Any wheelchair users? Need help adapting

[Soulman]

I’m looking for advice on how to carry camera kit whilst in my wheelchair. I’ve only recently had to use the wheelchair so this is a new issue for me.

I have to use a wheelchair when I leave the house now and want to continue with photography as a hobby. I’ve downsized my kit to a Fuji X-T2vand three small primes but I’m struggling to find a way I feel comfortable whilst having some security for my kit.

Has anyone on here got a solution?

 

[Box Brownie]

I believe there are a few hereabouts, hopefully they will spot your post and chip in with their insights.

In the meantime there is the Disabled Photographers Society that may be worth looking into/at

Home-DPS

National Charity for Disabled Photographers in UK Official Charity Partners to The Photography and Video Show IF YOU HAVE A DISABILITY AND WANT TO ENJOY PHOTOGRAPHY WE ARE HERE TO HELP. To

www.the-dps.co.uk

All the best with 'working the problem' and finding your way to still enjoy your photography hobby

 

[Marc]

Hi Des

A lot really depends on the individual. In my case, I bought a smallish Crumpler bag which sat on my lap with the strap across my chest. I had an XT1 and a few primes at the time so a similar set up to you. What type of chair do you have?

 

[swanseamale47]

I've seen a few use a monopod or tripod head attached to the chair itself. And I have seen a chap in Cardiff (dont know if he's a member) who had a 5d3? with a screw eye in the tripod screw this was fastened to a few feet of braided steel plastic coated wire, this in turn fastened to the chair.
While it could be stolen, you couldn't just grab it and run off.
The wire might have been decent gauge fishing trace wire, you can buy this in a kit with crimp on ends cheaply enough, I've been shark fishing on this stuff (a very long time ago) it'll hold a persons weight no bother.
Theres also a baseplate for some cameras that will hold an Apple airtag (or hide one in the bag). This might help recover your kit, some people use a pet tracker chip.

 

[Sky]

Hi Des, firstly, I'm very sorry that you've lost your mobility. The changes you'll have to make are hard to deal with to start, but like the grief we suffer when we lose a loved one, we eventually overcome the dreadful shock and learn to live with it - it does get easier with time.

I use a Lowepro Inverse 200 which secures around my waist and sits on my lap. There was the smaller 100 version as well, but unfortunately neither are available any more. Maybe the used market will bear fruit or there may be something similar that I don't know about.

I also use one of these fitted with the insert from an older bag:

Phoenix System Trolley + Cabin Roller Bag

Hand luggage sized wheelchair compatible roller bag. Take it into the cabin with you. Ideal for independent wheelchair travel.

www.phoenixinstinct.com

You can buy inserts cheaply enough - here's an example: Temu-Neewer

In my powerchair, I also use the Inverse 200 but if I want to carry more kit I use a Lowepro Flipside 400 and wear it on my chest. Because the zip opens on the back, it means I can unzip it so that the open bag sits on my lap, but is still secured to me so no one could grab it and run.

I use a monopod mostly, but also use a carbon fibre tripod if I need to let go of the camera or use one of the bigger ones.

I use my car with my manual chair, but not the powerchair. Load-outs vary as I use full frame Nikon digital and medium and large format film cameras.

Naturally, security can be an issue if you were to encounter a 'wrong 'un' so I have a hidden SmarTag2 in all my bags.

I've been doing the above for the last ten years, but I'm also now losing the use of my hands as well so my photography days are numbered. Ho hum . . .

 

[Soulman]

Hi Des

A lot really depends on the individual. In my case, I bought a smallish Crumpler bag which sat on my lap with the strap across my chest. I had an XT1 and a few primes at the time so a similar set up to you. What type of chair do you have?

I’ve got a Quickie Argon2 active chair.

I’m thinking of a chest strap with the camera on it and a couple of padded lens pouches attached to the front legs of the chair.

 

[Sky]

A chest strap is great in some circumstances, but not that many in my case. I hope it works for you.

I find it easier to put it in and out of the lap bag with one hand than having to use both hands to remove it from the strap - the twisting makes it harder for me. We're all different aren't we? I'm in constant pain and regularly go into spasms that make me drop things - I absolutely MUST use a neck strap unless I want to buy new cameras and lenses three times a month.

I have an Argon 2 as a spare and it's OK on flat, smooth surfaces and when you have someone to lend a hand with a push now and then, but I find it too heavy to take out in the car or use on rough or hilly terrain. Mine weighs 14kg with the cushion, so I now use a Quickie Ti with Spinergy wheels and it weighs a third of that. I also shed a few stone in bodyweight to help - it most certainly did . . .

