Over the past few weeks I've had a go at making my own camera strap. I've always hated over-the-neck straps that attach to the top of the camera. They always get in the way. There are other straps starting to attach to the bottom of the camera, on the tripod mount. That's smart. So I did that.
So here it is in all of its glory. The first video is of me wearing the strap and jumping around like an idiot. The second is a more detailed look at the strap and how I've attached it to the camera.
I made a mistake in this video. The strap is 1500mm long NOT 150mm. That would be absurd.
Update: I've decided to stop making and selling these straps as Black Rapid has blown me away with their ConnectR-2 and FastenR-2. Seriously, these two products are insanely nice and well built. Kudos to them for stepping it up.
I still use my own over the shoulder strap. It can be found and bought at mec.ca
Comments
Alan - November 15, 2008 6:13 pm
Is that a DanCo product? Might I suggest calling it the DanCo 5000? And you need some disco quietly playing in the background. Please also discretely mention "THIS IS THE LAST STRAP YOU WILL EVER NEEEEEEEEED!!!"
Actually, clever, functional and handy. Neato.
Jevon - November 15, 2008 6:41 pm
Dude,. patent this,.
Patents are so much work though.
Dan James - November 15, 2008 6:55 pm
I can't claim I invented this method carrying. There have been a few straps out there doing similar things for a while. I just used my backpacking/camping know how. Went to MEC and figured out what pieces would work best for a fast a light model that is very secure. It's pretty simple.
Other straps doing a similar style of carrying (but are freaking expensive):
The Y Strap - $25.00 + Shipping
The R Strap - This is the most commercial and probably best made of them all. It's quite well done but way too much padding/features and still expensive at $48-56 + shipping. I also believe they have a patent pending but I'm not entirely sure what for.
Gordie's Sling Strap - $40-49 and includes shipping.
Those are just the three I know about.
Stephen DesRoches - November 15, 2008 7:23 pm
As an owner of the R-Strap, I completely recommend this type of camera strap. It works best when traveling light because I do think if interferes with backpack or shoulder bags.
Bucci99 - November 16, 2008 12:17 pm
I'm off to Joshua Tree in a few weeks and I'm going to be building this strap before I go. Awesome. I hate side-mount neck strap. Thanks for posting!
ron henry - November 17, 2008 3:09 pm
This is very interesting to us here at blackrapid.com.. you might need to tell people how you came up with this idea.. you are under our raves at blackrapid.com coping me in my video using the rstrap..
We should talk.
Ron
Dan James - November 17, 2008 3:52 pm
Hey Ron,
Thanks for your comment! I didn't think my little blog in this corner of the world would get your attention.
As for copying you - sure, your strap definitely was one of the sources of inspiration, as well as the Y strap, and DIY stuff I've found in forums, etc.
If "we should talk" means "Cease and Decist letter coming your way" I can save you the hassle of the legal work. I'm not in this for money. I wanted to build myself something super light and easy to pack (which the Rstrap isn't quite). I thought others on my blog might enjoy something like that (I have a whopping readership of 38). If it's really getting under your skin I'll remove it. No sweat. I've officially sold 0 in case you're interested.
If "we should talk" means something else other than that please let me know :)
Cheers!
ron Henry - November 17, 2008 9:57 pm
Hi Dan - we should talk means lets just say hi at least... It is a great how people are turning on to the Idea of turning the camera upside down.. It really works great. I would be nice for you to contact me at the [personal email address was here - editors note]. I have a Idea i would like to run by you.. nothing about this blog. Its nice to see people who open to the new change in using straps.
Ron
Ryan - November 29, 2008 1:04 am
Dan,
Your "little blog" is the first hit on Google for a search on "camera strap". I like this method of attachment and had never heard of this. I have a 30D+Grip and E1 hand strap and every time I experiment with putting on the neck strap I end up taking it off as soon as possible. I'd rather carry the camera in my hand for 4 hours than have it around my neck. I do like walking with it over a shoulder, but find it not so easy to get into shooting position, the strap gets stuck on clothing. I'm ideally looking for a very compact quick connect for the regular style of side mounting, but if I can't find what I need I'll try this.
Thanks,
Ryan
Laura-Jane - December 13, 2008 10:23 pm
Nice strap! Looks super easy to use.
Umer Khan - December 14, 2008 12:06 pm
Dan, I was wondering if the strap is adjustable (for people with different heights).
Dan James - December 14, 2008 1:28 pm
Umer,
The strap is adjustable. It has a buckle/strap combination that is much like that of a backpack. You can pull the strap through the buckle to shorten it. You can let it out to increase the length.
Cheers.
Charlie - December 23, 2008 1:07 pm
Hey Dan, are you still making the straps? I'm thinking I'd like to get one before we go away in April.
Dan James - December 23, 2008 1:10 pm
Charlie,
I am. I could get one to you in a few weeks.
Kevin - January 3, 2009 4:46 pm
Dan:
I would like to order one of these straps. How long would it take to get one?
Kevin
Dan James - January 5, 2009 11:52 am
Kevin,
I emailed you some info. I can mail a strap out a day after receiving payment. Should take 5-10 business days to get there.
Cheers.
Ernst - February 25, 2009 4:37 pm
Hello Dan,
Enjoyed your videos. Can you tell me the brand of the swivel hook your using? And where have you bought it?
thnx
Joe - March 2, 2009 12:07 pm
Dan,
Any news on the wingnut modification for your strap?
Thanks
Chris Burns - June 3, 2009 3:27 pm
Hi Dan, nice work!
Do you have a list of parts and measurements for materials or can I buy one from you? Heading on first vacation with the kids and this type of application for my camera would work great! Heading to the mountains.
Oleg - June 6, 2009 10:54 pm
Hi Dan,
I would like to get one of them for myself. I have emailed you with some questions about it - not sure if you got it.
Let me know if you still make them please
Thank you,
Oleg