The exposure mode dial is my biggest complaint with the ergonomics of the D7K. I work out of holster bags and dry bags, often in kayaks and canoes. I've had many occasions where I've changed my exposure mode unknowingly during my draw from such bags. Additionally, I've knocked the dial off when using larger lenses in the vertical mode.

Since I switch between aperture priority and manual exposure often using gaffer tape was an inconvenient fix. Tried various O-rings and rubber bands without success.

I've finally come up with something that seems to work quite nicely - heat shrink tubing. I had a package of assorted diameters in my tool box, the largest being just slightly greater than 3/4" in diameter. Using an Exacto knife I removed a 3/16" wide section of this tubing and stretched it over the mode dial using a pair of forceps. The fit was quite snug but I applied a bit of heat via a heat gun at its low setting. This was just enough to cause the shrink tubing to snug right into the knurled dial and conform to the slight taper of the dial.

There's no interference with either upper or lower dials and the upper exposure mode dial know longer has the exposed knurled surface that so easily grabs any material it came into contact with. The dial now has a rather slick surface allowing it to slide instead of grab.

I've been using this for several days now with no disruptions in any of my bags that were previously causing consistent accidents.

I'm much happier with this simple little modification.

Cheers!

-Holmes
http://holmes.zenfolio.com/

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Attachment #1, (jpg file)

When you applied the heat, was the band already on the camera? (I am worried about melting the camera).

Where do you get the bands?

Mike

Great thinking! Not obvious to change the surface friction rather than the dial force. The mod looks good too. Nicely done and thanks for sharing. (now... must find heat shrink tubing in Nikon red)

Paul
My Nikonians Gallery

Heat shrink tubing is meant to be heated after it is in place, so yes, it must have already been on. You shouldn't need to worry about melting the camera as (a) the heat isn't all that high - under 100C - and (b) it doesn't take very long at all - seconds - especially for thinner tubes.

_____
Brian... a bicoastal Nikonian and Team Member

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What did you use to heat the tubing? I'm thinking my propane torch is a bad idea.

Mike

The electrical heat shrink tubing is designed to shrink with the use of an electric heat gun or or even a hair dryer. In a pinch one could even use a match.

A propane torch could very easily set the tubing afire.

George
My Nikonian Galleries

Thanks. the hair dryer sounds like it will work for me.

Mike

That is a brilliant idea! I too have had issues with the dial getting moved without my knowledge.

Paul, you can get heat shrink tubing in red. However, it is a duller red than Nikon's. Maybe Gold?

John

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This tubing comes in colors to match the colors available for electrical wiring plus transparent/clear. Home HEAT SHRINK TUBING Thin Wall 2:1 in 14 sizes and 9 colors.

George
My Nikonian Galleries

Neat idea. I did send my camera back to Nikon for that reason and they fixed it so it now rarely happens

Myer
Photo Bee1
http://photobee1.blogspot.com/
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Brilliant!

Thanks,

Rob

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YIKES!

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I missed this post earlier. Thanks so much for posting - and Brian - thanks for the link.

I have had the camera mode change inadvertently on 5 occasions over 10 days of shooting. The first 3 times is cost me 10-20 images - I may be slow but I finally started checking the dial. This looks to be a good solution.

Eric Bowles
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FYI, I had to send my D7K in for service. I forgot to mention the dial. When it came back, my dial was "tightened." It has more distinct resistance so it is apparently a simple adjustment.

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