 

[DumfriesDik]

Hi all.

I use a Triride with my Quickie Argon 2. Whilst it is good for getting about on pavements and roads, it struggles off road. I’ve gone up many a hill backwards.

As for carrying a camera, I use a bag just big enough to hold the FF and 24-200 lens. The bag only has one strap and goes diagonally over my chest. It’s just the right angle for taking the camera out.

Bag

Lucky for me (!) I have no legs, so the tripod just rests on the Triride brackets.

I must confess that I’ve dropped my lens cap more times than I like to admit to!

I hope you find something that works for you.

 

[Nod]

Hi all.

I use a Triride with my Quickie Argon 2. Whilst it is good for getting about on pavements and roads, it struggles off road. I’ve gone up many a hill backwards.

As for carrying a camera, I use a bag just big enough to hold the FF and 24-200 lens. The bag only has one strap and goes diagonally over my chest. It’s just the right angle for taking the camera out.

Bag

Lucky for me (!) I have no legs, so the tripod just rests on the Triride brackets.

I must confess that I’ve dropped my lens cap more times than I like to admit to!

I hope you find something that works for you.

A penny (can't remember the start date but many are now magnetic) glued to regularly dropped items and a magnet on a stick pick-up tool could be useful for lens caps and the like.

 

[Soulman]

A chest strap is great in some circumstances, but not that many in my case. I hope it works for you.

I find it easier to put it in and out of the lap bag with one hand than having to use both hands to remove it from the strap - the twisting makes it harder for me. We're all different aren't we? I'm in constant pain and regularly go into spasms that make me drop things - I absolutely MUST use a neck strap unless I want to buy new cameras and lenses three times a month.

I have an Argon 2 as a spare and it's OK on flat, smooth surfaces and when you have someone to lend a hand with a push now and then, but I find it too heavy to take out in the car or use on rough or hilly terrain. Mine weighs 14kg with the cushion, so I now use a Quickie Ti with Spinergy wheels and it weighs a third of that. I also shed a few stone in bodyweight to help - it most certainly did . . .

I can still stand and walk but for a very limited time, the chair allows me to do more with the family, I was becoming a hermit and struggling mentally because of it.

I thought my Argon 2 was nearer 10kg with cushion, might be wrong though.

Losing weight would be ideal but I’m finding it difficult. I had ACDF surgery on C3, 4 and 5 and after the spinal cord had recovered was left with a lot of spasticity in my left leg and hip, that’s alongside constant nerve pain and lots of spasms each day. Going from 100+ miles a week on a pushbike to pretty much zero exercise and lots of frustration at nearly being able to do things. Three years after the surgery I’m still trying to find ways to exercise and keep busy in a way that doesn’t cause me any extra pain.

I was a keen photographer for many years and sold quite a few prints at stall in the Peak District, the Sony was a failed attempt at returning to the hobby (lenses felt cumbersome and the body was uninspiring), the Fuji suits me far better and I feel more involved and invested in the process of making images.

 

[strumstrum]

Have you considered a mobility scooter?

I have a Pride GoGo Elite 3 wheeled that is nearly as compact as a wheelchair, you can turn it on an penny, I can literally use it around the house and takes any carrying problems you might encounter with a wheelchair out of the picture.

 

[Sky]

I thought my Argon 2 was nearer 10kg with cushion, might be wrong though.

You're probably right, the newer ones are better I think - mine is ten years old. I could use a lighter cushion and not carry a spare tube & tools etc. if I had to, but it doesn't wheelie or bounce down stairs as well as the Ti. I also like having no push handles - it discourages people from offering you a push when you don't want one and is generally much more 'sportier/active'. After a while, you'll probably find it very annoying when someone touches your 'wheels' too.

Like you, I can still stand and walk a few steps, but only if I use sticks or lean on something and I look like I'm drunk. Still, it's enough to allow keep me driving my car so I shouldn't complain. I have Hypermobile Ehlers-Danloss Syndrome and as a result of spinal surgery many years ago, suspected Arachnoiditis. Then of course, there's the Arthritis, Gout, Tenosynovitis and other stuff that just causes more bloody pain.

I was also very fit too; Hang Gliding, Paragliding and Karate Instructor as well as a light aircraft pilot. Plus, I enjoyed other stuff like cycling, running and swimming etc. Having lost all that (plus my partner, house and business), I spent about ten years trying to drink myself to death, but my sister and brother-in-law have been incredibly supportive and they alone have got me through that. I don't drink much at all now - just once a week when they visit. In fact they're due here any minute, so I'd better go and open the wine.

