I remember at one time you had posted a list of parts used to make this harness system. Are you willing to repost that for us? Your system looks great. I'm tired of fumbling around at weddings as well (in October, my 24-70L took a dive out of my pouch and on to the concrete). Thanks for sharing this info with us...
I too remember when you originally told us about this set-up. If I remember its a TT belt, but the strap used is a third party strap. Thats what I've been looking for myself to try this.
I wish he'd let us know. It would be a great way to start my year
One strap is attached to the backside of the TT belt via the clips and loops, and each of the other two straps hang off of that strap over each shoulder to hold a camera on each side. It works best if the straps are sewn together, but you can just run them through each other as a temporary solution. FYI, I don't recommend the stretchy Neoprene straps, as they stretch too much under the load of 2 cameras.
That RStrap (from Black Rapid - http://www.rstrap.com/) is interesting. I don't think two criss-crossed would really work though.
I worked up a contraption like Chris', but I'm finding it difficult to keep the weight where I need it - meaning when I lift one camera, the other side falls since its counterweight has moved. I also can't keep the belt right - it rides up with the weight of the cameras, and tightening it down so much is uncomfortable.
A criss-cross (think ammo belts, with the cameras on either side - I believe this is how the now-gone-from-the-face-of-the-earth Tiger Strap had worked) might be better, but here the straps are either too long or too short - to get them to hang right AND not be too short for shooting. This is where the Rstrap gets it right, as the camera slides on the strap instead of hanging on the ends.
I was just looking at the Rstrap again and reminded me of something...
One of my experiments was to put a ring on the Canon handstrap, and I hung it from a hook on the belt. It seemed the weight was too much (maybe I just don't wear the belt tight enough) and didn't really work (wasn't accessible enough). It might be worth it to try that again, using the handstrap ring as the mount point for something like the Rstrap instead of the tripod mount (not sure why I don't like that idea)...
Well, after playing with my Rstrap at a couple small shoots, my first impression is that I really like it. Keeps the camera close, and out of the way when not in use.
Yeah, I don't know that two would work, but the one works well. Tomorrow's wedding will be the real test.
I just have to say, the guys over there provided me with some of the best customer service I've ever experienced. Including sending me one of their personal straps free b/c the couldn't get me one in time for this weekend. And overnighted it for free. Pretty stellar.
Not that I'm actively in the industry yet but I've been thinking about my kit and do not like changing lenses during shooting. I've been researching a 2 camera system and really like ChrisDM's idea but I'm concerned with the 2 issues Technocraft mentioned 1 - counterwieght shifting 2 - belt riding up.
Looking at the pic it seems that you would have the counterweight issue. But if you read his description the design has changed to a version that would not have a counterweight issue.
In the pic 1 strap goes from the back of the belt to the outside loop of each camera. Then the 3rd strap goes around the neck to the inner loop of each camera. This would be a counter weight problem.
In his description later in the post; one strap goes from one side of the rear of the belt up the back and down to the other side of the rear of the belt. The other 2 straps are attached normally to the camera are then looped through the strap going up the back. If the straps are sewed or fastened into place i don't think there would be any shifting when you pick up 1 of the cameras. Some kind of 3 way bracket or ring would make it even better.
As far as the belt riding up you can see in the pic that this is happening a little and the belt is pretty tight. I think the heavier you are the less the belt will ride up. Also putting lens pouches etc. on the belt would help anchor everything down. I think I'm gonna try to build one when I get my second body soon. Probably be easier to buy ChrisDM product, any developments on that Chris?
Pete, fortunately I'm too busy taking pictures to work on development of the 2 camera strap at the moment. I can address a couple points though. Counterweight is not an issue. The best thing about my strap configuration is that each camera is supported independently by the belt, so when you lift one there is no effect on the other. Furthermore, the weight is on your shoulder, like a backpack, not around your neck like a strap. In fact it is more comfortable carrying 2 cameras this way than one camera around your neck... The belt does ride up a little though, but it is not a problem. I am currently using it with a 1DMk3/24-70 and 40D/70-200 2.8IS.
Thanks Chris, I glad your busy shooting.
Was I right about the design your using now not being the one in the picture but the one I redescribed after you?
I hate straps and won't use them. So, I use a ThinkTank holster for whichever camera is not in use. Ok, it takes a second or so to swap cameras, but the weight is at your hip and no more annoying straps.
Pete Gebhardt wrote:
Thanks Chris, I glad your busy shooting.
Was I right about the design your using now not being the one in the picture but the one I redescribed after you?
Yes, that photo was my first prototype. I used those neoprene stretchy straps that didn't work, and the straps weren't attached to one another. My latest prototype is made from firm canvas straps and was fastened by a tailor so it is rigid in its holding of the cameras in place.
