TAKING PICTURES WITH ONE GOOD ARM

[Jestev]

Yea I have been reading the forum and see other cameras that will do a great job but from what I read they have limitations but will I get to the point where I notice them ? I usually do things right the first time buy the best I can afford) but I find the best deals also. Thats why I asked earlier about overkill because I dont want to buy too much camera if I cant use it but I dont want to out grow it either. I am thinking the canon xti or pentax k10d only because the nikon is so much more,but theres not alot of support here for pentax although my research has it as an awsome buy for the $$. but then what do I know. Either one should be fine and I will get out and check them out.

Theoretically the D80 is more expensive than the XTi because they are supposed to be in different classes. The Nikon match for the XTi is the D40/x which is also very small, as Big Mike suggested earlier. It has a price closer to the XTi's.

 

[usayit]

Just my two cents....

Wouldn't it make more sense to recommend a high end point and shoot?

I'm a big fan of the G-series so I will use it for specific example here:

* The newest G9 is MORE than capable to take professional quality photos. What it gives up in flexibility (interchangeable lenses) it gains in compact size. Even the the G5 (which is my P&S) and G6 are capable in the used department. The G7 is an option as well but it gave up RAW.
* Smaller lighter, easier to hold with one hand
* Zoom is activated via a lever or switch that is operated with your index finger. DSLRs will usually require another hand to operate a zoom lens.
*optical and lcd live view which might make it easier to compose in odd and tight positions.
* hotshoe compatible with Canon's ful line of EX flashes.

 

[usayit]

If the DSLR is the route you choose...

I definitely can see a monopod being an invaluable tool. The issue I can foresee is that most require two hands to operate. Try looking into the Manfrotto/bogen NeoTec 685B. I have one and it is completely single hand operation for both setup and adjusting of height.

There is also a neotec tripod which is not single handed operation but it is far easier to manipulate the locking mechanism than a typical tripod.

 

[tedgtfan]

Thanks for your answers I thought it could be done I really just needed to hear what people that really take pictures thought. I am not new to adversity as I will not be entering any photo contest either but taking qualty pictures is what I want so thanks for giving me your opinions. Camera choices would be great also.
My choice was Pentax K10D, Nikon D80, or Canon xti. Would these still be ok or are they overkill in my situation?

I have CMT and it has progressed to the point of having no thumb use. So I have two crooked hands with no thumbs, anyway my point is, I chose the lighter and smaller D40X over the heavier and larger D80. Something to consider :>)

 

[Iron Flatline]

Which arm would you like to use?

 

[Sw1tchFX]

Which arm would you like to use?

my thoughts exactly. hope it's not the left arm.

 

[nossie]

another thought I had is that if it's dSLR then a tripod is a must since a dSLR is a 2 handed operation otherwise.

 

[EOS_JD]

I was just going to ask which arm. A friend of mine is only able to use his left hand and he really struggles with just a P&S as the shutter button is always on the right side of the camera!

If you can use your right hand you might be able to use a dSLR if you can take time to compose and set it - or perhaps shoot in semi automatic most of the time.

It wil be difficult though.

 

[Mike_E]

There is usually a workaround for anything. My friends with MS who shoot (a couple of stroke victims too) have deliberate styles because of the difficulties they have in operating their cameras quickly. So, rather than street photography, they do cityscapes.

If you have the will to use it then you can certainly use any camera you like. May I suggest that you look into a really good film camera though? If you look around you can find a really nice medium format camera that will take great photos. Yes they are heavier but you will likely find that you'll want to use a tripod more and more as you try and get as much out of each shot as you can. These also tend to have cable releases available. If you don't shoot as many frames then getting the film developed will not be much of an issue and it should be some time before you spend as much as you save on a comparable DSLR.

If you only have the use of your left hand then may I suggest that you look into a TLR. You can either use a tripod or just let it hang from your neck and use the waistlevel view finder. All of the controls and the winder can be managed with the left hand only.

