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Connecting Neoprene

(12 posts)
  • Started 12 years ago by Wilmington's Cow
  • Latest reply from Arellcat
  • This topic is not resolved

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  1. Wilmington's Cow
    Member

    Okay, odd query... Just looking for an easier way to carry my camera when I've got the 500mm attached. It fits into various backpacks, but given it's used mainly for wildlife shots it would be better to have 'quick' access.

    I've come up with an idea/design for a snug holster-type thing with an end that velcros/unclips off to reveal the lens end, and a flap for ease of access to camera controls and viewfinder.

    Want it to be vaguely waterproof (showerproof) so was thinking neoprene, which also provides a little padding. Just wondering how to connect bits I cut out as I don't sew (and don't know how easy it is to sew). Maybe I could just draw up the plans and hand the fabric to a sewing shop place?

    Or use the fabric they make the likes of Crumpler bags out of?

    Posted 12 years ago #

  2. amir
    Member

    I used to windsurf a lot (before I came up to Scotland!). Neoprene is easy to sew as long as it's two sided (i.e. with cloth coating both sides). If it isn't then the thread will cut straight through the rubber so you have to think more carefully. Sewing on the whole is easy; much harder to make it look professional - but perhaps this doesn't matter!

    Posted 12 years ago #

  3. steveo
    Member

    I have been meaning to make a battery holder from neoprene and the easiest method i've come across is glue. I can't remember the type but a there is glues for neoprene.

    Posted 12 years ago #

  4. Wilmington's Cow
    Member

    Cheers Amir - I did wonder if the thread might be a bit 'sharp' for the basic stuff.

    And Steveo, that sounds my kinda bodging - glue hunting now!

    Posted 12 years ago #

  5. Stepdoh
    Member

    Think wetsuits are usually glued and taped are they not? Suspect there is special tape for the job.

    Is neoprene actually waterproof though? Thought its main use was trapping air and keeping warm when wet. In my slightly gothier days I used to have a top with some neoprene on it. Jeez that got hot in the disco.

    Posted 12 years ago #

  6. Roibeard
    Member

    Black Witch is one of the usual neoprene adhesives. Edinburgh Diving Centre in Watson Crescent will have it in stock.

    All above are correct, neoprene diving suits are sewed, glued and taped, and EDC will probably have tape as well.

    Neoprene is water proof if intact, so for suits, "blind" stitching is used so that the needle never goes the whole way through.

    Wet suits are wet because water flushes in through non-water proof zips and holes (for ankles, wrists, necks, or puncture...), rather than through the neoprene itself.

    Robert

    Posted 12 years ago #

  7. wingpig
    Member

    Wetsuits keep you warm by allowing you to heat up the water next to your skin and then stopping the nice warm water from being whisked away. I assume drysuits are also made of neoprene but are better-sealed than wetsuits (or have proper sealing zips for glove and bootees rather than simple elasticated cuffs), so therefore presume neoprene is waterproof by itself?

    Posted 12 years ago #

  8. amir
    Member

    For your use, you'll be best with neoprene that is doubled-back with cloth, otherwise it won't last long (neoprene itself isn't very resistant to wear). You can sew this but some water will get in through holes unless you tape it. Sewing is probably stronger.

    Wetsuit aren't waterproof. I suspect that neoprene is pretty waterproof but wetsuits (by design) let in water through the neck and limb holes (along with any holes from stitching that aren't taped).

    Posted 12 years ago #

  9. kaputnik
    Moderator

    neoprene itself isn't very resistant to wear

    as anyone who has ever purchased neoprene overshoes will find out as soon as they take their first rub against the crank arm or pedal they instantly disintegrate.

    I reinforced mine with tent-repair patches glued on with the tent adhesive rubber solution. When I ran out of that, repairs were made using inner tube repair patches and vulcanizing rubber solution which seemed to work (neoprene is synthetic rubber, right?).

    This time round I got waterproof shoes. Much to the wrath of the cycling shoe-police.

    Posted 12 years ago #

  10. PS
    Member

    Repeatedly re-applied duct tape has kept my neoprene overshoes going for 4 years now. They almost instantly developed a hole at the front underside where I applied pressure pushing off, but that's the only problem spot for me.

    Posted 12 years ago #

  11. amir
    Member

    I have had neoprene straps for my binoculars for many years. They are comfortable and reasonable long-lasting (as long as you don't wrap them around your shoes).

    The good thing about neoprene overshoes is that (if you look around) they're cheap and effective. They do wear though (but so do other materials used as overshoes - it is a hard life being an overshoe).

    Posted 12 years ago #

  12. Arellcat
    Moderator

    There are camera 'holsters' available already, though. Have you looked at plagiarising the design of Spider's Black Widow, perhaps adapting a nonspecific Klickfix unit if you want the locking aspect? Or something like the Storm Jacket SLR Pro if you want the weatherproofing aspect?

    The usual lower cost solution is a longer strap worn over the shoulder, so you grab and shoot. What Digital Camera reckons the Black Rapid RS-5 is the one to go for, but it's hellishly expensive for what you get, and the Bigma is a fair weight. Plus the tripod socket attachment means you have to faff around if you're also doing tripod work.

    Back on-topically, Pro Fabrics has 1270mm x 100mm strips of 3mm neoprene for about £5 each, or a 1270 x 2000 for about £70. But neoprene for 'active' stuff is usually used non-structurally, with Cordura as the outer (think seat wedges and the like) or you reinforce the edges, and other contact points, with stretch binding to prevent fraying and tearing.

    Posted 12 years ago #

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