Getting a handle on the NEX

woodrim · Joined: 14 Jan 2010 Posts: 4060 Location: Charleston

Last weekend I finally got around to making a (manly) handle for this tiny NEX. I was getting tired of hitting buttons by mistake while just trying to handle the camera. Somehow it just seems wrong to have to hold a camera with the finger tips.

First I placed my hand next to the camera in the way I would like to hold onto a handle, with my index finger at the ready on the shutter release, and my thumb supporting the camera from underneath. This required a certain angle for the handle, but that was more an attachment issue, so I proceeded in shaping a comfortable handle. I looked through my scraps and selected a piece of goncalo alves (tigerwood). After drawing my finger grip on the wood, I used a spindle sander to make the indents. Next was to take a piece of steel rectangular flat bar and cut to approximate size. I put a hole in the bar to accommodate a machine screw to the tripod socket. I then had to start making bends via trial and error until I had the correct twist and bends to place the handle where I wanted it. After that I drilled two screw holes in the bar and into the handle, screwed in some sturdy screws and viola. I've used it now for two weekends and find it an enormous improvement for handling. Beginning to end was about an hour.

Attila · Expire: 2025-11-18

Great idea! congrats! I am find without this, I love NEX , no issue to me small size.

Jesito · Expire: 2015-01-07

Nex-5, Hoodman and handle, it seems the way many of us are following Wink

Nice handcraft!

Jes.

Lloydy · Expire: 2022-01-01

I was thinking about a handle just today, I like the way yours goes forward. I will experiment. Wink

poilu · Expire: 2019-08-29

my 5D is smaller than your monster Laughing

Attila · Expire: 2025-11-18

woodrim · Joined: 14 Jan 2010 Posts: 4060 Location: Charleston

Lloydy · Expire: 2022-01-01

I've got plenty of the alloy sheet, and the oak, left so I'll make one to match the Mamiya C3 handle I did a few days ago. That needed a handle because of it's weight. the NEX because it's small.

burancap · Joined: 23 Oct 2012 Posts: 4 Location: SC USA

Hi,

I am new here. In fact this is my first post. I found this site and this thread in particular while researching a potential grip for my Nex-5n.
This looks very intriguing -and the OP is even from my state!

On my end, I was playing with the concept of a Hasselblad grip and somehow mounting the small remote control release within vicinity of the sensor. One issue is that these grips are typically left-handed.

I recognize some user names here (I spend a good bit of time over at RFF and LUF) so I am off to have a look around the site!

SonicScot · Posted: Wed Oct 24, 2012 6:56 pm Post subject:

SonicScot · Posted: Wed Oct 24, 2012 6:58 pm Post subject:

I think this handle idea is really good and the execution even better.
The small size of the NEX has always put me off owning one, but this has proved there's a way round the issue. Good work sir. Cool

burancap · Joined: 23 Oct 2012 Posts: 4 Location: SC USA

Lloydy · Expire: 2022-01-01

In the end I didn't bother with a handle, but I did make this bracket for my home made side strap - it's a luggage tie down strap with an adjustable buckle, a bit of a wide leather belt for the shoulder strap pad and a sliding 'dog lead catch' to attach the camera. I used this for years with the Pentax K10 and loved it, I like it with the NEX.
I made the plate for the NEX out of a bit of aluminium trim from the front of a scrap gas oven, I hacked it down and left a bit of the L shape up the back of the NEX to help stop it turning. I also used sticky foam on the plate so it doesn't turn anyway. I use a Manfrotto quick release to hold it onto the tripod screw. The dog lead catch just snaps into the big hole.
Off the lead I use the short leather strap around my hand, and with my fingers under the small grip of the NEX I find it perfectly safe and very easy to use, but the NEX stays on its lease most of the time, it slides easily up the shoulder strap.
A good source of strong sliding clips is old laptop bags.

Excuse the one horror picture, my bronzed adonis model is having a day off.

Send all complaints to my local pie shop, they made me what I am today !

yinyangbt · Expire: 2012-12-27

It's a subjective matter and a question of habit . I find that this approach negates some of the nex pluses . I prefere to hold the camera by the lens (and under the lens) with the screen flipped up braced on the belly .Great stability ! Focusing like on a TLR . I shoot trigger with the thumb , not index ,as on a classic camera .A foldable screen folder in conjunction with boosting at maximum the luminosity of the screen in sunny days are enough for me to focus in very bright days .
I don't know if your solution will add stability. But it's a nice work and try to meet your individual needs and comfort . I hope it wil work well and suits perfectly your shooting style Smile

Good luck wit it !

Lloydy · Expire: 2022-01-01

I shoot the same way, hold the NEX low down and use my thumb on the button. I think it's way steadier that way. With the strap as I have it in the pictures, even allowing for my belly Rolling Eyes

I use it like that. But it's quick to release from the strap and the wrist strap keeps it safe while I hand hold it.
With the quick release plate on the camera all the time it's a very quick operation to clip it onto the tripod or the monopod.
Another advantage is, if I wear the strap under my coat the camera is partially hidden, and when it rains it fits under the coat easier than it would on the neck strap.

I've been doing it this way for a few months now and find it a very good way to carry, and use, the NEX.

peterqd · Expire: 2014-01-04

Wow, well done Woodrim! Do you think it's strong enough? Wink

philslizzy · Joined: 07 Aug 2012 Posts: 4745 Location: Cheshire, England

Nice idea this is like the commercial ones that cost a packet. I did something similar dont know whatever happened to it