-=Post Your Camera Hacks=- Mods, Cobbles, and more!

[embdude]

Everything you ever wanted to know about Cameras
but your Camera Store and Manufactures never told you.
Modifications, Tips, Tricks, Hacks, and other innovations to take you and your photography well beyond what the camera company intended.

Hi folks, Right now this thread will be elevated to sticky status, thanks Cyberdine, hopefully with enough activity, one day it just might get its own topic in the 'equipment' section. For now we will keep it in 'talk about photography' since we will encompass more than just EOS cameras... (though we are talking about equipment)

I got my Digital-EOS in December 04'. Since then I have been very
excited with the camera and the potential for modding. The nature of digital is perfect for expiremental modifications/hacks, you get instant feedback and can essentally shoot unlimited test shots to fine tune your efforts. The EOS platform has other advantages as well. It been around for some time now, in the film format since '88, so many people have been comming up with mods since then. As I find them I will post them and link them in this section.

Please feel free to add your own!
Say Hi and what you are shooting, and any projects you are involved with.

[embdude]

Way back when, I started a yahoo club called "Guerrilla Camera" it encompasses all photo mods, but had a high precentage of EOS and digicam material, ideas, and projects. It is still an active Yahoo Group, but has slowed down in pace as changes at yahoo groups have made it dificult to easily use. Hopefully POTN will be a better forum for the exchange of these ideas.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Guerrillacamera/

Some great links...

Here is a couple from POTN...
http://photography-on-the.net/forum...6797#post486797 (showthread.php?p=486797#post486797)
http://photography-on-the.net/forum...ead.php?t=50124 (showthread.php?t=50124)
http://megaweb.clubsnap.org/article...eversed_35mmf2/ (http://megaweb.clubsnap.org/articles/a70_reversed_35mmf2/)

And some from the Net...

Tips &Tricks (http://www.bahneman.com/liem/photos/tricks/digital-rebel-tricks.html)
including the latest firmware hack
http://www.bahneman.com/liem/photos/tricks/digital-rebel-tricks.html

homemade bounce/diffusion ideas for the pop-up-flash:
http://194.100.88.243/petteri/pont/How_to/hc_Bounce_Built-
In_Flash/a_Bounce_the_Pop-up.html

lens hacking by David Goldfarb.
http://www.usefilm.com/photo_articles/34/Adapting_Lenses_for_Creative_
Effects.html

Camera mounts & registers
http://www.a1.nl/phomepag/markerink/mounts.htm


Using manual lenses and telescopes with EOS cameras.
http://photonotes.org/articles/eos-manual-lenses/

Use your TV remote to control your EOS (http://www.camerahacker.com/universal_remote/index.html)
http://www.camerahacker.com/universal_remote/index.html

Modifying the EF-S lens (http://members.cox.net/byteseller/EFS-WEB/EFS-WEB.html)
Get the 18-55 kit lens to work on all EOS cameras
http://members.cox.net/byteseller/EFS-WEB/EFS-WEB.html

Remove the IR filter (http://www.astrosurf.com/astroscope/tips/eos300/canon_eos_kiss_digital.htm)
Japanse page, also has a hack for the remote control
http://www.astrosurf.com/astroscope/tips/eos300/canon_eos_kiss_digital.htm


Manual Focusing Screen (http://photonotes.org/articles/split-circle-screen/)
Swich out the EF-M screen into your EOS
http://photonotes.org/articles/split-circle-screen/

Focus Confirmation with non-EF lenses (http://www.muenster.de/%7Eansgar-k/gbstlt/index.htm)
Site is in German......sorry
http://www.muenster.de/%7Eansgar-k/gbstlt/index.htm

EOS 300D Firmware explained (http://www.jjmb.nl/content/content.php?Name=wasia)
Good site with lots of good firmware hack information
http://www.jjmb.nl/content/content.php?Name=wasia

Flash Photography with EOS (http://photonotes.org/articles/eos-flash/)
comprehensive essay on the EOS flash history and options
http://photonotes.org/articles/eos-flash/

[MattL]

Tonight I got my 300D to fire on command, from my PDA that is.

No camera shake for me, then.

[felix21685]

which pda do u have ? i just got my old one out to install exposure program on it..

[MattL]

HP Ipaq h2210 i think. its in the car. Uses the software 'nevo'.