Good luck and Keep it Up!

mike

 

[ZIN]

WOW everyone thanks for all the options: ok where to start... I am in a wheelchair with one good arm and it's my RIGHT yehaaa!! I can move my left arm but can not use my hand but my right arm and hand are good. I actually do detailing for a few extra bucks useing an orbital polisher for about 2-3 hours per car so its fine. I also have fine **** with my canon ps s70 but I I know I can get better. In the summer I am outside 80% of the day finding something to do but the winters suck big time. I have a fish tank to to keep my interest in the winter and I live next to a wooded lot with birds everywhere ,cyotes,my dogs always something to photograph. Anyway I really appreciate all the help but its an array of information that I will take into consideration but I know its up to me and I need to feel them out but what about this...

Wouldn't it make more sense to recommend a high end point and shoot?

I'm a big fan of the G-series so I will use it for specific example here:
Is this something to look into or would I do better with my original ideas?
Remember I have no favorite camera I only want one that will be easiest to use and handle.

 

[nossie]

Hi Zin. That's helpful and going to bring in a lot more ideas.
For starters what about using your wheelchair as a support if used with some kind of Magic Arm? These can hold a tonne of weight so any camera goes. I suppose it's going to be dSLR now and you'll work your way up to the longer lenses for the wildlife out back.
For a cheaper start I suggest you should look at the higher resolution cameras so that you can crop in afterwards and still have resonable quality.
Also a camoflage pouncho for stalking your targets

 

[ZIN]

Now something like that would be sweeeet!!!! As long as I can mount it somewhere.....thanks for that idea...

 

[nossie]

Now something like that would be sweeeet!!!! As long as I can mount it somewhere.....thanks for that idea...

I'm sure there is something there for you, just search for your specific needs. Magic Arms come in all sorts of grips, clamps and bolting systems for fixing at one end - all sorts of universal joints and elbows for positioning - all sorts of heads for mounting camera gear, monitors, mics.

Also look out for the arms with the big door handle lever type tighteners, you can grip with your full hand to loosen and tighten.
https://www.compaid.fi/popup_image.php?pID=222

 

[ZIN]

Ok camera aside for bit I have looking at the above suggestions for tripods and assisting arms and such... I live in a small-ish town so I doubt very much I will be able to see these items in person so can you all tell me what you think will be something I really need out of my list or anything else? thanks for all the help everyone!!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/4639-REG/Benbo_BEN109_Trekker_Monopod.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/336188-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_458B_458B_NeoTec_Pro_Photo.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...frotto_2929_2929_Variable_Friction_Magic.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...alSearch=yes&O=product.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_g...rl=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=gorillapod
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...anfrotto_685B_685B_NeoTec_Monopod_Deluxe.html

 

[nossie]

Zin you're the expert for what you need so what about getting in with somebody with a welder and knocking out a few prototypes? Those magic arms are basically ball joints paired up. You said you do a bit in a body shop so I think there's plenty of the right tools about.
Necessity being the mother of invention you could have a cool patent on the way - I'd love to work on it with you if I was a few thousand miles closer. Winter is coming and you said you do get bored at this time

If you don't like that idea then again I say research the MagicArm/Mounting Arms. They come in a million variations so find one that you can easily adopt for your setup. Most will not be camera ready and will need a mount tacked on.

I don't think the tripod is no good coz you might find it aqward to get close to as the legs splay outwards.
Monopod might need 2 hands.
Gorrillapod only for light cameras. I have one and it can't hold a 350d with 24-105L lens - 4 pounds.

http://www.lcdarms.com/products/Photography_Arms/7016.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...Manfrotto_396AB2_Double_Articulated_Arm_.html
http://www.nextag.com/camera-arm/search-html
http://news.thomasnet.com/fullstory/13924
http://www.tek.com/site/ps/0,,60-15111-INTRO_EN,00.html