Safer DIY R-Strap

This solution is very similar to the other DIY R-Straps on this site.  The one distinction is that I believe this is safer.

The other DIY R-Strap examples found here are awesome.  Carrying your camera with the standard issue camera strap around one's neck is uncomfortable and unwieldy.  So when I started using the R-Straps listed here, I was thrilled with the comfort.  However, securing my beloved SLR via a screw in the tripod mount always seemed unsafe while hiking about.  What if it unscrewed when I didn't notice?  Disclaimer: it never DID come unscrewed, so perhaps I shouldn't complain.  However, this is a more secure version of the strap based on a similar premise.

This solution has advantages over tripod mounted solutions in three ways:
1: It's safer.  Nothing can come unscrewed and allow your SLR to crash to the floor
2: Your camera can be mounted on a tripod without first removing the strap.
3: You camera can sit flat on a table while the strap is installed.

Step 1 Tried-and-true connector

This is the spot where people have connected a strap to their camera for years.  Let's use it.

Comments

[blorgggg]

Really great instructable! Brought me into the useful (and easy to use) world of gromets!

[Starstryke25]

I destroyed a clearance Target Camera bag to make mine complete with film holster (yes, I'm old skool). Sorry no DIY is available but instead of using the camera strap I used the photobag strap, cut off the plastic and threaded a keyring on. The film pocket was actually the lid so I cut off the lid/zippers and had stitching go all the way around as well as the base heavier material to look the strap through to make it work.

Thanks for the inspiration!

[tim_programmer]

If you live in the UK you can get a 'universal strimmer strap' from B&Q http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav.jsp?isSearch=true&fh_search=universal+strimmer&x=0&y=0 This it turns out is a perfect DIY R-strap and has the sliding loop and all for under £6 though not pictured mine also had a little loop of velcro which perfectly fits the standard strap attachment loop on the camera.. long term I dont think it'll last (the metal is wearing the velcro) but when that happens I will likely make something sturdy from the old neck strap. the metal hook on the end is quite bulky (designed for a strimmer after all) but is acceptable - it also means its easy to unhitch the camera from the strap which is nice

[c0lin]

This also allows my wife to attach her own strap to our camera.

I use an old leather briefcase strap while she uses a purple laptop bag strap.

I wasn't entirely happy about sacrificing the OEM strap but it's totally worth it.

And you're right, even with a locking washer, thread glue, etc, there's still a chance that with all the movement the bolt from a DIY solution could loosen. Probably not so much the R-Strap since it has turning joints but vs other DIY solutions this is the safest.

[macgeek]

I never even KNEW about the R-strap!    [WEBSITE:  www.blackrapid.com/ ]

What a awesome invention! - I have a Canon 5D Mark II with a 400mm zoom
lens, and the R-Strap looks like a AWESOME solution to me, (and I bought
one immediately) but I added on your idea, and made a DUEL strap mount
and hooked the R-Strap onto them so I have the sling and the security of a
double strap holding the camera.

I also added a Magnetic mount, so when I need to mount it on a tripod,
(and one day I should post that hack here) so when I need a steady surface
it clicks right on, I shoot, I yank and back to slingin!

Jonathan

[macgeek]

[adysimo69]

You dont trust the tripod screw but you trust that eyelet/material combo? hmmmm............ :-)

[EbenezerGrinch]

I own a genuine "R-Strap'.  The main feature of the R-Strap (what makes it an R-Strap) is the fact that it allows the camera body to slide up the strap into shooting position from the hip.

This strap does not appear to have the slide feature - so I fail to see how this compares in any way to an R-Strap?

[cheshirecam]

It's true, this strap has no sliding mechanism.  However, it has, in my opinion, 3 nice things about it:

1 - It can be worn like a sling across the body (rather than around the neck) which is much more comfortable than a standard strap (equal advantage as with the genuine R-Strap)
2 - It doesn't use the tripod mount which I feel is unsafe (better than R-Strap, unless you have a large lens and would rather mount to the lens itself -- your call)
3 - It's cheap and fun to make.

I'm sure the slide feature is nice on the genuine r-strap, but I have not yet felt like I needed that.

[cheshirecam]

Oops.  I forgot to mention another advantage of this model of the strap: you can attach your camera to a tripod without removing the strap first.  You also don't have to remove the strap to set the camera flat on a surface when you don't have a tripod.  I hike a lot and I do that all the time.

That all being said, the R-Strap is a great idea and I'm sure it's a wonderful product to own.  I wish them all the success in the world!  I just happen to like my strap better.  :)

[pirateaboard]

What's the inner diameter of the grommet?  Looks about 1/2".

[cheshirecam]

Yes, I believe you're correct.  1/2 inch looks right. I should have mentioned that.  Thanks!