Camera protection

[Escapism]

Hi all,

I often find myself taking my camera with me just as is....i.e. body with one lense and no bag or other form of protection (this may be a bad habit but i just find that i use it so much more if its not tucked away in its bag).

So this has got me to thinking if anyone has ever come across something that can be fitted to the camera that provides protection when the camera is actively being used. Ideally this would be something close fitting, almost "skin" like that would fend off scratches and knocks as well as minor water drops yet still leave the camera ready for action without the need for a bag.

Any advice would be great

[birddog114]

Escapism,
I don't think there's any other devices, nor anything else can protect the camera with the tear and wear issues.
You have to live with it and taking care of your investment.

[huynhie]

Try Duct taping your whole camera


or an underwater housing

[Escapism]

Hehehe...cheers guys.

This is pretty close to what Im after...

http://www.optechusa.com/product/detail/?PRODUCT_ID=32&PRODUCT_SUB_ID=&CATEGORY_ID=5

Imagine the DSLR cover with a either a quick release back or even a clear window for the controls and screen preview and a hole for the lense. Something you could leave on pretty much all the time...

[birddog114]

Hehehe...cheers guys.

This is pretty close to what Im after...

http://www.optechusa.com/product/detail/?PRODUCT_ID=32&PRODUCT_SUB_ID=&CATEGORY_ID=5

Imagine the DSLR cover with a either a quick release back or even a clear window for the controls and screen preview and a hole for the lense. Something you could leave on pretty much all the time...

Won't help! just wasting of your time and resources, you'll ditch it soon after you got it.

[gstark]

Years ago, SLR cameras would come with what the manufacturers called an "everready case". My FM, FE, FE2 and FA each came with one of these.

They would screw into the tripod mount on the bottom of the body, and would be able to accommodate a "standard" (50/35/28/24) type of lens.

The trouble was that in order to get your camera ready to make an image, the case needed to be opened, and the section in front of the lens moved, and moved again, so that it neither obscured the lens, nor your face at the viewfinder.

From a practical PoV, they weren't, and they were more likely to be referred to as Neverready cases.

So, Escapism, it's been done, and as you've probably noticed, these neverready cases are, as a general rule, NLA.

And with very good reason.

[genji]

Hehehe...cheers guys.

This is pretty close to what Im after...

http://www.optechusa.com/product/detail/?PRODUCT_ID=32&PRODUCT_SUB_ID=&CATEGORY_ID=5

Imagine the DSLR cover with a either a quick release back or even a clear window for the controls and screen preview and a hole for the lense. Something you could leave on pretty much all the time...

mate

have you looked at the 'toploading' bags, they serve the same purpose with room with CF cards

[Escapism]

Yep I have a Lowe top load bag...complete with chest harness etc etc....but for climbing and hiking I simply take JUST the camera...often for days at a time with no other accessories, so I never bother with a bag. Not a HUGE deal I just wondered if others have come across this...

I may try and make something out of an old wetsuit

[Nnnnsic]

Actually, the never-ready bags were exactly what I thought of when I read this post.

And then Dad made that comment.

[Escapism]

Yeah I checked out some "retro" 1970s style leather ones at lunch...they are close but no cigar. I can see what you mean about them being "never ready". Im thinking more along the lines of a thin neoprene style "suit" that is sealed with velcro or something similar that actually hugs the camera body yet leaves both a hole for the lense and comes off in one easy "ripping" motion.....

[Sheetshooter]

When I first looked through my recently acquired Nikon Photographic Accessories brochure I had a chuckle to myself when I saw that on page 30 there were 32 Ever-Ready cases listed including the CF-D70 for the - you guessed it - D70. AND there are ones t suit the F5, F6 and D100.

The use of the ever-ready case telegraphs an important warning to other snappers in your locale - almost as much as having the neck-strap run diagonally across from one shoulder to the opposite hip!!

Oh, did I forget the little pouch on the strap for a lens hood and another for a filter? Silly me.



Cheers,

[Escapism]

Just Googled the CF-D70.....again, close but no go...cut the "nose" part off and you are kinda getting close to my idea.

[edneeves]

What you need is an iSkin for the D70.

They don't make them, I was just commenting

Ed.

[robboh]

The use of the ever-ready case telegraphs an important warning to other snappers in your locale - almost as much as having the neck-strap run diagonally across from one shoulder to the opposite hip!!

Im confused with this one?? Whats wrong with routing the strap like that?? I often do that when Im changing lenses as it holds the camera in place better than just slung around your neck and the camera doesnt swing forward when you reach down into your bag.
It wouldnt be a particularly 'ready to shoot' way to carry it generally though.

[chris1968]

Escapism - i believe a comapny called Zing may have exactly what you are looking for - stretch skin like cover, made from old wetsuits (ok, perhaps its more likely new to be new neoprene)..they come in range of sizes, all based around camera body size / lens size...dunno how good they are cos i dont use one but it sounds like what you want.......

Availble here in the UK from an outfit called Speedgraphic - they have a website, sorry cant search links for you - i'm at work................. !