[CyberDyneSystems]

MattL,

If you would take the time to either explain how this works/ how it'sa done or link to a place that does?

Step By Step IR Conversion for G1 (http://www.kleptography.com/notes-irconvert.htm)

[MattL]

Sure.

Wireless remote with your PDA / Universal remote (http://www.camerahacker.com/universal_remote/Nevo.html)

[Blue Deuce]

Does this also apply to a 20 D ?

[MattL]

I cant say for sure, but I suspect it would.

They use the same Canon remote dont they?

[Lotto]

Home made L bracket for 20D

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=85421

[PhotosGuy]

Geeez! Another thread I missed somehow! And I'm already spending too much time here as it is. ;)

Do you Cobble? (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=58609&highlight=cobble)
Slide duplicator, flash brackets, extra hands, remote release, bracket for background paper, Bloo Dogs jewelry setups...

Feel free to add your own links to that thread, too.

[KelliShaver]

http://www.dennisonbertram.com/hackmaster/2005/02/digital-pinhole-lens.htm

Pinhole photog, and some other good ones here.

[Trunkmonkey]

One of the guys on my race team has a pretty cool suction cup mount hacked together with a tilt/swivel head on a backplane...here it is on my car with a video camera pointed back at me. Can't wait to put my beater Rebel on the mount for ice racing this year and get some still shots with my navigator firing the remote shutter release! :)

http://strange.net/albums/20050320-BMWCCA-Ice-Race-4/img_3857.jpg

[MattL]

Home made off camera flash cord for Canon 244T Flash today.

Works a treat! Total cost; $0.

Simpley cut up a phone cord, add a tad of solder, and your on your way to cool photos!

[Pyromaniac]

RS60-E3 Extension Cord.

If you want to get farther away from the camera but don't want to use the RC-1 IR remote the RS60 remote is kind of short. I have on several occasions wanted to do this and still be behind the camera and out of the frame. To solve this problem I took my RS60 with me to my local Radio Shack (an electronic parts store here in the states). For about $17 with tax I picked up the adapters and cord to give myself a 20-foot extension cord. All you need are 1.) 274-397 Audio adapter 3/32" to 1/8" 1.) 274-373 Audio adapter 1/8" to 3/32" and 1.) 42-2562 20FT stereo headphone extension cord. The 3/32" to 1/*" plugs in to the camera's remote jack, then plug the extension cord into that, then plug the 1/8" to 3/32" into the extension cord, and finally the RS60 into that.

[PhotosGuy]

embdude: These links are broken:

Here is a couple from POTN...
http://photography-on-the.net/forum...6797#post486797
http://photography-on-the.net/forum...ead.php?t=50124

[jrobert]

See this thread (http://forums.powershot-a.com/showthread.php?threadid=10943) to add histogram capability to your A70 (and possibly some other A-series cameras?).


-jeff-

[joeseph]

apologies in advance for the multiposting ( I actually searched for "cobble" to find the thread but didn't see the sticky!) I thought folks might be interested in this:
Just cobbled together an adapter for my portable HDD ("Tripper") so I can use the readliy available BP-511 - of which I'm surely carrying a couple of charged spares at any given time. The mounting "plate" is designed for the Inca brand battery charger and needs only a 3 terminal regulator added (LM7805) to drop the 7.4V from the battery down to 5Volts that the HDD needs. simple is good.... :D
86122

More detail here: http://joebloggs.servebeer.com/potn/bp511/Canon%20BP511%20batterypack.htm

(click photo's for larger image)

All up cost less than USD$10 worth of parts.....

[saad]

Hey guys, I've been reading up on how you can use a universal remote controller to act as....well, a remote control (RC-1 or 5) for a camera with IR capability. Does anyone happen to know the Rebel XT (350D) IR code?

[Skrim17]

Is there any hack that will make a G3 remote (WL-DC100) work on a rebel xt?

[neilcowley]

Here's a link to my lens mods on Flickr. ( http://flickr.com/photos/53214562@N00/sets/72157594390061726/)

I modded them to get tilt/swing movements out of them. My favorite is the mamiya 55mm as it has a huge image circle for a 1dm2

[Mike]

For anyone interested in panoramic photography, here's a good, cheap pano head for your tripod:

http://www.worth1000.com/tutorial.asp?sid=161123

[Luke Johnson]

Hey guys, I've been reading up on how you can use a universal remote controller to act as....well, a remote control (RC-1 or 5) for a camera with IR capability. Does anyone happen to know the Rebel XT (350D) IR code?