With regards to a mobility scooter, these are great for general age related mobility or limb injury issues, but they're completely useless for anyone with spinal injury. Besides, you can't take them in a lot of shops, on trains, buses, taxis or bounce them down a flight of stairs.

View: https://youtu.be/xglxZQSP-Io?t=43

 

[strumstrum]

With regards to a mobility scooter, these are great for general age related mobility or limb injury issues, but they're completely useless for anyone with spinal injury. Besides, you can't take them in a lot of shops, on trains, buses, taxis or bounce them down a flight of stairs.

Age related I’m only 53



I must admit until you posted this I wasn’t aware spinal injuries required different chairs.

I like you can walk just not for long. FYI tho Class 2 mobility scooters can go in shops, on trains, buses, taxis and even planes… you got me on bouncing them down stairs tho

So if you couldn’t power a wheelchair with your arms would your next option be powered wheelchair then?

 

[Soulman]

You're probably right, the newer ones are better I think - mine is ten years old. I could use a lighter cushion and not carry a spare tube & tools etc. if I had to, but it doesn't wheelie or bounce down stairs as well as the Ti. I also like having no push handles - it discourages people from offering you a push when you don't want one and is generally much more 'sportier/active'. After a while, you'll probably find it very annoying when someone touches your 'wheels' too.

Like you, I can still stand and walk a few steps, but only if I use sticks or lean on something and I look like I'm drunk. Still, it's enough to allow keep me driving my car so I shouldn't complain. I have Hypermobile Ehlers-Danloss Syndrome and as a result of spinal surgery many years ago, suspected Arachnoiditis. Then of course, there's the Arthritis, Gout, Tenosynovitis and other stuff that just causes more bloody pain.

I was also very fit too; Hang Gliding, Paragliding and Karate Instructor as well as a light aircraft pilot. Plus, I enjoyed other stuff like cycling, running and swimming etc. Having lost all that (plus my partner, house and business), I spent about ten years trying to drink myself to death, but my sister and brother-in-law have been incredibly supportive and they alone have got me through that. I don't drink much at all now - just once a week when they visit. In fact they're due here any minute, so I'd better go and open the wine.

With regards to a mobility scooter, these are great for general age related mobility or limb injury issues, but they're completely useless for anyone with spinal injury. Besides, you can't take them in a lot of shops, on trains, buses, taxis or bounce them down a flight of stairs.

View: https://youtu.be/xglxZQSP-Io?t=43

I’m still a bit heavy at 95kg to push myself around here, I live on a 18% hill so it’s out to the car, drive somewhere flatter (not easy in Sheffield) and then push myself around.

It’ll take a while before I can bounce downstairs! I walk around the house (bouncing from wall to wall and grabbing pieces of furniture), go up and down stairs on a stairlift and hobble around the back yard on crutches. My time in the wheelchair is fairly limited so I need to put time aside to improve my skills.

I’ve pretty much destroyed one wheelchair through lack of skill and over enthusiasm (and scared my wife silly) this includes a trip down the path from Tintagel to the shop down by the castle entrance, hands and gloves got a bit “warm” and I didn’t get very far back up!

 

[F1.2]

I am reliant on a scooter for any distance movements , I can walk short distances, Going out and about is now dependant on my scooter.
I have a Beamer tramper MK2 2019 , Not yet tried going out with the intention of doing photography.
Will keep an eye on this thread.

 

[DumfriesDik]

I am reliant on a scooter for any distance movements , I can walk short distances, Going out and about is now dependant on my scooter.
I have a Beamer tramper MK2 2019 , Not yet tried going out with the intention of doing photography.
Will keep an eye on this thread.

Funnily enough, I have an old Tramper TWS, the three wheeled version. It has been hold up in the garage since the dog passed four years ago. It needs a service and new batteries, but it would be good to get out with it.

The DPS that @Box Brownie may be able to give you some pointers?

 

[Soulman]

Funnily enough, I have an old Tramper TWS, the three wheeled version. It has been hold up in the garage since the dog passed four years ago. It needs a service and new batteries, but it would be good to get out with it.

The DPS that @Box Brownie may be able to give you some pointers?

I’ve sent a membership application to them online, hopefully they’ll respond soon.

 

[Soulman]

You're probably right, the newer ones are better I think - mine is ten years old. I could use a lighter cushion and not carry a spare tube & tools etc. if I had to, but it doesn't wheelie or bounce down stairs as well as the Ti. I also like having no push handles - it discourages people from offering you a push when you don't want one and is generally much more 'sportier/active'. After a while, you'll probably find it very annoying when someone touches your 'wheels' too.

