help with ideas for photography without much hand movement

scoped

scoped

Suspended / Banned
Messages
160
Name
Andy
Edit My Images
Yes
Hi guys, long time no post

I have a disability that makes it hard for me to move my hands and arms, and have been trying to think of ways to make things easier for me.
My sister recently got a Nikon D810 and i found the controls on it a little hard to use, so i've been coming up with solutions. I mainly shoot indoors, nothing fast like sports.

1. if i shoot tethered to a laptop, will i be able to control iso, aperture etc, as well as take the shot? is it possible to focus through the laptop or would i have to rely on autofocus.
2. I've seen an electronic pan/tilt head called the mp-101 (video here)- i was wondering if anyone has experience with this, or any tips for where to source it in the uk
3. I was thinking of mounting the pan.tilt head (weighs about 2lb) to the top of something like this - a studio light support - this would then be clamped securely to my wheelchair so there would be no danger of it toppling over - is this a safe thing to do? or is there a better alternative like a monopod

any other ideas would be really appreciated
 
Wouldn't it be easier to use a smaller CSC with touch screen?
 
I imagine a much smaller body with built in stabilization would be better suited to you. Like a Sony or Olympus. Depends on your budget. The D810 is hard to master even for the steadiest hand, it's a very unforgiving camera.
 
And a monopod with a proper head instead of a light stand.
 
Hi Al

I wonder if you have heard of the Disabled Photographers Society?

As far as I read they are likely a good resource of shared ideas relating to more specialised needs such as you raise in your opening post.

They have an adaptions section on the website that is only accessible to members.

Of course, here at TP we have a wealth of good info with members of a wide range of experiences but no harm is enrolling over at DPS to get their insight and feedback.

All the best with finding the adaptions and kit you seek :)

Oh, and do not forget to post some of your pictures here in the various sub fora to share and show what you like to photograph.
 
rjbell said:
Wouldn't it be easier to use a smaller CSC with touch screen?
Click to expand...
It might be, but I've been using my 60d for about 5 years, and like to use speedlights and such, I am looking for ways to make it easier with a DSLR

Cagey75 said:
I imagine a much smaller body with built in stabilization would be better suited to you. Like a Sony or Olympus. Depends on your budget. The D810 is hard to master even for the steadiest hand, it's a very unforgiving camera.
Click to expand...
At the moment I have a 60d, but as my sister has such a step up in camera (and lenses too) I was wanting to try and make a proper rig/set up to enable me to use the camera more effectively.

JohnX said:
And a monopod with a proper head instead of a light stand.
Click to expand...
I was wondering if that might be a better option, would something like the Manfrotto XPro Monopod with 234RC Head be sufficient? I have a manfrotto 496rc2 on my current DIY camera holder

Box Brownie said:
Hi Al

I wonder if you have heard of the Disabled Photographers Society?

As far as I read they are likely a good resource of shared ideas relating to more specialised needs such as you raise in your opening post.

They have an adaptions section on the website that is only accessible to members.

Of course, here at TP we have a wealth of good info with members of a wide range of experiences but no harm is enrolling over at DPS to get their insight and feedback.

All the best with finding the adaptions and kit you seek :)

Oh, and do not forget to post some of your pictures here in the various sub fora to share and show what you like to photograph.
Click to expand...

I did see them a few years ago, they might definitely be a good route to go down though to find other ideas.
But, if i can shoot tethered in the way that I imagine, I think it should work. I've seen the manfrotto digital director advertised, but I thought maybe all the things on there would be achievable by tethering to a laptop.
 
Re a suitable head, I was wondering whether something like a video head might be best?
 
Re a suitable head, I was wondering whether something like a video head might be best?
 
Re a suitable head, I was wondering whether something like a video head might be best?
 
JohnX said:
Re a suitable head, I was wondering whether something like a video head might be best?
Click to expand...
Do you have a link to an example?
And what makes you think it might be better? I've never used one so am interested in the difference.
Thanks!
 
There is software that allows remote control/focus (i.e. digiCamControl).
Can't help w/ the motorized head... expect it to be slow, and it won't hold much weight.
For lighter setups you might consider something like a Manfrotto Magic Arm/Clamp to mount the camera (about same load capacity as the motorized head has).

Video heads might be ok with the long control arm, but they tend to have smallish locking knobs/adjustments. A more traditional 3 way head where the larger levers/handles are also the tension/lock adjustments might suit you better.
 
sk66 said:
There is software that allows remote control/focus (i.e. digiCamControl).
Can't help w/ the motorized head... expect it to be slow, and it won't hold much weight.
For lighter setups you might consider something like a Manfrotto Magic Arm/Clamp to mount the camera (about same load capacity as the motorized head has).