Now that would be a good thing to find out!

[Sonic Infidel]

I found that my TI-83 graphing calculator can control my 400D, but I have yet to figure out how to actually perform useful functions with it. Honestly, I probably never will, but if anyone else is interested, it could be a neat project.

[viperstd]

I found that my TI-83 graphing calculator can control my 400D, but I have yet to figure out how to actually perform useful functions with it. Honestly, I probably never will, but if anyone else is interested, it could be a neat project.

trolling an old thread... but I have an 83 collecting dust and that would be a cool project. or maybe use my 89 for it

[Jon Foster]

I did a "hack" repair job on my 300D shutter recently. See the thread below...

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=383107&highlight=shutter

Jon.

[AperturePriority]

Here is a homemade light tent/box (http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/how-to-make-a-inexpensive-light-tent/).


.

[photojournalista]

Guys, is there a mod to convert the 350D timer from 10 sec to 2 seconds? I barely use the 10sec timer. A 2 sec will be so much more useful for me.

[robgr85]

what about:

my lens heater (http://rgrubba.hostingrapid.com/index.php?id=14)

or

my ultra cheap macro lens (http://rgrubba.hostingrapid.com/index.php?id=6)

[Sam442]

Guys, is there a mod to convert the 350D timer from 10 sec to 2 seconds? I barely use the 10sec timer. A 2 sec will be so much more useful for me.

not entirely sure if there's the option on the 350D but on the 30D if you have mirror lockup enabled and use the auto timer the delay is only two seconds.

[theyangster]

Just if anyone was wondering about that ti-83 hack, it's now on instructables

http://www.instructables.com/id/Turn-a-TI-Graphing-Calculator-into-an-Intervalomet/

it looks pretty neat

[Sam442]

that it does, although if you're doing tethered shooting http://www.gbtimelapse.com/Product_gbt.aspx is easier.

[Sonic Infidel]

Wow...I'm glad someone got the TI-83 thing to work. That's pretty cool.

[PhotosGuy]

I've added some of the flash positioning location brackets to Post # 10 of:
Simple "every-day-emergency" location lighting (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=66358)

Besides, this thread needed a <bump>! ;)

[440roadrunner]

Converting Sigma Minolta MD mount 600mm mirror to Canon EF:

http://forum.manualfocus.org/viewtopic.php?id=11381

One wasn't enough, another converted from MD to Pentax M42

http://forum.manualfocus.org/viewtopic.php?id=11415


The Slik tripod improvement--or some things are not as well built as you might think:

http://forum.manualfocus.org/viewtopic.php?id=11056

Homebuilt telescope camera mount:

http://forum.manualfocus.org/viewtopic.php?id=8979

Spotting scope eyepiece adapter for Canon EF

http://forum.manualfocus.org/viewtopic.php?id=11503

The tripod to "end all" project

http://forum.manualfocus.org/viewtopic.php?id=8815

Yet another tripod project--I've since improved this some more with a more compact, homemade spider

http://forum.manualfocus.org/viewtopic.php?id=8920

Everybody needs a Photosniper

http://forum.manualfocus.org/viewtopic.php?id=8691

One of the monopod projects

http://forum.manualfocus.org/viewtopic.php?id=9574

Another approach

http://forum.manualfocus.org/viewtopic.php?id=7212

The difinitive monopod

http://forum.manualfocus.org/viewtopic.php?id=9593

Homemade split prism screen for the Xt

http://forum.manualfocus.org/viewtopic.php?id=7270

One of my first projects, a Canon FD 200mm 2.8 converted to Canon EF

http://forum.manualfocus.org/viewtopic.php?id=7189

Old Canon FL 28mm converted to EF

http://forum.manualfocus.org/viewtopic.php?id=9092

The "eight dollar deal"

http://forum.manualfocus.org/viewtopic.php?id=7987



and what I did with one of them, a cheap Minolta mount zoom

http://forum.manualfocus.org/viewtopic.php?id=7990

One not worth the trouble:

http://forum.manualfocus.org/viewtopic.php?id=8161

The Minolta bellows project:

http://forum.manualfocus.org/viewtopic.php?id=8559

which can be used with old Polaroid, for example:

http://forum.manualfocus.org/viewtopic.php?id=9091

like this:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/18786943@N03/2270214937/sizes/l/

Things do not always go well

http://forum.manualfocus.org/viewtopic.php?id=9122

Sometimes, you don't have to build anything, it just falls in your lap:

http://forum.manualfocus.org/viewtopic.php?id=11045

http://forum.manualfocus.org/viewtopic.php?id=11444

and sometimes "really great" lenses bite you in your a$$

http://forum.manualfocus.org/viewtopic.php?id=9663

[PhotosGuy]

Nice work!

