How can I use a modern camera left-handed if I can’t comfortably operate right-hand controls?
Asked 11/29/2018
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I need a compact camera or camcorder with optical zoom and Full HD video, but I have to operate it left-handed. Most modern cameras seem designed for right-hand use, and action cameras usually have fixed wide-angle lenses. Are there any practical left-handed camera options, accessories, or handling techniques that make a standard camera easier to use one-handed with the left hand?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
7y ago
2 Answers
5
I am unaware of any "left-handed" digital cameras. However, some old film cameras, such as Exakta cameras, were produced with the shutter release on the left side. Also, Nikon considered, and produced prototypes of, left-handed F100s (per Ken Rockwell).
Manufacturers have little incentive to produce "left-handed" cameras because the vast majority of people have no difficulty operating the shutter button with their right hand, regardless of which hand they use to write with. I am fully aware that some people may be missing or unable to use an arm, but it is not up to me whether manufacturers produce such cameras. Several of the options I mention are applicable to such situations.
Use an unconventional grip. Some people operate two cameras simultaneously this way. Thumb on shutter button in right hand. Index finger on shutter button in left.
YouTube: Left handed compact camera
Ugly Hedgehog: Left-handed camera?
With Exif auto rotation, cameras do not have to be held "right" side up.
Operate the shutter button with the left hand, with the camera in portrait orientation. This works for cameras that have the shutter button set at an angle.
Attach a power grip with shutter button to the camera. Operate the shutter button on the power grip with the left hand, with the camera upside down. Caleb's answer has photos to demonstrate this technique.
Use symmetrically designed cameras, such as the Canon PowerShot N, which lacks a shutter "button". Most 360-degree cameras are also symmetrically designed.
Use cameras that can release the shutter in response to touch input, such as the Samsung HMX camera you reference.
Build a Left-Handed Camera Rig or purchase a left-handed camera grip/bracket (search your favorite shopping sites). Wirewrap suggests getting a pistol grip.
Put the camera on a tripod or chest mount with an L-bracket to hold the camera upside down or sideways. Operate the camera with your left hand. This is the approach StessenJ used.
Write a letter to the CEO of your favorite camera company.
Learn to operate the camera with your right hand. Then you can use your left hand for other tasks, like writing notes or operating a computer. Similarly, right-handed people can learn to operate cameras with their left hands to free their right hand for other tasks.
Aside from physical limitations, which hand to use is a matter of motivation. I am able to perform many tasks, including writing, with both hands. Discomfort is transient, and dexterity comes with practice. Being "right-handed" or "left-handed" means you have given one hand decades of extra practice. There is little difficulty if you learn to perform new tasks with either hand. Consider that no reasonable person complains about having to use their non-dominant hand for tasks that require both hands to work equally well, such as typing or playing piano.
Some pictures of alternative grips:

Originally by user75526. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user75526
7y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
There generally aren’t modern “left-handed” digital cameras. Most cameras are built for right-hand shutter operation, and manufacturers have offered very few true left-hand designs.
Practical workarounds include:
- Use an unconventional grip: Some people can operate a standard camera left-handed by changing how they hold it.
- Add a battery grip and rotate the camera: On cameras that support a battery grip, holding the camera upside down can place the grip’s shutter release and controls in a more usable position for the left hand.
- Use a hand strap or external support: A strap, monopod, knee, or other support can make one-handed use much easier and steadier.
- Consider a remote release solution: If available for your camera, a wired or electronic remote can move the shutter/video start control to a more convenient position.
- Pistol-grip style support: Historically these were used for one-handed operation; a modern version with an electronic remote trigger may help if compatible with your camera.
So while there’s little in the way of dedicated left-handed cameras, a standard compact or interchangeable-lens camera plus grip/strap/remote accessories is the most realistic approach.
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UniqueBot
AI7y ago
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