Video heads might be ok with the long control arm, but they tend to have smallish locking knobs/adjustments. A more traditional 3 way head where the larger levers/handles are also the tension/lock adjustments might suit you better.
Click to expand...

digicamcontrol is actually on the list of software that i found for tethering! Have you used it at all?
The pan/tilt head reckons it supports a pay load of up to 6lbs - is this likely to be an exaggeration?
The reason it interested me, is that even if it is slow, it gives me quite a bit more freedom to fine tune a shot, especially if the camera is mounted to my chair.
 
scoped said:
Do you have a link to an example?
And what makes you think it might be better? I've never used one so am interested in the difference.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Here's a link to the Manfrotto site https://www.manfrotto.co.uk/products/supports/tripod-heads/video-head

As to why, well I haven't used them either, but assuming they are well damped I think they should offer great one-handed movement control of a light weight camera.

Alternatively, how about a non-video 3-way head? https://www.manfrotto.co.uk/products/supports/tripod-heads/3-way-head
 
I don't know how helpful this is in context of your circumstances but the most recent releases of the Olympus OMD range have wifi tethering built in and the camera can be operated remotely from an app. You have control of focusing, aperture, iso, SS etc. Works pretty well as long as you are not far from the camera.
 
JohnX said:
Here's a link to the Manfrotto site https://www.manfrotto.co.uk/products/supports/tripod-heads/video-head

As to why, well I haven't used them either, but assuming they are well damped I think they should offer great one-handed movement control of a light weight camera.

Alternatively, how about a non-video 3-way head? https://www.manfrotto.co.uk/products/supports/tripod-heads/3-way-head
Click to expand...

I wouldn't be able to move the head, which is why i was thinking a motorised head, even slow, would enable me to have more control over positioning
 
A true fluid video head is quite expensive and they are not generally optimized for use w/ a DSLR... Many video heads are not true fluid heads and the "damping" is just a friction setting (like any other head) and they have no balance/preload settings. I honestly don't see any advantage to them for your situation and still photography.

I have not used digiCamControl personally... I do shoot tethered, but I don't have the same requirements and it's a Microsoft only product (I use a Mac). But I've heard very good things about it.

IME, most weight ratings are optimistic when it comes to absolute stability... they tend to be more of a "failure rating." That said, I would expect it to function as long as you stay below the max rating.

The magic arm solution will be way more adjustable/versatile than a monopod, but it will have a lower maximum load capability/stability... but I think it's well matched to the remote head (in which case you shouldn't need another head as well).
 
Last edited:
border_all said:
Forgive me if this is no use as a head

http://www.cameragrip.com/camera-pan-tilt-powerheads/

Also the Canon 5d4 I think has touch LCD for focus and maybe that would help with your flash and menu options as you have a 60D now :)
Click to expand...

That actually looks near identical to the mp101 - and the price is good too! Thank you for that, I might have to purchase from there.

The 5D4 would be great, but financially is too much at this point, I actually need to figure out if i need to jump ship to nikon as my sister is likely to have several good quality lenses. But i'm unsure if that is the best decision, so that is a separate quandary for me to mull over!
 
scoped said:
That actually looks near identical to the mp101 - and the price is good too! Thank you for that, I might have to purchase from there.

The 5D4 would be great, but financially is too much at this point, I actually need to figure out if i need to jump ship to nikon as my sister is likely to have several good quality lenses. But i'm unsure if that is the best decision, so that is a separate quandary for me to mull over!
Click to expand...
Yes I can see the issue for your lens line up I run the Sony A7 ii now when I had my Canon 5d3 it was ball park same price as the Nikon

I have not used it however the Sony has an iPhone or pad app for controlling the camera i am unsure if that would suffice for your hand issue. You could also for minimal cost buy an adapter from Nikon to Sony adapter they have I believe just been released and a used A7 ii is about £900 in classifieds. I may be biased but the image quality is very good and as it's a bit lighter may need less strong support

:)
 
The mp 101 with batteries weighs about 1 kg with out lens The Camera also weighs about 1 kg the arm will take 3 Kg so you would only be able to fit a lens that weighs no more than 1 Kg.
If you use long lenses you must also think about the balance of the lens, as that will compound any strain.

I would get into contact with the Disabled Photographers society.
they have a specialist who will sort out these and other problems, as they have done it many times for their members. they can solve problems in a way that suits your particular restrictions.

They could also talk over your camera problem, One of the Fuji cameras like the XE2s would work very well with a remote tablet or phone, to make all your settings and focus.

