BlackRapid strap clones - Focus & Fotasy

J

jdeg

^ broke something
Staff member
I found something interesting when looking at camera straps. I first went to view the BlackRapid sport, then quickly discovered that there are two others that are nearly identical with the stitching patterns, plastic pieces, and hardware...

The BlackRapid sport strap:
BlackRapid_RS-Sport_Strap-001.jpg

04_Black_Rapid_RS-Sport_2_Black_35410206.jpg

The Fotasy strap:
edit: I've since purchased this strap and did a quick review: http://nikonites.com/other-photography-equipment/25127-fotasy-quick-strap-review.html
91rbL7grL%2BL._SL1500_.jpg

71Ph4gbqO-L._SL1500_.jpg



The Focus F-1 strap:
61fT2YA6c4L._SL1500_.jpg

61g3tdZ00NL._SL1500_.jpg



Obviously I don't have all 3 to compare side by side, but I wouldn't doubt if they were all made in the same factory in China. Does anyone have either of the copies? There's such a big price difference for the same thing, I really don't see any reason not to buy the copies. (I did see a report of the hardware breaking on one of them, but they've since changed the hardware)

Differences by looking at the pics:
  1. Front plastic clips have opening in the center where BR has openings angled and closer to one side
  2. Other plastic clips look slightly different
  3. BR D-ring is engraved
  4. Clip has a screw lock instead of a sliding spring lock on BR
  5. Attachment to strap is rectangular on BR vs D shaped on others
  6. Front fabric loop is shorter on the BR
  7. Fotasy & Focus appear to be the exact same thing


If anyone can figure out which Chinese (I'm assuming here) factory actually makes these that would be splendid. Seriously, I'd like to know. (possible Nikonites version? :) )

Edit: Here's another one: Amazon.com : MegaGear Single Shoulder Neoprene Neck Strap Belt For Camera SLR DSLR Black : Camera & Photo It looks very similar, but not as similar the the 3 above...

Edit2: And another one that appears to be the same as the Focus & Fotasy without a name at all: Quick Strap Shoulder Strap for SLR/DSLR Cameras (Black)

Edit3: One more that appears to be the same as the MegaGear: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...=as2&tag=nikonites-20&linkId=JJ6CNFVXKTZ4MU24 made by http://www.hkneo.com/
 
Horoscope Fish

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
carguy said:
My money says knock-off.
Click to expand...
Definitely. Waaaay too many really minor details replicated exactly to be coincidence if you ask me. Then too I think BR gets absolutely INSANE prices for their gear so I can't say I'm shedding any tears for finding out their stuff is being copied.

...

...
 
J

jdeg

^ broke something
Staff member
carguy said:
My money says knock-off.
Click to expand...

Horoscope Fish said:
Definitely. Waaaay too many really minor details replicated exactly to be coincidence if you ask me. Then too I think BR gets absolutely INSANE prices for their gear so I can't say I'm shedding any tears for finding out their stuff is being copied..
...
Click to expand...

Keep in mind a lot of factories in China literally have two assembly lines that make the same thing. The only difference is one is maybe slightly better and made for an OEM. I don't know that for a fact in this case, but I wouldn't doubt it. That being said, it's not hard to copy something that is sewn together.
 
B

Bill16

Senior Member
Man At those prices I'd be tempted to buy one of each to see how they compare to my black rapid sport! I might too, when my check gets here on Monday. But I need a Nikon MB-D10 much more as soon as I can manage to get one!
 
E

Elliot87

Senior Member
Just looked these up on Amazon Uk and the Fotasy strap is going for around £85! Bit of a difference from the US price of $18. Shame as I'd definitely get one for £20 or less.
 
C

Cowleystjames

Senior Member
No under arm strap and it was one half of a double. When checking the other one, there was absolutely no sign of fraying or bad stitching. However, after pulling sharply on it a few times, that one also sheared in the same place.
Comparing it to my Black Rapid DR1, it's not a patch on it quality wise. All the stitch points on the BR are double stitched with far tougher looking stitching.
The Q strap looked great but was fatally flawed, a bit like the F35!
 
J

jdeg

^ broke something
Staff member
Cowleystjames said:
No under arm strap and it was one half of a double. When checking the other one, there was absolutely no sign of fraying or bad stitching. However, after pulling sharply on it a few times, that one also sheared in the same place.
Comparing it to my Black Rapid DR1, it's not a patch on it quality wise. All the stitch points on the BR are double stitched with far tougher looking stitching.
The Q strap looked great but was fatally flawed, a bit like the F35!
Click to expand...
Oh okay. That one is made by the same company that makes the single that I mentioned earlier. As far as i can tell the ones mentioned in the first post are not made by that company.
 
T

TedG954

Senior Member
My Focus strap is attached in two locations with double stitching. It's identical to the Black Rapid. I'd suggest that you actually see the strap you're intending to buy. If you can't, and spending more money provides more confidence, you should probably get the BR.
 
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