This post is going to be a departure from what you are used to on this blog. I am going to share with you how I built a small camera mount for my climbing helmet. I was inspired to build this camera mount by a desire to get a new angle in my climbing footage, without spending hundreds of dollars for a specialized camera. I figured I could re-purpose my HD capable point and shoot camera for this project keeping my costs to a minimum. before getting into how I pulled this off, I will list what I used to make this mount. everything listed can be purchased at a hardware store for around $15 dollars.

Parts
 1/4 -20 wingnut (1)
5/8 x 1/4 x 3/8 nylon spacers (4)
4mm hex nuts (2)
4mm flat washers (6)
4mm x 10mm hex head bolts (2)
1/16″ x 3/4″ x 3′ flat aluminum (1)
1/4 x 3/4 hex bolt (1)
1/4 x 2 1/2 hex bolt (1)
1/4 -20 nut (1)

Step 1

I began this project by creating the two pieces of the bracket. First take the flat aluminum and from the end mark at 1 inch, 2 3/4 inches and 3 3/4 inches. Using a dremel tool cut off the flat aluminum at the 3 1/2 inch mark.

Marking the Flat Aluminum

Step 2

Next take the piece of flat aluminum you cut off and slide it into a vice. Bend it 90 degrees at each of the remaining marks so that it looks like the following photo.

Bracket Part One

Step 3

For the next bracket part we will be subtracting from each of the above measurements. mark the flat aluminum from end at 7/8 of an inch, 2 3/8 inches, and 3 1/4 inches. we are shaving 1/8 inch off of each side, and 2/8 inch from the center. The reason for this is so that this bracket can nest inside the other one.

Step 4

Now to drill some holes. we will start with the first bracket we created. For this I used a drill press and a 2×4 piece of lumber. I took the bracket and put it around the narrow part of the lumber to prevent the bracket from bending as I used the drill press. The measurements on this part don’t have to be exactly as I have them but it certainly helps. With a sharpie, mark a point centered about 1/4 inch from the end of the legs of the u shaped bracket. These will be the holes to mount the bracket to the other bracket. Once these points are marked, Locate a drill bit that will provide you with a hole for the 1/4 x 2 1/2 hex bolt which will act as an axel allowing us to tilt the camera. Drill out each of these holes using the lumber and drill as I explained.

The next hole we need to mark is on this first bracket. Mark a point aproximately 3/4 inch from either side and centered. These holes will need to accomodate the 1/4 x 3/4 hex bolt. This will serve as the mount point for our camera. Using the same bit as before drill out this hole.

After that, take the bracket we just drilled and fit it on to the other bracked so that if forms a square. Using the holes created for the axel bolt as a template mark the bracket we have not drilled yet. With the same bit, drill the these two holes.

Finally the last holes we need to drill on the bracket are the ones that will allow us to mount the bracket to the helmet. On the bracket that does not have the camera mount point we need to drill two holes. These two holes should be approximately a half inch apart, and centered as good as possible. These holes need to accomodate the 4mm x 10mm hex bolts.

The completed brackets

Step 5

Now that are bracket is built we need to decide the best place to attach it to our helmet. Personally I own a Camp Armour helmet which really only gave me the space I needed for a front mount. Taking the half of the mount that has the 2 4mm holes and using them as a template, mark your helmet in the desired mounting location. Using a drill and the bit you used to make the 4mm holes drill two holes through the plastic of your helmet.

Step 6

Now take the bracket with the 4mm holes and mount it to your helmet using the 4mm screws, washers and nuts. After that your can attach the other bracket using the 1/4 x 2 1/2 inch bolt, 4 nylon spacers in the middle and 1/4-20 wingnut.

The Completed Mount

You’re Done

Thats really all there is too it. Roughly $15 dollars in materials and about an hour of work and you have an adjustable helmet cam mount that will work with pretty much any small point and shoot camera. If you have any further questions or need some clarification, email me: Patrick@campthesummit.com. Enjoy.

-Patrick

Mounted on my helmet

Footage from the camera mount can be seen here:Â Climbing Helmet Camera Test

[Disclaimer: Power tools are dangerous, so be sure to ask your folks permission before doing something potentially dangerous, and if you hurt your self it’s not my fault. In all seriousness, Use your head, and take responsibility for yourself. this is merely a guide, I take no responsibility for any injury or damage done in following this guide.]