X2d usb-c cable protector/strain relief tethering solution

[cjj2003]

I just used my new X2D in a tethered studio situation and had a lot of issues with the cable coming loose or just falling out. It even resulted in losing some images which was pretty embarrassing since the client was on set and we were smashing cakes so there wasn't any way to redo the shots. I 3d printed a tethering solution; it snaps on to the shoulder strap lug and then screws into a block that holds the usb cable. The cable is held in place with a set screw and it's strong enough that I can lift the camera by the cable. I might offer it for sale if anyone is interested. My setup uses a usb-c cable by tether tools, it might not fit cables from other manufacturers.

[glaiben]

Love it!  My TetherTools cable is very precarious too - I've used an Apple cable - not as precarious, but also not as sturdy.

...gregg

[FoleyAMG]

I just used my new X2D in a tethered studio situation and had a lot of issues with the cable coming loose or just falling out. It even resulted in losing some images which was pretty embarrassing since the client was on set and we were smashing cakes so there wasn't any way to redo the shots. I 3d printed a tethering solution; it snaps on to the shoulder strap lug and then screws into a block that holds the usb cable. The cable is held in place with a set screw and it's strong enough that I can lift the camera by the cable. I might offer it for sale if anyone is interested. My setup uses a usb-c cable by tether tools, it might not fit cables from other manufacturers.

I am going to be tethering a lot with mine, I will take one from you...as long as it is not priced the same as a "v" lens...lol

Respectfully
Scott

[Bob Foster]

I may be interested: the tethertools cables do transmit data splendidly but are so stiff that the cable's physical shape "memory" alone can cause it to work loose in the usb c port.

[glassman]

Nicely done!

[Dicky]

Hi cjj2003 

Many congrats on your new XD2 kit and welcome to the forum!
Thats one very creative and clever solution!

Your solution looks a lot nicer than the 'old-school-trick' of using 'gorilla' tape, which also works 100% too!

Intersting that your 'smashing cakes!
Dragging the shutter, you could get some really cool-arty results!

Best wishes 

[MGrayson]

Angled connector and a velcro strip holding the cable loosely around the tripod leg. Yet to come undone after 3 years.

Angled connector is a good idea, but many people tether moving around a lot in the studio shooting hand-held. Leica uses a Lemo connector. Getting replacement cables is a pain, because tether-tools doesn't make one, and Leica's are $400.

[cjj2003]

Thanks for all of the comments! I've tried a few of the solutions mentioned here and none of them worked completely for me. I've decided to offer it for sale on ebay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/266051560930 for $50, free domestic shipping, so hopefully very affordable. I also shoot with the H6D-100c and the deeper usb-c socket is definitely superior but I still have some issues with it so I may design something similar for it. So far I'm using the Tether Tools Jerkstoper which is ok but far from ideal.

[baudolino_CZ]

I think TetherTools used to make an Arca compatible base plate that had a twisted "channel" for the cable on the side adjacent to the camera body. I have one somewhere and have used it with a number of different cameras. The Lemo connector on the Leica S is great but somtimes "too much of a good thing". I stepped on the cable once and it held so strongly that it kicked the camera out of my hand down to a concrete floor. Luckily, only a lens hood and a Profoto trigger fell victims of my clumsiness.

[cjj2003]

The Lemo solution sounds great, I wish we had that although I do like having standard cable types.

[MGrayson]

I think TetherTools used to make an Arca compatible base plate that had a twisted "channel" for the cable on the side adjacent to the camera body. I have one somewhere and have used it with a number of different cameras. The Lemo connector on the Leica S is great but somtimes "too much of a good thing". I stepped on the cable once and it held so strongly that it kicked the camera out of my hand down to a concrete floor. Luckily, only a lens hood and a Profoto trigger fell victims of my clumsiness.

I guess it's the ski binding problem. You want it to hold, but not so hard that your ankle breaks.

[cjj2003]

I guess with my solution you could either leave out the set screw or not tighten it if you want the cable to pull out under force.

[MGrayson]

I guess with my solution you could either leave out the set screw or not tighten it if you want the cable to pull out under force.

That was my guess. I like your design!

[cjj2003]

Thanks for everyone's support, I created a quick video showing how to use the tethering block: https://vimeo.com/783474010/f42f4bcc58

[modiug]

Very nice solution.
I had lot of problems with tethetools cables, too rigid for me, I give up; I resolved every problem with a Meta Quest optical cable for their headset, quite expensive but thin and soft, works beautifully with my X2d.
Modiug