Why are handgrips always on the right side?
Jan 24, 2023 10:01:42 #
How soon we forget - film moved left to right behind the lens so we had the dominant strong hand to use the lever to move the film. We had to manually change lens settings so the strong hand held the camera.
Digital camera design just kept the same look.
Digital camera design just kept the same look.
Jan 24, 2023 10:11:48 #
Exa Exacta used to make a left handed film camera. It wasn't popular.
Jan 24, 2023 10:13:17 #
Bill 45 wrote:
I am a left handed person. When I using one of my Nikon's cameras I have a bracket that hook on to the left side of the camera so that I can hold on to the camera. I have found that Nikon's cameras are not a friend to left handed people. If you are left handed don't buy a Nikon.
Well Bill;
I am left handed and have used Nikons and others with no problem. The reason I initially got my first Nikon, a film N80, was because it fit my Right hand very good and it just felt good in my hand. At the same time my brother was with me and he got a Canon EOS. I would have gone with the Canon but the Nikon felt like was made for me.
NOW saying this, I have been in stores where I have held Nikon, Canon, Oly's, Panasonics etc. And I found that on each model especially Nikons and Canons, that one model felt good while another did not. I also have a Panasonic Lumix FZ300 bridge that feels and works just fine for me too. I have a Nikon D300s that firs me like a glove. I have learned how to I can use just about any camera. Being a lefty we learn how do this. My only weakness is my writing with the right hand is very awkward just difficult. Hand grips are a nice feature especially on small bodied cameras.
Well that's my two cents worth today.
Bruce.
Jan 24, 2023 10:38:16 #
I’m certainly not ambidextrous, but each hand when I shoot have responsibilities based on the camera’s design and construction. I don’t see a difference whether a user is right or left handed. It’s muscle and brain function at work, and doesn’t require precision actions. I’m right handed, but show me where the buttons are and I think I could use a opposite design just as well.
Jan 24, 2023 10:51:12 #
gvarner
Loc: Central Oregon Coast
It’s an evolutionary survival trait. All the war clubs in ancient times were right-handers. 😊😊
Jan 24, 2023 10:54:11 #
gvarner wrote:
It’s an evolutionary survival trait. All the war clubs in ancient times were right-handers. 😊😊
If I was using a club or sword I would be using my right hand too.
bruce.
Jan 24, 2023 11:04:38 #
mwsilvers
Loc: Central New Jersey
Longshadow wrote:
Or move all the controls to the other side of the camera.
At least with many cameras the viewfinder is in the center (save a mm or three), not on the left.
Or, just like cars here, learn to drive from the left side...
At least with many cameras the viewfinder is in the center (save a mm or three), not on the left.
Or, just like cars here, learn to drive from the left side...
That's what I meant by a redesign of the camera. Also, keep in mind,, that very few cameras have the viewfinder exactly in the center. Many if not most DSLRs and mirrorless cameras tend to have the viewfinder left of center. Accommodating a left-handed grip would require moving those viewfinders to right of center. A left-handed grip would require a complete redesign of a camera for left-handed users. It would also require a reorientation going from landscape to portrait, since portrait images with a left-handed grip would now be upside down.
I'm certainly not against the idea, but it would not be cost-effective for any camera company to do that.
Jan 24, 2023 12:30:36 #
amfoto1
Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA
Left-hand grips are available, such as these that are designed for use with an L-bracket using Arca-compatible QR mounting: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/products/Handles-Grips/ci/18124/N/3907816589?filters=fct_handle-type_3504%3Aside-bracket-handles%2Cfct_mount-compatibility_3505%3Aarca-mount
And there are flash brackets that include a left-hand grip: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/compare/Vello_QuickDraw_Rotating_Flash_Bracket_vs_Kaiser_Folding_Metal_L_Flash_Bracket_with_Hand_Strap_vs_Custom_Brackets_Folding-T_Flash_Bracket/BHitems/743002-REG_109448-REG_614959-REG
Some cameras have had left-hand grips:
(Photos #1 & #3 by Dirk HR Spennemann, photo #2 by DANYvanvee, photo #3 by cgancedo65, photo #4 by StuartR1953)
And there are flash brackets that include a left-hand grip: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/compare/Vello_QuickDraw_Rotating_Flash_Bracket_vs_Kaiser_Folding_Metal_L_Flash_Bracket_with_Hand_Strap_vs_Custom_Brackets_Folding-T_Flash_Bracket/BHitems/743002-REG_109448-REG_614959-REG
Some cameras have had left-hand grips:
(Photos #1 & #3 by Dirk HR Spennemann, photo #2 by DANYvanvee, photo #3 by cgancedo65, photo #4 by StuartR1953)
#1 Koni-Omegaflex M
#2 Mamiya C330
#3 Konica Press 2
#4 Mamiya 645
Jan 24, 2023 13:02:48 #
Jan 24, 2023 13:08:16 #
Probably biggest reason; shutter button is on the right side! To my knowledge "they" don't make lefthanded cameras.
Jan 24, 2023 13:10:49 #
Jan 24, 2023 13:12:45 #
Jan 24, 2023 13:31:10 #
AndyT wrote:
An observation here, as I have no add-on handgrips... (show quote)
Lefty people can't be trusted anyway. Famous LH's - Jack the Ripper; the Boston Strangler, Billy the Kid, Lucriezia Borgia.
Need I say more?
Jan 24, 2023 13:31:42 #
leftj
Loc: Texas
AndyT wrote:
I see your point, but I'll bet if some company would be the first to offer them, they would sell well, maybe even better.
There's your opportunity. Do it.
Jan 24, 2023 14:09:50 #
I used a flash holder and turned it around so my right hand was free to control the camera and the flash was more on the left side. The flash was still over the lens and high enough to avoid red-eye.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.