CAMS - Cheap Ass Mounting System

NOTE: Print parameters below must be utilized to ensure safe function of this holder(see below).

This is a shoulder strap mounted camera holder using a Manfrotto tripod base($5 off Amazon) and (4) 12mm or 14mm M3 socket head screws with heat set back inserted M3 5mm wide/5mm long threaded inserts. 

I used this for a two week trip carrying my camera (3lbs DSLR setup) every day we were there with no issues. Been using it here and there and this is holding up and working really well.

This gets the weight off your neck and is easy to use! Slicer settings make this mostly solid PETG. Very solid if you follow my instructions below to print! Cost is roughly ~$6.50 USD($5 Manfrotto base plate, $1.50 filament/threaded inserts). Tested load bearing below with a 45 lb dumbbell. I am confident in this holding my beloved 3lb DSLR camera. :) The beauty here is you can print multiple bases with threaded inserts for $1.50 each for multiple packs. Cheap and functional! Designs with and without CAMS logo.

Updates

I've recently added a version with a webbing loop on top and switched over to using this bracket exclusively. I mirrored it in my slicer, for left and right so I have one on each shoulder. One for camera and one for phone bracket below.

This allows you to run a loop up to a load strap so that is bearing the majority of the weight of your camera and your bracket here is just keeping things from flopping around/rotating. This helps you avoid having to really clamp down on your bracket to hold all the weight with friction and compressing the fabric/foam damaging it(kinda like what Peak Designs does ;) ). 

I've added an accessory to use this bracket as well. A custom bracket to hold this phone pouch. Keeps your phone up where it's easily accessible and does not flip flop around.

Printing Parameters for all parts (critical for solid function!):

• 7 7 7...

  • 7 top layers

  • 7 bottom layers

  • 7 perimeters

• 250C PETG (printing at high end to ensure good layer adhesion)

• .97 extrusion multiplier - helps avoid build up on nozzle with so many perimeters and minimal infill

• print as oriented

• no supports

• Mirror in your slicer on the x-axis to make a set for your right shoulder.

Post Processing(don't skip!)

Sand the back plate edges which rest on your chest, all four, with a 220 sanding sponge . It helps get rid of any sharp bits/edges that could grab fabric. 220 can smooth PETG nicely. Cleans up with a damp cloth or IPA. Tech fabrics like to hang up on anything! Good thing to do to protect your clothing!

Webbing Loop Use

Stuff you may need:

• 20mm Webbing - I could not find this on Amazon - this is close to the quality of my Osprey straps. Once you cut this, run a flame across the edge to melt it so it does not fray.

• 20mm Sliding Bar Adjusters(in the files) - you can scale these up or down in your slider on the different axis for other sized webbing

If you have a sewing machine, you can sew this webbing to the mounting plate with a loop else use a single sliding bar adjuster to loop back through to secure.

I'm really happy with this setup as it puts the weight on the load strap from above. My DSLR is 4 lbs with my big lens on there.

Other notes...

The back piece is not full height as the front as this shorter piece if sufficient and way more comfortable with more strap cushion exposed vs full back which tilts in to your chest.

This is a curved design for the slightly angled shoulder strap of an Osprey 15l Farpoint Daypack but should fit most packs fine and has a groove for sternum strap rails.

The backplate does not feel uncomfortable with my DSLR and a heavy prime.

I did not design a lock for this as I use a paracord wrist strap tied with figure eight knots as a safety leash with a #3 S-biner(see pic) and gravity keeps the camera in the holder. I'm not going inverted when I use this. :)  A neck strap offers a lot of safety from not dropping your camera so this leash is insurance when using this mount if you miss it and drop your camera… the leash will keep it from hitting the ground.

This uses a Manfrotto base plate you can get off Amazon for $10 for a set of two if you don't already own one of their tripods. Make sure it's of metal construction.

Tested this load bearing with a default Prusa slicer PETG profile and a 45lb dumbbell(it's hovering above the ground a few inches). This is pulling perpendicular to the layer lines.