[Karl Johnston]

RS60-E3 Extension Cord.

If you want to get farther away from the camera but don't want to use the RC-1 IR remote the RS60 remote is kind of short. I have on several occasions wanted to do this and still be behind the camera and out of the frame. To solve this problem I took my RS60 with me to my local Radio Shack (an electronic parts store here in the states). For about $17 with tax I picked up the adapters and cord to give myself a 20-foot extension cord. All you need are 1.) 274-397 Audio adapter 3/32" to 1/8" 1.) 274-373 Audio adapter 1/8" to 3/32" and 1.) 42-2562 20FT stereo headphone extension cord. The 3/32" to 1/*" plugs in to the camera's remote jack, then plug the extension cord into that, then plug the 1/8" to 3/32" into the extension cord, and finally the RS60 into that.

That'll be great for northern lights, thank you !

Now to shoot from the comfort of my car :)

[morpheus6d9]

http://www.instructables.com/id/Remote-shutter-trigger-for-Canon-Cameras/

[MS-18E]

So you get live view on your laptop screen when it is wired to it. Is there a way to record what is shown on the screen so that it becomes a video recorder?

[Digital_zen]

I made a ringflash for pop-up, from a plastic ice cream tub, a fountain drink cup, and some potato chip bag for lining.
Also built an ultrathin, really rugged softbox out a 20" x 24" x 2 3/4" developing tray, a peice of white cardboard, and a peice of white plexiglass.
If anyone is interested in seeing pics or knowing how to build these let me know.
Oh yeah and I also poked a hole in the bottom of an oatmeal container, world's cheapest snoot!
:-)

[440roadrunner]

I made a ringflash for pop-up, from a plastic ice cream tub, a fountain drink cup, and some potato chip bag for lining.
Also built an ultrathin, really rugged softbox out a 20" x 24" x 2 3/4" developing tray, a peice of white cardboard, and a peice of white plexiglass.
If anyone is interested in seeing pics or knowing how to build these let me know.
Oh yeah and I also poked a hole in the bottom of an oatmeal container, world's cheapest snoot!
:-)

THIS THREAD IS WORTHLESS WITHOUT PICTURES

http://www.corbisimages.com/images/AXF001019.jpg?size=67&uid=F2242AB1-867C-46F1-BAD3-AB13CE3A506C

http://www.corbisimages.com/images/AXF001019.jpg?size=67&uid=F2242AB1-867C-46F1-BAD3-AB13CE3A506C

[RyanGSams]

So you get live view on your laptop screen when it is wired to it. Is there a way to record what is shown on the screen so that it becomes a video recorder?

Can and how do you connect your camera to laptop?

[400dabuser]

Can and how do you connect your camera to laptop?

USB cable supplied with the camera, use EOS Utility to view it

[Cassandra]

Haven't tried this. Haven't seen anything like this.Not sure if this is posted anywhere else here. For the Rebel XT/350d. Enables ISO 3200, spot metering and shutter counts.
http://chdk.setepontos.com/index.php/topic,4202.0.html

[morpheus6d9]

Hack provides Liveview Canon EOS DSLRs with video recording

http://translate.google.com/translate?js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=1&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fvalexvir.narod.ru%2F&sl=auto&tl=en

[winam]

Sure.

Wireless remote with your PDA / Universal remote (http://www.camerahacker.com/universal_remote/Nevo.html)

It would be great, if that would work with the Iphone as well.


RS60-E3 Extension Cord.