You can contact them here http://www.the-dps.co.uk
 
Last edited:
what sort of grip have you got ?
if you have reasonable grip in one of your hands maybe something like this would do as a tripod head

https://www.manfrotto.co.uk/light-duty-grip-ball-head-327rc2

the retail price looks horrendous but the one i bought a few years ago was less than half that, i'm sure if you shop around it would be considerably cheaper

another option rather than a monopod would be a hide clamp if you can find a way to fix it to your chair or a suitable mounting surface
 
sk66 said:
A true fluid video head is quite expensive and they are not generally optimized for use w/ a DSLR... Many video heads are not true fluid heads and the "damping" is just a friction setting (like any other head) and they have no balance/preload settings. I honestly don't see any advantage to them for your situation and still photography.

I have not used digiCamControl personally... I do shoot tethered, but I don't have the same requirements and it's a Microsoft only product (I use a Mac). But I've heard very good things about it.

IME, most weight ratings are optimistic when it comes to absolute stability... they tend to be more of a "failure rating." That said, I would expect it to function as long as you stay below the max rating.

The magic arm solution will be way more adjustable/versatile than a monopod, but it will have a lower maximum load capability/stability... but I think it's well matched to the remote head (in which case you shouldn't need another head as well).
Click to expand...
The reason i mentioned a monopod was that it gives me quite a scope in terms of vertical placement by extending or retracting the monopod.
With the magic arm (which was also recommended by the dps) what kind of advantages are there?

border_all said:
Yes I can see the issue for your lens line up I run the Sony A7 ii now when I had my Canon 5d3 it was ball park same price as the Nikon

I have not used it however the Sony has an iPhone or pad app for controlling the camera i am unsure if that would suffice for your hand issue. You could also for minimal cost buy an adapter from Nikon to Sony adapter they have I believe just been released and a used A7 ii is about £900 in classifieds. I may be biased but the image quality is very good and as it's a bit lighter may need less strong support

:)
Click to expand...

What made you go with sony over nikon/canon?

Terrywoodenpic said:
The mp 101 with batteries weighs about 1 kg with out lens The Camera also weighs about 1 kg the arm will take 3 Kg so you would only be able to fit a lens that weighs no more than 1 Kg.
If you use long lenses you must also think about the balance of the lens, as that will compound any strain.

I would get into contact with the Disabled Photographers society.
they have a specialist who will sort out these and other problems, as they have done it many times for their members. they can solve problems in a way that suits your particular restrictions.

They could also talk over your camera problem, One of the Fuji cameras like the XE2s would work very well with a remote tablet or phone, to make all your settings and focus.

You can contact them here http://www.the-dps.co.uk
Click to expand...

I am now a member of the dps! Thank you for the recommendation.
 
sk66 said:
There is software that allows remote control/focus (i.e. digiCamControl).
Can't help w/ the motorized head... expect it to be slow, and it won't hold much weight.
For lighter setups you might consider something like a Manfrotto Magic Arm/Clamp to mount the camera (about same load capacity as the motorized head has).

Video heads might be ok with the long control arm, but they tend to have smallish locking knobs/adjustments. A more traditional 3 way head where the larger levers/handles are also the tension/lock adjustments might suit you better.
Click to expand...
Camranger do wireless camera control. They also do a motorised head that can be controlled from the app too. The cam ranger app lets you have control of the camera settings via the app and see live view too( there is a little delay on live view through the app). I gather the motorised head also works from the app. It was designed for use with camera masts (which are pretty much replaced by drones now).
 
A well balanced gimbal head might be an answer (probably not a cheap one though.) Should allow you to aim by nudging things around rather than needing to be gripped. By all accounts the DPS are very useful. Good luck.
 
Terrywoodenpic said:
manfrotto arm and clamp Like this
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Manfrotto-Magic-Arm-with-Bracket/dp/B001GCUN6C
Could easily clamp to your Chair. Hopefully you would easily be able to adjust the large knobs and lever.
You could attach the camera with one of their Quick release heads.
Click to expand...

The lever version of the magic arm requires quite a bit of force to lock/unlock the lever, and it is quite hard to keep everything in the same place as it's locked. There is a version with a large knurled knob which may be an option.
 
nbaker said:
There is an article on the BBC website which may be of interest to you:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-38265876
Click to expand...

Thank you for linking that, that set up looked really good! The zoom he's put on there is really clever. I'll be watching that when it is on for sure.
I see from the snippets it does look like theyre using the mp101 as a base - which i currently have sitting under a christmas tree!

Many thanks for that link nbaker
 
nbaker said:
There is an article on the BBC website which may be of interest to you:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-38265876
Click to expand...
I saw that earlier and it made me think of this thread.

scoped said:
it does look like theyre using the mp101 as a base - which i currently have sitting under a christmas tree!
Click to expand...
I'm glad it have got something sorted. It sounds like its based on the same design as the cam ranger motorised head I mentioned previously.

http://camranger.com/camranger-pan-tilt/
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top