FREE Camera QuickStrap (BLACKRAPID) by ARCHellas
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As you read this article, if you find it interesting, useful, and like it, please rate it for me!

I had seen the Blackrapid straps for a while, and been to the web site, watched the amazing videos on usage, and decided I wanted one!  Check it out here . I highly recommend it, and if you are serious, buy one!
But - apart from the fact that it IS a little pricey, I am suffering from the general financial crisis and cannot afford to put out for the genuine item. I even checked the copies and rip offs on eBay and elsewhere, and ........
.....after some research, .......I set out to make my own.

Items needed:
  • A laptop soft case strap (most will do)
  • A piece of angle bracket
  • A small rubber (plumbing) grommet (or inner tube) or (anything you find in your shop!)
  • A 1/4" bolt or a spare bolt from that tripod quick attach (that you never really use)
  • Some tools (Mini drill/drill/file - anything you are comfortable with)
  • Patience
Alternate:
  • A dog leash with a snap hook (the flat web type - not the retractable kind)
 
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Step 1: Find the strap!

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Stock laptop strap. I had several laying around, and I almost NEVER use them, so they were neatly folded in the pocket. If you don't have one, ask your friends, I know a lot of people who do NOT use the strap, and carry the case like a briefcase.

Try to find one with a decent (solid build) rotating metal hook, not the plastic (compound) one. See picture examples.
dalbrecht-1 says: Sep 8, 2011. 10:35 AM
Hey! This is an awesome DIY! Bing in the US, 1/4-20 eye bolts are easy to find and the package came with two with the nuts! Added a nylon nut to go closest to the camera and bingo! And the strap I had was an old one I had been saving "for something"!

It wasn't quite free though. Total cost, about $1.75! A bit better than the $65 that B&H wanted for the real deal!

Thanks!
spaztec says: Sep 8, 2011. 4:23 PM
Just made mine! Awwwweeesome. My padded part doesn't slide back and forth though--its built into the strap :/ No adjustable for me. One size (must) fit all.
ARCHellas (author) says: Sep 9, 2011. 12:28 AM
I have made one with a fixed pad, it works fine because the pad is more comfortable, and the way the system works, it functions fine (since the pad is not supposed to move anyway) the only thing is it limits (only slightly) your adjustment capability.
Otherwise great. Glad you like it.
araujo702 says: Sep 11, 2011. 12:21 AM
Excellent!
I am not a professional photography, I am an amateur and almost felt that some accessories for my camera was quite expensive for my economy, and honestly struggled to carry my bed with the handle originally comes with the camera ... instructive to see his tutorial ah me motivated to do it myself .... thank you very much ARCHellas.
ARCHellas (author) says: Sep 11, 2011. 2:47 AM
You are very welcome! Glad you liked it.
rocket999 says: Sep 2, 2011. 9:47 PM
a ha !so easy
ARCHellas (author) says: Sep 4, 2011. 6:36 AM
Like all great inventions (the wheel, sliced bread, etc.) yes, it is easy, but until Ron Henry came up with it (The inventor of the BlackRapid) it eluded all of us, and I have been carrying a camera around my neck (and sliding off my shoulders) for over 40 years!
Make one, you'll love it.
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