Not a bad idea (tripod alternative)

[mattwe]

No, it isn't a tripod. But for $1, it is very portable and would be better than nothing. Haven't tried it yet, though.

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1041948/1_image_stabilizer_for_any_camera_lose_the_tripod/

 

[Abstract]

So what the hell am I supposed to do with my tripod?

 

[Lovesong]

Interesting... I wonder if it really does help.

 

[disdat]

OOh, I have to get my husband to make me one of those!!

 

[lofight]

looks interesting.. Good find.. But does it work?

 

[Doylem]

OOh, I have to get my husband to make me one of those!!

String, screw, washer... shouldn't take him more than a couple of hours.

It WILL work (I remember a similar gadget being sold commercially; it was a bit fancier, that's all). You'd be able to hand-hold at slower shutter speeds, and maybe gain a couple of stops...

 

[ziwi]

If it works, it is quite ingenious, but what happens when you have to move and you trip over the string and smash that $1,000 lens?

Seriously, it may be worth a shot - sure beats the premiums for the IS or VR tax on lenses.

 

[miloblithe]

Brilliant! You'd need an even surface though probably to secure it under your foot, not that there wouldn't be modifications that could work on other surfaces. Another DIY solution that seems like a good idea. If only I could make a DIY 70-200 f/2.8.

 

[puckhead193]

screw the large white canon lens at the superbowl. your going to see them stepping on a metal washer and string
i still want to try (for video) the steady cam idea that was floating around a few years ago

 

[PlaceofDis]

it should work pretty well, the idea is sound, but the string does have to stay tight, making height adjustments on the go a bit tricky.

 

[BiikeMike]

That is crazy. So crazy, I'll have to try it!

I've always been a big fan of leaning up against a wall or tree, but maybe this is what i've been searching for! (you know, besides my two tripods and my monopod)

 

[ChrisA]

I have a few stainless steel 1/4 inch eye-bolts. Easier to tie a string to an eyebolt. I'll try this.

I doubt it will work. When an image is blurred do to camera shake how large is the blur? I'm thinking it is on the order of a few tens of micro meters, maybe 100 uM. The string would allow more movement then that

Easy experiment: Get a long lens and take hand held shot at slow shutter speeds with and without string.

 

[Chris14]

This sounds cool... I'll definitely give it a go!

 

[Abstract]

Well this will probably work as well as a monopod, except that you're pulling upwards to make the string taught rather than putting your weight onto a hard stick.

 

[deep diver]

I tried it and it works a little at any shutter speed, even though images at longer sppeds are still crap. At 1/6 sec, my image was pretty good and much better than hand held. It is a quick and dirty trick for when there is no tripod around.

 

[SonicChronicler]

Brilliant! You'd need an even surface though probably to secure it under your foot, not that there wouldn't be modifications that could work on other surfaces. Another DIY solution that seems like a good idea.

I've just thought how to sort that AND do away with the washer - therefore making it EVEN cheaper.

Instead of the washer, create a loop you put your foot in - voila!

 

[Crawn2003]

Hmm... now to design one of these for my Sinar 4x5...

~Crawn

 

[mattwe]

Hmm... now to design one of these for my Sinar 4x5...

That I want to see!

Glad to hear it works (at least somewhat).

 

[itickings]

Will definitively make myself one of those. Thanks for the link

 

[BiikeMike]

I've just thought how to sort that AND do away with the washer - therefore making it EVEN cheaper.

Instead of the washer, create a loop you put your foot in - voila!

and I thought I Was cheap!

 

[jbernie]

It is a good cheap idea that you can use when stretched, ie no room for a tripod or you arent in a position to carry one.

Another alternate and probably easier when on the move is to have a shorter string and a small hook that you can insert into a hole on your belt, removes the issues with tripping over it and makes it less obvious.

 

[Spizzo]

Think this will work with my oatmeal pinhole camera?

 

[Lord Blackadder]

Sounds workable, though I once got a crappy (but functional) full-size Samsonite tripod for $5 on sale at Microcenter. Of course, the string method won't tip over like a cheap tripod - though you might trip on the string and face plant into your camera!