trittium
Well-known
1/4 35 and bellow
1/8 50mm
1/15 90mm
1/8 50mm
1/15 90mm
Topdog1
Well-known
I hand held 1/4 sec. today on an R-D1 with 35mm lens F/1.7 @asa400.
/Ira
/Ira
S
shaaktiman
Guest
I have a condition known as an "essential tremor" which causes my hands to tremble. Sometimes I am relatively OK, other times I just pack up the camera for the day as it would be pointless to try and shoot.
Anyway, as a result of this I've developed a few techniques to help me steady myself when I am shooting. The new one allows me to get a sharp 1/8 with my 35 and 1/15 with the 50, provided I'm having a relatively OK day regarding the shakes.
It's pretty simple. I use a standard length A&A neckstrap worn around my neck and under my right arm but over my left arm, just like a satchel. (I am right handed.) This keeps the strap extremely short, I end up having just enough slack to lift my MP to my eye comfortably, (depending on how thick my jacket is that day.) Once the camera is at my eye I stretch out my back and shoulder muscles slightly which presses the camera tight to my forehead, (not TOO tight obviously.) This ends up giving me a lot more stability as the camera's weight is distributed throughout my neck and shoulders which tend to be way more stable than my disabled paws. I just use my hands for fine tuning and focusing, maybe only 20% of the MP's weight sits in my hands.
When I combine this with the old "doorway slouch" plus the zen "shoot on the relaxed exhale" I can get sharp shots at pretty impressive speeds. While it looks a little dumb when you're actually shooting I find it a more comfortable way to carry the camera when not actively setting up a shot. Around the neck makes me feel like a tourist and wrapped around my wrist is always annoying to keep adjusting. Worn like a satchel it sits securely and hidden by the crook of my arm yet is easily accessable if I see a cool grab shot.
I hate this other technique, but some swear by that funny thin-chain-in-the-tripod-mount method where you hitch a 4-5 foot, thin but strong chain to a thumbscrew that matches your camera's tripod screwhole. When you want to shoot, drop the chain to the ground and step on it. (One end is beneath your foot and one is hitched to your camera.) Then just tense the chain by pulling up gently on your camera. Works kind of like a "reverse-monopod." I think it looks too geeky even for my taste, but some dig on it.
Anyway, as a result of this I've developed a few techniques to help me steady myself when I am shooting. The new one allows me to get a sharp 1/8 with my 35 and 1/15 with the 50, provided I'm having a relatively OK day regarding the shakes.
It's pretty simple. I use a standard length A&A neckstrap worn around my neck and under my right arm but over my left arm, just like a satchel. (I am right handed.) This keeps the strap extremely short, I end up having just enough slack to lift my MP to my eye comfortably, (depending on how thick my jacket is that day.) Once the camera is at my eye I stretch out my back and shoulder muscles slightly which presses the camera tight to my forehead, (not TOO tight obviously.) This ends up giving me a lot more stability as the camera's weight is distributed throughout my neck and shoulders which tend to be way more stable than my disabled paws. I just use my hands for fine tuning and focusing, maybe only 20% of the MP's weight sits in my hands.
When I combine this with the old "doorway slouch" plus the zen "shoot on the relaxed exhale" I can get sharp shots at pretty impressive speeds. While it looks a little dumb when you're actually shooting I find it a more comfortable way to carry the camera when not actively setting up a shot. Around the neck makes me feel like a tourist and wrapped around my wrist is always annoying to keep adjusting. Worn like a satchel it sits securely and hidden by the crook of my arm yet is easily accessable if I see a cool grab shot.
I hate this other technique, but some swear by that funny thin-chain-in-the-tripod-mount method where you hitch a 4-5 foot, thin but strong chain to a thumbscrew that matches your camera's tripod screwhole. When you want to shoot, drop the chain to the ground and step on it. (One end is beneath your foot and one is hitched to your camera.) Then just tense the chain by pulling up gently on your camera. Works kind of like a "reverse-monopod." I think it looks too geeky even for my taste, but some dig on it.
colinh
Well-known
There's something confusing (to me, at least) about some of these posts.
If you're hand holding the camera at 1/8 s and using ISO 1600 film - does it make any difference whether you're using a 3500 $ lens or a 35 $ lens?
A comparison would be interesting.
colin
If you're hand holding the camera at 1/8 s and using ISO 1600 film - does it make any difference whether you're using a 3500 $ lens or a 35 $ lens?
A comparison would be interesting.
colin
Bob Helmond
Member
Been handholding for around 50 years, now....and counting.
Can't say I've been holding my breath while doing it, nor exhaling that long.
lol
Can't say I've been holding my breath while doing it, nor exhaling that long.
lol