Like you, I can still stand and walk a few steps, but only if I use sticks or lean on something and I look like I'm drunk. Still, it's enough to allow keep me driving my car so I shouldn't complain. I have Hypermobile Ehlers-Danloss Syndrome and as a result of spinal surgery many years ago, suspected Arachnoiditis. Then of course, there's the Arthritis, Gout, Tenosynovitis and other stuff that just causes more bloody pain.

I was also very fit too; Hang Gliding, Paragliding and Karate Instructor as well as a light aircraft pilot. Plus, I enjoyed other stuff like cycling, running and swimming etc. Having lost all that (plus my partner, house and business), I spent about ten years trying to drink myself to death, but my sister and brother-in-law have been incredibly supportive and they alone have got me through that. I don't drink much at all now - just once a week when they visit. In fact they're due here any minute, so I'd better go and open the wine.

With regards to a mobility scooter, these are great for general age related mobility or limb injury issues, but they're completely useless for anyone with spinal injury. Besides, you can't take them in a lot of shops, on trains, buses, taxis or bounce them down a flight of stairs.

View: https://youtu.be/xglxZQSP-Io?t=43

The video is great and when I was younger (when I played rugby seriously and hadn’t really started cycling much) I would have had the upper body strength to do that. After 30+ years of cycling a lot and no strength training I’ve got big legs and a much less upper body strength.

It sucks that you went through those years on mental anguish and all of the crap that comes with it but it’s great that, with support you’re past that stage and have things that keep you moving in a more positive direction. I feel blessed that my wife and kids have been more supportive and understanding than I could have reasonably expected, it makes all the difference and has certainly shortened the period it took to accept my situation as the new normal for me. If I could give anyone, who is facing similar challenges, it would be to accept whatever help is offered and to stop saying sorry.

I need to pull my finger out and learn how to hold the front wheel up comfortably for a reasonable amount of time using balance and control before moving on to tackling steps. I can manage 2-3” easily but lose control when the front wheel gets beyond the balance point. Time to get a crash pad or the like and get on with learning the most basic wheelchair skills for the active user.

 

[Sky]

So if you couldn’t power a wheelchair with your arms would your next option be powered wheelchair then?

Exactly, and I use one regularly as mentioned in a previous post. The downside with these is the cost - my current one would cost nearly £16,000.00 retail and is my first new one. The first few I had cost me between £3,000.00 - £5,000.00 each second-hand and I had to fund these myself (four of them). This new one was thankfully supplied at a 60% discount by the NHS and was split between them & SSAFA (I'm ex RN), but it's taken eight years to get it. A decent manual wheelchair will only cost £4,000.00 to £6,000.00.

Mobility scooters can be picked up for just a few hundred pounds second-hand, which is why they're so popular and are used by a lot of people that have a self-inflicted disability; obesity.

I've had several mobility scooters and they served me well for a time. The little ones (Class 2) are OK if you're strong enough to be able to fold or dismantle them to put in a car, or for a quick run to the shops on the bus. However, they have no suspension and tiny wheels which means they are agony to ride for anyone with a spinal injury. The bigger (Class 3) ones are better because they have big tyres and suspension and can be used on the road. However, you can't take them on public transport or taxis and the only buildings you'll get them in are huge supermarkets.

Funnily enough, I have an old Tramper TWS, the three wheeled version.

Three wheeled scooters should be avoided at all costs Richard, so be careful - they're dangerous and will tip over if you sneeze. If you're riding the pavement and a wheel goes down a kerb, they will throw you out into the road. I've seen it happen twice and someone I know had one (a big, fast one) that he almost died on when it tipped him over in front of a bus.

I need to pull my finger out and learn how to hold the front wheel up comfortably for a reasonable amount of time using balance and control before moving on to tackling steps.

It sounds like you've cracked the hard part already Des. Now you just need to practice, you'll be amazed at how quickly you'll improve. If you're up to doing it outside, wear a helmet or do it on grass for added safety. If you have the stick-out handles on the Argon like mine has, these will help protect you when (yes, when) you tip over backwards.

If you're not ready to go outside and practice, I found the best way to do it indoors was by reversing up against my couch and putting a piece of wood in front of each wheel so they can't move. Then if I went over backwards I'd fall onto the couch - it made for a few hilarious moments. On one occasion I'm sure that even my dog laughed at me . . .