WARNING! Black Rapid strap copies...

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Elliot87

Senior Member
This has been said before but I wanted to share my experience with a Black Rapid copy failing.
Last year I didn't heed warnings and bought this Focus strap from ebay Focus F-1 Quick Rapid Shoulder Sling Belt Neck Strap For Camera SLR DSLR Black | eBay. The quality actually seemed very good but I didn't use it much with my Nikon and ended up putting a FLIR thermal imaging scope that my work provided. This weighs nowhere near as much as my Nikon gear so I had no concerns despite it still being worth upwards of £1000.

Unfortunately the metal on the carabiner snapped off whilst I was showing my boss how useful the strap was, fortunately the scope was in my hand and it didn't drop to the floor.

Here are a few shots to show the strap and where it broke. I think it is just a case of cheap metal. I had given the strap relatively little use and nothing you'd call abuse, yet it broke without warning. I wouldn't recommend anyone buys this strap or other BR copies, they're not worth the risk.

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DSC_8520.jpg
 
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Bill16

Senior Member
Thanks for the heads up my friend! That is a scary thought! Thankfully I'm sure I have a real one, though now I am nervous even about it.lol :)

I'm sure glad you saved the scope! Bet your heart skipped a beat or two! :)
 
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Elliot87

Senior Member
I'll have a look at the BosStrap as I'm looking for a replacement. Carry Speed straps look good but I've read about the ball and socket failing on them. Ihave moremoney invested in my gear now and I'm not going to take a risk with it.
 
D

Don Kuykendall_RIP

RIP :(
Elliot87 said:
I'll have a look at the BosStrap as I'm looking for a replacement. Carry Speed straps look good but I've read about the ball and socket failing on them. I have more money invested in my gear now and I'm not going to take a risk with it.
Click to expand...

What I like about my BosStrap is that is does not tie up the tripod mount and I use the BosTail so it does not use the carabiner although you could modify it to it you wanted. This is the one I use. BosStrap One Piece Sliding Sling Strap | BosStrap
 
Horoscope Fish

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
I've had and used Black Rapid shoulder straps (too bulky IMO). Then I was a fan of the BosStrap and it was okay but then it got lost and I found the Joby Sling Strap which I still use. Finally! The right strap for me. It not only lets your camera slide, like a BosStrap, the Joby extends as you pull then with a pull of a ring, it retracts. I can only suggest you watch the videos if you're in the market for a new strap, I love the Joby!
 
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E

Elliot87

Senior Member
Horoscope Fish said:
I've had and used Black Rapid shoulder straps (too bulky IMO). Then I was a fan of the BosStrap and it was okay but then it got lost and I found the Joby Sling Strap which I still use. Finally! The right strap for me. It not only lets your camera slide, like a BosStrap, the Joby extends as you pull then with a pull of a ring, it retracts. I can only suggest you watch the videos if you're in the market for a new strap, I love the Joby!
Click to expand...

Joby is what I'm leaning towards now. Read a few amazon reviews of people having it unscrew and drop their gear but I will add a tether for added peace of mind.
 
Horoscope Fish

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
Elliot87 said:
Joby is what I'm leaning towards now. Read a few amazon reviews of people having it unscrew and drop their gear but I will add a tether for added peace of mind.
Click to expand...
I'm dubious when I read such things, personally. The strap uses a thick, squishy rubber gasket that prevents the screw from reversing. While I suppose anything is possible, I'd be curious to know how well secured the mount was to start with because I *really* can't see that happening. In fact I've routinely had difficulty get the mount UNSCREWED because it's actually pretty easy to "over tighten" it. Buy whatever strap makes you happy but I don't make recommendations lightly.
 
D

Don Kuykendall_RIP

RIP :(
Elliot87 said:
When you use it with the 150-600mm are you supporting the lens by holding the tripod collar, or is the strap attached some other way?
Click to expand...

Most of the time I have a hand on my camera no matter what lens is on because I don't like it bouncing against my leg all the time but with the 150-600 I do use the tripod collar as a handle since I set my strap at just the right length that my hand fits the camera at a comfortable distance while walking. The camera does dangle at times while I have to have both hands free to do something else.
 
D

Don Kuykendall_RIP

RIP :(
Horoscope Fish said:
I've had and used Black Rapid shoulder straps (too bulky IMO). Then I was a fan of the BosStrap and it was okay but then it got lost and I found the Joby Sling Strap which I still use. Finally! The right strap for me. It not only lets your camera slide, like a BosStrap, the Joby extends as you pull then with a pull of a ring, it retracts. I can only suggest you watch the videos if you're in the market for a new strap, I love the Joby!
Click to expand...

