The $1 Image Stabilizer

[dj_paige]

Replaces those heavy inconvenient tripods
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1041948/1_image_stabilizer_for_any_camera_lose_the_tripod/

Examples of photos I took this morning using this $1 Image Stabilizer
http://railroad.net/forums/viewtopic.php?p=493919#493919

[Chuck S.]

Paige, very interesting - and obviously effective!

Thanks for sharing!

[NMarti]

Paige
I saw the same thing done using a very lightweight chain, an eyebolt and a washer. The string would sure be easier to put in your bag than a chain and less worry about it scratching your equipment.

[Ric Cisson]

Thanks Paige...makes you wonder why the major players in the industry did not offer this as an alternative...:D

[LeeOtsubo]

See post #3 in this thread (http://www.elementsvillage.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17834&highlight=stringpod).

[Chuck S.]

Lee, surely you don't expect us to remember something from over a year ago......:D:D!

[Wendy]

Hi ...

I seem to remember that a similar thing was posted a long time before the 2006 one ...

I remember a discussion about was it safe to attach things to the camera in that way :) :)

Wendy

[NickLewis]

Hi Wendy,

You're right. I think that on some cameras the screw hole either isn't blanked, or more likely the blanking isn't mechanically strong, so you can screw a bolt/tripod screw in so far that it can damage internal components.

That shouldn't be a risk with a purpose built tripod, but if you just pick up any old machine screw, it could be if you're not careful. A couple of nuts to limit the travel, or lashing the string far enough up the thread, should do it.

I can't see any other problem, though. Except that, knowing my luck, I'd probably trip over the string and drop the camera!!:o

Nick

[Chuck S.]

Wendy, my concern would be that I would leave the device hanging from the bottom of the camera, take a few steps, accidentally step on the string, and see the camera lunge out of my hands and do a 'face plant' on the concrete below.....:o:mad::(

[NMarti]

Nick
Yeah the article I saw did specifically say to make sure you added nuts to prevent that from happening and to make sure the screw you used did not have a sharp point like a machine screw because it could bore in without you even knowing it and damage the camera.

Chuck - sounds like something I would do too!:o

[LeeOtsubo]

Hi ...

I seem to remember that a similar thing was posted a long time before the 2006 one ...

I remember a discussion about was it safe to attach things to the camera in that way :) :)

Wendy
It was just posted in 2006. I first used it during the Vietnam War while shooting the interiors of dark helicopters. I learned the trick from an old war correspondent who first used it in the American Civil War. He heard about it from a fellow who had photographed The Royal Scots during the American Revolutionary War, the Crimean War and the Napoleonic Wars. The original idea is attributed to a caveman who preserved some of the original cave paintings of Lascaux.

[CalamityJanet]

I haven't tried this yet, but I was thinking that it might work. I rarely use my tripod or monopod but it seems I always have the connector plate screwed into the camera just in case. There's a ring on it that's used as a grip for screwing/unscrewing and it folds flat against the plate when you don't need it. I was thinking of attaching a small s-hook to the end of the string and just slipping that onto the ring on the plate. When done with the shot it would just slip right off. Quick and easy and it would probably reduce the chances of walking away with the string still attached and possibly causing damage to cameras and humans as well!;):D

[NMarti]

Hey Janet - now there's an idea! I have that plate on mine and a little clip hook like you find on a keychain would work great for that. Great idea!

[Wendy]

Hi Lee ...

There have been a few about this ... the one I was looking for was by Grant :)

Here is one going back to the beginning of 2006 but I'm sure that there was another one before this.

http://www.elementsvillage.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6549 (message 7)

Wendy

[GaryK]

Wendy

I think I recall the one you are trying to find.. there were all sorts of different "homemade" type contraptions bantered about.:D

[Wendy]

Hi Gary ...

