DIY cheap r-strap

[pyrosyndicate]

Seeing as how some people are looking for new cameras and since I just did this, I wanted to show an alternative to the standard strap DSLRs come with. I did this with brand new materials I went out and bought cheaply.

Materials:
Camera
1/4"x3/4" bolt (bought from Home Depot, $0.10)
Guitar Strap (from Best Buy, $6.99, $7.66 California tax, 9.25%)


Step 1 - Screw bolt into camera


Step 2 - Attach one end of strap to bolt



Step 3 - Attach opposite end of strap to bolt


Step 4 - Adjust length so camera sits hip level


Step 5 - Shoot


Notes: Make sure you screw the bolt in well, last thing you want to do is drop your camera 3ftt+ to the floor.

I'm also looking for a backup safety for the camera, maybe something to clip onto one of the original strap holder and a belt loop. Perhaps if I add a nut to the bolt it'll be less likely to loosen.

But the strap feels good, very comfortable and easy to shoot with. Good luck and happy shooting people.

[TubeScreamerX]

Haha... don't worry about the bolt unscrewing itself.

You're ****ed when one of the strap ends pops off the tiny head of the bolt, though. Wouldn't use it until you figure that part out.

[IMPrettyretarded]

Get two large flat washers and either a nylon lock nut or two nuts and sandwich the two ends of the strap between the two large flat washers. You actually have the beginning of a good idea but I wouldn't let go of my camera they way you've got it set up now. If you've got questions, I can attempt to draw something up.

[bigandy839]

use a 1" washer to stop the strap "popping off"


so the bolt goes through the washer, through both ends of the strap, then into the camera, in that order.

[Feral]

Originally Posted by TubeScreamerX

You're ****ed when one of the strap ends pops off the tiny head of the bolt, though.

Truth. Has happened to me with poor equipment playing live.

Thanks for the pictorial DIY pyrosyndicate, cool stuff, wish we had more of this because I KNOW we're all out there doing little projects like this.

[ourheartsconviction]

Check out Cotton Carrier, I would NEVER go with the R-Strap because of the multiple threads on www.fredmiranda.com about straps coming undone and having about 4500 in equipment hit the ground.

[TubeScreamerX]

Originally Posted by ourheartsconviction

Check out Cotton Carrier, I would NEVER go with the R-Strap because of the multiple threads on www.fredmiranda.com about straps coming undone and having about 4500 in equipment hit the ground.

my problem with the R-strap was that the constant push/pull on the screw threads inside the camera body eventually broke whatever held it in place. now my tripod mount is loose, moving around a little inside the camera, although it appears to be flush with the base of the camera most of the time. you wouldn't notice something's wrong until you actually screw something into the threads (which are still fine).

never got around to complaining to BlackRapid, but I just sent them an email since this thread reminded me!

(never had the problem of the bolt unscrewing or dropping the camera though)

although their customer service was pretty good when they had just released their first two straps (RS-1 and RS-2) and the quick-fix plastic sleeve to prevent unhooking (which was mailed to me free of charge--whoopee, a 31 cent stamp on an envelope), I hate hate hate BlackRapid for ruining my tripod mount, which would cost $150-200+ to repair...

[Dan]

Instead of a strap like this I just attach both rings of my neck strap to the same left side loop on the body of the camera. Causes the body to rest flush to my hip

[TubeScreamerX]

update to my situation:

BlackRapid has offered to pay for repairing my tripod mount! they suspect it was caused by an overtightened lock nut on the first-generation "FastenR". They also offered to mail me their newest RS-7 strap system to replace my RS-1.



Superb customer service and standing behind their product, that's what that is.

[saberz]

I'm totally gonna try this tomorrow.

[ourheartsconviction]

Originally Posted by TubeScreamerX

my problem with the R-strap was that the constant push/pull on the screw threads inside the camera body eventually broke whatever held it in place. now my tripod mount is loose, moving around a little inside the camera, although it appears to be flush with the base of the camera most of the time. you wouldn't notice something's wrong until you actually screw something into the threads (which are still fine).

never got around to complaining to BlackRapid, but I just sent them an email since this thread reminded me!

(never had the problem of the bolt unscrewing or dropping the camera though)

although their customer service was pretty good when they had just released their first two straps (RS-1 and RS-2) and the quick-fix plastic sleeve to prevent unhooking (which was mailed to me free of charge--whoopee, a 31 cent stamp on an envelope), I hate hate hate BlackRapid for ruining my tripod mount, which would cost $150-200+ to repair...

It's just an oversight on their original models, but like I said, check out the cotton carrier. The guy is a total tard when he's showing off his product, but with the security of these bolts that they're using, he's had the same one in for over a year (according to the video) and the system takes all the weight off your neck/shoulders and equalizes it for your chest/back which are stronger.

+ YouTube Video

[Nevermore]

I barely trust my guitar straps holding my guitars let alone my camera with a tiny headed bolt like that

[vantastic]

yeah, this looks a little risky. be careful!
i saw my friends $3000 guitar get dropped cause the strap slipped off the bolt thing. shitty way for him to start the new year

[zoopnazi]

try using a carriage bolt a a couple large flat washers on either side of the straps. That would make it much less susceptible to the strap coming off. On top of that you could use a jam nut against the camera body to lock the bolt in place, and you've got excellent security.

Gimme 15 minutes, and I'll throw something together and put a picture up...

Edit:
So, the shortest Carriage bolt I had was a litle long, but you still get the idea. I don't think that would ever come apart....

[tad]

fender washer.