Articulated Bicycle Camera Mount With Quick-Release

I cycle often, and I usually bring my camera to make photos as I ride. I decided to make a camera mount for my bike, but I wanted one that articulated, so my photos weren't horribly tilted, and had a quick-release like a tripod, so that I could easily remove the camera for unmounted shots.

The end mounting assembly should be sturdy enough that you can attach small video cameras to it as well -- anything that uses a standard 1/4" tripod mount.

There are a few bicycle camera mount Instructables already out there -- kudos especially to MikeIsOrganic's for the inspiration for this one. However, most tend to require unscrewing the camera if you want an unmounted shot, which can get tedious and might cause you to miss those transient or candid shots!

Step 1: Parts and Tools

Here's the full list of parts and tools needed for the camera mount:

Parts:
Tripod ball head with quick release plate -- $20 on ebay
3/8" x 2" Bolt for mounting tripod head -- $3.50
3/8" Nylon lock nut -- $1.00 for two
3/8" Washer -- $0.09
1/2" Electrical conduit hanger -- $0.50
8-32 x 1.5" Machine screw with nut -- $1.00 for eight

Total Cost: $26.09

Tools:
Electric drill with suitably-sized bits for the bolt and machine screw
Wrench and screwdriver
Duct tape, electrical tape, or thin flexible rubber (optional)

The tripod head is really up to you -- I'm quite happy with the DynaTran ATH-02H (ebay search) I found -- but most anything should work. The ATH-02H has a single lock lever, with full 360 degree spin capability, as well as 90 degree tilting in either direction, and the all-important quick release plate. It's also possible to remove and attach just the quick release plate, if you don't care about the articulation (which would reduce the overall height of the assembly). Whichever tripod head you choose, just make sure you match the size of the mounting bolt/nut/washer combo to the size of the tripod's mounting hole (remember to check the thread pitch too!).

The electrical conduit hanger I used can be found at Home Depot. Alternatively, if you can find a cheap throwaway bike light, you might be able to use its mounting bracket instead. The key is finding something that fits your bike's handlebar tube. Note that the conduit hangers at Home Depot labeled as 1/2" actually snugly fit a 3/4" tube such as the one on my handlebars.

Comments

[tucker]

the canon G5 is a BRILLIANT camera. i had one for the longest time and loved it to death. one of the pins bent and canon made it a real pain to fix though, so it's shelved for now.

[rediculosis]

I'd take that ball head if I saw it locked up with your bike. LOL.

[Whatnot]

A bit of inner tube instead of tape or 'thin rubber' might work as an anti-slip guard. Or you can buy one of those anti-slip mats they sell for the kitchen/home or for the car dashboard and cut a piece of that maybe, they are dirt cheap and basically webbed (but non fraying) artificial rubber.

[theRIAA]

you might wana try and redesign the lower part to add thicker rubber... i imagine the videos are a little shaky..

[biphenyl]

That might be a good idea - I haven't actually tried any video yet (I generally just shoot stills). If there's any shakiness though I imagine it will primarily be coming from the shakiness of the bike going across bumpy terrain itself - the mount really is on there solid, with the addition of the machine screw! Though if I were to do much video I imagine I'd go all-out and try one of the steadycam mount Instructables.

[theRIAA]

still, it looks really impressive. although now that i think about it, don't go on any rough trails... the bumps can't be good for the lens assembly and stuff.

[GorillazMiko]

Neat! I like the last picture too, it's awesome!