Take control of your lens cap!

I like having the lens cap on a leash so it doesn't get lost but it can also get in the way when it's swinging around. Here's a solution that is crazy-easy.

Step 1 It all begins (and ends) with Velcro

I like having the lens cap on a leash so it doesn't get lost but it can also get in the way when it's swinging around. Here's my solution:

Materials: a small piece of self-stick Velcro, unruly lens cap and camera

Step 1: Find a small, unobtrusive area on the bottom of the camera -- clear of hinges, screws, serial numbers, etc.

Step 2: Cut Velcro to fit and stick one side to the bottom of the camera and the other side to the center of the lens cap. Wait a few minutes for the Velcro adhesive to settle and the next thing you know the days of the loose and wild lens cap will soon be over!

It may take a few days for the glue to cure completely but if a piece of Velcro does peel off at first it should still be sticky enough to pop right back on. You should not have to baby it after a couple of days and, although the adhesive is strong, I was still able to peel it off cleanly a few weeks later.

The obvious: Make sure that the placement of any Velcro and the lens cap will not obscure any moving parts, access doors and the like before committing!

Comments

[hassi]

Three things that make life better: Simplicity, simplicity and, you guessed it, simplicity. You deserve a "+"

[HAL 9000]

Man, i thought i was pretty smart, but i *never* would have thought of this. My friend showed your instructable to me at his house, he dug out the velcro, we put this on our cameras and went on a sweet photography adventure and didn't lose our caps!

Great idea, very thanks!

[laernmoer]

This works well with my SLR camera. Great idea, thanks! I was sick of trying to figure out what to do with my cap, so I took your advice and added the soft side of the velcro to my handgrip. The rough side on my cap works well, since I don't wnat to regularly rub the rough side on my hand.

[mkeblx]

I have the exact same camera, and the exact same problem. The simplest solutions can be the best. I'm going to do the same thing right now, except using some thin, strong rare earth (NdFeB) magnets. Thanks for the idea.

[joejoerowley]

I don't know about using rare earth magnets on your camera. Could screw it up.

[ironsmiter]

Have to agree a bit with Joejoerowley on this one. there are small sensors, motors, and electronic bits in there that COULD be messed up by a too powerful magnet. shouldn't hurt the storage devices at all, but may produce a color distortion on the imager IC? similar to when using unshielded amplified speakers near an old tv or monitor? instead of using rare earth magnets.... use ONE rare earth magnet. on the camera body, mount a steel disc larger than the intended magnet ( you'll only need a small one ). On the lens cover, mount another steel disc, and glue the magnet onto THAT. By using the steel plates, it should eliminate some of the magnetic flux from the magnet. If you can risk it (and 5MP cameras sure are getting cheap now adays) give it a try, and let us know how it works. Worst case secenario, if it's still under warrenty, stick the rig on using hotglue. then, if it messes witht he sensor, or camera at all, you can peel off the glue, and "I dunno, I set it near my stereo, and now it takes funny pictures" when you send it in for repair. On second though, DON'T send it in, and enjoy your new psycodelic photography career!

[genterara]

I knew every problem could be solved with either velcro or duct tape (in no particular order). Whats a bummer is that you wouldnt be able to use your tripod.