A different way of attaching a strap to a camera

[MannP]

Inspired by this: http://www.blackrapid.com/ I did this:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v648/mannanddulchtwo/Miscellaneous/IMG_0894.jpg

The buckle I got from a laptop bag strap. As you can see it's quite old and tested for strength, but I'm hesitant to try it out for real. Seems the tripod plate might not be able to hold the weight and all the swinging, but let me tell you it's the best strap configuration I have ever tried. Add to that a nice and comfy neoprene strap, and the best part is it doesn't get in my face whatever orientation the camera is in.

So what do you guys and girls think? :)

[Jim G]

Interesting idea, actually.. haven't seen this one before!

[Rachel B]

seems like a good idea the only thing is it will probably twist around alot

[Angdvl089]

Not sure how strong this is but it would definitely help with portrait orientation shots.

[MannP]

seems like a good idea the only thing is it will probably twist around alot

Yeah that's what I think too. Maybe a small strap that goes to the left strap loop of the camera for extra security just in case. The setup is very comfy though.

[BradT0517]

Inspired by this: http://www.blackrapid.com/ I did this:

I when I first saw your picture I thought that it looked really famillier and couldn't remember where I knew it from. Then it all came clear when I read this I think the Black Rapid is a great system, but I don't need one right now.

[Jon]

I'd worry mostly about the screw working loose. Also, you'll need to remove the strap to attach the camera to a tripod or monopod.

[_aravena]

Man, I deleted the pics of me, but all you have to do is wrap the strap across your chest and same diff. You go that guy is laughing all the way to the bank. Him and Wong are best buds. :lol:

But I'm with Jon on the loosening. I know my plate on the Sigma collar does, but I ;ve never had it on my camera, get loose that is. Then again it never had something attached to it to keep swinging it.

[Familiaphoto]

Very cool idea, but I would be nervous about the screw undooing. But I'm nervous that way.

[MannP]

Man, I deleted the pics of me, but all you have to do is wrap the strap across your chest and same diff. You go that guy is laughing all the way to the bank. Him and Wong are best buds. :lol:

Haha! Some people do like to pay for "decently" manufactured yet simple stuff.

[MannP]

Very cool idea, but I would be nervous about the screw undooing. But I'm nervous that way.

Yeah I think it's not really secure. Even if I think I can tighten it more I'm afraid I'll break the tripod socket off the camera base :lol:

[Wilt]

The POTN thread about camera and 600mm lens going for a swim because the monopod screw into the lens/camera broke with fatigue makes one leary, in addition to wondering about the screw working loose. Ignoring the fatigue factor, it would be getter if the strap connected to the plate rather than to the screw!

[_aravena]

Haha! Some people do like to pay for "decently" manufactured yet simple stuff.

So you're calling the POTN crap? Cause that's what I use? huh? huh!? :p

[JWright]

The POTN thread about camera and 600mm lens going for a swim because the monopod screw into the lens/camera broke with fatigue makes one leary, in addition to wondering about the screw working loose. Ignoring the fatigue factor, it would be getter if the strap connected to the plate rather than to the screw!

Something like this, perhaps?

http://kirkphoto.com/SS1big.jpg

[Wilt]

Something like this, perhaps?

http://kirkphoto.com/SS1big.jpg

That's better than the original proposal!

[MDJAK]

that looks to me like a terrible way to carry a camera, but that's just my opinion.

me

[v35skyline]

Considering that metal ring on the bottom of the quick release plate just fell of my quick release plate this weekend, i would NOT recommend this method.

[MannP]

So you're calling the POTN crap? Cause that's what I use? huh? huh!? :p

Can you DIY a neoprene strap? I can't :lol:



So comfort factor is a 10/10. Security, well, there's none :lol:

[JohnJ80]

I have a blackrapid strap and like it. It really has worked well when shooting outside in the winter (heavy clothes that bind with most grippy straps). Highly recommended.

I took and screwed the piece that mounts into a tripod base into an RRS A-S screw knob clamp that I had laying around. that makes for a very secure connection to the thing.

J.

[MannP]

Do you have a picture of that screw knob johnj80?

