I just read Carol's post about WC's and replied there but I am also hoping for a greater audience now. Do the major camera companies offer left-handed models of their equipment or is there a after market manufacturer of an adapter system?
I thought of this as my index finger was in a splint(at least once a year) and the only option I had was a cable release. Any replys are welcome.
If no one knows of such an animal, does anyone have some start-up capital to begin the mock-up and patent process? Thanx and happy shooting to all, BP
I'm not aware of any, and I'm a 40-year photograher and lifetime lefty. There do seem to be ergonomic differences between brands that matter a lot. Though not a relief for splinted fingers, I find Nikons considerably more user friendly to my fumbling right fingers. Have you tried any of the radio remotes rather than true cable releases? My wife uses this one constantly in the studio and on location, and she's thrilled with it.
After reading your topic I immediately picked up my Nikon D80. The grip is on the right and I picked it up with my right hand without struggling with the impulse to reach out with my left. I am a natural left-hander. It felt comfortable in my right hand. I can manipulate the on-off switch, aperture and shutterspeed controls easily and hold the camera at the same time with my right hand. I use my left hand only for added support and comfort. I do not think anyone can hold a camera in one hand and use the controls without using the other hand.
Interestingly enough, when I turned the camera around with the lens facing towards me I automatically reached for it with my left hand because the grip was on the left. Then I have to turn the camera around in my hands to hold it right.
I think if us left-handers began to cry out for equal consideration the camera companies will start to comply. But we have learned to adjust and cope in this right-handed world.
Now if only I could be as decisive on which hand should hold the knife and which hand should hold the fork when I am cutting my steak.
I'm left-handed, and you have my full sympathies. So far as I know, the only left-handed camera is this and it isn't what any of us have in mind. One of Salon's blogs had a rant about this issue back in 2005. I'm resigned, just as I am with computer keyboards...
I'm a leftie also, and seem to recall that Richo made a 35mm slr with the shutter button placed on the left side.
This was in the late 60's or early 70's.
I remember considering that camera at the time, as Richo was almost as popular as 35mm pentax for a while [amoung hobbiests], and shared the K-mount [i think], allowing the use of a wide variety of lens's from various manufacturers.
I never saw one 'in the flesh', but remember seeing it in a magazine.
I suspect very few units were produced, as in those days, manual focusing was more of a priority than operating the camera end, and using the left hand to focus the lens seemed more natural to do, rather than vise-versa.
Thank you all for the responses. I'm actually ambidextrous(clumsy with both hands), and was looking for temporary solutions for those times during the year when I decide to break or dislocate any of the fingers on my right hand. I play softball(16 inch, if you don't know it, you're not from Chicago, no gloves allowed). I think I'm going to take Hank's advice and get the remote. Many thanks for the history of my inquiry too!!
Bruce
I had to laugh this morning, having everything to do with your post.
My wife was packing here at home for a location shoot in a remote location, and she discovered that she had left the studio without the remote for her release. She was so distraught that she considered driving the hour each way back to the studio to get it, rather than simply removing the receiver from the body and shooting without it. She finally compromised and accepted my cable, but she shoots exclusively with the little radio remote when using a tripod, and habits are hard to break. She loves that little widget!!!
My 4X5 would be fine if you put the back on so it faced left for example. And the lenses can be worked on from either side, so that is no trouble. But I would think most cameras that take roll film would be a problem as the winders would need to be on one side or the other and therefore the camera would take a particular orientation.
Discussion
7 repliesI thought of this as my index finger was in a splint(at least once a year) and the only option I had was a cable release. Any replys are welcome.
If no one knows of such an animal, does anyone have some start-up capital to begin the mock-up and patent process? Thanx and happy shooting to all, BP
Interestingly enough, when I turned the camera around with the lens facing towards me I automatically reached for it with my left hand because the grip was on the left. Then I have to turn the camera around in my hands to hold it right.
I think if us left-handers began to cry out for equal consideration the camera companies will start to comply. But we have learned to adjust and cope in this right-handed world.
Now if only I could be as decisive on which hand should hold the knife and which hand should hold the fork when I am cutting my steak.
Will
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada
This was in the late 60's or early 70's.
I remember considering that camera at the time, as Richo was almost as popular as 35mm pentax for a while [amoung hobbiests], and shared the K-mount [i think], allowing the use of a wide variety of lens's from various manufacturers.
I never saw one 'in the flesh', but remember seeing it in a magazine.
I suspect very few units were produced, as in those days, manual focusing was more of a priority than operating the camera end, and using the left hand to focus the lens seemed more natural to do, rather than vise-versa.
Alan
Bruce
My wife was packing here at home for a location shoot in a remote location, and she discovered that she had left the studio without the remote for her release. She was so distraught that she considered driving the hour each way back to the studio to get it, rather than simply removing the receiver from the body and shooting without it. She finally compromised and accepted my cable, but she shoots exclusively with the little radio remote when using a tripod, and habits are hard to break. She loves that little widget!!!