Ergonomic camera equipment: I have arthritis and an injury to my left rotator cuff, is there a camera harness that I can use comfortably?
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I have arthritis and an injury to my left rotator cuff, is there a camera harness that I can use comfortably?
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Products mentioned in our answer below are provided to inform you about the types of technologies available and have not been evaluated by CanAssist. They may or may not be appropriate for your particular situation. Some technologies and devices may require an in-person assessment. Speak with your health care provider for additional information and support.
Continuing an active hobby like photography is an excellent way to stay active and enjoy life. The weight of DSLR cameras can be a barrier to proper engagement, particularly with arthritis and injury. Thankfully there are several products available designed to redistribute the weight of the camera in a comfortable way.
Camera harnesses redistribute the weight of the camera across the body, but given your left rotator cuff tears that could mean some pain and soreness in your left shoulder. Camera slings that go over one should are designed for right-handed photographer, and thus tend to go over the left shoulder. However, there are some over shoulder camera slings design for left handed use, that only go over the right should, or the strap can go over either shoulder.
- Camera Strap Rapid Quick Release Shoulder Sling Camera Strap Belt by Sugelary (at Amazon Canada) is an over the shoulder camera strap that even redistributes the weight of the camera. The strap can be adjusted to fit over either the left shoulder or the right shoulder. This products costs $24 (CDN), plus additional shipping fees.
- Sport Left Breathe Camera Sling by Black Rapid is a left handed version of a camera sling with an ergonomic pad and an under arm stabilizer to prevent the weight from shifting across the top of the right shoulder. This product costs about $80 (USD), plus shipping and import fees. An older model is also available from amazon.ca for about $100 (CDN), plus additional shipping fees.
Another option for staying comfortable is to use a backpack that you find comfortable or a right shoulder sling camera bag along with the StrapShot Camera Harness by Cotton Carrier (at Amazon Canada). The StrapShot attaches to the strap of the bag and allows the camera to be clipped on when not in use. When it’s time to take photos that camera can be unclipped and held using the included hand strap. This product costs about $80 (CDN), plus additional shipping fees.
You might also want to explore Cotton Carrier Harnesses. Their harnesses come in various sizes and strap combination, and cost around $80 to $200(USD). In Vancouver BC, there are two stores you can purchase the harnesses from: Broadway Camera and Kerrisdale Cameras.
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