DIY Shoulder Camera Strap (How-To)

[Punished]

So after reading through the R-Strap post all last week and seeing people make their own I gave it a shot. I never found any good how-tos on here so I had to wing with with my own knowledge of rifle straps and make an easy conversion.

So here it is.

6ft long (plenty of adjustment), 1 inch wide strap.
Strapworks.com for all parts except Split Rings.

Pics first, then How-To.

Total Price: $11.21 with shipping


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2616/3822114186_618cd9e5c7_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2520/3821307693_92bb9b2b87_o.jpg

[Punished]

Ok, the How-To

This is pretty much my own version of the Black Rapid R-strap. Just without the gizmos, whirligigs and doohickeys. This is just an outright strap, no pockets, cellphone holders, etc..

Parts came from http://www.strapworks.com/

What you will need is 6 feet of Strap Adjuster Straps w/ 1" Heavyweight Polypropylene (They have dozens of colors as well as patterns to pick from. I just went with black so it would not stand out and make me look weird. ;) )
http://www.strapworks.com/Strap_Adjuster_Straps_p/sas1h.htm I used plastic hardware as I did not want to have metal tearing up my clothing. (I weigh 185lbs and I am 5'8", 6ft leaves an extra 2 feet of adjustment which is looped through the back. So depending on how tall you are or wide you may want to bump to 8ft, then cut the extra and torch the end to keep it from fraying.)

2 Plastic 1inch Acetyl Plastic Slides
http://www.strapworks.com/Plastic_Slides_p/ps.htm

1 Plastic 1inch Acetyl Plastic Cam Buckle
http://www.strapworks.com/Acetyl_Plastic_Cam_Buckles_p/pcb.htm

1 Metal 1inch Beefy Snap (unpainted $1.98, I paid to have it anodized Chili Green for extra $0.75)
http://www.strapworks.com/Metal_Beefy_Snaps_p/mbfs.htm

1 1inch wide Should Pad
https://www.strapworks.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=SP

You will then need to buy Metal Split Rings (the rings on all your keychains and what not) 1 or 2 will be fine. Depending on what size you go with, 1 only fits on my camera body.
http://media.rei.com/media/626517Prd.jpg
Do not order the split rings from Snapworks, I did but they are too big to fit through the camera strap slot on your camera. I found what works is the size ring that comes with your key sets or slightly smaller is better.

When your items arrive the strap you ordered will already have a buckle sewn to it. That was the hard part and it is all taken care of.

Pull your strap through the should pad all the way so the buckle is half an inch from touching the shoulder pad. Now thread one of your Plastic Slides all the way so it holds the shoulder strap in place.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2600/3822114238_b7131b7ac6_o.jpg


Next thread the metal clip paying attention that it is facing to the outside of the strap. Follow this with the plastic cam buckle and then put the remaining plastic slide on.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3430/3822114254_bea42832f8_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2520/3822114276_da44f1c54f_o.jpg

Now take the end of your strap, run it up through the adjustment buckle by the shoulder pad to finish off the loop. Thread up through the inside slot then back down through the outslide slot. (Just like on your backpack straps) I then run the remaining loose strap once I have adjusted to where and how low the camera will hang to the plastic slide you put on behind your cam buckle. This is just used to keep the excess strap from flapping in the wind.

The split ring is easy to thread through the camera. I have it hanging on my right side so the split ring is looped through the left attachment point on the camera. This keeps the strap on the bottom of the camera when shooting vertical.

Adjusting: With the camera on the strap you put the buckle on your backside. This leaves a clean 1 strap front with the excess on your back and out of the way. Use the cam buckle to slide down as a stop so the camera can not swing around on the strap. It is just a bump stop basically. Just keeps the camera from going further behind you on the strap then you want. Move the plastic slide to where the excess strap is hanging and thread that through to keep it nice and tidy. In the last photo you can see where I placed my slide at.

[mufutau55]

Thank you for this DIY info. I just ordered my parts and hopefully soon I will put together one strap.
I ordered the 8ft strap though, 'cause I am 6ft 2ins aut 240lbs with wide chest, so I fugure why noit 8ft instead of 6ft.
I will let you know how it goes.

Mufutau

[TeamSpeed]

Here is another one that was fairly recent.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=473968&highlight=diy+rstrap

[Punished]

Thank you for this DIY info. I just ordered my parts and hopefully soon I will put together one strap.
I ordered the 8ft strap though, 'cause I am 6ft 2ins aut 240lbs with wide chest, so I fugure why noit 8ft instead of 6ft.
I will let you know how it goes.

