Wickedfn4u wrote:
I believe 99% it was operator error just like anyone else that had issue on here unless they can show different. I was just showing nothing is 100% fool proof. I don't really care if an opinion is different I like the strap and comfort andWill continue to use and recommend.
The problem with statements like that is you don't know what you don't know.
Next time you see me having a problem with my camera strap, please tap me on the shoulder so you can give me some on the spot training since you must have been there. I appreciate you following me around so you can be so helpful.
I guess my point was basically that saying "Well, an Op/Tech strap failed on me because I did something stupid" is hardly a compelling response to a whole bunch of other people saying "An XYZ strap failed on me and darned if I can figure out why."
First off Nill I did not do something "stupid" I did something without looking and thought it was locked. So thanks for that. If you look back to the first page where I asked if he wet the washer like the video instructs to do, and he said no. What I was simply saying is we are quick to judge something failing as a defect vs op error.
John, what I do know is that the strap works for me and I have never had an issue. To sit on here and scream defect or incomplete product without knowing why or what happened you don't know if it was op error or a design issue. If you don't trust something move on like you did find one you can trust. If you need some one to follow you around and tell you when you are doing something incorrect, sorry I already have 4 kids I have to watch over, don't need a 5th.
What you probably don't know is that I deal a lot with relatively precarious situations athletically and photographically. Checking things more than once to avoid Murphy is not only second nature, it's generally important (to me) if I want to live to a ripe old age. Checking that gear over to make sure that I understand that it was to be as safe as possible was done. Yet, the carabiner/hook managed to come undone. 99% user error? Don't think so. Even then, a lightweight design if it isn't a lock and can work itself free. So in my experience, I've found, and you may find it useful too, is to concentrate on that which you know.
It's true - I've got strong views on this unfinished product mainly because it has caused a drop of $5k of gear more than once (and, if you follow above, a not uncommon occurrence). That's worth some discussion - after all, this is a discussion forum last time I checked). Your characterization of "screaming" is silly. We just disagree - get over it.
I'm sure this strap probably works ok for a stroll in the park but it does have a very questionable track record for being secure. That's pretty important for a product whose primary purpose is to hold something securely. $60 straps need to be better implemented than this.
This thread is actually getting comical. Someone says their OpTech strap "failed" because they couldn't connect two pieces of plastic. Sorry, but I'm with Nill...product failure is one thing; operator error is another. That's like blaming a company like Pelican for having defective cases when one doesn't latch the lid and their gear spills out!
One thing I'm certain of after reading this and other threads about the BR strap, they're can not be so good as to risk having these kinds of problems. I'd just as soon use a regular OEM strap than mess with one of these things. Honestly, is it that difficult to use gear with a regular strap?
Like I've said before...I bet BR just loves this kind of pub.
I never blamed OP/tech. I said I put it in wrong in my rush. It still let go so it is not perfect.
This failed the op of this thread for the same reason, he failed to follow simple mounting instructions on the washer. I loved my op/tech strap but it just did not do what I wanted, not because I did not trust it. This one works fine and does what I need and is very comfortable to boot. I will admit my only concern (unfounded) was what kind of bounce the clips on the op/tech could take if my camera slipped from my hand and shock loaded that snap connector. I am sure they have tested it to find out but that was the only weak link I saw in that system.
Still trying to decide if a single strap connection point on the camera is strong enough to hold the weight of the 5DII + 70-200/2.8 non-IS.
I'm with Scott on this one - simpler is better, but I do like the shoulder sling approach. It's much more comfortable for me.
So I took a Lowepro Speedster, which has a shoulder pad, 3/4" webbing and two plastic clip connectors that transition the 3/4" webbing to the 1/4" that gets attached to the camera mount points. Basic, classic strap.
Removed the webbing from the shoulder pad part, and used 3/4" webbing from an old lens case strap and 2 d-buckle things (not sure what to call them, the things that adjust/connect webbing) to form the sling. When putting it together, I threaded both of the plastic clip male ends through the 3/4" webbing. They slide freely. That created a loop with a shoulder pad, 3/4" webbing on the lower part, and the male clips threaded throguh their normal connection point onto the webbing.
Now it's just a matter of connecting the female clips (which are sewn to the 1/4" webbing just like a normal strap) to the camera. I had been putting one strap through the camera mount point, then attaching the other to it with the standard d-buckles, but that creates 2 single points of failure (the strap mount point, and the single webbing piece looped through it). Pretty confident on both of those, but trying to figure how I can get one clip attached to one point on the camera, and another to another point on the camera, since as it is now both of those are supporting 2x what they normally would (the weight would normally be distributed across both camera mount points). Figuring that out would leave no single point of failure.
FWIW, Canon tech support said the single mount would likely be ok, especially with something lighter then the 70-200. They hedged their bet, of course, and said that it would be better to use both mount points.
you can get the same net result as a sling if you use a strap that doesn't bind and wear it long. It also has the advantage of being more stable in place when worn because of the two points of attachment holding the camera closer into your body.
I've done this with my Upstraps, which are typically longer than regular camera straps like the Optechs. They stay in place with the pad and won't slip off your shoulder. However, I did note that when worn in sling mode, you could still get the camera quickly up to shooting position although it would be easier without the grippy pad.
Yep, John, that's what I do/did with my Lowepro speedster and the original Domke gripper. Kind of what made me experiment with the sling style.
The one advantage of the sling setup when doing that is the way the camera hangs when you're not using it. For me, at least, it is in a much more comfortable position.
Best when doing this was when I have the l-bracket attached, and connect the strap to the bottom left point on the bracket on one side, and on the camera connectionpoint on the other. Then it naturally hangs nose-down, and still close to your body.
Oh well - straps are like bags, I think...none perfect for every situaiton, and everyone has their own preferences.
Still interested to hear from anyone on the thoughts of one camera mount point being sturdy enough (or not) to hold the weight of the body and something like a 70-200/2.8...
I use the City Strap, which comes in two lengths, 54 and 65". I use the longer one, which I wear across the chest with the camera on the hip. Even with a winter jacket, I just elongate the strap.
It's the same quick access as the R strap with much more security.
Passerby who found this wonderful forum through google. Couldn't resist coming here to make an account after reading through this thread and seeing the vast amount of butthurt John380 spewed everywhere. The excuses in this thread were absolutely ridiculous. I doubt John380 would bitch about his rebels strap as much as he has the BR strap if that were to fail on him (also - Implying it failed) It states clearly on the instructions for the BR straps on their website that they recommend wetting it, saying "oh I paid $65 for it it should work out of the box" is like saying "I paid $25,000 for my car why the fuck should I have to keep it topped up with oil" that's hilariously immature, they give clear instructions on how to PROPERLY use the product and it's user error if you don't fellow them. The other comedic comments I had a good laugh at were complaining how "its by my hip it hits on things " like another user here stated that's like saying "boohoo my camera gets bumped when it loaded in my CC and I lay on my stomach" or "my neck strap makes my camera swing freely when I bend over to pick something up" no shit.
I swear by my BlackRapid strap - Been using it for a year with a 6 kilo rig. Although I check the fastening on a daily basis, it has NEVER been the slightest bit loose.
Did you make sure that it had the compression 'rubber' washer? That is essential to be in place.
I just goes to prove that kit must be checked out regularly... If we don't check it out, unexpected things can happen
" like another user here stated that's like saying "boohoo my camera gets bumped when it loaded in my CC and I lay on my stomach" or "my neck strap makes my camera swing freely when I bend over to pick something up" no shit.