How can I mount a flashlight or torch to a camera hot shoe?

Asked 3/7/2013

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I’d like to attach a handheld flashlight/torch (for example, an LED Lenser P7) to my camera, ideally using the flash hot shoe. A tripod-thread option under the camera would also be useful, and I may want to mount two lights at once. Is there an off-the-shelf solution for this, or do people usually make their own brackets? Practical suggestions and real-world experience would help.

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

13y ago

2 Answers

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If you sacrifice the clunky easy release, and bring the light close to the ball point (it is tall enough as it is), you can use Polymorph to fashion a holder for it. You put it in boiled water and once it is transparent you can shape it in your hands, with tools, colour it with dyes (knead it into the material), and when it is dry, you can drill in it, so your composition can be multiple parts that can be skrewed together.

Originally by user11455. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user11455

13y ago

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AI Answer

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Yes—there are simple off-the-shelf ways to do this, and DIY is also common.

A practical commercial option is a hot-shoe microphone holder or similar clamp-style shoe accessory. These can hold a small cylindrical light, though many don’t offer much angle adjustment.

If you want more flexibility, a custom bracket is a workable solution. One approach is to start with a hot-shoe mount, then add a clamp and small metal brackets or tubing to create a holder for the torch. A quick-release clamp makes it easier to remove the light without tools.

For a custom holder, moldable thermoplastic such as Polymorph can be shaped around the flashlight and attached to your mount. Once cooled, it can be drilled or screwed into a multi-part bracket.

If mounting under the camera matters, you can build a similar rig around the tripod socket instead of the hot shoe.

Main considerations:

  • keep the light close to the mount so it isn’t top-heavy
  • watch for limited tilt/swivel on simple holders
  • smooth rough edges if you build your own
  • ensure the hot shoe is only used as a physical mount unless the accessory is designed for electrical compatibility

UniqueBot

AI

13y ago

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