Ugly Hedgehog Newsletter

Hi,

I recently lost the use of my right hand. I can no longer hold the camera or push the fire button. Any suggestions on photographing with my left hand only?

Terri

notnoBuddha

Now please understand I don't want this to sound like a smart alec - which in general I am. I have never thought of this before and I don't have any idea if it would work. Okay here it is - can one, anyone turn a camera upside down which would put the bulk of most controls on most cameras on the the left side. Yes I relieze that it would take some getting used to with as far as controls now being at the bottom of the camera. I am sorry to say I do not know of any cameras that have the controls on the left - but there is whole lot I do not know and I would not be surprised.I will be watching to see if others have any suggestions. Good question. Enjoy your day.

Kiron Loc: Wales and Florida

Hi Terry, I don't know of a digital camera that is equipped to use a cable release like most film cameras are. If you could find one that is, you could attach a pistol grip where a tripod would attach. I have a number of pistol grips and they all have triggers and shutter release cables. That way it would allow you to hold the pistol grip in your left hand and fire the shutter with your left index finger. This may not help with you current camera, but if you are thinking of a replacement camera some time, keep it in mind.

If you know a machinist, he/she may be able to fabricate a pistol grip that when attached, a squeeze of the trigger would press the shutter button on your existing digital camera. I have one like this somewhere. If I can ever find it, I will post details and a picture. It will give you an idea of what I am talking about. It does not use a cable release, it operates the shutter button directly just like your finger would.

I hope this helps in your quest. As suggested by the other responder, upside down could work for you too; may depend on where the shutter button is located. People may look at you a bit strangely holding your camera upside down, but who cares, yes?

flyingcrown1 Loc: Moravian Falls

Gopher22's answer is the way to go...I am a "lefty" and used to use a universal (not made for one side or the other) pistol grip all the time. I feel sure they are still out there and many cameras are cable release capable...the Nikon D200 for instance. Hope this helps.

henrycrafter Loc: Orem Utah

Mamiya makes a pistol grip shutter release that works with the left hand. It was designed for the RB and RZ cameeras
You might look at that and see if you can construct something along that line

Perry Loc: Washington Michigan

That is an excellent suggestion, to get a pistol grip device, or have one made.

It seems like someone could market a left handed camera for the "lefties" out there as well as the unfortunate individual who lost the use of their right hand.

ianhargraves1066 Loc: NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Florida

You can pick up a generic pistol grip from almost any flea market photoshop or if you have a fully functioning friend get a 10 inch long piece of 1 inch wide flat alluminum bar measure the camera width , add a couple of inches and make a right angle bend in it. Get a rubber or plastic bike steering wheel handle from Walmart and slip it over the upright end. A one quarter inch hole to match up to the tripod screw hole on the camera and a tripod screw from a photo dealer and your away. I've only got one eye and half a brain, any suggestions!!

Good luck

Ian Hargraves
igh1066@hotmail.com
Port Orange,
Florida.

ianhargraves1066 Loc: NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Florida

P.S. Add a small hole in the rubber handle and poke a cable release to expose with. Assuming you have a film camera. Or ask your dealer to get you a brand comatable electronic cable release.
Ian

charlienow Loc: Hershey, PA

i was just playing with my d7200 which i have a battery holder attached. i was able to turn the camera upside down and use my left hand on the button to take pictures. i was even able to use BBF with the battery holder which has the AEL and AFL button at my fingertip...

my battery holder is a third party vendor and was not expensive...