Yes thats the one ... :)

Wendy

[Benny Pedersen]

I haven't tried this yet, but I was thinking that it might work. I rarely use my tripod or monopod but it seems I always have the connector plate screwed into the camera just in case. There's a ring on it that's used as a grip for screwing/unscrewing and it folds flat against the plate when you don't need it. I was thinking of attaching a small s-hook to the end of the string and just slipping that onto the ring on the plate. When done with the shot it would just slip right off. Quick and easy and it would probably reduce the chances of walking away with the string still attached and possibly causing damage to cameras and humans as well!;):D

Did it after reading this two days ago, and for $0 (already had the stuff).

http://www.fineraw.com/stuff/free/6165w510x380q60.jpg

Benny

[NMarti]

Janet
I've been thinking about your idea and have come up with one that would work. Buy an inexpensive keychain tape measure - the retractable type that is made of cloth like a seamstress uses, and fasten a washer to the end that pulls out. Put a clip on the keychain part and then clip it on to the tripod mount. When done, simply push the retractable button and walk away! Whadda ya think? I have one of those tape measures - I just have to go find it. I'll try to post an image in the next day or two.

[CalamityJanet]

Hey Nancy and Benny...looks like we've got some great inventive brainstorming going! :cool: The idea of using the retractable keychain tapemeasure is fantastic! And I love the little wrench you used Benny. It gives more for your foot to rest on than just a washer. I wonder what else we could invent if we set our minds to it?!:D I'll see what I can come up with for the retractable idea and post a photo later.

[Benny Pedersen]

I wonder what else we could invent

What about a tripod light with a bulb (250 W photolita-S) in
a ceramic bulb socket.

http://www.fineraw.com/stuff/free/6167w510x380q60.jpg

Benny

[CalamityJanet]

I like your light idea Benny!

I was looking around for a retractable tape measure that would work for Nancy's idea when I realized that I have 3 dogs who each have a retractable leash. AH-HA!!! The one with a locking mechanism works great! I can stand on the doggy end and pull out the right length and lock it. Then I hook the doggy end to the camera ring and stand on the human end. It's not as small as Nancy's but it's not overly large either and I always have at least one near by. Also, my DH is over a foot taller than me and when were out taking photos either of us can use the same leash. I'm happy with it!:D

[NMarti]

Great thinking Janet. Another brilliant idea.

[CalamityJanet]

Thanks, Nancy! Judging from your wonderful avatar I'm guessing that you may also have a leash or two lying around?;)

Any luck finding your tape measure/key chain? I actually went out shopping for one this afternoon with no luck. If I didn't want one they would be hanging beside every check-out stand. I know I've seen them recently.:twisted:

[NMarti]

Janet
Look in the sewing department. They are usually found there with the quilting supplies. I'm still looking for mine. The one I have came from a home improvement show and was free. It is a six foot tape - I remember because I carried it in my purse while sofa shopping this spring. Maybe that's it - I changed purses but didn't clean the other one out. I'll bet it's there. I'm off to check.

[NMarti]

Janet
Okay - back to the drawing board. The one I have locks it from rewinding, but not from pulling out. It would work if you pulled it all the way out or if you pulled it all the way out then cut it to length and fastened your foot piece on. That way it would stay taught and you could still retract it quickly.

[lexcell]

Great brainstorming gang!

I got a huge kick out of reading the posts and seeing the solutions. As they say..."Necessity is the mother of invention!"

While this solution will help you to hold steadier, I still think a tripod is the best solution when possible. But, when you are caught without one or it is impractical to use one....hey, give it a go.

Another way to handhold at slower shutter speeds that works great for those of us who are left eyed is to press our camera against our left shoulder, use our left hand to press the camera in tight, exhale, and fire. I have found that I can shoot at even slower shutter speeds than normal when I do this. Sorry all you right eyed shooters, it just won't work for you.....so who out there is left eyed??? :)

[mrod]

Thasks for the tip, Laurie. And yes, I'm in the left-eye-shooters club!

Mike

[GeoR]

Wow: Thanks for the tip Laura. As a left eyed club member my first task is to burn my tripod. :D