Tripod QR plate as strap connector?

I just got an Op/Tech "Double Sling" so I can carry two cameras. It's similar to the Black Rapid but uses Pro Loops attached to the existing strap points on the camera body or grip. The concept seemed sound but when I got the strap reality set in. Connecting the camera to the strap that way really doesn't work. After playing around, it seems to me the only real way to do this is by connecting the cameras via the tripod sockets.

I was wondering if anyone had connected a strap like this to a QR plate D-ring? I'm specifically talking about the Manfrotto RC2...

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Do not do this! The default rings on those are simply clipped in, and can well come off with the weight of the camera swinging around on them. BlackRapid makes an aftermarket fastener called the FastenR-T1, that replaces that center piece with a d-ring that is designed for that sort of thing. It's made for their straps, but ought to work just fine with any connector that clips on to something.

I hear you. I've tested them a bit and even though they only go into shallow sockets they are very strong. I'm going to give them a try but to borrow a line from Ronnie Reagan, trust but verified...

I'm keeping my long Pro Loops connectors on both cameras so I can still use my regular Op/Tech straps. Each side of the Double Sling has two Fastex connectors. I've connected the new short Pro Loop to the QR plate. That connects to the sling. I've also snapped one of the long Pro Loops into the other connector. That way, even if the QR plate fails, the camera can only drop a few inches before it's arrested by the other strap.

We'll see how it goes!

A quick followup... I disassembled my RC2 plates and made the D-ring holes deeper using a drill press. I then reshaped the D-ring in a vice and reassembled the whole thing. Based on some testing I think it's likely the tripod socket on my gripped cameras or the Pro Loops will fail before the D-ring comes out. I'll keep the safety straps on (since they don't get in the way) and try it out on my upcoming three week trip.

I'd be more concerned about the actual strength of the material used for the d-ring...it isn't much more than pot metal, really.

All cautions aside, I *did* use my plate as the connector like that for 2 years without incident...but that was because there wasn't another option until BR made the FastenR-T1. I'm guessing that you won't see an issue either, but you never know. One of the reasons BR made the T1 to begin with was they kept getting complaints from Manfrotto that they were having to support folks whose cameras dropped because of this use.

So, I did use the RC2 plates and the connection point for my two 40D cameras. I had the second connector clicked in as well for a safety but had no problems at all.

YMMV!