Mufutau

Please do let me know. If you have any questions feel free to message me about it as well.


Here is another one that was fairly recent.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=473968&highlight=diy+rstrap


I saw that post but no one truly explained how to make this work. So I figured I would take the liberty of posting a more in depth version.

[mufutau55]

You are right about that.. that post just showed you a picture without any explanation on how to make it and also one important missing thing.. no snap lock mechanisim. I will let you know when I get mine.. Thanks again.

I saw that post but no one truly explained how to make this work. So I figured I would take the liberty of posting a more in depth version.

[WhyFi]

I'm using the same snap lock as you, but I went super-easy, super-cheap on the strap - I'm simply using the nylon webbing belt with the 2 D-rings! I had a shoulder pad, but I found it more annoying (slipping out of position, etc) than useful.

[asysin2leads]

Very nice setup. I am going to have to replicate this. The only thing I will do different (other than green snap links) is I will probably buy the actual Rapid Strap fastener. I like the idea of being able to lock down the fastener. Nice job on this.

[mufutau55]

Yeah Punisher! Do you think may be they have a locked-down (Beefy Snap) hook like that green one on www.strapworks.com (http://www.strapworks.com) ? May be you can check that out..

Asysin2leads, that is a very good suggestions.. kind of safety/preventive lock.
But I think that green hook may also be secured..

Mufutau

Very nice setup. I am going to have to replicate this. The only thing I will do different (other than green snap links) is I will probably buy the actual Rapid Strap fastener. I like the idea of being able to lock down the fastener. Nice job on this.

[Punished]

I'm using the same snap lock as you, but I went super-easy, super-cheap on the strap - I'm simply using the nylon webbing belt with the 2 D-rings! I had a shoulder pad, but I found it more annoying (slipping out of position, etc) than useful.

That is why I used the buckle on one side and the slide on the other. This keeps the shoulder pad from moving at all and just allows the camera to free float on the strap. :)


Very nice setup. I am going to have to replicate this. The only thing I will do different (other than green snap links) is I will probably buy the actual Rapid Strap fastener. I like the idea of being able to lock down the fastener. Nice job on this.


You could always take a look at the carabiners they have as well. The locking type will not be able to come apart unless you unscrew it.

http://www.strapworks.com/Carabiner_p/carl.htm

http://www.strapworks.com/v/vspfiles/photos/CARL-2.jpg

[asysin2leads]

That is why I used the buckle on one side and the slide on the other. This keeps the shoulder pad from moving at all and just allows the camera to free float on the strap. :)





You could always take a look at the carabiners they have as well. The locking type will not be able to come apart unless you unscrew it.

http://www.strapworks.com/Carabiner_p/carl.htm

http://www.strapworks.com/v/vspfiles/photos/CARL-2.jpg

I don't mind the clip he has, this is what I was thinking about (http://www.blackrapid.com/fastenr.php).

[Punished]

I don't mind the clip he has, this is what I was thinking about (http://www.blackrapid.com/fastenr.php).


Gotcha. I wanted to have easy access to my tripod mount so I went the side strap route.

Plus I do not trust having all the weight hanging from the tripod mount on my vertical/battery grip.

[ejicon]

Not bad

[asysin2leads]

Gotcha. I wanted to have easy access to my tripod mount so I went the side strap route.

Plus I do not trust having all the weight hanging from the tripod mount on my vertical/battery grip.

I have the 70-200 2.8 IS mounted on the MkIIn. I think mounting the fastener to the tripod collar would be better than mounting it to the camera itself. I have the 24-105 on my 40D w/ grip. If I am toting around 2 cameras, I don't think I'll need a tripod.

[Mark1]

Looks like a PIA to me. You never know what way the camera will be facing when you reach for it, so you end up taking your eyes off the subject just to find your grip.

I went the free route. Got the free Smug Mug strap. Put one end in the top right strap hole. The other other in the bottom left strap hole in the grip. This way the grip side is ALWAYS facing the right direction to grab.

[Punished]

Looks like a PIA to me. You never know what way the camera will be facing when you reach for it, so you end up taking your eyes off the subject just to find your grip.

