Shutter release extension for SeaLife Flex-Connect tray system

I am wondering if anyone has a solution for a shutter release extension for SeaLife Flex-Connect tray system I have the Dual tray + Grip + 2x Flex arms I also have my Rony RX100Va mounted to the tray.  I have a difficulty half-pressing the shutter release and holding it there while composing my photos.  I typically dive with gloves on, either 3 or 5mm gloves.

I am looking at something similar to this item but I don't see a way to mount it to the tray.

Help me, underwater photographers, you're my only hope!!!

The trigger mechanism you refer to must be mounted to the top of a rigid post as shown below from your reference. You could mount the bottom of such a post to the tray cross member that fits under your camera and then mount your flexible arm to the top of the rigid post above the trigger plate. You may have to re-drill or elongate the holes in the various mounting plates and get longer attach bolts, and in the worst case, make an intervening adaptor plate.

I also have a Fantasea housing with RX100iv and don't see how the trigger would work exactly with it.  I would be more inclined to make my own custom design.

I'm all ears for something that will work with my system. I think ill have to custom build something as well.

Might help if you could post an image with your hand at the controls so we can see the problem clearly.

When I've had issues with my index finger pressing the shutter lever, it's generally been because I had the camera shifted too far to one side on the strobe tray.   Sometimes the gap from grip to lever is too tight as well, tending to pinch my fingers.  Have you used all the adjustment up that is possible?

Here's my design for an extended trigger for the Fantasea case with RX100iv. The shutter trigger is adjacent to the rigid vertical grip. A flex extension could take the place of the ball mount, but the bolt pattern may be different.

The ratio of the plunger length for the shutter button to the trigger length is roughly 2:1, so there's better control of the shutter release. Works fine.

The rod and bolts are stainless steel. All other parts aluminum. The tray with dual handles is from Meikon.

PHXAZCRAIG wrote:

Might help if you could post an image with your hand at the controls so we can see the problem clearly.

When I've had issues with my index finger pressing the shutter lever, it's generally been because I had the camera shifted too far to one side on the strobe tray. Sometimes the gap from grip to lever is too tight as well, tending to pinch my fingers. Have you used all the adjustment up that is possible?

Craig,

My issue is not access to the shutter button, I can easily access it. My issue is while wearing gloves I can't hold the shutter button half way down. Sometimes i will release the tension and when I try to take a photo I will end up having it refocus when I fully press the shutter.

So, Dann-Oh

How's it going with your shutter release problem?

daveco2 wrote:

So, Dann-Oh

How's it going with your shutter release problem?

Honestly, I haven't given it much thought lately.  Between being out of work and this whole Covid scare I haven't been thinking about scuba diving at all.  But I just took this reminder to take a few sample photos to share with you guys.

This is the basic camera rig

This is how I typically hold the rig with my left hand, non- shooting hand

This is the placement of my right hand, shooting hand when taking a photo.

alternate view of my right hand, shooting hand.

I know shutter releases are unique to each camera so I am not expecting SeaLife to have something that will work for every camera but I would like to try to find something I can use that won't block the attachment port for when I upgrade to a second light.

Daveco2, how easy do you think it would be to add a few slots to the side of your trigger release so I could attach it to the grip portion of my tray with a hose clamp or a few zipties?  If you have the means to make one Id be happy to pay for materials and time.

Looks almost like the camera is mounted backwards.  I would have expected it to be much more over to the other side, so you could press the shutter release while gripping the handle.

Dann-Oh wrote:

daveco2 wrote:

So, Dann-Oh

How's it going with your shutter release problem?

Honestly, I haven't given it much thought lately. Between being out of work and this whole Covid scare I haven't been thinking about scuba diving at all. But I just took this reminder to take a few sample photos to share with you guys.

I know shutter releases are unique to each camera so I am not expecting SeaLife to have something that will work for every camera but I would like to try to find something I can use that won't block the attachment port for when I upgrade to a second light.

Daveco2, how easy do you think it would be to add a few slots to the side of your trigger release so I could attach it to the grip portion of my tray with a hose clamp or a few zipties? If you have the means to make one Id be happy to pay for materials and time.

Well, the trigger needs to be attached fairly accurately. I don't think a hose clamp or zip ties would do it. I think what you need is a custom collar to go around the grip that has a rigid attachment to the trigger mechanism.

I had to cancel my April trip to the Philippines, and since nothing is open, I have time on my hands. I could do the trigger for you in a few days out of scrap on hand, no charge.

For a new trigger with collar to fit your existing grip, I would need to have the case and tray to work from. I'm in Los Angeles. Where are you located?

An alternative is that you could buy a grip for the right side that has a conventional ball mount.  I could send you the trigger I already have, and you could modify the existing attachment.  Or you could figure out a new attachment, send the measurements back to me, and I would send the new attachment to you.

daveco2 wrote:

Dann-Oh wrote:

daveco2 wrote:

So, Dann-Oh

How's it going with your shutter release problem?

Honestly, I haven't given it much thought lately. Between being out of work and this whole Covid scare I haven't been thinking about scuba diving at all. But I just took this reminder to take a few sample photos to share with you guys.

I know shutter releases are unique to each camera so I am not expecting SeaLife to have something that will work for every camera but I would like to try to find something I can use that won't block the attachment port for when I upgrade to a second light.

Daveco2, how easy do you think it would be to add a few slots to the side of your trigger release so I could attach it to the grip portion of my tray with a hose clamp or a few zipties? If you have the means to make one Id be happy to pay for materials and time.

Well, the trigger needs to be attached fairly accurately. I don't think a hose clamp or zip ties would do it. I think what you need is a custom collar to go around the grip that has a rigid attachment to the trigger mechanism.

I had to cancel my April trip to the Philippines, and since nothing is open, I have time on my hands. I could do the trigger for you in a few days out of scrap on hand, no charge.

For a new trigger with collar to fit your existing grip, I would need to have the case and tray to work from. I'm in Los Angeles. Where are you located?

An alternative is that you could buy a grip for the right side that has a conventional ball mount. I could send you the trigger I already have, and you could modify the existing attachment. Or you could figure out a new attachment, send the measurements back to me, and I would send the new attachment to you.

I'm located in Riverside CA (15 and 60 fwy interchange). I would not have an issue getting you the items needed.  I actually also have a ball mount for this setup. This setup is kind of funky to get stuff for it that's not part of SeaLife.

PHXAZCRAIG wrote:

Looks almost like the camera is mounted backwards. I would have expected it to be much more over to the other side, so you could press the shutter release while gripping the handle.

I have tried that position, I feel way more comfortable  and secure with the camera in the position on the photo.

I just sent you a private message.