[Wayne M]

Greetings on Independence day.

While getting into genealogic research I recently met a cousin and her husband for the first time. The husband is a quadriplegic from the Vietnam era and frankly I was in awe of him. This was in May and he was about to drive to a midwestern Vet hospital to help out with efforts there. He said he likes to go back to the hospitals and help with Veterans in need, especially the homeless. This guy is not just an inspiration, he is an INSPIRATION. Lively, funny, way cool and engaged.

So as we talk he shows some photographs he took and, having found out I have been a photographer and column author for over 10 years, wondered aloud about how to get back to photography. He had used a 35mm camera with a pneumatic remote release because he could put the bulb in his mouth.

He was thinking he would like to get back to photography because there is so much he could do with a digital camera and the computer. He mentioned that the digital cameras don't have remote shutter releases that he can control. I told him my Nikon 4500 has an electronic remote control that can trigger the shutter and can control the zoom and a few other features.

Well, I'm an engineer wanna be and am working to put together something that will allow him to pursue this.

I did a lot of searching thinking this was something that had already been solved, but I am finding nothing on adaptive devices for digital photography. Sheesh, digital is 70% of the way to making this a lot easier than in the chemistry-based photography days.

So, does anyone here know of sources of adaptive devices for digital cameras.

I'm looking for something that could be attached to his wheelchair. The ideas below are not pie in the sky, I have all the bits and pieces needed below but just don't want to reinvent the wheel if there is a solution somewhere. I also have some savvy in electronics.

If I don't find something soon I'll start designing and prototyping based on my knowledge. First, I want something that a digital camera can mount to with a quick release for the camera. I envision the camera as being able to be extended a foot or two above the head of the wheelchair occupant.

The camera would be remotely aimable with a motor controlled X/Y axis platform, like those from a security camera. The preview of the image would be via a small LCD panel mounted adjacent to the aiming controller. With the aiming control would also be the zoom control.

Power for the camera, pan/tilt and LCD monitor supplied from a separate battery.

So, any thoughts or guidance on where to begin, other than from scratch :-)

Thanks.

Wayne Munn

[Apparelyzed]

Hi,

Here's one solution I found, you can google for the parts which combine a 2915 Super Clamp without Stud, with a Bogen / Manfrotto 2930 Magic Arm with 2933 Camera Platform or similar make.

Quote

We combined a Bogen Super Clamp and the ever functional Israeli Arm, which features universal 360 degree locking movement and a locking 1/4-20 thread, for the ultimate video camera and LCD mount. Supports up to 20 pounds. Nothing flimsy here, just pro grade components that lock onto dollies, pipes, cranes, jibs, walls and more.

[carpenter]

Hi,


As to the remote shutter release deal. The very same remote shutter release employed with my old Nikon F3 operates the new cheap digital Fuji here. That issue of a remote bulb type release should not be much of a hurdle for you. Just look for it in the spec sheet, you will find many digitals which employ the very same shutter releases as the 35 mm film cameras.

Obviously the bare bones point and shoot style digitals wont have this sort of remote release option. But most of the "real" cameras will.


On the rest of the stuff, simply talk to the big photo houses. Places like B&H photo in New York should have most of the equipment available to you.


good luck.

[Wayne M]

Apparelyzed, on Jul 5 2006, 03:50 AM, said:

Hi,

Here's one solution I found, you can google for the parts which combine a 2915 Super Clamp without Stud, with a Bogen / Manfrotto 2930 Magic Arm with 2933 Camera Platform or similar make.

Thanks for the prompt response. Sorry mine wasn't! This morning I got the first email notice that someone had replied to my Forum post. Been waiting two months and was too busy to check back. Guess I won't rely on the automatic email notification!

Thanks very much for the detailed info and the photo. I actually use several of the better Manfrotto tripods and quick release systems but hadn't seen this unit.

My cousin has a Permobil Chairman 2S and it already has a heavy-duty homebrew bracket that we can leverage for the camera platform. We want the platform to be usable while my cousin is navigating some bumpy terrain. The design I'm prototyping is based on, as much as possible, locally available components. I'm trying to avoid custom welding, etc. I will share the plans when we get something fully working, but we might also try putting together kits for folks.

Our next challenge is finding a source for the components to make the adaptive controls. I'm looking for toggle flip switches or a joystick to control camera pan and tilt. There are systems out there that look good but of course the controls are small devices that are difficult to use even if you have agile small fingers.

I have the electronic know how to bring control wires out of these, now I just need a source for parts. I may try some general purpose switches but I'd like to see what is available that is specifically designed for use when the user has reduced dexterity.

BTW, here is the link to a device that we are thinking of checking out as a future enhancement. We were looking for something that allowed the camera, either a digital still or video, to be securely mounted to the wheelchair and yet to be 'pointable'. The design for the system also allows the still camera to be moved 18-24" above the eye-level position for different shooting angles. I can do this because the still cameras have a video output so the camera viewfinder screen can be watch on a remote LCD monitor.

Here is the main page for one vendor (not the normal company I use) that has some wired and wireless camera aiming devices:

http://www.21best.com/21_best/electronic/s.../for_sale_.html

Here is the detailed info on one wired controller:

http://www.21best.com/21_best/electronic/s...for_sale_2.html

Here is the detailed info on the wireless controller. Actually this one is kind of neat since it is designed to be used with a Digital Video (DV) camera and allows remote control (apparently) of video stop start and zoom from the wireless controller. This would be useful with a video camera and could also be used with digital still cameras for aiming.

http://www.21best.com/21_best/electronic/s...for_sale_8.html

If anyone has any suggestions or experience I would appreciate hearing about it.