I went the free route. Got the free Smug Mug strap. Put one end in the top right strap hole. The other other in the bottom left strap hole in the grip. This way the grip side is ALWAYS facing the right direction to grab.


It falls the same direction for me every time. The lens allows the camera to fall in the proper direction.

In my world, $10 is free. :)

[Mark1]

Standing still it might. but as you are walking about on a job it will undeniably spin.

[WhyFi]

Standing still it might. but as you are walking about on a job it will undeniably spin.
Never had this problem, and I'll wager that I've worn out more shoes than most. Also, with more weight, it's less likely to spin.

[Punished]

Standing still it might. but as you are walking about on a job it will undeniably spin.


It stays in place for me quite well. The slight bumping on my back is much more enjoyable then the camera bouncing on my chest.

[asysin2leads]

I just ordered the parts to make 1 sling. I ordered the 1.5" webbing and parts. I like a wider strap. Thanks for the great DIY.

[mufutau55]

Just got my parts from www.strapworks.com (http://www.strapworks.com) and I should be putting everything together tommorow. I was thinking about getting the 1.5" strap but I think this 1" is good enough, the 1.5" may be a little bit too big. The shipping was very fast, although I paid for the Priority Mail shipping.
Thanks Punished. I will let you know how it goes soon.

Mufutau

[Davd901]

Received my stuff in two days. I did mine in OD green an black, the latch is powder coated OD green. Looks good and works perfect.

Thanks man

Dave

[asysin2leads]

I ordered the parts on Wednesday from Strapworks and got them today (Friday). I forgot to order the Strap Adjuster (http://www.strapworks.com/Plastic_Strap_Adjusters_p/psa.htm), so back to strapworks.com I go. Oh well. I ordered the 1.5" strap and hardware. The buckles and snap is pretty beefy. So far, I'm impressed w/ the customer service and materials. Thanks again for the heads up.

[asysin2leads]

Ok, well, I've run into a glitch. The Beefy Snap from Strapworks won't fit into the hole in the Black Rapid Fastener. I'll have to do a little drilling for it to fit. Still saved a crap load over buying direct from Black Rapid.

[asysin2leads]

Ok, well, I've run into a glitch. The Beefy Snap from Strapworks won't fit into the hole in the Black Rapid Fastener. I'll have to do a little drilling for it to fit. Still saved a crap load over buying direct from Black Rapid.

Well, I put the Fastener into a drill press and drilled out the hole enough for the snap. It works fine, but the arch of the Beefy Snap is too think for the Fastener to travel the whole distance around the top of the snap. I was going to work on a DIY Fastener and this just gives me more reason to do just that. The strap works great. The weight of the camera and lens allows the strap to lie flat and doesn't "ride up" when I bring the camera up.

[Davd901]

I took a dremel tool to the beefy snap link. Works perfect.

[asysin2leads]

I took a dremel tool to the beefy snap link. Works perfect.

I'll have to try that. Thanks for the tip.

[ClickClick]

Please post pics of your finished works.

[asysin2leads]

Please post pics of your finished works.

At work and the strap is at home. I'll try to remember to get pics tomorrow and post them.

Ok, not pics yet, but I was able to use it at the Cincy Zoo yesterday. It worked out great. I was able to walk and push the stroller and the camera (MkIIn and 70-200) was out of the way. The only issues (very minor ones at that) were at lens change and portrait orientation. After a couple of times of doing both, they got a lot easier. I also found that 8' is too long (and I'm 6'2"). The 6' strap is more than plenty. The only modification I'll be making is adding a padded shoulder pad. The plastic one from Strapworks rubbed my neck a bit and got annoying. All-in-all, I'll give this setup a huge "2 Thumbs Up."

[asysin2leads]

Looks like a PIA to me. You never know what way the camera will be facing when you reach for it, so you end up taking your eyes off the subject just to find your grip.

It fell the same direction for me everytime. I have the fastener mounted to the tripod collar of the 70-200. I didn't let the camera drop. I moved it down there with my hand on it the entire time. The lens always landed facing rearward and the camera right at arms length. Never fell in the wrong direction for me.

Standing still it might. but as you are walking about on a job it will undeniably spin.

I walked around the zoo for 6 hours yesterday and it never spun. I was even pushing the stroller w/ our 5 month old and 2 year old as well as carrying the camera on the DIY strap. I slid the entire setup around a little more to my back and it stayed right there. It never spun on me once and was ready if I stopped to take a picture.

