How much weight can a hot shoe cope with

[Derek Smith]

I've seen a number of photographers with camera handles that fix to the hot shoe of their cameras. I am wondering whether the hot shoe is capable of supporting the camera without damage. I'm thinking that its prime function is for a flashgun. Anyone any knowledge of what weight can be put on the hot shoe? I'm a G9 user.

[Tony1963]

I've never seen such a set up, and I doubt I'd ever have a need for it. All cameras will be different, I'd have thought, with some being quite fragile in that area.

[Simpo Two]

These must be cameras that don't have tripod sockets...

[Tony1963]

Simpo Two said:

These must be cameras that don't have tripod sockets...

But they'll have eyelets to allow the camera to be carried, at the very least. And I'm not sure how many decent cameras have been made without a tripod socket.

[Simpo Two]

Tony1963 said:

But they'll have eyelets to allow the camera to be carried, at the very least. And I'm not sure how many decent cameras have been made without a tripod socket.

Exactly; why use a hotshoe if there's a tripod socket?

OP - photos?

[toohuge]

Something like this i imagine:


https://www.wexphotovideo.com/smallrig-top-handle-...

[Derek Smith]

toohuge said:

Something like this i imagine:

https://www.wexphotovideo.com/smallrig-top-handle-...

I was interested in that precise handle.

I'm suffering, and suffering is the word, with RSI in my shoulder and am trying to reduce weight of my camera. I use a cage, liking it for low-level shots that spare my old back and knees. I saw a YT video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdrWf7mq9Qg&li... , which went on about a hotshoe handle, and I was a bit concerned.

Anyone with experience?

[StevieBee]

Assume the purpose is video rather that stills.

The only thing that should fit to a hot shoe (IMO) is a flash gun/light, microphone or remote control unit.

A cage rig will add a little weight but the trade-off is the ability to add handles for which many types and permutations exist that will make handling the camera more easy on your joints and not risk damaging the camera. Something like this.

https://www.wexphotovideo.com/smallrig-advanced-ki...

[Byker28i]

Derek Smith said:

toohuge said:

Something like this i imagine:

https://www.wexphotovideo.com/smallrig-top-handle-...

I was interested in that precise handle.

I'm suffering, and suffering is the word, with RSI in my shoulder and am trying to reduce weight of my camera. I use a cage, liking it for low-level shots that spare my old back and knees. I saw a YT video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdrWf7mq9Qg&li... , which went on about a hotshoe handle, and I was a bit concerned.

Anyone with experience?

I had similar after a while, went with a Peak Designs Clutch on my SLR, unclip the PD shoulder strap use the Clutch, with the advantage I could clip on the strap back on again if needed
https://uk.peakdesign.com/products/clutch