Do camera straps ever break?

[KimLeece]

Maybe it's a dumb question, but considering how much money is hanging on them I'm curious if it ever happens.
If it does...what breaks? The material of the strap? A connector?

[Jim G]

I personally feel a bit unsafe using the neckstraps which have the little plastic clips that hold it together... haven't yet heard of one falling apart but since I don't take the strap off I've opted for the type that are solid all the way through. Paranoia on my part ;)

Haven't ever heard of any type of neck strap breaking. They're pretty darned tough.

[KimLeece]

I use the one piece Canon strap that came with my camera (400D). I'm considering getting one of the POTN straps as it looks more comfortable - but yeah.....those clips. I'm a scuba diver as well, and we generally are a bit scared of too many clips (failure points). I've been reading the strap threads here and I'm also wondering about that strap that attaches to the tripod mount socket and hangs the camera upside down.

I'm really curious though. Do ANY straps ever fail, and if so why? As it is I'm so paranoid that I'm either actually holding the camera, or the strap (so that if one end would break it doesn't smash on the floor! :rolleyes:)
God...I feel like a wimp......

And I don't even have an expensive, heavy "L" lens to worry about yet.....

[snails]

I use the one piece Canon strap that came with my camera (400D). I'm considering getting one of the POTN straps as it looks more comfortable - but yeah.....those clips. I'm a scuba diver as well, and we generally are a bit scared of too many clips (failure points). I've been reading the strap threads here and I'm also wondering about that strap that attaches to the tripod mount socket and hangs the camera upside down.

I understand the strap you are referring to is all metal construction.

[ben_r_]

Not that I have ever heard of. I use the Op/Tech Pro Loop Strap neck strap on both my camera bodies and have never had anything happen to make me think they would ever break.

[Dork Knight]

Did someone on here have an Op/Tech strap break a little while back?

You read so much a few details blur into one, I think this may have been correct as it made me concerned over my strap.

[Dork Knight]

Here we go;
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=553812

[Dork Knight]

Haven't ever heard of any type of neck strap breaking. They're pretty darned tough.


Not that I have ever heard of.

Cmon chaps, you even posted in that thread ;)

Of course, you can't remember everything that you read on here.

[cdifoto]

Modern plastics are stronger than most people give them credit for. It's not like we're talking cheap dollar store hooks.

[snails]

I use a Lowepro Voyager S that has some in-line quick release clips. I don't worry about them failing, not carrying a 5lb camera.

Now that I've looked over the Op-Tech design in the POTN store, I can see how the strap attachment points would be a weak spot of that design, lots of load bearing failure points.

I'm a scuba diver as well, and we generally are a bit scared of too many clips (failure points).

I'm a rescue certified SCUBA diver, and I've never heard of this fear you speak of.

[blueM]

I have a POTN strap. I managed to break one of the plastic clips, but I slammed the trunk lid on the strap. Idiot.

[heycow]

I just picked-up one of these babies: http://www.pacsafe.com/www/index.php?_room=3&_action=detail&id=16

It has thin strands of steel running through the strap which not only prevent it from being cut by a would-be robber, but also guarantee the thing will never break. It attaches with metal clips that actually lock closed (on most Canons the clips attach to an additional piece of strong fabric that attaches to the body).

They're surprisingly light and thin (one of the reasons I got it). Just that much more piece of mind when I'm walking around crowded places or running after my daughter. :) Also, for $20 it's a steal. :D

[rowdyred94]

I think people put way too much faith in metal, especially considering that "metal" has no real definition and many clips and things are made of cheap junk metal. They're as likely to break as plastic. Which brings me to my next point: "Plastic" is as much a catchall term as "metal". Some plastic composites are many times more durable and rugged than metal, and I'd trust them before a weak, bubble-ridden aluminum mix. Even good steel can fatigue quicker than a composite.

[heycow]

I think people put way too much faith in metal, especially considering that "metal" has no real definition and many clips and things are made of cheap junk metal. They're as likely to break as plastic. Which brings me to my next point: "Plastic" is as much a catchall term as "metal". Some plastic composites are many times more durable and rugged than metal, and I'd trust it before a weak, bubble-ridden aluminum mix.

Fine, "strong braided silver colored metal" covered by "strong braided nylon" attached to "strong black colored metal clips that lock closed so I don't accidentally open them while leaning over a toilet".

I can't get more specific because I just got the strap yesterday... :)

[rowdyred94]

I wasn't directly addressing your product suggestion. Seems your sense of self-importance is almost as big as mine. ;-)

[heycow]

I wasn't directly addressing your product suggestion. Seems your sense of self-importance is almost as big as mine. ;-)
Oh gosh no, just bored...I completely agree with you though and my response was 100% in jest...99.999999% of the time I don't even use a strap, so what the heck do I know? I only put it on when I'm playing tourist or juggling my daughter and camera at the zoo.

My self-importance is directly related to my self-worth which unfortunately is tied to my IRA...so...yeah... :cry:

[rowdyred94]

99.999999% of the time I don't even use a strap...
*gasp!*

Can... can he say that in the forum? :shock:

[heycow]

*gasp!*

Can... can he say that in the forum? :shock:
And my camera isn't "gripped" either!!! The only time I dropped my camera is when I accidentally caught the strap with my hand as I was wildly gesturing. It fell off the desk, hit my knee (quite hard) and hit the ground. Not a scratch on the camera or lens.

Straps have their place for me, but they're for use only when needed.

(My wife often asks why I have so many straps since I never use them. I have at least 2 generic ones, a Kata strap, two SmugMug straps, and now the new one.)

[adrian5127]

Ben

how comfortable is the pacsafe?? after I while I find the canon strap bites into my neck.

Thanks

[heycow]

Ben

how comfortable is the pacsafe?? after I while I find the canon strap bites into my neck.

Thanks
Only used it to test it out at home (literally just got it yesterday). It's a pretty thin strap, but has added padding at the top (that slides on the strap so it can be adjusted).

Really anything is better than the Canon one. I'm fairly tall (6'2") and like the camera to hang low (like Slash's guitar) and the PacSafe and Kata Ergo-Tech Series Reflex C straps are the only ones that really fit how I like 'em.

I also "only" walk around with a 30D w/24-105 and a 580EX, so I'm not schlepping 20lbs of gear around my neck.

If you want comfort, there's probably better options. If you want the features of the pacsafe (metal wires and clips), it's a no-brainer at $20.

[adrian5127]

Thanks
Like you say at this price it won't break the bank, I will ordering one.

[cdifoto]

The best thing you can do for peace of mind is insure your gear.

[JWright]

I personally feel a bit unsafe using the neckstraps which have the little plastic clips that hold it together... haven't yet heard of one falling apart but since I don't take the strap off I've opted for the type that are solid all the way through. Paranoia on my part ;)

Haven't ever heard of any type of neck strap breaking. They're pretty darned tough.

I've used the Tamrac Boomerang straps (which have plastic connectors on them) for over 20 years and I've never had one break or even had the connectors come apart. In fact, I'm still using the same straps I bought 20 years ago... They just don't wear out.

[argyle]

Anything that has been manufactured can break or fail at some point in time. Just give things a once-over look every now and then. Just use a little common sense and don't be paranoid about it.

[JBlue]

I'd cry if the straps broke!

[opus13]

mine snapped on me. full leather just gave way. 20d+lens never quite the same after meeting the concrete

[eddie1]

not in my experience no,
but they do come undone.

my advice, check the fittings regularly



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