A weghty problem!

[PaulatUKcamera]

Last week I went on a three day Landscape photography course in Suffolk - lots of walking about - ended up with a moderate pain in my left shoulder by Friday. Dismissed it as one of those things, as it was obviously nothing to do with the course (I was carrying the camera on my right shoulder)

Last night - not much sleep again, as the pain was much worse. Why? Possibly long two days out in this beautiful sunshine visiting about ten photogenic places in Pembrokeshire. Again much walking about carrying the camera & lens.

Sheer coincidence or could it be that the weight of a D300 + 70-200 lens (825g + 1,430g) is placing a strain on my opposite shoulder? Does sound unlikely!

Is there any sort of belt attachment (rather like a builders tool pouch) that would carry the weight lower?

Any thoughts/ideas would be appreciated?

Paul

[Malcolm_Stewart]

I definitely suffered from shoulder pain when carrying my film SLRs and a set of proper metal lenses back in the 1980s. I used a normal gadget bag slung over one shoulder, and at times, after a photo weekend, the pain was quite severe. Since then I've been much more careful, and have moved to more rucksack style bags, and a trolley for my Benbo tripod.

[Manofolympus]

Carrying that much weight on one shoulder for long periods will cause pain due to the twisted posture you end up with-frequently in unexpected places. You can:
1) Get a rucksack-a much better way to carry the weight as it is evenly distributed.
2) Swap shoulders from time to time if using a shoulder bag.
3) Buy an OM1-OM1+winderII+24,28,35,50,135mm lenses=2.18 Kg-and you can always take the winder off!

[Norman]

Lowepro do belts and harnesses that would fit the bill. They are available from Warehouse Express Note that you need to buy the lens cases and pouches additional to the belt/harness.

[TimF]

There are several modular belt systems available, which might vary in details. Another option is from Think Tank (A US Company whose products can be obtained from Jacobs I believe). They have a pdf file on the subject available from here.

Unique to Think Tank's approach is the ability to position any item precisely where you wish it to be, and to slide items around on the belt in situ, so nothing gets in your way whilst, eg, walking through crowds, kneeling down and so on.

Like Domke, Think Tank are designed by working togs for working togs. Not all others are.

[PaulatUKcamera]

Thanks to all of you for providing advice & useful links.

The pdf you pointed to Tim, was particularly helpful.

The Think Tank range looks an ideal system - except I don't want to separate the lens & the camera and at first look, that seems the only available option (I bought a second body to avoid this)

Ideally, what I would like is a belt attachment that locks easily & quickly onto the camera or lens tripod socket. I'll email them and see what they do. I always leave the camera cases in the car on a fine day, as its just another thing to carry round - one disadvantage of taking two cameras!

I thought that a 24-85mm on a full frame & a 70-200mm on a APS sensor was the best solution for all photo taking needs, but being physically damaged was not an option I had considered!

Paul

[geepee]

Lowepro do belts and harnesses that would fit the bill.

For ducks ? Ok, I'll get my coat.

[Fen]

I use the Lowepro harness system, but the BIG pouch for the lens is just uncomfortable. Also, there isn't a pouch that holds the D3 with a lens properly.

[OneTen]

Ideally, what I would like is a belt attachment that locks easily & quickly onto the camera or lens tripod socket. I'll email them and see what they do. I always leave the camera cases in the car on a fine day, as its just another thing to carry round - one disadvantage of taking two cameras!

I prefer to use two cameras when I'm shooting wildlife and I'm looking at using a WebTex yoke and belt (like soldiers wear) and attaching a tripod quick release mount to the belt. I should then be able to clip one camera to the belt when using the other. I've ordered the parts but they haven't arrived yet.

There's a commercial version being released this year...Spider Holster

[TimF]

Paul,
After reading your last, I thought of the Black Rapid strap, which Barney has. Funnily enough, they have a new product - the RS DR-1 Double Strap - which might be right up your street. Provided you don't mind the funny looks from the public of course!

[Barney]

Ah yes, I was going to write a review of that wasn't I? Hmm, I'll try and do that tonight.

Looking at the double strap, that looks ideal for wedding/gig/sports toggers. Might just have to order one to see what that's like too!

[TimF]

Looking at the double strap, that looks ideal for wedding/gig/sports toggers.

Milkmaids too!

[Barney]

Looking at the double strap, that looks ideal for wedding/gig/sports toggers.

Milkmaids too!

I'm not buying any milkmaids, I'd never sneak them under the wife's radar!

[PaulatUKcamera]

Richard, many thanks, that really does look like what I need! I have put my name down on their mailing list. Their Pdf gives more details, but the main snag is that it still is in the pre-manufacturing stage.

Tim's suggestion of Black Rapid's Couple R is also well worth considering, though it seems still to place the weight around the neck & shoulders rather than the waist. The new "Twin" strap seems to be an improvement, as its a proper two camera design, rather than two straps just coupled together, but again, it's not in production.

Thank you all - for once again being so helpful (& knowledgeable)

I'll await the notification of production from both of them - availability is the key for me, as I intend to be out & about a lot - if we have sunshine (as promised) this Summer.

Paul

[Dorset_Mike]

Of course when you get really old like me you can try one of these,

click here

Mine arrived yesterday, just have to modify the bag under the seat to fit the camera and lenses, and adjust the walking stick holder to take the monopod. I may try and modify a Tamrac back pack to fit in place of the supplied bag.

Should be fine for Brownsea, BWC and similar venues, gets the weight off me back and neck, plus it's got a very handy seat, sod the image, comfort rules.

I did contemplate trying to modify a golf trolley which I use for lugging sea fishing tackle about on, but that's got no seat!!

[Barney]

Mine arrived yesterday, just have to modify the bag under the seat to fit the camera and lenses, and adjust the walking stick holder to take the monopod. I may try and modify a Tamrac back pack to fit in place of the supplied bag.

I'm shocked, where's the cup holders?

[Dorset_Mike]

Mine arrived yesterday, just have to modify the bag under the seat to fit the camera and lenses, and adjust the walking stick holder to take the monopod. I may try and modify a Tamrac back pack to fit in place of the supplied bag.

I'm shocked, where's the cup holders?

I'll probably settle for summat like the bottle holders you can get for bikes.

Memo: try and figure where I can add a cool bag for bulk storage of the drinkies.

[OneTen]

One of these might do you Mike, looks to have plenty of storage and seems to have built in camera mounts....

[Dorset_Mike]

One of these might do you Mike, looks to have plenty of storage and seems to have built in camera mounts....

Can you see me getting that on the Brownsea ferry???

[Barney]

Can you see me getting that on the Brownsea ferry???

Nah, instead, you'll be wanting one of these ...