Handheld support for camera and photographic lamp

Claim 1

A handheld support for a camera and photographic lamp comprising: a generally C-shaped member having a vertical center section and upper and lower horizontal arms extending therefrom, said upper arm defining a slot extending longitudinally therealong; said center section including a handle adapted to be grasped by one hand, said handle having a row of vertically spaced finger grips thereon; lamp attachment means carried by said upper arm, received by said slot, and movable therealong to adjustably position a lamp; an elongated rectangular base plate having a slot extending longitudinally therealong, said slots being located relative to each other and said hinge means so that, when said lamp and said camera are properly adjusted relative to each other for one orientation of said camera, said camera may be pivotally reoriented without requiring readadjustment of said lamp relative to said camera to retain the centered position of said lamp; camera attachment means received by said slot in said base plate for adjustably positioning a camera; hinge means for pivotably connecting said base plate to said lower arm; detent means for releasably securing said base plate in a horizontal position; stop means for arresting said base plate in a vertical position; and clamp means adjacent the top end of said handle portion for securing a cable release thereto.