Why is photography geared towards right handers?

[inthedeck]

Just curious, and maybe there are some left hand cameras out there, but why is photography such a right-hand biased hobby?

My brother is left-handed, and understands that he can't 'have' a left-handed camera, but doesn't feel that it's right...so, I figured I might as for opinions on left-handed cameras? Any ideas?

EDIT: Title changed.

[Rubi Jane]

My only guess is that the majority of people are right-handed and any lefties I know who use a camera manage quite well with a standard camera. I would expect there is probably a small and market for left cameras which overtime would not be sustainable.

[Bob_A]

Originally Posted by inthedeck

why is photography such a right-hand biased hobby?

Why wouldn't it be? 85% of the population is right handed.

[AirBrontosaurus]

Us lefties always get the shaft. It's ok though. We've learned to deal. I find using a camera is easy enough. Actually, how would it be different for lefties? The shape of the body can be held either way pretty easily. I guess the controls are more on the right side, but lenses are cylindrical, so they are pretty much the same either way.

[Statement]

Because you don't need fine motor skills to operate a camera. Did you realize you focus with your left hand? That seems like a task that you might want better coordination for than rolling a wheel or pressing a shutter button.

[cdifoto]

Photography IS geared towards lefties. You see, it's us righties that have to adapt. You know...focusing/zooming with our left hands.

[Rubi Jane]

I had to Google

left-handed camera
And Fuji made a camera with twin shutter release, Silvi F2.8
Some guys claims Nikon gave him a left-handed F100 to beta test....Google that and read about everyone calling him out as a liar, it'll make you chuckle

[inthedeck]

Yeah, I know...I know...we learn to deal. I am a righty myself, so I don't think about photography that way. My brother has gotten used to it, as well...but still uses a P&S for his shots. He's used my 20D before, but just started out, and is attempting to get used to all the controls.

Oh well...still, if they made a left handed grip/shutter button, you think it wouldn't make a difference? Even on special order (though that might be costly).

[gjl711]

Being a leftie myself, I know we have been discriminated against. Maybe we lefties should all join together and demand out proper due! Rise up lefties, stand against the right hand man….

Whoops, 70s flashback…

In reality, I have noticed that I am able to do many things with both hands. Throw a ball, golf, bowl, and take pictures of it all. The only thing that still feels funny is using right handed scissors.

[PacAce]

Think of all the lefties who have to put up with driving a right-handed car. But, by the same token, all the righties in Japan, England, and a few other countries that drive on the left (as opposed to the wrong ) side of the road have to put up with a left-handed car.

[inthedeck]

I am akin to the theory of water flushing one way, in certain countries, and the other way, in other countries...

I suppose, though, that if lefties have gotten used to using right handed equipment, then, more power to ya...but how would you know what you are missing...I mean, what would a left handed camera feature?? hmmm...

[CoolToolGuy]

I'm a southpaw born in the '50s, and there was still a little of the pressure to "convert" lefties left in the Catholic grade schools. But not enough to convert me. However, when I wanted to learn to bat (baseball), my dad taught me to bat right-handed. Golf - the only clubs we had were right-handed, so that's the way it went. Lefties learn all sorts of things in a right-handed way, whether we want to or not.

For cameras, the equipment would be different, and I don't think there is or was the market for it. Part of it in the film days was the film path and the orientation of the negative (or slide) on the strip of film.

So it comes back to the market, and I don't think its there, and frankly, I don't think I would want to try it - I have too many years with my right finger on the button.

Have Fun,

[CoolToolGuy]

There are left-handed THISes, and right-handed THATs, but just about the best left-handers' revenge is a drive-up ATM. I have seen folks stop the car, open the door and turn sideways to use their right hand.

Have Fun,

[gjl711]

I always had trouble with right handed chopsticks… Give us lefties, left handed chopsticks.

[20DNewbie]

Using a camera or virtually anything else has never been a problem for me as a lefty. That's what happens when you live in a world geared more towards righties. We have to adjust, I like to think of it as we're more adaptable.

The only problem I've ever encountered as any other lefty who is either in or has been in the military/law enforcement/ or hunter was when it came to shooting. Every now and again if the wind was blowing just right the shells would somehow manage to blow down into your blouse(a.k.a., a button down shirt for the civis'). Being able to shoot amby I used to mess with my Sgt.s' when we were on the range by switching left to right and back again as they would keep walking by.

Needless to say I became very familiar with stress positions and push-ups.