't understand what happened but somewhere alo... (show quote)
I just received this rotating right angle viewfinder, and it does work acceptably on my Canon (comes with multiple camera adapters) and was only $31.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KR5VSEA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Mar 31, 2019 08:02:31 #
Mar 31, 2019 08:11:30 #
Linary
Loc: UK
Curmudgeon wrote:
I don't understand what happened but somewhere alo... (show quote)
I sometimes take one of these kneelers out with me, they fold flat, are light and very cheap. Just something else to carry though.
Turn upside down and it is a kneeler with handles to get you up, other way it is a stool.
Mar 31, 2019 08:27:16 #
Linary wrote:
I sometimes take one of these kneelers out with me, they fold flat, are light and very cheap. Just something else to carry though.
Turn upside down and it is a kneeler with handles to get you up, other way it is a stool.
Turn upside down and it is a kneeler with handles to get you up, other way it is a stool.
Portable camping stools and chairs are used by some UHH members.
Mar 31, 2019 08:33:02 #
Linary
Loc: UK
R.G. wrote:
Portable camping stools and chairs are used by some UHH members.
I have a few portable stools, the three legged, the fold up type with wheels and of course the seated walking stick. The kneeler is the only one that lets me get to ground level and makes it possible to stand up again.
Mar 31, 2019 08:39:55 #
Thanks for the tips...Many of us have the same issues from age, miles and disease. Wonderful ideas. I don't drive anymore because of medication issues so I rely on shooting from the house or when my spouse can take me. She also helps me up when I do something foolish.
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