A Hobby I Took Very Seriously, Nearly Lost Forever

[OurJeepLife]

When I was 10, My father placed an old Nikon camera in my hands.. and I've been actively taking images all my life.. However I was developing astigmatism.. The cost of film and it's development. I was very serous about photography.. but not so serous that I had all the equipment.

In 11th grade, Iw as the "teachers pet" and offered my skills to other class mates in helping them develop their talents and taught many how to create or gain what's known as "The Eye". Having this "eye" myself.. I tended to lower myself and my images to a child's point of view. Getting down on one knee and taking aim at various targets many "adults" would miss.

In the late 80's while on assignment.. I was hit head on by a car.. suffering with nerve damage and now two forms of CTS and other non life threatening illness. I recouped and head off to attempt to rekindle from the accident.. In the late 90's while on another assignment for the SCCA, The walking, hiking and stooping at many of the south eastern race tracks took its toll. I was forced to give up my Nikon D50 and many accessories.. I slowly loosing my grasp and a hobby I took very serous.

For about two year, I was without any forum of camera.. It was like an extra pair of hands.. which allowed me to communicate with others.. Although none of my shoots made any headlines or magazines.. I received many complements from fellow photographers.

It was now 2006 and my wife noticing my despair thought of doing something to help me return to photography.. Purchasing a smaller and lighter Kodak M1093 Digital Camera. I was a bit reluctant.. and very skeptical having grown up with the more expensive camera outfits.

Slowly I took myself out into nature once again.. But this time not only with a new type of camera but a new freedom to take as many images as I wanted without having to buy more film or pay for the cost of development. The images where popping up from all around. Images I've seen before but couldn't capture.

This past Sept marks the 30th anniversary of that car hitting me head on.. But I still suffer with issues.. The smaller Kodak camera forces many users to hold in the "a" typical four finger approach.. and this wasn't easy for me to over come.. The tinker that I am, I created a handle using nothing more then an old ski pole handle and a few extra parts. I completed my "Support Handle" with a weeks time from all the gathered parts..

The handle has allowed me the freedom to take more images without the worry of ever dropping the camera again. On several occasions, I've been stopped and asked if the handle was for sale.. and the idea grew for me to want to make more of these handle for those persons who have lost or need help holding these new smaller cameras.. But without support.. All I have to show for this, is the handle hanging from my wrist.. Perhaps one day My dream will come true and I'll be able to pass along my invention to others who need it.

[Izzy]

Get it to the patent office now - Sounds like it is about time you get something real good from this accident. Aside from here I would show that to no one else. There are all kinds of easy local patent helper programs that will set you up with securing your idea as well as a manufacturer to make them. Grab your yellow pages and start today before someone else does.

[OurJeepLife]

However I've had this handle for some time and have attempted to seek help over at least 5 years on this project. I fear its all for not.. However I was approached by one of the Apple Sale reps.. who insisted she buy the handle.. I told her I would be happy to create another handle for her.

Returning home I set out to create a second handle.. The issue now is that the nylon bushing within the camera.. is wearing out and I'll have to redesign the screw or attachment. So I will not sell or give anyone a faulty product.

Another issue, The ski pole and parts have already been patented.. thus I can't claim a patent on the handle.. Perhaps I'll have another design within a years time.

[dakwegmo]

Have you seen any of the Bush Hawk camera mounts? They might have something that could help you use a camera more comfortably. BushHawk - Home

[Izzy]

You can patent the concept rather than the exact handle. I am sure other comfort grips would be acceptable. While the handle itself for the ski pole is patented the shape is not. Good luck with your work in progress may it bring you satisfaction in some way.

Keep Shooting

[OurJeepLife]

Thanks darkwiegmo

Email Just sent to them..