Shooting Hand Held as We Age

[kxl]

A gorillapod can be wrapped around railings, some poles, chairs, etc...

 

[Roger Hicks]

The elastic string is a good idea. Tie a small weight (like a washer) on one end and on the other attach it to 1/4"X20 bolt that screws into the camera. Let the weight drop to the ground and step on it, then stretch the string when bringing the camera to the eye. It really works and it will fit in a shirt pocket.

Not for everyone. I've always found I get slightly less sharpness with this, and so did one of the AP guys in a recent issue of the magazine.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Sparrow]

I now have take some medicine that can cause a bit of a tremor, as does too many espressos, I find a glass or too of red wine help steady my hands quite well ...

... failing that faster shutter, bigger aperture and learn to put-up with that pesky bokeh.

 

[jm51]

How about a wide angle lens, camera on neck strap and set up as a point and shoot, using a remote release so no hands on camera during the shot. Are there wireless releases for film cameras?

 

[Pickett Wilson]

Steve McCurry uses a grip on his DSLR's these days. I know it's because of damage to his arm, but that big, chunky vertical grip looks like it would help steady the camera.

 

[rxmd]

I now have take some medicine that can cause a bit of a tremor, as does too many espressos, I find a glass or too of red wine help steady my hands quite well ...

What's the net result of the combination of too many espressos, medication and a glass or two of red wine? 😀

 

[Sparrow]

What's the net result of the combination of too many espressos, medication and a glass or two of red wine? 😀

... creativity, I like to think 🙂

 

[iamzip]

I have also used the trick of wrapping the strap behind my elbow, as well as leaning against something. Also make sure the camera is pressed against your face, not just in front of it.

And yes, physics proves that a camera with greater mass is steadier (F=ma). I know this is RFF, but an SLR with a stabilized lens would probably make you feel like a new man.

 

[Calzone]

The modern ones have dampening as a part of their function. The original function is just what their name implies.

I don't think it would work the same on a camera, so all you really need is a compact weight, not a long weight hanging down. Although, I've thought about weighting the end of a monopod to experiment. I don't remember pendulums from physics class. I'm guessing it would take more work to start the monopod/pendulum to swing side to side or forwards and back (both relative to the photographer), than to move the camera body alone.

The elastic string is a good idea. Tie a small weight (like a washer) on one end and on the other attach it to 1/4"X20 bolt that screws into the camera. Let the weight drop to the ground and step on it, then stretch the string when bringing the camera to the eye. It really works and it will fit in a shirt pocket.

Thanks for your response. A friend of mine is a bow hunter who is really good. His rig is rather impressive as well as his strength.

Cal

 

[Corto]

Breathe Normally, When ready to shoot exhale halfway out, shoot, exhale all the way out.

Practice this at home with a digital camera so you can see your results.

(From my days as a marksman)

I still Dry Fire Some of my Rifles at home like this, as I dont get to the range as much as before.

Practice is key.

My hands are nowhere as steady as they were back in my Service days.

 

[Mr_Toad]

Very politely ask an appealing person of the opposite gender, who just happens to be passing by, to take the shot for you.

 

[newspaperguy]

Roger nailed it... lean against something solid, exhale - and you are the rock!

I don't care for the elastic string theory... too much to fight/no solid spot.
But, a $3 nylon puppy leash from the discount store will work like a charm.
And you can have it in any color you like!

 

[Davidschumaker]

Well I have an answer it seems. My doctor said that my tremor was genetic. He said try a couple of drinks every night. I have been doing that for a week and the tremors have almost stopped.

 

[dave lackey]

Well I have an answer it seems. My doctor said that my tremor was genetic. He said try a couple of drinks every night. I have been doing that for a week and the tremors have almost stopped.

Ha! Well, that is one reason I have always called it "focusing fluid". 😀

 

[paulfish4570]

i've been through this. my malady isn't bothering me right now in that respect. but, but: my f2a is much easier to handhold than my bessa r2m; my x100's brain seems to stabilize perfectly. and these marksmen have it nailed on relaxation and breathing. bringing up or bringing down the cam into the zone, then pressing the shutter (like i do with a rifle; it's a very small movement) helps hugely as well.

 

[downstairs]

I never go out without an extendable ski-pole/monopod. At my age, walking with a pole is ok.

 

[BobYIL]

I would suggest you to try a Nikon pistol grip as I recall some sports photographers were claiming two stops extra stability with the grip. (These days they are inexpensive..)

 

[pvdhaar]

How about a wide angle lens, camera on neck strap and set up as a point and shoot, using a remote release so no hands on camera during the shot. Are there wireless releases for film cameras?

I was thinking wide-angle too, but my reasoning is that wide angles are intrinsically less vulnerable to camera shake (remember the 1/focal length rule)..

 

[sepiareverb]

The elastic string is a good idea. Tie a small weight (like a washer) on one end and on the other attach it to 1/4"X20 bolt that screws into the camera. Let the weight drop to the ground and step on it, then stretch the string when bringing the camera to the eye. It really works and it will fit in a shirt pocket.

Why do I know I'd end up with the weight in my crotch at high speed?

The exhale method is one I recommend to students using all kinds of cameras and find it does work for most everyone. Good bracing is always a help- whatever there is at hand or just elbows against the body.

And most important- squeeze the shutter don't press it. A softie can help with this immensely.