[JohnJ80]

Do you have a picture of that screw knob johnj80?

http://reallyrightstuff.com/rrs/Itemdesc.asp?ic=B2%2DPro&eq=&Tp=

then screw the blackrapid strap tripod piece into the clamp.

J.

[MannP]

Thanks!

[Candersson]

Man, I deleted the pics of me, but all you have to do is wrap the strap across your chest and same diff. You go that guy is laughing all the way to the bank. Him and Wong are best buds. :lol:.


Sure, anybody can make their own "blackrapid" strap or wrap the strap across the chest - even though that would probably not be as smooth.
Looking at the quality I definitely think the price, $50, is justified.


But I'm with Jon on the loosening. I know my plate on the Sigma collar does, but I ;ve never had it on my camera, get loose that is. Then again it never had something attached to it to keep swinging it.

I use the RS-2 with the FastenR and just love it. I would recommend it any day.
If the FastenR is tightened the way it is supposed to it won't come loose.

Also, if you adjust the stop on the strap and the length of the strap, you will not have any problems with it swinging around

[benplaut]

That's similar to the rstrap in that is keeps the strap out of the screen, but different in that it doesn't "slide" quite as easily around your torso. They both have their uses--Yours likely more secure because it doesn't slide around as much, and the rstrap is faster to get the camera in front of you (especially with a winter coat on)

[JohnJ80]

The one thing that isn't noted about the top of the line R-strap is that it is truly an "escape pod" from your camera bag. It has room for extra memory cards, batteries, business cards and cell phone.

J.

[MannP]

This is what I ended up with. Still hits my nose, but not much and portrait orientation is ok.
I just don't think the tripod mount is all that secure. Anyway, I won't be mounting heavy lenses to my camera so this will do. This method has been done by many people already.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v648/mannanddulchtwo/Miscellaneous/14032008318.jpg

[JohnJ80]

I don't see how that is like the Rapid strap. It looks like a conventional camera strap that mounts to just one side of the camera.

The tripod mount is very stable - it is a screw mount that is anchored in the frame of the camera. The rapidstrap mount, when used properly is locked down.

J

[Pinto]

This is what I ended up with. Still hits my nose, but not much and portrait orientation is ok.
I just don't think the tripod mount is all that secure. Anyway, I won't be mounting heavy lenses to my camera so this will do. This method has been done by many people already.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v648/mannanddulchtwo/Miscellaneous/14032008318.jpg

I'd be pretty concerned about what that metal clasp in this setup would do to the finish on the body.

[MannP]

I'll proly get a strap with the string attachment.

[Hangbot]

both the Kirk and the BlackRapid look like interesting alternatives to the traditional neckstrap. I usually use a handstrap because I'm 1)paranoid of getting the wrong attention, 2)to get the weight of the camera off my neck, and 3)I just find neckstraps uncomfortable.

[JWright]

both the Kirk and the BlackRapid look like interesting alternatives to the traditional neckstrap. I usually use a handstrap because I'm 1)paranoid of getting the wrong attention, 2)to get the weight of the camera off my neck, and 3)I just find neckstraps uncomfortable.

I use my Kirk strap primarily for carrying my 100-400 at my side while I'm using another lens on the camera. It would work in the same fashion as the Blackrapid strap it you wanted to use it that way.

[FUBAR247]

Damn I have been using something similar for a few years now, I adapted mine from a tactical sling I used on a air-soft M16, I actually use a Velcro strap (it did go around the butt of the M16) around the zoom lens body and I have never been concerned with the strap coming un-done.

I have never got around to adding any extra padding but have thought about it.

I think my sling cost all of £10, a couple of cuts and repositioning of a couple of buckles and you have something simular to the Blackrapid sling.

I'll post some pici's of it later.

[BlackRapid]

BLACKRAPID 5/8/08


Safety Precaution

To provide an extra measure of security we're now
including a plastic sleeve to prevent the gate of the
hook from opening accidentally. Please use to insure a
safe shoot when using our revolutionary camera strap.
If you have any questions regarding our plastic sleeve
please contact us at.
www.blackrapid.com (http://www.blackrapid.com/)
PS.
Thanks to all the photographers who have made the
Rstrap part of there shooting experience.
The R-Strap is the most innovative camera strap on the market..

