p.3 #1 · My Blackrapid strap failed, camera dropped, lens won't autofocus now
Jason_Brook wrote:
You're not alone. There's not a single "L" shaped part anywhere.
I hang my 300/2.8 from my BR all the time without worry. I do have zip ties as a "catch" for the carabiner to strap attachment. The buckle to open up the strap is also permanently fastened. The odds of a BR failing are just as likely as these homemade rigs and other common options. As usual, these problems are usually user induced.
I don't think one will be posted, he kinda backtracked on the post he made right after me asking. Not sure, but would really like to see what he's talking about.
p.3 #2 · My Blackrapid strap failed, camera dropped, lens won't autofocus now
Same old, same old. BR snapped - broke - loose - slipped....etc.
We are all photographers here and yet cannot post one single picture of the alleged problem?
The mind wonders!!!
Sep 05, 2013 at 02:34 AM
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p.3 #3 · My Blackrapid strap failed, camera dropped, lens won't autofocus now
thierryl wrote:
Hey everyone, so to answer the question. The "L" shaped hook that holds the "door" of the carabiner is what actually broke. I am pretty positive it had to be from some sort of previous damage. I am always checking my tripod mount and the carabiner for tightness as they always seem to work their way loose.
I have read about this happening to a few other people. I do not suspect it to be an issue from the manufacturing phase, especially with the advancements in metallurgy in today's age. I thinks somewhere from prior use the carabiner was overloaded with some type of force beyond its elastic limit which may have caused a slight strain or elongation and thus resulting in an eventual total failure. ...Show more →
p.3 #4 · My Blackrapid strap failed, camera dropped, lens won't autofocus now
Somewhere in the dark reaches of the 2009 or so archive, I have posted a picture or more of the scraping on the rear edge of the bottom plate of my D700. FWIW, I forestalled the continued muck up thereon caused by the BR carabiner by a field-expedient fix: wrapping electrician's tape around it. What a crock. I'm using this now and it works flawlessly on both my pristine Nikon F4 and my equally pristine Canon 7D http://www.adorama.com/CFSSP2.html
p.3 #5 · My Blackrapid strap failed, camera dropped, lens won't autofocus now
I had this happen with the very first version of the BR. A D700 and 24-70 f2.8 hit concrete. Called BR and told them what heppend they told me to get it repaired and send them the bill. They paid for the full repair.
p.3 #6 · My Blackrapid strap failed, camera dropped, lens won't autofocus now
I tried dozens of camera straps before concluding that they all are lacking in some way or another. Some aren't padded enough. Some are too narrow, Some are too bulky. Some are prone to failure or breakage. I look at them as a necessary evil. Almost always in the way. Currently using Domke straps. They are very well made and have swivel connections to help prevent them from becoming too tangled and have rubber woven into the strap so it doesn't slide around on your shoulder or neck. Relatively inexpensive too.
Had a heck of a time when choosing a good cable release several years ago before finding a Pentax model that was just wonderful. None of the cameras I currently use will take the old mechanical cable release but I'll never give this one up just in case...
p.3 #7 · My Blackrapid strap failed, camera dropped, lens won't autofocus now
brunyan wrote:
I tried dozens of camera straps before concluding that they all are lacking in some way or another. Some aren't padded enough. Some are too narrow, Some are too bulky. Some are prone to failure or breakage. I look at them as a necessary evil. Almost always in the way. Currently using Domke straps. They are very well made and have swivel connections to help prevent them from becoming too tangled and have rubber woven into the strap so it doesn't slide around on your shoulder or neck. Relatively inexpensive too.
Had a heck of a time when choosing a good cable release several years ago before finding a Pentax model that was just wonderful. None of the cameras I currently use will take the old mechanical cable release but I'll never give this one up just in case......Show more →
p.3 #10 · My Blackrapid strap failed, camera dropped, lens won't autofocus now
My wife uses a sun sniper strap (similar to BR). We keep it Loctite'd into a tiny Kirk QR clamp, so that it doesn't come unscrewed (and also so that we can swap it between cameras).
p.3 #11 · My Blackrapid strap failed, camera dropped, lens won't autofocus now
The failure will always be in the carabiner or the tripod mount. It will be either it got unlocked or it will eventually fail like all metal product with stress on it.
