Spoil Your Point and Shoot By Making it A Waist Level Shooter

Jan 12, 2015

Paul Richters

waist-level-camera-01

If you are missing the good old time where decent cameras shot from the waist, or if you just wanna shoot from the waist like they do in all the big fashion productions of the 80’s, then this is a tutorial for you.

The idea spans around taking a Canon powershot N (or a similar camera with a tilting screen) and adding a rectangular piece of wood (8x6x5.5cm) changing the camera into a Rolleiflex lookalike.

The idea is described in the schema below:

Then you add the LCD hood:

Here are some tips and pointers on building this beauty.

This diagram roughly shows the concept of the build:

Tips on building the wooden body part

The camera body on the inside isn’t completely flat:

Make room for the battery compartment

There are two covers which need to be opened from time to time

Make room for opening the cover of the micro SD -card
Make room for opening the cover of the USB-port /power adapter

To actually enjoy holding the new wooden body part of the camera you’ll have to round the edges. For this I used a router

Tips on Strap and Mounting

New strap holes should be added. The center of gravity is changed by the added weight, so the original strap holes are now in the wrong place. We can use them, though to fix the camera to the new body

Before fixing the camera to the wooden body, make sure it fits snugly on the wood and that you have left spaces for the SD card, USB port and battery compartment.

The last step is fixing the camera to the wooden cube. You can do this by adding approximately 7cm of double adhesive tape between the underside of the LCD screen and the wooden body.

For further fixation use a small piece of rope from the “old” camera strap hole to the new screw with hole.

Attach the LCD hood on the top and you are done.

There you have it. Done right, you should end up with something like this:

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64 responses to “Spoil Your Point and Shoot By Making it A Waist Level Shooter”

tempfile

Jan 12, 2015

Top kek

Reply
Michael Mulligan

Jan 13, 2015

I kind of want to buy one just to have it…

That’s kind of awesome..

Reply
jojo

Jan 13, 2015

Nice. I often shoot this way. I like a waist level finder, but they were more suited to the 6×6 square format and a square image or cropping after the shot, because with a reflex design the image was reversed left to right. Try following action with that!

Using the LCD in this way overcomes that difficulty, but try a vertical shot….

Reply
Ren Lok

Jan 13, 2015

Great idea!! and looks pretty to me :D

Reply
Kivi Shaps

Jan 13, 2015

Price is right. Do it.

Reply
Pubilius

Jan 13, 2015

Round screw with hole? where does that go?

Reply
1. Paul Richters
  
  Jan 14, 2015
  
  The screw with hole goes opposite the Original strap hole on the Canon N.
  I used it to fix the wooden part thightly to the Canon.
  
  Reply
Ilya the Great

Jan 14, 2015

Some possible improvement. In stead of a wooden block, use a box with a door where you can store additional battery, memory cards and other photo related items.

Reply
buddah610

Jan 16, 2015

Is it a touch screen? How do you operate the different functions? I think it’s a wonderful idea. I just was wondering since everything is covered up. Or, are you able to get inside?

Reply
1. Paul Richters
  
  Jan 17, 2015
  
  The powershot has a touchscreen. There are no buttons on the inside. The only thing the wooden body prevents is moving the lcd-screen back down again. On the upside, the grip and handling of the camera improves dramaticly.
  
  Reply
Ley

Jan 25, 2015

Where can I get round screw with hole?

Reply
1. Guest
  
  Jan 25, 2015
  
  Just look for 1/4″ to 3/8″ screw adapters on ebay or any other onine store that might sell it. Like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-8-16-to-1-4-20-Convert-Screw-Adapter-for-Monotripod-Tripod-New-/181493433883?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a41da061b
  
  Reply
2. Paul Richters
  
  Jan 26, 2015
  
  Try your local harware shop or bicycle shop.
  It is a normal screwtype on bicycles.
  
  Reply
Jerry

Mar 2, 2015

Or how to convert a tiny pocket size camera to a box that needs a bag to carry!

Reply
Iggy

Mar 6, 2015

Wonderful idea. I give it 9/10. I am avid shooter of mamiya and yashica TLR’s. The only thing I would change is to make box more part of the body, and to salvage an actual waist level finder from TLR. but other wise it’s a great idea to copy. I can only imagine how much joy it is to hold this little sucker!

