WARNING SPIDER HOLSTER USERS!!!!!!!!

Thank you for the info. I have thoroughly tested the AF and all focus points and they are perfect. I just got my 1dmkIII back from Canon 2 days ago to rectify my AF issues with prime lenses (especially my 35L requiring 20+ MA)

For now my leather belt with spider clip system works. I feel that my black rapid system should not have been neglected. I regret all that has happened. I guess worst could have happened so I am grateful for not breaking my flash (luckily I had it in my gearbag NOT on the body)

blackhawk wrote in post #9837182
Sorry to heat about your MK-3.
Inspect it carefully as there is probably more damage than first apparent. Pay close attention to the mirror box and pentaprism assemblies. Make sure the AF viewfinder dots are still positioned correctly.

I would avoid the Spider.
The Mk-3 is simply too big and heavy (and expensive) to be bee-bopping around with it hanging in the breeze by one mounting point.

A Kata sling with a one point tether that attaches to the upper part of the sling via an op-tech cam strap is what I use.
The sling gives some shock protection, and keeps dirt and water out. The cam is easy to deploy and pretty safe as long as you're standing. You can run as hard as you like, and it won't go nowhere except with you...

AlanU wrote in post #9837349
Thank you for the info. I have thoroughly tested the AF and all focus points and they are perfect. I just got my 1dmkIII back from Canon 2 days ago to rectify my AF issues with prime lenses (especially my 35L requiring 20+ MA)

For now my leather belt with spider clip system works. I feel that my black rapid system should not have been neglected. I regret all that has happened. I guess worst could have happened so I am grateful for not breaking my flash (luckily I had it in my gearbag NOT on the body)

These cams are tough and the L lens even more so. Hope you get a 100% fix.

Consider just tucking it under your arm with longer lens.
The one point tether is not as restrictive as the neck strap, but still offers some fall protection.
Sometimes I simply put my hand through the elastic part of the Op-teck cam strap using the same one point tether with the other end hanging lose.
Never dropped a cam while shooting, but the danger is more so when cleaning it, changing lens, or kneeling down.

I've thought about the clip with a leather belt with holes in them so there is vey little chance of the belt being undone. Kinda scared now

Thanks for the reply Hawk and Robert.

I will be keeping an eye out to see if there are anymore problems before I order (maybe I will hold off for a week or so).

Looking at the belt I am finding when the 1dmkIII hangs on the right hip side it puts uneven distribution of weight on the buckle. The nylon belt crumples up to the top (upwards) of the buckle (left side).

You can literally see the clip cave inwards. Looking at the locking mechanism of the buckle it has 3 points to lock. As the belt crumples it unfastens the bottom "clip". You can see the center button moving inwards.

I should have analysed this when I had bad vibes.

Moving around creates the potential of the nylon belt bunching up on the left side. When you clip this belt you have a very audible "CLICK" when the belt snaps on. 2 instances this belt has failed me.

http://s378.photobucke​t.com …view¤t=MV​I_0270.flv

AlanU wrote in post #9844172
Looking at the belt I am finding when the 1dmkIII hangs on the right hip side it puts uneven distribution of weight on the buckle. The nylon belt crumples up to the top (upwards) of the buckle (left side).

You can literally see the clip cave inwards. Looking at the locking mechanism of the buckle it has 3 points to lock. As the belt crumples it unfastens the bottom "clip". You can see the center button moving inwards.

I should have analysed this when I had bad vibes.

Moving around creates the potential of the nylon belt bunching up on the left side. When you clip this belt you have a very audible "CLICK" when the belt snaps on. 2 instances this belt has failed me.

http://s378.photobucke​t.com …view¤t=MV​I_0270.flv

Have you brought this to Shai's attention?

NO replies from him but it is the weekend.

I do like the well built clip system. I do feel ill due to the crack in my 1dmkIII.

I do find my post to be negative. I apologize if I'm slamming this product. Without a doubt I am concerned with anyone using this belt. I do not want anyone to experience the incident that has happened to me. I question myself to publicly announce this defective/ill designed buckle. If this is an isolated incident "I'm bad". However I truly doubt I am the only one that has had this damage gear. Fortunately I've been using a hood 100% of the time on my lenses. This has saved me from breaking/bending the threaded area of the lens.

My think tank modular buckle cannot be manipulated in any way and is 100% secure. I am using that product as a reference/benchmark.

I've been using the spider belt alot lately. My wife gasped the first time my 1dmkIII tumbled on hard tile floor. I am 100% certain I heard a "CLICK" so I know its not my fault. The second time it happened I turned red in the face with anger knowing its the buckle.

One of the reasons I've purchased this product is because of the claims of support with larger bodies.

I think the "bunching up" of the nylon belt on the left side of the buckle is the main reason the clip unbuckles.

I urge anyone with this belt system to see if you can manipulate the "triple" lock buckle. My buckle unclips one of the "locks" with no effort.

Still no contact from Shai. No contact phone number on their website so I must wait for email.

Spider is pretty slow with email. Their product sure is nice though. But your incident Alan has me worried. I'm going to check out my buckle.

When I told them I was thinking about attaching my 2nd cam to the belt, they responded that it would be best if I could wait for them to come out with their improved belt to handle the stress of 2 cams. They indicated that the new belt would be available April 15th. The official 2-cam belt has no eta yet though.

Lyndon Chen wrote in post #9847444
Spider is pretty slow with email. Their product sure is nice though. But your incident Alan has me worried. I'm going to check out my buckle.

When I told them I was thinking about attaching my 2nd cam to the belt, they responded that it would be best if I could wait for them to come out with their improved belt to handle the stress of 2 cams. They indicated that the new belt would be available April 15th. The official 2-cam belt has no eta yet though.

When I needed to contact Shai I called. Honestly, I was a bit miffed by the fact that I sent two emails and never got a response to either.

TMR Design wrote in post #9847492
When I needed to contact Shai I called. Honestly, I was a bit miffed by the fact that I sent two emails and never got a response to either.

I would call them, but they don't list a phone contact on their website. What's their number?

I got a message from them the other day on my FB page saying that the adapter for the TT belt will be available in the next week or so. I have been waiting for this before I buy one.

Michael (Franko) give me a call when you get yours, I'll come over and check it out plus I'll bring you your off shoe cord.

For what it's worth, I tried opening the buckle by pulling and twisting, but couldn't get it to open. I may thread my leather belt thru the Spider belt as an extra precaution. The vid that Alan posted is pretty scary.

I suppose it's quite possible that Alan has a belt clip that is defective or has a slight variation that causes it to fail but it does make you wonder if it's completely isolated or if there are others with the problem.

There should be a warning and some instruction for testing the clip before using it.


I got the phone number for Shai from Peter (pmnd). I hope he doesn't mind me posting that.

A few years back I dropped my 1DsMKII when it was brand new. An eight thousand dollar body. Don't remember which lens was on it, thought the lens suffered no damage. The body also suffered a crack, on top near the hot shoe. Obviously, this affected any weather sealing and had to be fixed. Canon service also found the focus mechanism/points were out of align. The total bill was close to $700.

So, I know where you're coming from. It is very upsetting. And I have no doubt you are reporting accurately. I know exactly what you mean when you say bunching up and putting stress on the buckle. You have every right to post this. You are not slamming any product, but merely reporting accurately what occured to you. You are doing a service to the community at large.

Let us know when you hear back from them.

mark