If you want to get farther away from the camera but don't want to use the RC-1 IR remote the RS60 remote is kind of short. I have on several occasions wanted to do this and still be behind the camera and out of the frame. To solve this problem I took my RS60 with me to my local Radio Shack (an electronic parts store here in the states). For about $17 with tax I picked up the adapters and cord to give myself a 20-foot extension cord. All you need are 1.) 274-397 Audio adapter 3/32" to 1/8" 1.) 274-373 Audio adapter 1/8" to 3/32" and 1.) 42-2562 20FT stereo headphone extension cord. The 3/32" to 1/*" plugs in to the camera's remote jack, then plug the extension cord into that, then plug the 1/8" to 3/32" into the extension cord, and finally the RS60 into that.

Great work. I'll try it myself.

[mollylev]

There's some really helpful information here. Thanks to all for sharing. Happy shooting.

[AntonLargiader]

I have a remote trigger with a 1/8" mono (not stereo) connector that came with a camera/binocular. Very simple 1-button dongle. When I use this with the T2i I get the shutter release but not the effect of the half-press (which the third ring would signal).

This might be useful for situations where you don't want (or don't care about) the effect of half-press. For instance, shooting a fixed spot using a tripod. No risk of AF or metering jumping in. If you want to make a trigger yourself, you can use the stereo version but just ignore the first switch that works for the half-press. However, there are many mono cables out there waiting to be cannibalized for such a use.

[ZoneV]

I do a lot of camera and lens modifications - most documented on my website (some in English too):
- Canon FD to EF mount conversions of FD20/2.8, FD 85/1.2L, FD 100/4, FD 300/2.8L, FD 400/2.8L, FD 500/4.5L
- Canon FD lens as a tilt lens for crop cameras
- Minolta Rokkor to EF mount conversions for 58/1.2 and 35/1.8
- Samyang 14/2.8 focus corrrection and filters
- "Infrared" camera invention realized on EOS Rebel XT - exchangeable filters with bright viewfinder
- Short 8 mm manual extension tube
- Fungus cleaning on some lenses and fungus primer
- Tripod repair: Monostat and Cullmann Magic
- Camera repair tools
- Some camera repair
- Some large format tinker jobs

Additional you find on my website "The Heaven and Hell for Photo Tinkerer" - a link directory with more than 1000 DIY links, I work on bigger update.

[ZoneV]

New own DIY work:
Canon EOS 1000D / Rebel XS / EOS Kiss F SD card slot repair
Vivitar 135mm/2.8 CF mount change
Short manual 8mm Canon EF extension tube, especially for use with shorter focal lengths
Extension tubes vignetting optimization

[quiksquirrel]

Posted this in the flash section of the forum, but realized that it should really be in this thread.

DIY flash cord (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1067745)

I have seen this sort of thing done quite a few times, but it always tend to have a very "homemade look". Function is of course the important part, but I wanted to make something that also looks nice.

Since posting the photos, I have been working on the last details, such as hiding seams and generally cleaning it up a bit.

I should have taken some photos of the process, but didn't think of it. If anyone want's any info on how to do this, let me know.
In any case, I hope that someone finds this useful :)

[adamjug]

This is cool . . do you have any hacks for Canon EOS 500D???? like using itouch for remote on shutter???tnx

[CameraClicker]

Not sure if it belongs here, but:
The software that comes with Canon DSLRs (EOS Utility) can be used to remote control the camera. The problem comes when the USB cord is way to short for what you need. We had found a Whip-Poor-Will nest on my granddad's place, way back in the laurel. Places where people don't like to go, much less cameras. We wanted a picture of her coming back to her nest, but we couldnt be too close. So, I found a USB cord on eBay for around $20. (but if you try it, make sure you get an active repeater cable). I bought two 50' cords, which allowed me to go 100' away, hook up to my laptop, and still adjust focus, Fstop, shutter, ISO, WB, picture style, and quality, and since the pics came in on my laptop right away, I could see what I was doing wrong/right, and adjust. Very handy little tool, and got me a VERY rare shot. I have yet to come across a shot of the babies and mom in nest, or her and the eggs. Anyone know if EOS utility can be modded/ hacked for the iPhone And iPad?

[ThatTeenPhotographer]

I'd personally be way to scared to mod my camera, but this makes for an interesting read!

[ZoneV]

Apodization filter like in Sony 135mm f/2.8 [T4.5] STF - SAL-135F28

http://www.4photos.de/galerie/Natur/slides/L%C3%B6wenzahn.jpg

And that is the filter - simple slide film placed near the iris:
http://www.4photos.de/camera-diy/Apodisation-.jpg