Reply
Humpty-Dumpty

Mar 9, 2015

This is great for street photography. You want to avoid eye contact as you want to avoid interacting with the people you photograph as a street photographer to preserve the authenticity of the situation. You do not want people to pose but to act as normal as they do when they do not know that they are photographed.

Reply
MARK

Nov 4, 2015

Hi Paul,

I have not felt confortable the way taking photos with LCD screen and
with my eyes with ‘normal’ myopia and presbyopia, as it makes my face
look like idiot with my glasses half down on my nose.

Since I loved to use Rolleiflex before digital era, I have looked around
the possibility for waist level finder with digital. Only a few choices
were Rolleiflex Toy and Hasselbrad digital pack $$$$$ as you know. The
body for 6×6 does not make sense for digital today, but as you
presented, 6×6 body does something more for us.

I happend to see your work about a year ago, and I want to have it. So I
made my version with bland plate “EFFECT SKOTT”.

My greatest appreciation to your idea. You make my photo life way more
comfortable and challenging!

MARK

Reply
1. Paul Richters
  
  Jan 12, 2016
  
  Hi Mark,
  
  Nice to actualy see somebody picking up this idea and making his own waist level camera. The viewfinder looks great. Did you use an old on? The corners of the body still look rather sharp to me. I like the more rounded (female) corners. The biggest compliment for me is that this camera actualy works for you.
  
  Greetings, Paul
  
  Reply
2. Richard Leeuw
  
  Oct 4, 2016
  
  He mark, nice hood! Where did you get it and is there a possibility to order one? I couldn’t find the effect skott through google.
  Thanx!!
  
  Reply
slebovits

Mar 20, 2016

hi,
this is awesome. if i can find a canon powershot n, would you please make a box set up for me. of course i’ll pay.
thanks!

stephen
slebovits@gmail.com
invermere, bc, canada

Reply
1. Paul Richters
  
  Mar 27, 2016
  
  I wil send you the 3D-models for the N-grip by mail.
  You can print them in the colour matching the Powershot N, or in any other colour available.
  
  Reply
  1. slebovits
    
    Mar 27, 2016
    
    hi paul,
    
    thanks but i don’t have a 3-d printer. would you print it/mail it? if not, i can try and find someone with a printer.
    thanks for getting back to me.
    
    stephen
    http://www.brokenfotografy.com
    
    Reply
    1. Paul Richters
      
      Mar 27, 2016
      
      Hello Stephen,
      
      If you upload the file to the website 3dhubs.com they wil give you shops in your neighbourhood which can print the model. That’s cheaper than printing it in Holland and sending it to Canada.
      
      Greetings, Paul
      
      Reply
      1. slebovits
        
        Mar 27, 2016
        
        thanks for the tip.
        
        send the plans when your ready.
        
        have a great day!
        
        Stephen Lebovits
        http://www.brokenfotografy.com
      2. Paul Richter
        
        Mar 27, 2016
        
        They should be in your email box.
        Succes.
        
        Paul
      3. slebovits
        
        Mar 27, 2016
        
        hi paul,
        
        i don’t see them, can you please resend directly to:
        
        slebovits@gmail.com
        
        thanks!
        
        Stephen Lebovits
        http://www.brokenfotografy.com
Katy

Apr 17, 2016

Hello Paul

I am very interest in the 3D models as well. I am an amateur photographer and would like to try this style of photography after watching the documentary on Vivian Maier. I would greatly appreciate it or will pay you for the 3D model! Thank you in advance. Katy katy.moy13@gmail.com

Reply
1. Paul Richters
  
  Apr 22, 2016
  
  Hello Katy,
  
  I wil e-mail them to you. The models are free. They are for a the Powershot N but might be adapted for the Powershot N2.
  
  Reply

Kelly Bruce

Apr 24, 2016

Hi Paul could you mail me the 3D plans – it’s my birthday at the end of the week and would love this!

Paul Richters

May 3, 2016

If you give me an e-mail adress, I wil send them to you.

