UKC

Hey,

I’m doing a long walk this summer and just working out the best way to carry a camera (it’s an Olympus OM-something or other so isn’t too big). I’ve experimented with using a camera shoulder bag on top of my rucksack (sorta Chris Townsend style) and this works well but for any scrambling becomes a pain - anyone got any better solutions?

also, how do people approach weather proofing? I’m new to this whole photography lark and I’m thoroughly enjoying it, any advice is much appreciated

Sling it diagonally over your shoulder like a satchel, always found it works well enough with smaller olympus type cameras when scrambling and just accept that if you want it handy to take a picture it'll probably get bashed about a bit.

A friend of mine found a doohickey that attaches to the chest strap of a rucksack and then allows a quick-release attachment by means of a clip screwed into the tripod hole. I secretly thought it must be a bit intrusive, but it seemed surprisingly stable even with her DSLR, and meant it was always handy for in-the-moment shots.
I don't think it'd be great for scrambling with, though, and even less so climbing

I mostly put mine in a side pocket, in a drybag which is attached by a tether to a suitable rucksack strap so if dropped doesn't hit the deck. Only works with some side pockets and smallish cameras. Otherwise I've recently been using an OMM chest pack which attaches to the rucksack and provides easy access, but is faffy when putting on and taking off rucksack.

I've always used shoulder bags like this Lowepro Toploader.

https://www.lowepro.com/uk-en/toploader-photo-active-tlz-45-aw-lp37345-pww/

I put the camera bag on first before putting the rucksack over the top of it. This helps to stop the camera bag swinging about a bit when on difficult terrain. Even better if the rucksack waist belt is small enough to fit through the belt loop on the back of the camera bag as well.

This helps take some of the weight off my shoulder and keeps the camera bag more secure without it swinging about at all. It can still get in the way on rocky bits but at least I know exactly where it is and it can't suddenly swing out in front of me.

The camera is also always ready for use. Bags like the Lowepro usually come with a rain cover built in.

The reason a lot of people pick Olympus cameras is because most of them are weather sealed! You'll want to check your specific body and lens combo, but I happily use mine in all sorts of weather without being concerned.

peak design camera clip is good for smaller cameras if scrambling 

https://www.peakdesign.com/en-gb/products/capture?Color=Black

you can also use a holster but us a loop of tat on the rucksack  strap and use a accessory krab to attached to the loop to hold the holster back this stops it swinging around annoyingly when scrambling.

I carry a small camera. I've tried some of the fancy solutions and don't like them.  The shoulder-strap camera clips are a bit floppy with minimal pack straps, put the camera in harm's way if scrambling, and the viewfinder tends to get fogged from proximity to body heat.  The best solution I've found is to use an ordinary over-the-shoulder camera strap, adjusted on the long side, and tie some sturdy shock cord around the waist.  When walking, scrambling, or climbing, I tuck the camera under the shock cord and push it to the side or behind.  The shock cord pinches the camera strap and keeps the camera out of the way until I want it.  I use a neoprene camera case that comes completely off to protect the camera from bumps and drizzle.  If it is raining hard, the camera goes into my pack.

The shock cord works so well I use it in the city too.

Yeah this does seem like the best bet! I think I'll stick with this (but maybe get a bag a bit smaller than the chunky amazon basics one I'm using at the mo). I normally have room just to put the whole thing in my backpack if it gets annyoing during a scramble. Thanks for the advice  

Yeah I've seen this and I'm a bit skeptical too! Cheers for the advice  

If I’m climbing I tend use a compact Sony on a 60 cm sling round my neck with the camera tucked inside my clothing. If I am backpacking I don’t anticipate scrambling so my Olympus 5 mk 3 with a Panasonic wide angle fixed focal lens goes sideways in a small Lowepro pouch, either on my waist belt or in the top pocket of the sac.

The Peak Designs Capture clip was a game changer for me. It works really well with my A6400 and means I actually take more photos as the camera is readily accessible and easy to get to. I was dubious about how well it would carry and if it would get in the way, but it's pretty solid even with a larger lens on.

I've used mine scrambling and climbing. It works for a Sony A7R4 with a 24-105 lens which is pretty chunky! It does need a slightly chunkier strap on a bag and so for a small bag, I have a DMM Zenith 18 which just about fits the bill for lightweight.

No bother! If you're too precious with your kit it will never be to hand when you want it