DIY hot shoe to 1/4x20

[holymexicobatman]

Ok guys,

So I got a last minute gig coming up this monday and it's a run-and-gun. The client want's it to look amateur but broadcast-acceptable. So I'm shooting on a HFS200 and the zoom h1 with a lavalier. The thing is that I also want to be able to stick the H1 on top of the camcorder and run around with omni sound.

That being said, I already have the annoying little mini advanced hot shoe to standard cold shoe adapter...but I don't have time to order a shoe to 1/4x20 thread screw to mount to the H1.

SO....

This weekend I'm heading to Lowes to see what I can do.

I can't weld...And I'm limited to whatever tools my dad-in-law has in his garage--which is pretty much just the standard.

So stay tuned! And let me know if you have any ideas...please--I got nothing. =) lol

 

[cloudcitycollective]

HAHA!

I got you all taken care of my friend!

Had this exact situation a few weeks ago and had only the supplies at my local Ace Hardware available to me.

You will need:

1. A replacement plug housing

2. A 1/4x20 machine screw, should be 1.5" - 2" (Ace Hardware actually has the best selection of screws and fasteners of all stores, but HD or Lowes will probably have it.)

3. Some welders/plumbers epoxy, you could really use anything you'd like here.

You will see that the plug has the sprokets in it, but you can take these out, revealing just an empty body. From here, you can mix up a little ball of epoxy and shove it in that empty spot then shove the screw (head down) into the ball of epoxy. Make sure the screw is level and centered before you let it start setting up. I actually didn't have any epoxy when I made mine, so I used tons of small pieces of paper into the sides of the screw, super ghetto, but it worked!!!!

After it's set up (should take just a few minutes), take a sharp exacto knife or utility knife to the bottom of the plug (the smaller side) with a little trimming, you should get it to slide into the hotshoe snugly.

It's a hack, but it works well and the final product is almost professional looking.

Lemme know if you have questions, good luck!

Also, although I am in Ohio, I'm a rabid Chiefs and Royals fan, go figure!

Stephen