That's why they've upgraded the tripod screw from a metal hinge that moves to a solid milled piece. But in any case if you get heavy use out of these straps. The metal will wear out at some point in time. You just have to inspect it. I have messenger bags that have metal joints on them. Every 2-3 years i have to replace the strap or metal loops because I physically grind out metal just because of movement.
Inspect your equipment. If you want the convenience of being able to slide your equipment and let go of it to hang by your waist. You have to accept the risk that something might break.
p.3 #12 · My Blackrapid strap failed, camera dropped, lens won't autofocus now
Maybe kind of related....While taking some students abseiling at a school camp, the guy told the kids "if you drop a carabiner on the ground please tell us as the metal will be fatigued and we will have to replace it for safety reasons". There were a couple of posts above which mentioned possible overloading or stressing of the carabiner. If the carabiner is the part failing it could be due to the mentioned problem. If just dropping it can weaken the metal, it could be that we don't realise how fragile these parts can be?
p.3 #13 · My Blackrapid strap failed, camera dropped, lens won't autofocus now
in the 25 years of technical climbing I can say that I have probably dropped a real carabiner or 2 more then once. now putting a good divot in one would have given me pause in using it but not a simple fall from a few feet
the links generally used in these things are far from the real thing.
p.3 #14 · My Blackrapid strap failed, camera dropped, lens won't autofocus now
I've been using a fake Chinese Black Rapid replica for some time now. I really find it so much more comfortable to wear than the normal strap around your neck. This idea of them failing is really scary especially since my product's quality probably doesn't match the BR stuff.
Is there any straps (and I need both a single and a double) that collectively the group feel are of superior quality? Especially at a reasonable price.
p.3 #16 · My Blackrapid strap failed, camera dropped, lens won't autofocus now
PeteT wrote:
I've been using a fake Chinese Black Rapid replica for some time now. I really find it so much more comfortable to wear than the normal strap around your neck. This idea of them failing is really scary especially since my product's quality probably doesn't match the BR stuff.
Is there any straps (and I need both a single and a double) that collectively the group feel are of superior quality? Especially at a reasonable price.
I find the OP/Tech Utility Strap™ - Sling to be a great strap. I use one for my D300/80-400 combo and I converted my Black Rapid to use the OP/Tech hook up's.
p.3 #17 · My Blackrapid strap failed, camera dropped, lens won't autofocus now
Keith B. wrote:
+1
It was obvious from the beginning that events like these would happen.
It has nothing to do with the tripod screw mount itself. it does have to do with what one screws into it. I personally have no issue with my mounting method. it screws into the tripod mount and is extremely secure. you have to intend to try to remove it.
I have read about the BR straps failing and I wonder why anyone would use that style.
Based on this recommendation and the photo in this thread I just ordered several of these for my Black Rapid system. this makes perfect sense just to secure and give piece of mind. I'm also attaching cable ties to the caribenier end like the other photo suggests. Been using Black Rapid for awhile and am addicted to straps for the time being. I like the idea of being able to shoot with two cameras by my side. On a recommendation from RLDubba I'm also giving the Think Tank V20 50 holster a go. We'll see what I feel more comfortable with.
p.3 #19 · My Blackrapid strap failed, camera dropped, lens won't autofocus now
unclemikey wrote:
Based on this recommendation and the photo in this thread I just ordered several of these for my Black Rapid system. this makes perfect sense just to secure and give piece of mind. I'm also attaching cable ties to the caribenier end like the other photo suggests. Been using Black Rapid for awhile and am addicted to straps for the time being. I like the idea of being able to shoot with two cameras by my side. On a recommendation from RLDubba I'm also giving the Think Tank V20 50 holster a go. We'll see what I feel more comfortable with....Show more →
p.3 #20 · My Blackrapid strap failed, camera dropped, lens won't autofocus now
<sometimes it just not worth the effort>
Perhaps you are correct. However, as I look at the photo and system you added to this thread I can see a similar disadvantage to it. Your attachments are fabric and even if they are strong at the outset, as time goes on and they get used more and more may either need to be replaced or fail. Although the screw device on your strap looks larger it still just screws into either the tripod mount or L bracket the same way the Black Rapid does. It just seems to me you like your straps and I like mine and both of them could, at some point, fail. But as one member here remarked; "that's what insurance is for".
I'm using this now and it works flawlessly on both my pristine Nikon F4 and my equally pristine Canon 7D 