Camera Backpack Clip

Description

This is a clip designed to allow you to mount a camera (or any device with a tripod mount) to a bag. There are 2 main parts, the socket which is mounted to a bag using 2 m3 screws and 2 nuts or the clip version which clips to a strap, and the camera hook which attaches to the bottom of your cameras tripod mount. 

The camera will mount using what I have called a Hook and socket. The Hook and socket are made to be very loose to allow the parts to move around with ease.

I know these types of mounts are common but they are usually quite expensive as they are made of metal. I wanted to make a simple design for someone who needs this type of mount but won't use it enough to warrant buying an expensive metal version. From myself photography is a hobby and since I use the Micro 4/3 system the cameras and lenses tend to be light weight.

Safety Warning

These camera mounts are usually made of metal for durability. I recommend always using a strap so in the event that the mount breaks your camera does not fall to the ground.

Also the retention arm will be a sort of living hinge, so it needs to be flexible enough to bend without breaking, I recommend printing it out of PETG or another similar material.

Hardware

3 x m3 nuts (Only 1 needed for Clip version)

1 x m3x8 mm bolts

1 x m3x6mm bolts (Not needed for Clip version)

1 x ¼-20 Tripod mounting screw. The shaft (section of screw without threads) should be no more then 7mm long and the maximum diameter of the screw head should be no more then 17mm. (see example image of tripod screw)

Here are a few links for tripod mounting screws. If you find other dealers/locations that I did not list please include a link in the comments for others to find.

Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00Z41O916?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

USA: Amazon.com : Haoge 1/4"-20 D-Ring Stainless Steel Mounting Fixing Screw for Camera Tripod Monopod Quick Release Plate (Pack of 2) : Electronics

Assembly

The hook is mounted to the bottom of the camera using the Tripod Screw.

The socket will comprise of either 2 or 3 parts.

The retention arm will slide into to socket using the dovetail. Using 1 m3x8mm Bolt and 1 m3 nut bolt the retention arm to the socket.

If you are using the clip version of the socket you do not need to print the mounting plate, otherwise you will need to put 2 nuts into the mounting plate and attach the socket to a strap, screwing the two halves together using the 2 m3x6mm bolts.

Printing Material

Retention Arm: PETG recommended!

Camera Hook: PLA or PETG

Socket: PLA or PETG

Mounting Plate: PLA or PETG

Printing Instructions

As noted above, the Retention arm needs to be flexible as it will work as a living hinge. You should print it out of PETG, the rest of the parts can be any material. 

All parts are made to print without the need for support, if you notice you need support material double check your printing orientation. If you are printing the vertical mounting version you then you should print with a layer height on 0.2mm (otherwise the bolt holes may not form correctly).

The Socket should be printed standing up, this will give it good strength and you will not need any supports. The retention arm should be printed on the longest side so it can bend with the layer lines so it does not snap in half. The camera hook and mounting plate should be printed on their flattest side with the bolt holes facing down. See photos for recommended printing orientations.