Do a google, if its what you want and you cant find it local to you / get it shipped send me a PM - i'm sure we can sort something out.

Chris

[petermmc]

I think a couple of well placed small bits of black electrical tape can really make a difference especially to the bottom of the camera. The problem is that the cost for a really good tight fitting case is more than the money you will lose if you try to sell the camera or trade it in (about $2.50). Things need to wear and I agree with Birdy that you just have to put up with it. I find my smallish 'Delsey' XEO fits most medium lenses and is incredibly well made, acts as a great on the run camera pouch.

Manufacturers spend millions trying to come up with composite plastics and polymers to take a few knocks. A good black texta and a bit of filler will fix it every time.

Regs

Peter Mc

[moggy]

I read somewhere that if you wear the strap across the body with the camera on your hip then wear a loose fitting jacket over the top (unbuttoned of course) you can whip out the camera, take your shot then slide it back. Usefull if you're taking shots in the street as the camera remains hidden when not being used and also gives it a bit of protection from knocks.

Bob.

[birddog114]

I wonder why people should worry about this too much, nothing will be last, I have 3 DSLR camera bodies and use them very often (I'm not a Pro and not doing photography for my living), just taking care of your investment and everything will be right.

Skin alike or other stuff won't work, easy to slip out your hand, cover the lens is not a good ideal, it requires air intake when zooming, when the weather turns into humidity, the more you protect the gear by your way, the more condensed and humidity will built up into it.

If you're too worry about your investment get a Pro gears with weathershield or leave the camera at home in the cupboard, don't take the camera out the door when weather is not in your favour, and walk into the empty places without people or other object and it'll be safe.

[edneeves]

I think this is the pre scratch talk that we all go through when we have something in pristine condition.

Then comes the first knock, the first scratch and we stop worrying about it!

Ed.

[Escapism]

Escapism - i believe a comapny called Zing may have exactly what you are looking for - stretch skin like cover, made from old wetsuits (ok, perhaps its more likely new to be new neoprene)..they come in range of sizes, all based around camera body size / lens size...dunno how good they are cos i dont use one but it sounds like what you want.......

Availble here in the UK from an outfit called Speedgraphic - they have a website, sorry cant search links for you - i'm at work................. !

Do a google, if its what you want and you cant find it local to you / get it shipped send me a PM - i'm sure we can sort something out.

Chris

Chris, this is EXACTLY what Im talking about!!! Will try and source something here in Aus, failing that I will PM you and see if we can arrange something. Cheers for the info

[agriffiths]

chris1968 wrote:
Escapism - i believe a comapny called Zing may have exactly what you are looking for - stretch skin like cover, made from old wetsuits (ok, perhaps its more likely new to be new neoprene)..they come in range of sizes, all based around camera body size / lens size...dunno how good they are cos i dont use one but it sounds like what you want.......

Availble here in the UK from an outfit called Speedgraphic - they have a website, sorry cant search links for you - i'm at work................. !

Do a google, if its what you want and you cant find it local to you / get it shipped send me a PM - i'm sure we can sort something out.

Chris


Chris, this is EXACTLY what Im talking about!!! Will try and source something here in Aus, failing that I will PM you and see if we can arrange something. Cheers for the info
_________________

Failing that you could just custom make your own? Wetsuit material is easy to get a hold of and not too difficult to stitch up if you have access to a decent sewing machine. You could start your own little enterprise

Good luck with it... I look forward to hearing about your solution.

[Matt. K]

You can give your camera the protection it needs by using a "camera condom"...available from "Condoms R Us" or "Condom World". If you are to embarressed to ask at the counter then you can order by email. The condoms come in 3 sizes...extremely large, hugely gigantic and canon Master.....or, just for a joke, you might ask for a minox sized protector. Using a camera condom will make you stand out in a crowd. Oh Yes!

[birddog114]

You can give your camera the protection it needs by using a "camera condom"...available from "Condoms R Us" or "Condom World". If you are to embarressed to ask at the counter then you can order by email. The condoms come in 3 sizes...extremely large, hugely gigantic and canon Master.....or, just for a joke, you might ask for a minox sized protector. Using a camera condom will make you stand out in a crowd. Oh Yes!

[chris1968]

Escapism - i believe a comapny called Zing may have exactly what you are looking for - stretch skin like cover, made from old wetsuits (ok, perhaps its more likely new to be new neoprene)..they come in range of sizes, all based around camera body size / lens size...dunno how good they are cos i dont use one but it sounds like what you want.......

Availble here in the UK from an outfit called Speedgraphic - they have a website, sorry cant search links for you - i'm at work................. !

Do a google, if its what you want and you cant find it local to you / get it shipped send me a PM - i'm sure we can sort something out.

Chris

Chris, this is EXACTLY what Im talking about!!! Will try and source something here in Aus, failing that I will PM you and see if we can arrange something. Cheers for the info

Glad to be of service - Dont hesitate to PM me if you can't source them yourself

Chris