Camera Backpack Mount (works with heavy DSLRs)

thingiverse

This innovative mount empowers users to swiftly and securely attach their cameras to the shoulder straps of backpacks, allowing seamless access to photography opportunities during activities like hiking and never miss a moment. A similar mount exists (check out Peak Design Capture Clip), but often costs upwards of $70, making it inaccessible for amateur photographers and hikers. In response, I embarked on designing a comparable mount myself and am thoroughly pleased with the outcome. Key features include: - The sturdy mount supports heavy DSLRs (Canon EOS 77D + 55-250mm zoom lens) with ease. - Attaching and detaching the camera is straightforward. - A locking mechanism prevents the camera from slipping out of place. - A metal plate reinforces the hotplate for added strength. - The mount can be attached to any strap up to 56mm in width and 15mm in thickness. Additional hardware required for the mount (non-printable parts): - A 1/4' camera/tripod screw with specific dimensions: overall length 21mm, thread length 12mm, shaft 5mm, head 4mm high 12mm diameter. - Two M6 bolts approximately 30mm long, featuring a flush head with a square neck. - Two M6 nuts. - Two washers with an outer diameter of no more than 16mm. - A sheet metal piece about 1.5 mm thick for reinforcement in the hotplate and rear mounting plate (can be printed as well). - Optional: rubber to prevent sliding on the backpack strap and improve grip on the camera body. Additional hardware needed for the locking mechanism: - A steel rod or sturdy wire with a diameter of approximately 3mm for the locking pin. - A small spring from a ballpoint pen. Assembly instructions: - Hotplate assembly: The metal insert/plate is not mandatory but provides added security if the hotplate were to break. To assemble the hotplate, create a sandwich using "Hotplate_Bottom.stl", double-sided tape, the metal plate (shaped like the upper Hotplate part), double-sided tape, "Hotplate_Top.stl", double-sided tape, rubber pad, and finally insert the 1/4' tripod screw. The total thickness of the lower part should not exceed 8.88mm. - Locking mechanism assembly: The main "Mount_top_v1.1.stl" part features three critical openings: a square hole that goes through to the right side, a larger slot for inserting the metal rod during assembly, and a hole inside the mount where the rod will protrude and secure the camera in place. To shape the rod, print out "Camera_Mount_A4_1.1Scale.pdf" on A4 paper at 100% and match the dimensions of the green rod in the drawing exactly. If done correctly, it should fit perfectly. Lastly, slide the small spring over the outer end of the rod and attach/press "Button_Lock.stl". - Screw plate assembly: Use the printed part as a stencil to cut an identically shaped metal piece about 1.2mm thick. For the square neck bolts, drill holes slightly smaller than the square neck, then gently hammer them into the metal. Ensure you guide the screw through "Mount_Bottom_v1.1.stl" before hammering them in. The screws/bolts should be parallel and snugly seated in the metal. - Nut cover assembly: Gently hammer the M6 nuts into "Nut_Cover.stl". If it's too tight, try printing the covers slightly larger. Ideally, no glue is needed, but feel free to use some if necessary. - Rubber pad attachment: Get 2mm thick rubber or similar material and cut it to size. Attach it on the back of "Mount_top_v1.1.stl" and on the metal plate of the screw plate with double-sided tape. Printing information: Printed on a Prusa i3 MK3S, using PLA 0.2mm layers, 4 perimeters for strength, and the main mount was printed standing upright to improve the hotplate receptacle's strength. CAUTION: Use at your own risk. Secure your camera with a short strap for safety in case the mount breaks. I am not responsible for any damage to your gear. Have fun and use common sense!