I just don't like tying up the tripod mount all the time. I use my tripod in the field a lot and at times the tripod is in a precarious place so I leave the strap on so if the tripod falls the camera will stay with me. Just extra security for me.
 
E

Elliot87

Senior Member
Horoscope Fish said:
I'm dubious when I read such things, personally. The strap uses a thick, squishy rubber gasket that prevents the screw from reversing. While I suppose anything is possible, I'd be curious to know how well secured the mount was to start with because I *really* can't see that happening. In fact I've routinely had difficulty get the mount UNSCREWED because it's actually pretty easy to "over tighten" it. Buy whatever strap makes you happy but I don't make recommendations lightly.
Click to expand...

I tend to take all "no name" reviews on places like amazon with a pinch of salt. That's why I prefer to canvas opinions on here where you can get to know different members a little. I was leaning towards the Joby as soon as I saw it and your recommendation has sold it to me even more, hopefully it's in stock in my local store so I can have a look atone and maybe buy it today.

I figure I can either attach it to the tripod foot for hands free carrying, or to the body itself and hold the foot like Don has been doing so I can mount to a tripod quickly.
I see Joby also sell quick release plate that can be used with this strap. It's actually cheaper on amazon when you buy it with a hand strap than on its own. Joby UltraFit Hand Strap with UltraPlate: Amazon.co.uk: Camera & Photo
 
Vixen

Vixen

Senior Member
Don Kuykendall said:
Most of the time I have a hand on my camera no matter what lens is on because I don't like it bouncing against my leg all the time but with the 150-600 I do use the tripod collar as a handle since I set my strap at just the right length that my hand fits the camera at a comfortable distance while walking. The camera does dangle at times while I have to have both hands free to do something else.
Click to expand...

This is what I do too. I think it is too heavy to leave dangling with all weight on that one screw in point.
 
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gav329

Senior Member
Sorry but why spend more than a £1000 (easy on camera equip) and hang it on a crap cheap strap? I despair sometimes, why be stindgy when it comes to a strap?? Glad your camera ok though mate.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
C

carguy

Senior Member
Elliot87 said:
This has been said before but I wanted to share my experience with a Black Rapid copy failing.
Last year I didn't heed warnings and bought this Focus strap from ebay Focus F-1 Quick Rapid Shoulder Sling Belt Neck Strap For Camera SLR DSLR Black | eBay. The quality actually seemed very good but I didn't use it much with my Nikon and ended up putting a FLIR thermal imaging scope that my work provided. This weighs nowhere near as much as my Nikon gear so I had no concerns despite it still being worth upwards of £1000.

Unfortunately the metal on the carabiner snapped off whilst I was showing my boss how useful the strap was, fortunately the scope was in my hand and it didn't drop to the floor.

Here are a few shots to show the strap and where it broke. I think it is just a case of cheap metal. I had given the strap relatively little use and nothing you'd call abuse, yet it broke without warning. I wouldn't recommend anyone buys this strap or other BR copies, they're not worth the risk.
Click to expand...


Thank you for sharing - a strong warning for sure.

My BlackRapid hand strap is on my D7100 full time. The only time I remove it is to use one of my BR Sport sling straps.

My tripod mount is accessible 24/7 thanks to this fastener for my Manfrotto RC2 : BlackRapid FastenR Tripod (FR-T1) :)

productimage_7724_main.jpg


Have Arca Swiss? no worries: Tripod Plate
 
E

Elliot87

Senior Member
gav329 said:
Sorry but why spend more than a £1000 (easy on camera equip) and hang it on a crap cheap strap? I despair sometimes, why be stindgy when it comes to a strap?? Glad your camera ok though mate.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

When I bought it I didn't have £1000 plus camera equipment, I had less than £500 and in the end seldom used the strap. At that stage seemed excessive to spend 20% of the cost of my gear on a strap. When it broke it had very light equipment which cost me nothing and it didn't fall anywhere which was fortunate.

Now that I have heavier more expensive gear there is no way I'd risk it, hence the rest of this thread talking about better strap options.

I agree it was a mistake to buy that strap, one that I wouldn't want others to make, that's why I posted this.
 
D

Don Kuykendall_RIP

RIP :(
carguy said:
Thank you for sharing - a strong warning for sure.

My BlackRapid hand strap is on my D7100 full time. The only time I remove it is to use one of my BR Sport sling straps.

My tripod mount is accessible 24/7 thanks to this fastener for my Manfrotto RC2 : BlackRapid FastenR Tripod (FR-T1) :)

productimage_7724_main.jpg


Have Arca Swiss? no worries: Tripod Plate
Click to expand...

I looked at this adapter and can not figure out how it would work. Does the strap still have to be removed to use it when it is on the tripod?
 
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