Adding quick-release to a strap
Pupator
Registered Users Posts: 2,322 Major grins
I have, and love, my Crumpler Industry Disgrace. But there are lots of times when I want to go without a strap for either a quick trip or for just a few minutes while I'm shooting. The ability to disconnect the strap quickly was one of my favorite things about the BlackRapid.
A couple of years ago I added some plastic clips to my smugmug strap and, while they got the job done, they were big and bulky. Has anyone else added some sort of quick-release feature to an existing strap successfully?
A couple of years ago I added some plastic clips to my smugmug strap and, while they got the job done, they were big and bulky. Has anyone else added some sort of quick-release feature to an existing strap successfully?
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I too have the Industry Disgrace, and was looking for a quick release mechanism for it.
I ended up going to the local hardware store and picking up a couple of small metal swivel clips very similar to this:
http://www.amazon.com/Swivel-Hook-Spring-Clip/dp/B003UY75A6/ref=sr_1_5?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1329755336&sr=1-5
I run the ends of the strap through the "d" ring of the clips.
Then I added a couple of small (1/2 inch, maybe smaller) metal "key rings" to the strap hooks on my D90, then clip the strap onto those. I can put on or take of the strap in a few seconds now. The swivel on the clips also helps keep the strap from twisting up.
Total cost was around $5.
"The camera doesn't make a bit of difference. All of them can record what you are seeing. But, you have to SEE." - Ernst Haas
I have to caution that I used to work for a hardware company which imported and sold this type of snap. I was involved somewhat with the testing process (documentation) and I saw a wide variation in quality with these snaps. They are generally cast "pot metal", and they can have casting bubbles which greatly reduce their strength.
My recommendation is to use a size that is many times larger rating than you might think to need, "and" that you do your own testing in the form of suspended weight, both dynamic load and static load. Do not use human loads and be safe with the testing, using appropriate eye and body protection. Test loads that you can afford to drop.
Do Not, under any circumstances, simply assume that the snaps will support their manufacturer's rating. I documented failures at fractional amounts of the manufacturer ratings. If your equipment means anything to you, test the snaps yourself.
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Yes, they sold the stainless snaps, swivels and "quick links".
I can guarantee you that the only hardware sold in the USA that is 100 percent tested are those designed for human lifting/suspension. Everything else is "spot" tested only. Failures are much more common than you might think.
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Many years ago prior to Opech, I wanted to correct the twisting of my nylon camera straps, and went to a fisherman's store ( also in fishing supplies areas of sporting goods stores) and purchased stainless steel and brass snap swivels for saltwater fishing. These were for bigger fish ( salmon, etc.) had large enough sanps ( like a safety pin) mounted on one end of a stainless steel swivel, and a brass loop on the other end. The nylon strap went through the loop, and the snap (openable) end went through the camera end lugs. It worked well but the hard metal brass snap did wear the inside of the lugs, as would the quick release above suggested. The nylon strap with OpTech works well , does not scratch the camera lug, and it can be detached from the neck strap. I agree that that the metal device descibed by Ziggy is not dependable, since I had one ( not on a camera)break with modest strain, exactly as Ziggy mentioned.
Hope this helps.
Stan
Completely agree.
And realize every additional piece you add to a support system is another point of potential failure, no matter what material it is made of. There are plenty of threads here on DGrin about failures of purpose built straps, buckles and clasps, even with the SmugMug straps at one time.
"The camera doesn't make a bit of difference. All of them can record what you are seeing. But, you have to SEE." - Ernst Haas
Doesn't matter what the material is, if its cast..and this kind of stuff always is.. the "crap" rate is through the roof. Its not that casting wont work, but the QC testing is a lot higher and for cheaper products they cant do it.
I looked into machining a rifle sling QR for the military. They never went through with it, but there was some American made competition that looked good. I will try to dig around to see if any of it would suit the camera world.
Funny I was looking at expensive leather camera bags today. First thing I noticed was the 5cent belt attachments
Gary