DIY Camera Strap Quick Release [Archive] - Canon Digital Photography Forums

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Lysendriel

11th of March 2010 (Thu), 18:39

So, after I received the Cotton Carrier system for Christmas, I've come to realize just how much of a pain it is to detach and reattach my camera straps every time I use the CC. Now, being a somewhat poor college student, I didn't want to buy two new straps for my camera, so I went off looking for an alternative solution. In the end, I decided to make my own, using my Canon straps.

All you need are two of Optech's "Adapt Its" ( $3.95 for 4 at B&H http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/542472-REG/OP_TECH_USA_1301322_System_Connectors_Adapt_Its_.h tml ) and 2 stainless steel quick links (or other fastener of your choice), which can be anywhere from $0.50-1.00 individually, or cheaper in bulk at your local hardware store. I bought my in sets of three at Home Depot for about $1.50. All together, it cost me a little less than $10 to create a quick release system for my Canon straps.

First. Attach the adapt-its. They are kind of a pain to put on, you can soak them in hot water to soften them, then use pliers to squeeze them in. Here is a pic of what they look like on my 20d.

http://i44.tinypic.com/10z5m5j.jpg

Next, attach the quick links (or fastener of your choice) to your existing strap. I attached my strap to the link just like I attach my strap to the camera. Sorry for the slightly oof pics, my nifty fifty is not aware it actually has AF :rolleyes:, so I tried manual. Clearly, I need a little practice.

http://i43.tinypic.com/2akbplj.jpg

http://i39.tinypic.com/4tvq0l.jpg

Finally, all you need to do is attach the quick links to the adapt-its.

http://i43.tinypic.com/dxxow1.jpg

http://i42.tinypic.com/2k4y11.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/152duh1.jpg

And presto! Cheap and easy quick release.

My only concern so far has been whether or not the quick links will scratch the body/screen on my 20d, but seeing as it is already a few years old, what's a little more wear and tear? I looked at plastic hooks, especially plastic swivel hooks, but I just couldn't image that they were hardy enough to trust with my camera gear. In reality, I much rather prefer a few surface scratches than watching my camera and glass snap of my neck and shatter on the ground. *shudders*

So, just thought I would share my little project, feel free to question or comment. ;)

booboo

11th of March 2010 (Thu), 18:42

isnt there a carabiner that is rubber coated

SkedAddled

11th of March 2010 (Thu), 19:00

Great idea, and those Adapt Its seem cool and are reviewed as being exceptionally strong.
Not sure I'd want to use bare metal links, though.

Mocows

12th of March 2010 (Fri), 12:35

I imagine you could use a little bit of rubbery tape to cover most of the bare metal, one or two layers should keep the scratches away.

Great idea! Could also work with pacsafe straps too as they have quick releases as well.

Lysendriel

12th of March 2010 (Fri), 14:14

I'm not too concerned about scratches, but I thought a bit of electrical tape would probably work well. I may add some if it bothers me, just haven't gotten around to it yet.

1stGenRex

12th of March 2010 (Fri), 14:50

I'm not too concerned about scratches, but I thought a bit of electrical tape would probably work well. I may add some if it bothers me, just haven't gotten around to it yet.

or you can get some plastidip (http://www.plastidip.com/home_solutions/Plasti_Dip) and after covering the threads, spray a few coats on...

7D_Sniper

19th of May 2010 (Wed), 15:47

I'm a huge fan of DIY and this is an awesome project I like it. I was going to recommend the plastidip as well. I hate having to remove my camera strap it's a pain to say the least. I might have to try this one.

photopat

19th of May 2010 (Wed), 16:06

or just put some heat shrink tubing over it.

effstop

19th of May 2010 (Wed), 22:16

I was just trying to figure out a quick release system and this idea looks great.

Would this system also work with a handstrap? I am always going back and forth between hand and neck strap.

DigiNon

18th of February 2011 (Fri), 23:02

Has anyone figured out another way of doing this but without the metal pieces? Are there any other secure plastic pieces that can be used?

matthew1371

19th of February 2011 (Sat), 00:03

Why not use the Op-Tech "mini QD loops" instead? Same concept, quick release but without the issue of metal scratching things up.

http://optechusa.com/system-connectors/mini-qd-loops.html

DigiNon

19th of February 2011 (Sat), 00:07

Why not use the Op-Tech "mini QD loops" instead? Same concept, quick release but without the issue of metal scratching things up.

http://optechusa.com/system-connectors/mini-qd-loops.html

I've seen some like this but never thought they were very trust worthy. Would these handle the weight of a 5dII gripped with 70-200mm 2.8 is? Not really planning on putting that setup around my neck but I would feel comfortable using a setup that can easily handle such weight.

matthew1371

19th of February 2011 (Sat), 00:18

I've seen some like this but never thought they were very trust worthy. Would these handle the weight of a 5dII gripped with 70-200mm 2.8 is? Not really planning on putting that setup around my neck but I would feel comfortable using a setup that can easily handle such weight.

No clue, never used those before so I've no idea what their load-bearing capability is.

Woodsmoke

19th of February 2011 (Sat), 20:29

There is a post on here where a guy tested the Adapt Its and was unable to break them and as far as the quick links go, I've used all different sizes for everything from tow chains to dorg chains to hanging planters and bird feeders and have never had one of them fail either.
Personally though I would look for a fastener type that allows a quicker release.

mguffin

19th of February 2011 (Sat), 21:00

kimboy

19th of February 2011 (Sat), 21:29

That's going to leave a mark

DigiNon

19th of February 2011 (Sat), 21:57

Looks like OP/TECH's Utility Loop would keep the carabiner far enough away from the body to prevent scratching... Also, I think the Mini QD Loops are for small P&S cameras...

http://optechusa.com/system-connectors/utility-loop.html

Damn I wish you would've posted this a few hours ago before I ordered the other ones...

Robinson Crusoe

23rd of January 2012 (Mon), 19:26

I don't want straps hanging at the sides of my camera so Lysendriels solution is perfect to me. The only problem seems to be that metal-rubber thing, has anyone come up with a solution? And if i order quick links which size do you recommend? Thank you Lysendriel, i think your solution is way better and reliable than op-tech products bw!

Edit : 1/8 inch seems to be the size that'll work for most equipment

Robinson Crusoe

13th of February 2012 (Mon), 14:21

With hot shrink tubes, at last i'm satisfied with the result :)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7183/6871479419_bafc8d03c2_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71418423@N06/6871479419/)
DIY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71418423@N06/6871479419/) by rbnsncrs (http://www.flickr.com/people/71418423@N06/), on Flickr

This is the heat shrink tubes i bought btw, if someone else will look for it...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005W42SW2/ref=oh_o00_s02_i00_details

ben_r_

14th of February 2012 (Tue), 00:27

There are a number of inexpensive solutions much less bulky and less likely to scratch your camera up that Op/Tech makes. Did you look into those and why didnt you go with one?

2mnycars

14th of February 2012 (Tue), 07:43

Looks like OP/TECH's Utility Loop would keep the carabiner far enough away from the body to prevent scratching... Also, I think the Mini QD Loops are for small P&S cameras...

http://optechusa.com/system-connectors/utility-loop.html

They're well made; I wouldn't hesitate to use 2 on my d300s and grip; lens is heavy too. Surprisingly strong.

Robinson Crusoe

14th of February 2012 (Tue), 07:44

I wrote the reason 2 messages ago, all their products come up with a solution that a little part of the strap is hanging at the sides of the camera. I don't care spending a few more bucks to get exactly what I want.

T2i4me

14th of February 2012 (Tue), 11:55