Strappage…

Wil Davis

OK, here's an idea. In a recent thread, someone mentioned dropping cameras (ouch!), and of course we all know that some cameras bounce better than others, but what is your favourite† strap, or device to help avoid that "Oooooops!" moment?

I got tired of the bulk of the 3" wide, extra-comfort, extendible, advertising-space-available (apply within), shrinkable, multi-use, all-singing, all-dancing, doubles-as-climbing-safety-harness, can also be used as camping hammock, so I resorted to 24" of ¼" parachute cord (plus bowlines), which can be worn around my neck (although I really hate hanging heavy gear around my neck), but can be conveniently wrapped around my wrist for safety:





- Wil


† apart from everyone's fav. (SmugMug strap, that is)

GadgetRick

Blackrapid straps...there is no better.

DonRicklin

A SmugMug strap fitted wi th Quantaray quick connects as below. I can short strap the camera for quick handheld shots by clipping the short ends connected to the camera together. Also this allows the main part of the strap to be stowed not IN the camera back but behind the back extra wide belt strap (Lowpro Toploader Pro 65 AW). Or I clip on the SM Strapp and I'm walking around comfortably with it around my neck!




Don

rsquared

GadgetRick wrote: »

Blackrapid straps...there is no better.

I've been using a basic hand strap for years now. Something like this one. Just a little something to make it harder for my clumsiness to get the best of me and see my camera crash to the ground.

I loved my Blackrapid R5 for the 2 weeks I had it before my camera was stolen... But since I could barely afford to replace even the camera at the time, I went back to the hand strap. I just got a vertical grip yesterday though, so I'm reconsidering the Blackrapid straps again...

I've always found the typical neck straps rather cumbersome and uncomfortable. In fact, I can't wear them just around my neck. When I've used them they mostly sit "bandoleer" style across my chest, but I frequently had a problem with the straps getting in the way of the viewfinder when I go for a quick portrait shot. The Blackrapid was the perfect solution to this, but I use the hand strap in much the same way. I keep a small camera bag slung over my shoulder and if I haven't shot in a while the camera goes back in the bag, but ready to be picked up again with no more than about 2 seconds delay.

craig_d

I currently use a LowePro Voyager S neck strap:

http://www.amazon.com/Lowepro-Voyager-S-Camera-Strap/dp/B000H7KGS2

It's comfortable, reliable, has quick connects and a little case for memory cards, and isn't expensive. My only minor annoyance with it is that it's just barely long enough for how I like to wear my camera.

DonRicklin

craig_d wrote: »

I currently use a LowePro Voyager S neck strap:

http://www.amazon.com/Lowepro-Voyager-S-Camera-Strap/dp/B000H7KGS2

It's comfortable, reliable, has quick connects and a little case for memory cards, and isn't expensive. My only minor annoyance with it is that it's just barely long enough for how I like to wear my camera.

:lol
That's basically like my set-up but without the SMugMug Logo!

Only that doesn't have the clips reversed on one side so you can clip together ends of each like on my set-up.... Not so convenient! IMOH.

Don

Wil Davis

I notice the abundance of plastic clips, and wondered if anyone has ever had a failure (either breaking, or failure to engage properly) - I've seen those clips fail (although not on a camera strap), and so try to avoid them where possible…

- Wil

DonRicklin

Wil Davis wrote: »

I notice the abundance of plastic clips, and wondered if anyone has ever had a failure (either breaking, or failure to engage properly) - I've seen those clips fail (although not on a camera strap), and so try to avoid them where possible…

- Wil

I have such clips on many different items some twenty years old. No failures.

I even add my own to things, like my Booq Bag strap.

Don

GadgetRick

Part of the reason I love my BR strap--besides the convenience of how you use it--is because I'm a big dude (size 54ish chest) so I can't wear normal straps most mere mortals wear unless it's around my neck or over my shoulder. I don't think anyone likes wearing their 50D with grip and a heavy L lens around their neck. And, because of all of the years when I used to power lift, my shoulders are sloped enough I'm always trying to pull the strap back on my shoulder.

The BR straps fit nicely (although not much more room to get bigger) and extremely comfortably. I've carried around my camera all day and I hardly feel it. On top of that, it keeps the camera out of the way of your hands when it's not being used. A quick grab and you're ready to shoot.

They're expensive but they really are awesome.

PhotosbyKW

Being of the paranoid sort, I didn't trust the plastic buckles, nor the lightweight wire split rings, so I removed both and now the only junction between my strap and camera are two matching lengths of Para-cord, with some fancy-smancy knottage to look attractive.

As a Marine, I had dummy corded all manner of imaginable things with this approach and never had an issue.

Even allowing a few less actual breaking strength for any possible quality control issues, at 550 lb. breaking strength, something else will go first.

PhotosbyKW

Wil Davis wrote: »

I notice the abundance of plastic clips, and wondered if anyone has ever had a failure (either breaking, or failure to engage properly) - I've seen those clips fail (although not on a camera strap), and so try to avoid them where possible…

- Wil

No, but then again, I've only ever experienced one zipper failure on a backpack, but it was disasterous enough to bring major drama for an extended trip in the bush. Now, I still occasionally use something with zippers, but never fully trust them. I would feel the same way about a Fastex buckle. For my packs that use them, I have a couple of spare buckles and cord stored away for possible field expedient repairs.

I know, it is anal, but it only takes the one experience to make you a believer...:cry

Wil Davis

PhotosbyKW wrote: »

No, but then again, I've only ever experienced one zipper failure on a backpack, but it was disasterous enough to bring major drama for an extended trip in the bush. Now, I still occasionally use something with zippers, but never fully trust them. I would feel the same way about a Fastex buckle. For my packs that use them, I have a couple of spare buckles and cord stored away for possible field expedient repairs.

I know, it is anal, but it only takes the one experience to make you a believer...:cry

That's interesting, as the reason I asked was that the only failure of a Fastex buckle I've ever come across was also on a backpack; it might have been over-use, or overload, but as you say, it only takes once!



- Wil

Dan7312

http://dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=167676

Wil Davis wrote: »

I notice the abundance of plastic clips, and wondered if anyone has ever had a failure (either breaking, or failure to engage properly) - I've seen those clips fail (although not on a camera strap), and so try to avoid them where possible…

- Wil

colourbox

rsquared wrote: »

I've been using a basic hand strap for years now...Just a little something to make it harder for my clumsiness to get the best of me and see my camera crash to the ground.

I use this one which is easy to buy at $10. It provides definite drop protection yet is easy to slide on and off. However, I'm keeping an eye it in case the neoprene starts to show wear and tear. I find neck straps too clumsy and I really don't like the look, especially the wide straps with huge, loud camera logos on them ("I'm a tourist!").

chuckinsocal

I'll second the suggestion for the BlackRapid straps. A little pricey at $60 but I don't think I'll ever go back to a regular strap. The R Strap is just too comfortable and makes carrying the camera way too easy.