Best regards,

Wayne Munn

[milosh]

i've got some regular tripod customized by a friend of mine, so i fix it on my W/C. used some special tripods for W/C users, but didn't liked 'em as this one.

[HiltonP]

I'm a "quad" (cannot lift or control a camera with my hands) who is keen on photography, so I know where you're coming from!

CAMERA MOUNTS

The Manfrotto/Bogen equipment is good stuff. They have an extensive range of adjustable arms, gear columns and heads (useful if you wish to motorise them) from lightweight and portable, to heavy duty. The adjustable arms aren't "rock solid" when mounted on a wheelchair (too much flexing throughout) but are plenty good enough for most photography.

CAMERAS

One of the current limitations of digital SLR cameras (DSLR) is that one cannot see the picture through the LCD panel on the back of the camera. If one cannot get the camera body up to one's eye this is a limitation. There is one exception, the latest Olympus E-300. It has a image preview function, not perfect, but better than nothing. It is the only DSLR right now which allows one to take a photo without having to hold the camera up to your face.

Of course, this issue does not exist with any of the "point 'n shoot" digital cameras (i.e. fixed lens). They come with an array of LCDs, swivelling, tilting, etc. The only problem with them is image quality, response times, and range of lenses, which cannot match a DSLR.

All the DSLRs have electronic remote controllers available, some even infra-red. Many of the up-market P&Ss have these as well. They make firing the camera very easy.

[kevin reilly]

I'm also a quad and interested in photography. I don't need a robotic arm for the camera, just need a camera that allows me to snap photos with either a voice activated switch, a chin switch, or some other gismo. Any ideas?

kevin michael reilly
301-654-5512

[brackman22]

I just started a thread about the gorillapod. I guess I should have read down a bit further. Here it is.

brackman22, on Feb 16 2007, 06:08 PM, said:

I recently bought a gorillapod tri-pod Gorillapod. I'm a c5/6 and I can wrap it around my left hand/forearm and use my right hand to adjust the camera if needed and to push the shutter button. Plus, you can wrap it around almost anything for group shots or whatever. It's really pretty cool.

BRETT

This post has been edited by brackman22: 17 February 2007 - 12:28 AM

[Manny]

Apparelyzed, on Jul 5 2006, 08:50 AM, said:

Hi,

Here's one solution I found, you can google for the parts which combine a 2915 Super Clamp without Stud, with a Bogen / Manfrotto 2930 Magic Arm with 2933 Camera Platform or similar make.

Quote

We combined a Bogen Super Clamp and the ever functional Israeli Arm, which features universal 360 degree locking movement and a locking 1/4-20 thread, for the ultimate video camera and LCD mount. Supports up to 20 pounds. Nothing flimsy here, just pro grade components that lock onto dollies, pipes, cranes, jibs, walls and more.

Where can I get one those?

Thanks

[kewlcatkez]

Manny, on Jan 16 2008, 01:57 PM, said:

Apparelyzed, on Jul 5 2006, 08:50 AM, said:

Hi,

Here's one solution I found, you can google for the parts which combine a 2915 Super Clamp without Stud, with a Bogen / Manfrotto 2930 Magic Arm with 2933 Camera Platform or similar make.

Quote

We combined a Bogen Super Clamp and the ever functional Israeli Arm, which features universal 360 degree locking movement and a locking 1/4-20 thread, for the ultimate video camera and LCD mount. Supports up to 20 pounds. Nothing flimsy here, just pro grade components that lock onto dollies, pipes, cranes, jibs, walls and more.

Where can I get one those?

Thanks

Hello,

Have you tried HERE ? and perhaps HERE The second link is less expensive. Oh and HERE

Also, not sure if you have these links, ( as my memory sucks!) but please see Assistive Tech camera info, and check out Gentles ltd, uk for other equip and ideas.
Disabled Outdoors is a very comprehensive resource which lists websites for photography, archery etc. One not on that list is Orcca com which also features adaptive photography products ( it is mainly digicameras though).

Finally, you may also want to take a look at Pclix which is timelapse photography which is useful for Tetras/quads and those with limited dexterity etc.

Hope these help and are not too much or a repetition,

Take care,

K

milosh, on Oct 10 2006, 10:27 PM, said:

i've got some regular tripod customized by a friend of mine, so i fix it on my W/C. used some special tripods for W/C users, but didn't liked 'em as this one.

Hi guys,

I have also known/heard of tetras using a tripod meant for taking a gun, and instead used a camera in it. I am sure you have already sorted this by now, but wanted to add it..

K

[Mikerowaved]

HiltonP, on Oct 11 2006, 02:13 AM, said:

One of the current limitations of digital SLR cameras (DSLR) is that one cannot see the picture through the LCD panel on the back of the camera.

I recently picked up a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8, which IMO is one of the best "super-zoom" cameras around without getting into the expense of a DSLR. Anyway, it has a "High Angle" mode that lets you see the LCD panel clearly when the camera is positioned above your head. I use this a lot for shooting portraits, along with the rapid 5-frame burst mode when any kids are in the shot. (Never know what the little rascals are going to do. )