[S-S]

currently i have the handstrap on one side and both ends of the neckstrap on the other.

i have a rapidstrap but dont want to anchor it to the tripod mount because it will be a hassle removing it and replacing it when i want to use a tripod

[JohnJ80]

BLACKRAPID 5/8/08


Safety Precaution

To provide an extra measure of security we're now
including a plastic sleeve to prevent the gate of the
hook from opening accidentally. Please use to insure a
safe shoot when using our revolutionary camera strap.
If you have any questions regarding our plastic sleeve
please contact us at.
www.blackrapid.com (http://www.blackrapid.com/)
PS.
Thanks to all the photographers who have made the
Rstrap part of there shooting experience.
The R-Strap is the most innovative camera strap on the market..

I have to tell you, this is the CHEESIEST fix I have seen for a $50 camera strap. I really like my strap, but this is a hardware design error and you need to find a real fix for this rather than this silly little sleeve that will get lost quickly.

I have had the hook get depressed and release the camera, but it was into my hand so no harm, no foul. It basically can't easily happen with any load on the hook.

That said, the strap is great but go back and find a better solution. This is ... well ... a stupid fix and not worthy of the rest of your (great) design.

J.

[MSIGuy]

The Rapid Strap has another locking mechanism though. While the screw goes into the tripod mount, another pulls the threads toward the locking screw, effectively locking the threads of the screw, and the tripod mount together, so they can't come loose.

The only thing I'd worry about then is the battery grip comming undone, but that probably won't happen.

[S-S]

I have to tell you, this is the CHEESIEST fix I have seen for a $50 camera strap. I really like my strap, but this is a hardware design error and you need to find a real fix for this rather than this silly little sleeve that will get lost quickly.

I have had the hook get depressed and release the camera, but it was into my hand so no harm, no foul. It basically can't easily happen with any load on the hook.

That said, the strap is great but go back and find a better solution. This is ... well ... a stupid fix and not worthy of the rest of your (great) design.

J.

actually they are redesigning the hook assembly; the sleeve is a free temporary fix for any rapidstrap owner to use until the new design is ready to ship

[JohnJ80]

actually they are redesigning the hook assembly; the sleeve is a free temporary fix for any rapidstrap owner to use until the new design is ready to ship

I'm ok with that for sure. I missed where they said that (or did they)?

J.

[donaldjl]

Given a design or care that prevents the bolt from unscrewing, 1/4-20 screws are typically proof loaded to 1700-1800 pounds to be classified as a Grade 2 bolt, and it goes up from there. As others have mentioned, I'd be more worried about the hardware/clips/snaps that attach the bolt to the camera strap.

Where I work, we do quite a bit of materials physical testing, and even smaller nylon webbing, like 8mm X 1mm, manages to sustain loads in the 1000-1200 pound range. The smaller snap buckles tend to let go around 150 lbs. I don't know what the tensile strength of neoprene material is, but I'd suspect that may be the weakest link.

Then again, given the above, if you somehow happen to strip the tripod mount socket out of the bottom of your camera, you've got other problems... :)

[S-S]

I'm ok with that for sure. I missed where they said that (or did they)?

J.

i dont know if the info is on their website, but they sent me/their customers an email

i probably wont use my tripod mount bolt for another reason too: my battery grip screw seems to wiggle loose a little just from use, so id never trust it to hold the weight of my camera swinging around

[JohnJ80]

Given a design or care that prevents the bolt from unscrewing, 1/4-20 screws are typically proof loaded to 1700-1800 pounds to be classified as a Grade 2 bolt, and it goes up from there. As others have mentioned, I'd be more worried about the hardware/clips/snaps that attach the bolt to the camera strap.

Where I work, we do quite a bit of materials physical testing, and even smaller nylon webbing, like 8mm X 1mm, manages to sustain loads in the 1000-1200 pound range. The smaller snap buckles tend to let go around 150 lbs. I don't know what the tensile strength of neoprene material is, but I'd suspect that may be the weakest link.

Then again, given the above, if you somehow happen to strip the tripod mount socket out of the bottom of your camera, you've got other problems... :)

The problem here is the gate hook. The gate gets depressed and the eyelet of the screw part can slip out. They just need a different hook. Not a big deal if they pick a different hook.

j.