Being a photographer, much of my Pacific Crest Trail planning and kit choice has centred around cameras, what to compromise on due to weight and how to carry it all. I am about to post up a large blog post about my camera kit choices, but one thing that I though might be worth posting on here is how I am going to carry my camera, as it may be of use to others.
A few people have asked about this camera setup, so I thought it best to explain the thinking behind it. The camera is attached to the shoulder strap with the use of a Peak Design Capture clip. This holds the camera very securely, but also makes it very easy to remove and use.
The camera is then also secured to the strap via a micro wire carbiner and an Optech ‘retrieve it’ retractable wire clip. This means that even if the camera slips out of my hand while using it, it will only fall to about knee level, and not hit the ground! The wire extends easy enough for it not to interfere with taking shots.
The lens cap has also been secured to the camera quick release plate. This has two benefits; The lens cap can’t fall off and get lost. And when I take the quick release plate off to change battery or memory card, the plate can’t get lost as it is attached to the lens cap. Again, it doesn’t interfere with taking shots and the lens cap just hangs there when shooting.
Finally, I have made a waterproof Cuben Fibre protective cover. This sits between the two ‘layers’ of the capture clip and is only punctured by the two retaining bolts on the clip. I made neoprene grommets around these holes to make them waterproof. To make the cover totally waterproof, it is also a roll top, held together with a bra fastener. When not in use, the cover easily folds back behind the clip, and when it starts to rain or is dusty, it can be easily rolled forward and made safe.
Overall the system works very well after a number of designs and ideas. It combines the ease of access and protection against the elements that I set out to cover. The only things I may change are to stiffen up the edge of the rolltop with some plastic strip to make it easier to roll, and maybe add some neoprene to hold protect against knocks in the most vulnerable places.
Camera setup looks good and should certainly be practical. I would guess the one worrying thing would be falling face first and smashing the camera, do you have a backup camera?
Yeah, the physical protection is one things it lacks. Hopefully I won’t fall face first, and even if that happened, it would have to be a full faceplant before the camera hit the ground. The thing I am going to have to be more careful of, is when taking the rucksack off I don’t swing the camera into the ground. It’s not too bad, but just something I need to be mindful of. I’m not taking a backup camera due to the weight and cost, although my wife will be bringing a similar camera, so I am going to have to make sure I don’t break it!
Sounds like you’re covered one way or anther and as you’ve got your wife’s camera to fall back upon you won’t be stuck with no photos.
What are you planning on doing about full memory cards? Posting them back home or uploading them when you get to civilisation?
Yeah, we both have Olympus Pen cameras, so can share lenses and accessories. Between us we should have a hole load of photos!
I am keeping spare memory cards in the bounce box that gets mailed ahead of us. Any used cards are then also placed back onto the bounce box. I am unlikely to reuse any cards as we should have enough not to, and uploading that many cards would take ages. I am about to make a waterproof Cuben Fibre card wallet for any cards I have to carry.
What if the worst happens and the bounce box gets lost? Will you lose all your memory cards or are you hoping to be able to make backups as you go along?