Paul

Reply
1. Kelly Bruce
  
  May 4, 2016
  
  HI Paul thank you so much my email is kellybbruce@gmail.com
  
  Best
  
  Reply
  1. Paul Richters
    
    May 4, 2016
    
    They shhould be in your e-mailbox.
    If you don’t see them check your spam.
    Paul
    
    Reply

Lauren Kinney

May 4, 2016

Paul…you are a genius. I echo the sentiments of so many posters before me. I would love to have the 3D plans for this. I just ordered the camera from amazon after seeing your DIY project. Thank you in advance for your generosity! Please email to lauren8402 @gmail.com at your earliest convenience! I can’t wait to try it out! Do you have any suggestions for neck straps? That’s the only thing I have yet to order on amazon, because I just wasn’t sure what would work with this set up. I have never shot from the hip before…

Paul Richters

May 4, 2016

The models should be in your email.
I’m using the neck straps from my Ricoh cameras (GRD’s/GXR’s), the GS-1 and the ST-2. They are long and small enough and go well with this small camera.
Greetings from Holland and succes with the assembling, Paul.

Reply
1. AMorgan
  
  Jun 2, 2016
  
  Paul, I agree with Lauren, your Rolleiflex lookalike is genius.. Please, send me the 3D plans I have also ordered the camera and neck strap.
  My email is ssmelser714 @gmail.com Many thanks in anvance.
  
  Reply

Björn

May 29, 2016

Hi Paul, can you send me the 3D plans too? My email is thorxbrun@gmail.com.
Thank you very much in advance.

Paul Richters

Jun 1, 2016

Dear Björn,
I’ve posted the 3D-plans today. Check youre spam if you don’t see them in your inbox.
Succes with the assembling. I wouldn’t mind seeing a photo of your finished camera.
Greetings from Holland,
Paul Richters

Reply

radax

Jun 2, 2016

Hallo Paul! I love this project, and just ordered the PowerShot N based on your tutorial. Could you send me the 3D plans? Brerrin@outlook.com Greetings from NYC! Dank je :) looking forward to using this for some street photography!

Paul Richters

Jun 2, 2016

Succes with the construction of your waist level shooter.
Paul

Reply

Steven Hall

Jun 16, 2016

Hello Paul,

I just stumbled across this (a year and a half late to the party). A very fun project. Thanks for posting it. It gives me some ideas of my own.

I’d like to also be sent the 3D file if possible. You can either e-mail to shallnotlive.ca (replace the with the appropriate symbol) or drag and drop it to the balloon located at https://balloon.io/shall

If you have access to a dropbox or google drive account you might just upload the file there and get a link to it to share instead of sending mail directly to folks. Just an idea.

Thanks again,
Steven

Paul Richters

Jun 25, 2016

Hello Steven,
I’v created a google drive account and added the files.
https://goo.gl/hywb39
Paul

Reply
1. Steven Hall
  
  Jun 27, 2016
  
  Thanks for the link. Files received. You might want to double check to see if the Netherland photos are really supposed to be there.
  
  Reply
  1. Phil Sgriccia
    
    Jan 20, 2025
    
    Hi Steven,
    I’m trying to reach Paul to get the plans for the canon powershot n waist level design
    I know this is an old thread but I haven’t been able to get in touch with Paul. Do you have the plans and if so could you forward them to me?
    Chers and happy snapping.
    
    Reply

Louie Hotop

Jul 16, 2016

Thanks for the post, Paul! I am very interested in getting one of these printed for my canon powershot n. Could you send the files to my email? (LouHotop@gmail.com).

Thank you very much!

Paul Richters

Jul 16, 2016

Hello Louie,
I’v created a google drive account with the 3D-files.
You can download them here: https://goo.gl/hywb39
Paul

Reply

Richard Leeuw

Oct 24, 2016

He I just finished my n2 upgrade. Works like a charm now. I printed the body (with the adjustments needed for an n2). And I added some sticky foil with leather texture to the sides.

