How to secure a quick release neck strap

[jobino]

Hello,
I use the Op/Tech USA Utility Strap as neck strap for my 1D Mark II + lens.
I made this Velcro system to secure the quick release system. It works fine.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2566/4190675324_66d667c60c_b.jpg
[link to the picture if it doesn't want to load] (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jobino/4190675324/)
I prefer to have the small part with claws on the outside.
This is an inexpensive customization that keep me serene.
Could this help.

[Ade H]

Neat idea.

I avoid quick release straps because I have little faith in small bits of plastic holding up what is to me very valuable gear and I have read of a few failures. The terms "quick release" and "camera strap" are not good together, in my opinion.

[jeromego]

Doesn't this kinda defeat the purpose of having a quick release strap?

[jobino]

Of course not, i added a quick release system on my hiking backpack and when i go hiking, i remove the Velcros.
I also have another specific system to secure the quick release on my backpack, maybe i'll post the picture.

[jeromego]

great idea. thanks.

[e02937]

I most be dense this morning. I don't understand the purpose here? With the velcro on it's more secure and you don't use the quick releases?

[hfgarris]

I wish they would add a little "slider key" to the body of the quick release which would position itself between the two compression tines and prevent them from compressing in so as to lock the release. The slider could be easily pushed to the unlock position allowing the fork to be compressed and released.

-howard

[tvphotog]

Good idea to prevent accidental release. But I've never heard of an accidental release of these fittings. Has anyone ever had one?

[JWright]

Good idea to prevent accidental release. But I've never heard of an accidental release of these fittings. Has anyone ever had one?

No. I used the Tamrac Boomerang straps for years and years and I never had an instance where there was an accident opening of the quick releases. The boomerang straps are so durable I have a couple that have been on three or four different cameras over the years.

[Jon]

Good idea to prevent accidental release. But I've never heard of an accidental release of these fittings. Has anyone ever had one?I haven't, in a fair number of years, and with the OpTech Pro straps on my cameras and binoculars. Only strap failures I've had were on a Tamrac without QR mechanism where the adjustment buckle broke with an F-1 and 100-300, and on a PacSafe 100 where the stitching failed under the weight of a 300 2.8 IS and 1D3 (the OpTech POTN strap on the 1D3 saved the gear).

[Ade H]

Earlier this year, someone posted here about a broken Optech buckle (and the resultant damage). Someone else mentioned an accidental release of one buckle (which was a near miss, if I recall correctly) and I have seen other similar reports outside of this forum.

That's why I would never use a QR strap. Unfortunately, it seems impossible to find a decent after-market strap that doesn't have the ubiquitous QR buckles.

[ed rader]

Earlier this year, someone posted here about a broken Optech buckle (and the resultant damage). Someone else mentioned an accidental release of one buckle (which was a near miss, if I recall correctly) and I have seen other similar reports outside of this forum.

That's why I would never use a QR strap. Unfortunately, it seems impossible to find a decent after-market strap that doesn't have the ubiquitous QR buckles.


the references to actual mishaps usually read like "he said...she said" :D.

ed rader

[katodog]

This is why I bought a Cotton Carrier and don't use straps any more. there's too much left to fate and the imagination with straps. The Cotton Carrier is much safer and keeps your gear more secure. Also keeps your gear from swinging around like it does with straps.

[Ade H]

The photo of the broken buckle was good evidence, Ed. Not exactly confidence-inspiring. :eek:

[jobino]

Of course, it looks strong and safe but I don't like the look&feel of the Cotton carrier system, it's look "aggressive", for me, it looks like a kind of system to carry guns and i do not have the "gun culture".

[Stealthy Ninja]

You can buy little cable ties like this can't you?! I wonder if they would work...

A bit like this:
http://www.tecratools.com/media/productImages/46125.jpg

I'll seriously try this idea because I use the op/tech straps (without the strap part) to hold my camera to a shoulder harness thing and I'm a little worried it will come apart as I'll scaling a wall or jumping backwards up into a tree.



That Cotton Carrier stuff sure looks interesting to me. BTW. I might have to pick up one for christmas.


Though you can get those side holster things here (non-Cotton Carrier) I'm pretty sure... Time for Mr. Ninja to get inventing (I love inventing stuff... once I invented a camera that stole people's souls, I tested on some tribes people, but they got cottoned onto me and I gave up the idea).


Here is the Hong Kong version:
http://www.663studio.com/product_info.php?products_id=704&osCsid=feb2e9793603ea11b8410c5ce16a931b

Looks scarily plastic. :shock:

[jobino]

You can buy little cable ties like this can't you?! I wonder if they would work...

A bit like this:
http://www.tecratools.com/media/productImages/46125.jpg

I'll seriously try this idea because I use the op/tech straps (without the strap part) to hold my camera to a shoulder harness thing and I'm a little worried it will come apart as I'll scaling a wall or jumping backwards up into a tree.



Nice.

[oRGie]

I stopped using my optech out of paranoia, but recently I started using it again as I like to just have the short bits attached together and add the neck bit when i want to use it. I was thinking how to make it more secure also, more or less came to the same conlcusion about using velcro, so thanks for posting the pic, time to go and do the same. Just nice to have that peace of mind :)

[SuzyView]

I have never had a single failure in the 5 years I've used the POTN Optech strap. I carry heavy set-ups all the time, and not only with the strap around my neck. I usually attach the extra extensions and rest the strap on my shoulder. The quick release has been great, making my life so much easier depending on which camera, and which strap I need for any shoot. The only fear I have is that my 10 year old unclasps it before I tell him to so he can take the camera from me. :) They learn so young.

[msowsun]

The photo of the broken buckle was good evidence, Ed. Not exactly confidence-inspiring. :eek:

What photo are you referring to?

[Ade H]

msowsun: Please read the whole thread, particularly the quote in Ed Rader's post.

[Jon]

msowsun: Please read the whole thread, particularly the quote in Ed Rader's post.Which gives us no idea as to where this photo may appear. Failing specific links we're still left with what Ed described as third-hand reports of such failures. I have no memory of having seen any such photos around here. I've had strap hardware fail on several occasions in the past, but it's never been the QR connectors and always under what I'd consider to be normal operating conditions. Likewise, the strap failures I've seen reported here have been with hardware other than the plastic clips as used in the OpTech straps. In particular, the R-Strap appears to have had a troubled history that's well-documented in the various threads on it.

[msowsun]

msowsun: Please read the whole thread, particularly the quote in Ed Rader's post.

I have read the whole thread and I have read the quote in Ed's post. I still see no evidence of an actual failure.



.

[Ade H]

I still see no evidence of an actual failure.
I'm not going to do anything to assuage your cynical attitude. I can't point you to an old thread that was posted many months ago, by someone other than me, to which I didn't reply (so it isn't in my subscribed threads). I don't know why it's apparently so hard for some folk to accept the concept that products can break sometimes and that some products are inherently less strong/indestructable/durable that others, or are more prone to mishaps or misuse.

[msowsun]

I can't point you to an old thread that was posted many months ago, by someone other than me, to which I didn't reply (so it isn't in my subscribed threads).

Yes, I have a cynical attitude. I don't blindly believe everything I read. Especially when it has an element of doubt or believability.

Are you referring to this old thread?

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=6117488#post6117488

[Ade H]

No: that thread is from summer '08 and doesn't show a picture of the damage (only an example of a clip posted by someone other than the OP). Let's just forget about it. I have to get on with more important things.:)

[Stealthy Ninja]

I have never been in a serious traffic accident, but I still wear seatbelts.

I've never had a clip come undone, but I still like this idea (for certain situations).

:D