[1danny]

punished!
thanks a bajillion for this post. i just got mine in and set mine up. the directions are on par, thanks for them. this setup was easy and cheap. im ordering two more sets for my other two cameras, and putting the original straps in the catacombs

i will say this. i did but the 2" shoulder strap b/c i wanted something w/more cushion. im not liking the strapworks one too much, any idea where id fine a much more wider comfortable strap?

[CronoDL]

Following punished's instructions, I made one of these a few weeks ago. I went for a 1.5" lightweight poly strap instead of the heavy. The strap itself is very comfortable, and over it works great. The only negative is that it occupies more space in my bag, especially with the plastic cam, strap adjusters, and snap hook.

I did leave out the shoulder pad, as I found the regular strap itself to be more comfortable than the pad, and it takes away some extra bulk. I used one of the strap adjusters over the stitched end of the strap to keep it from poking into my shoulder.

[jtso23]

interesting might give it a try. thanks for posting!

[1danny]

ditch the shoulder pad, & buy a gel guitar strap from amazon.com. (http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Waves-Guitar-Strap-Shoulder/dp/B000TGSM6E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1243552206&sr=8-1) omg this thing is so freaking comfy now. shot for 8 hours w/it on. no pain, perfect!

[GolfPT]

Ordered my parts from Strapworks and received today. Took me only a few minutes to get it assembled and hooked up to the camera. I was actually able to hook to my tripod collar D-ring without any other fastener. So far works pretty good around the house (wife thinks I'm a dork for wearing it around the house). Only problem I have so far is shoulder pad is a little uncomfortable. I'm going to play around with it or will probably just get the guitar gel pad listed above.

Also might get the black rapid hook or fastener, but right now it's cost me only about $12 and seems to do a good job for what I want....Camera that is easily accessible, but not hanging around my neck or over my shoulder with a regular strap.

Thanks for posting your DIY and all the links. Made it easy to duplicate.

CON: I wouldn't get the hook colored if I had to do it again. As soon as I took it out a big chunk fell off, and now has a big silver spot. Plus it seems to be wearing off after a short time where it contacts the D-Ring on the tripod collar.

[kphotography]

Very nice. Might have to try this

[arekusu09]

wearing my homemade Yarrrr-Strap
http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz45/thisistre/IMG_16212.jpg

yes... i get bored at night....


but on a serious note i made one a while back. i used shoulder straps from an old torn up eastpack book bag from college.

one side holds my camera
http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz45/thisistre/IMG_1703.jpg

the other holds a lowerpro ex120 ($5 on craigslist) which contains my other lense, my flash, Powershot SD750, and random stuff
http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz45/thisistre/IMG_1704.jpg

the back
http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz45/thisistre/IMG_1708.jpg

http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz45/thisistre/IMG_1709.jpg

attached button snaps to extra pieces of strap to make the connectors
http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz45/thisistre/IMG_1711.jpg

the bookbag padding
http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz45/thisistre/IMG_1714.jpg

im using black beefy straps hooks. glad i saw this post cause now i know i can dremel it a bit.

all in all parts so far costed about.. $20?

[SnlpeR]

http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz45/thisistre/IMG_1703.jpg


neat homemade strap...cheap too!

and is that mickey mouse and a blue carebear i see?!
damn..all i have is a mickey..
youre 1up on me!

[arekusu09]

neat homemade strap...cheap too!

and is that mickey mouse and a blue carebear i see?!
damn..all i have is a mickey..
youre 1up on me!
not my room i swear!

[taylorwilsdon]

This might interest everyone here...

DIY R-Strap Contest (http://www.rphotographers.com/showthread.php?t=229)

[KTKintner]

Just wanted to say thanks for the thread, I ordered the parts to build mine from Strapworks yesterday using 1.5" webbing and a wide guitar strap gel shoulder pad from Amazon.

The only thing I didn't like about the real R Strap is the size of the shoulder pad, do they really need a fannypack built into the strap?

[KTKintner]

I also wanted to share a discount code I found for www.strapworks.com enter ar15 in the coupon code field to save 10%.

[GolfPT]

**UPDATE**

Okay, I've had the opportunity to use this DIY shoulder camera strap for 3 seperate events. Here is a quick summary:

My Set-up:

I have the snap on the DIY strap hooked to the D-ring on my tripod mount, and everything else is exactly how it was described in the directions. One change that I made was to take my original strap (Optech with quick release buckles) and take off the thick neck foam pad. I then buckled the 2 quick release buckles together and hooked this, much smaller, strap to the snap as well. This helps save the camera if for some reason the tripod mount decides to loosen itself.