Richard Leeuw

Oct 24, 2016

https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/8cbb6fd5a4735b3e73896060a6411d692a96b946f90dace47fd5c8c1a0d0535d.jpg

Reply
Richard Leeuw

Oct 24, 2016

https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/90dd716e260d76ab1598a69bd3209226171f4ea1a80ca7dc49591dc0cf7000ef.jpg

Reply
1. Zippy
  
  May 8, 2018
  
  Hi Richard. Just picked up a N2 and am about to order the body from Paul’s 3D file. I’m hoping you can share link or description of which viewfinder hood you used and the bolts/rings for the strap. my email is vermelho mac.com
  
  Reply
Richard Leeuw

Oct 24, 2016

https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/eac24525b35baa333fae16ef0f7c23fc7b557ef216a0dd1b4c9007b6ed696483.jpg

Reply
Ferdinand

Dec 10, 2016

Dear Richard, your camera looks great. which material did you use for 3d Printing? Many thanks in advance, Ferdinand

Reply
1. Richard Leeuw
  
  Mar 1, 2017
  
  he hi, sorry for the late response and another sorry for the non-info i’m going to give you.
  
  i honestly don’t know anymore. it was mostly technical what he said and i trusted him to make it out of the wright material. i asked him not for the lightest material and that it should be good in hot conditions since i travel i warm countries a lot.
  
  Reply
Tibo Carr

Jan 4, 2024

hello, I just came across the discussion… I’m years late. If someone still have these 3D plans, it would be great? could you send them to me? I tried to click on the Google drive link, but it’s no longer available. thanks in advance

Tibo.carr@gmail.com

Reply

Paul Richters

Oct 26, 2016

For those people who own a Canon Powershot N2 instead of a N, I added the 3D model for the N2 to my google drive account.

Paul Richters

Oct 26, 2016

https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/7f6e19e989f6e74acccc4a3609dba82a893ec262db68361472751ba92c066e77.png

Reply

Ferdinand

Dec 10, 2016

Which material is best to use for 3D printing? Thanks!

Paul Richters

Dec 10, 2016

The ones I use were printed with the material PLA which is biodegradable and created from plant matter. Another possibillity is using ABS. These plastics have almost the same properties so it doesn’t really matter.

Reply

Vanessa

Dec 14, 2016

Hi Paul, This is fantastic!
I am interested in receiving the model for 3D printing.
Can you email me so I can send you my address?
nakachi10@gmail.com

Paul Richters

Dec 17, 2016

Hello Vanessa,

The 3d-models are available at my : https://goo.gl/hywb39.
You can download them there.
There also some pictures from Holland I took with my Powershot.
I like this camera because the way its making composing a picture more natural.
I hope you will have fun with your camera.

Reply

Zippy

May 7, 2018

I’m years behind on this thread I realize, but hoping to do the project with a powershot N2 I just purchased, and Paul Richter’s 3D model file. I’ve also order the thread for tripod mount. Outstanding parts I’d like to know more about are the LCD viewfinder – I see a few generic 3.5″ folding ones on ebay, but unsure how they might attach – is there one that clips on to the screen? Also there appear to be some studs for strap mount in photos of parts. Any hints for sourcing these would be appreciated. My mother is turning 83, and used a mamiyaflex C330 from the 1960’s – 1990’s, but it’s a challenge to carry for her these days despite being still sharp where it counts! my email is vermelho mac.com

Paul Richters

May 22, 2018

1. For the LCD hood I use the JJC LCH-3.0B LCD Hood. You will have to get rid of the protective screen. It can easily be removed by pushing. The hood connects to the screen with double adhesive tape (enclosedin with the hod). I use some very small screws at the inside corners of the hood to affix the two parts. Otherwise the hood might come lose unwanted.
2. The studs are regular bicycle parts in Holland (known as, Oogbout Spatbordstang M5 x 18). Something like Cable Pinch Bolts. These studs connect very well with the Optech Mini QD Loops™ (1mm & 1.5mm).

Reply

ron

Apr 29, 2019

can anyone print me a body for the n2 – how much postage to uk.
thanking you in advance

Phil Sgriccia

Jan 20, 2025

Hello Paul,
I just found this article and plan from 2015, wow! what a great idea. Do you still have the plans available? Can you send them?
Can’t wait to get this made, I found a Canon Camera powershot N on ebay and have ordered some of the hardware. I have a few questions but thought that if I had the plans, it would answer those questions. Hope this finds you healthy and happy
thanks.

Belabok

Mar 20, 2025

Hi, there is a printable version of the box on Thingiverse. I made a remix, because the original project gave me problems. If you are interested: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6985793

Reply

Spoil Your Point and Shoot By Making it A Waist Level Shooter

Tips on building the wooden body part

Tips on Strap and Mounting

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64 responses to “Spoil Your Point and Shoot By Making it A Waist Level Shooter”