Over the last several years I’ve seen this page in my 404 error logs and it never seems to go away, so I figured I would resurrect this page with this last big site overhaul.
Let me be clear, I DO NOT RECOMMEND DOING THIS! There is no point this day and age. Back in 2006 when I made this, there really wasn’t an accessory readily available. There was a guy who made one but I don’t know if he does anymore or not. Check out that old page courtesy of the internet archive!
Now you can find a Sony Intelligent – Cold Shoe Adapter on Amazon pretty cheap. (I’m an Amazon Associate and will make a very tiny commission if you buy that in less than 24 hours.)
For nostalgia, here is the page that seems to not want to be forgotten. 😆
After searching hours on the net to find a sturdy method of converting the IAS shoe on the Sony HDR-HC1, I managed to build one in about 1 hour. Then making the 2nd one only took 15 minutes.
This is VERY simple, and almost anyone could do it.
Modifying your camera is at your discretion.
Although there aren’t any physical adjustments performed in this procedure, adding heavy objects might cause damage to the IAS shoe…
I am NOT RESPONSIBLE for your actions!
Parts Needed:
1 – 1/4″-20×1″ Carriage Bolt
3 – Washers
1 Bower Screw Mount Shoe (got mine from B&H)
Equipment Needed:
Grinder
Dremel Tool w/cutting wheel
Small Flat Screwdriver
They have been modified already, but you should have the idea.
STEP 1: Grind the round edge off of the carriage bolt making it have a flat head.
STEP 2: Grind 1/4 of the round edge to make it flat.
STEP 3: Using the dremel, cut a small “V” opposite the flat side of the head.
STEP 4: Cut approximately 3/8″ from the base of the head using the dremel tool. I used large channel locks gripping the base and cut even with them.
You should now have something like this:
Make sure the little flap that covers the shoe contacts is “closed” meaning you can’t see the contacts. It pushes toward the front of the camera. Insert the head into the IAS shoe with the “V” in first on the left side. Flat side should slide nicely into the IAS well. Rotate the bolt counterclockwise until the flat edge fits snugly at the front wall of the IAS shoe.
Should look like this when properly inserted.
Notice at there is a small ridge at the front, if you cut too much (as in this one) it is OK, just cut the washer so that it will rest flat on the IAS rail and NOT on the camera housing body. The first one I did was ok, but this one needed the modification (if you don’t do this, and the washer is on that ridge, you may crack the plastic housing/ridge!!!), so you should have something looking like this:
(note, the washer will not short out the rails as there isn’t any power on the rails, just the contacts.)
Make sure you have the notch in the back! You’ll need this in a minute.
STEP 7: Insert the next 2 washers on top of the first one. This provides clearance of the non-threaded square part of the bolt.
STEP 8: Screw the Bower screw mount onto the bolt. As it gets tighter, line up the washers AND MOST IMPORTANTLY use a flat screwdriver (skinnier the better) and insert into the notches on the bolt and washer. Then finalize screwing in the shoe mount. Using the screwdriver to hold the washer keeps it from rotating out of place. IF this happens, it will not hold securely. IF the shoe doesn’t line up, use the Dremel to shave some of the plastic off the base of the mount and/or the bolt and you can get it to line up, yet being snug & tight. Remove the bolt before using the Dremel, you don’t want metal bits flying around your camera!!!
You should have something like this:
AND
I may use a black o-ring to secure the IAS lid tight to the mount to keep from clanking around or just cut it off. I will also find a large black grommet to insert between the mount and inside the IAS shoe well so you can’t see the washers and to keep dust from gaining entry.
Good luck!
EDIT: If you made it this far, I hope you enjoyed the effort I put into making that to serve a purpose back then. IF you are in need of a hot to cold shoe adapter, I suggest you to BUY one because you can now days!