****I Will try to take pictures to put here tomorrow.****

#1: (Camera/Lens/Flash: 50D, 17-55, 430ex) I did an outdoor portrait session at our local arboretum in Kirtland, Ohio 2 Sunday's ago and this was the first time I'd used the strap, so I was a little nervous that I'd hate it after about 5 minutes. Fortunately this was not the case, I carried my camera attached to the strap for about 1-1.5 hours and it was great to just let go of the camera to help position the children for the shots, and then grab it for a quick picture. The one problem that I had was that it did spin somewhat, possible due to the flash being attached, and/or it being too low on my hip and banging around too much.

#2: (Camera/Lens/Flash: 50D, 17-55, none) I carried it from approximately 1:30pm - 6pm for our family reunion on Sunday with minimal to no shoulder fatigue. I was also holding a 40D/100-400 combo on a monopod, and it was great to just lean that combo against my shoulder, pull up the othe camera and then put it right back by my side after the photo. There was some problems with the shoulder pad moving, but I think that I can tighten up the strap to elimnate.

#3: (Camera/Lens/Flash: 50D, Sigma 70-200/100-400, none) I carried the camera and one of these lens from 10:30am-3:45pm today while walking all over Firestone CC South course for the Bridgestone Invitational practice round today. Had minimal to no problems except for the same listed above: a) shoulder pad would slide backwards but became easier to fix even when setting the camera back by my side. b) some slight spinning would occur with the 100-400 attached via tripod plate d-ring on bottom of the camera. I didn't try it with it attached to the to the tripod collar, but spinning stopped just by resting my hand on it.

OVERALL: I'm very pleased with this set-up and love the strap. I can wear it for a long period of time and the camera is always (at least so far) right where I put it between photos. I may have to play with the length a little more and possibly invest in the gel shoulder strap. Thanks so much for links and instructions. This was th best $11 I've spent in a long time.

[KTKintner]

Update on my setup: Well my supplies showed up from strapworks.com the strap with adjuster that I ordered came and the strap wasn't sewn to the adjuster as shown on their website and as the OP said his came. I emailed them to see how they will handle this, but at this point I am unhappy with what I received.

As a sidenote, I'd like to see the OP rehost his pics.

[ryant35]

neat homemade strap...cheap too!

and is that mickey mouse and a blue carebear i see?!
damn..all i have is a mickey..
youre 1up on me!

No, that's Minnie Mouse, see the bow?

[KTKintner]

Update on my setup: Well my supplies showed up from strapworks.com the strap with adjuster that I ordered came and the strap wasn't sewn to the adjuster as shown on their website and as the OP said his came. I emailed them to see how they will handle this, but at this point I am unhappy with what I received.

As a sidenote, I'd like to see the OP rehost his pics.
To give an update Tom @ Strapworks is standing behind their product 100% he is sending me a new strap with the adjuster sewn in along with a return label to return the strap I received. He apologized and stated that the strap adjuster not being sewn in was inexcusable. A+ customer service from Strapworks.com

[Punished]

Sorry guys about my links dying. Cleared my photobucket account and forgot to update my stuff with flickr.

All is well now.

Glad you guys like your straps.

[cpforyou]

I love everything bout this thread except for shoulder pads. The website does not have a well padded shoulder pad. I'd love to make my own if anyone can link me to a place that sells a nice padded shoulder pad to slip onto the strap?

[KTKintner]

This is what I used on mine it's plenty wide enough for a 2" strap, I made mine using a 1.5" strap. I wouldn't use it with a 1" strap though. It is extremely comfortable.

http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Waves-Guitar-Strap-Shoulder/dp/B000TGSM6E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1251164669&sr=8-1

[asysin2leads]

I was fortunate enough to find a 1.5" strap from a small duffel bag that was collecting dust in our garage. I swiped the padded strap off that and put it on my DIY shoulder strap. Talk about night and day difference from that and the plastic one I had on it before. I did buy the ConnectR2 (http://www.blackrapid.com/product/hardware/connectr/) and put it on the 1.5" strap. I wish they would make one bigger. It doesn't slide as well as the other one I had on there, but it's workable and is a much lower profile.