My One Handed Thumb Controlled Camera. Ambidexterity Be Damned!
Mikhail Stawsky believes he has the answer to designing a truly universally comfortable camera called INDEX. All the mechanics are the same as any said camera but the body has one handle giant handle that rotates left or right, depending on your dexterity. The aperture/shutter display and trigger are all within thumb’s reach. The main part of the camera houses the lens, viewfinder, screen, and mode dial. The flash is hidden in the handle itself tho it’s size and proximity to the lens may be an issue. So What do you think?
Designer: Mikhail Stawsky






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17 Comments »
Michael says
is it really an inconvenience to hold a camera with two hands? Also as far I am concerned, I only use my other hand a means of stability and leverage when I take pictures, which would be lost if you take a picture with one hand.
Also you would need some function in the camera to recognize when the handle is on the right side or the left side so that the menu button navigator isn’t going in the wrong direction.
Just my thoughts.
eric says
poopoo platter
Alec says
I can’t see how people can use one thumb to control all buttons in this design if using just one hand. Also the arrangement of the lens compartment and the handle won’t gives users a good balance when holding by one hand, it’s hard to remain horizontal level when shooting too.
Yashica/Kyocera did a real good job in design and produced a single hand held SLR almost 20 years ago with the choice of left or right hand grip. Holding from bottom can allow users reduce efforts. Good design
http://www.camerapedia.org/wiki/Yashica_Samurai_X3.0
TH says
This is one of those things where you’d really need to try and use it before you can say whether it works or not. From the renderings, I can’t really tell how this is supposed to work - is there a strap on the handle?
IGreenSpot says
it looks that it can work to me, but the answer is, do I feel comfortable using just one hand to shoot? Personally, I feel okay using one hand with my handycam, so I think this might work with my digicam, why not …
Jerry says
Hi Mikhail,
Looks like an interesting concept. I own a Canon Digital Rebel (xTi). I couldn’t find the roller that Canon uses for setting up you’re shot. Using this roller to control Shutter speed. Hold down A+/- and then roller to adjust aperture. I think this a very important component and i see its missing.
The other thing is using the other hand. Well i use it to stabilize that shot! I’m sure other do it too. So i kinda miss the affordence that give me.
Another thing is, what is the distance between the view fonder and the Shutter Button ? This might be crucial coz might have be a health hazard! its worse when you have a pair of prescription spectacles.
I’m left handed and i realize you’ve thought about the minority that we are ;).
Thanks,
Jerry.
Mikhail STAWSKY says
I couldn’t find the roller that Canon uses for setting up you’re shot. Using this roller to control Shutter speed. Hold down A+/- and then roller to adjust aperture. I think this a very important component and i see its missing.
>>>Yes, I know these features on any Canon SLRs. It is controled by one big mode dial. This position is very suitable for 1st and 2nd fingers. And other fingers hold a handle. So, modes such as Apreture, Speed and other are using by a buttons (4th upper pic) with another hand.
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The other thing is using the other hand. Well i use it to stabilize that shot! I’m sure other do it too. So i kinda miss the affordence that give me.
>>> What is the problem use anoter hand to support main hand?
I just said all control buttuns, levers, dials are in working area of one palm and it is VERY comfortable and attractive.
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Another thing is, what is the distance between the view fonder and the Shutter Button ? This might be crucial coz might have be a health hazard! its worse when you have a pair of prescription spectacles.
>>> a distance is very loooooooooooooooooooong. See a upper pic #2
And the position of viewfinder is very good! Nose is not a problem. Nose does not touch a camera. I thing it is very comfotable
Best regards,
Mik
pouet says
Please use a real camera (not a mobile phone)…
and you will see how crappy and useless is your “creation”
In an other hand, i don’t see how your camera is more convenient to use with one hand.
first, nobody would use only one hand to shoot a picture. secondly, if you really have to use one hand (why the hell using only one, again), i guess it’s easier with a standard camera, than with yours, which obviously requires the thumb to press the shutter…
design is about adapting functionality to the user, not doing something looking crazy.
Damian D. UK says
Excuse me!!! But a few of you seem to be forgetting that there are people like myself out there. I really want to get into photography in a big way, but as I lost the use of my left arm 12 years ago, I’ve not found a good camera (SLR) that I can use and use well. Making full use of all the controls and options. So anyone that can improve the life of us one armed bandits is a saint in my eyes. Keep going my friend, because if you perfect it you’ll have a customer base of one armed bandits around the globe, I’m sure.
powers says
Seems innovative. Like others have mentioned, I think I would wind up using two hands anyway. Really that’s just how one uses a camera. I would have to see the scale of it too. I’d like to see one comped into a photo.
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