Waterproof Camera Setup

Mike Fernandez · Post by **Mike Fernandez** » Thu Jul 12, 2007 1:10 pm

Get yourself a super small fanny pack to keep it in. Keep a wrist lanyard on it, and if you want tube shots, keep it in your mouth while taking off, then grab it with your hand while setting up for the tube.
I was doing this with disposables, now I am thinking of getting one of those HERO cameras with the wrist mounting strap.

KAVA · Post by **KAVA** » Thu Jul 12, 2007 2:10 pm

i have one mike while it works pretty good i suggest you get the "digital Hero" in the 3mp version not the 640x480 low tech version

skansand · Post by **skansand** » Thu Jul 12, 2007 2:31 pm

mike, mine worked for about 3 months, it took only a grain of sand to drown the camera....photos were usually pretty blurred, kind of a cool affect....

.id say the 3 months were worth the 25 bucks...... but the camera on the wrist gets in the way too much...inhibits paddling..and the plastic side clamp eventually fell off....

id like to know how to rig up the elastic tubing setup bob and randy use...

randiego · Post by **randiego** » Fri Jul 13, 2007 3:51 pm

The Bob Gove rig is tried and true. Why re-invent the wheel?

Sling it over to your back for high-performance surfing.

Whip it around when you're ready to take your shots.

Some PVC rod stock, a drill, some marine-grade adhesive, some bulk marine bungie cord, and some dental floss is all you need.

I recommend the Sony waterhousing line and cameras.

Mike Fernandez · Post by **Mike Fernandez** » Fri Jul 13, 2007 5:12 pm

Randy, you have a schematic available?

randiego · Post by **randiego** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 4:06 pm

No schematic, but here's a description. I think I have a photo of bob's rig at home.

you need 3 attachment points.

Sony molds one into the side of their housings, for the hand strap that comes with the housing. The second one is the tripod mounting on the bottom. Screwing a marine stainless eyebolt into that works perfectly.

The 3rd attachment point has to be added, using the PVC rod. Drill a hole through the PVC rod at the end, then cut off a short piece and glue it to the housing using PVC adhesive on the side of the housing opposite from the hand-strap mounting. Voila, attachment point #3.

using two 4-ft lengths of marine bungee (shorter if you're a skinny f**ker like Gove), create the slings/straps.

strap one is a loop of cord that goes around your waist and through the eyebolt - it is permanently attached. You can sew the ends of the loop together using dental floss, and then seal it using rope-whipping glue. This one prevents the housing from being ripped away from you in the surf.

strap two attaches on each side of the housing, and is used as a sling - over one shoulder, and under the other arm. This one allows rotation from your back to your front, and keeps the housing up on your back out of the way while surfing and paddling. I created small loops at each end of the sling strap for attaching to the side points on the housing. You can attach the strap to the housing using dental floss, or a pair of small zip-ties on each end.

when not in use, a tug on the sling over your shoulder brings the camera up high on your back, nestled between your shoulder blades. (see the numerous pics of me and bob with our rigs on our back while surfing).

It's a simple design and very effective. It either came to Bob in a moment of divine inspiration, or through trial and error, not sure which.

any questions?

TheKid · Post by **TheKid** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 4:44 pm

Attachment points on camera are essentially 3, 6, 9 oclock

with 6 oclock being the eyebolt and dedicated waist strap

approximate 3, 9 oclock positions or thereabouts(attachment points) have a dedicated strap connecting them for the shoulder sling.

Do you wear the camera on your back
a) lense facing back
or
b) lense facing away from back.
or
c) this is a personal choice.

Sounds like a winner!
Gracias

Bob Gove · Post by **Bob Gove** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 9:49 pm

Randy had it spot on, the only thing he missed was that you need to use a piece of acrylic rod and acrylic glue, not pvc. Make sure you sand the area that the post will attach to really well, and clean it before attaching the post. Then allow a full 24 hours to cure before hooking up the rig. If anyone needs assistance in setting it up, I have done it for at least a half a dozen friends and would be glad to help out. The only one besides myself who I have seen regularly wearing the setup is Randy, and he has the photos to prove it! Also, the lens faces out, otherwise when you whip it around, you would be taking a shot of your face!

Mike Fernandez · Post by **Mike Fernandez** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 5:08 am

Sounds ingenious

TheKid · Post by **TheKid** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 9:36 am

Acrylic Rod is not hollow ?
what thickness by diameter?
and what length is the cutoff stub of this usually at?

and where does one shop for acrylic rod at?

and thanks for the great setup advice!

Doc Turbo · Post by **Doc Turbo** » Sun Aug 09, 2009 10:33 pm

Randy or Bob

Could you pm or post an photo of the camera strap rig. I think I got the idea right, but want to be sure.

I really appreciate the information, I want to try this out in the swell this coming weekend.

maxb · Post by **maxb** » Mon Aug 10, 2009 5:55 am

i use the olympus 1030sw and have had good success with it. i had an issue in indo and got water in the battery compartment, sent it in and had it back in 3 days gratis. it takes great pics ,seqs, etc. and has no housing. i hook a lanyard to it and carry it in the front of my wetsuit or in my boardshorts. i've posted a few shots with it on here
max

gumby · Post by **gumby** » Mon Aug 10, 2009 7:03 pm

Kid I use MAX’S method and same camera. I saw Bob’s rig one day at the cove could not remember how it all went together.

Bob’s looks so much quicker on the draw.

The camera takes good picks and ok vid. Should surf again with you with the camera.

randiego · Post by **randiego** » Tue Aug 11, 2009 7:38 pm

Doc, I've uploaded photos into the Miscellaneous Pics folder.

If you have any questions, send me a PM. Happy to help.

Kneeboard Surfing USA Community Forum

Waterproof Camera Setup

Waterproof Camera Setup

Photo of camera rig please