Lens Strap Tripod Socket Failure - How many have had it happen? (Page 2): I was concerned about using the tripod mount myself after reading comments on here and was looking to buy...

huskyrider705 Loc: Phenix City, Alabama

I was concerned about using the tripod mount myself after reading comments on here and was looking to buy another strap, but after talking to the guy's at the camera shop the owner and the camera repairman both said that the tripod mount is actually stronger than the strap lugs. They said there is a large steel plate inside the camera holding the tripod mount. They could have sold me another strap but were honest and said what I had was very good. I have been using this strap on my last 3 cameras with no problem so that's a 0.

darkmanCANADA Loc: Calgary, AB Canada

I have been using the Blackrapid RS-4 for almost 2 years now without any issue. I do however use the Optech Uniloop (http://optechusa.com/system-connectors/uni-loop.html) attached to the left strap lug and the rectangular portion of the ConnectR portion of the Blackrapid connector.

I have a Nikon d7000 and a Nikkor 18-300mm lens so it is pretty heavy together.

I also use both the Optech Utility Strap Sling (http://optechusa.com/straps/utility-strap-sling.html) and the Optech Reporter/Backpack Strap (http://optechusa.com/reporter-backpack.html) when I am hiking.

I have never had an issue with any of the straps. But I always check my gear throughout the day to make sure all the connections are ok.

selmslie Loc: Fernandina Beach, FL, USA

Hankwt wrote:

So ... selmslie is that a no ?? This not about opinions more looking for facts !!!

Life is full of gambles and that is a fact.

As for facts, I have dropped a camera only once in 50 years and it was saved by the strap around my neck - it was attached to the camera lugs.

selmslie Loc: Fernandina Beach, FL, USA

huskyrider705 wrote:

... They said there is a large steel plate inside the camera holding the tripod mount. ....

Metal yes, but steel? See if it can be attracted by a magnet (remove your SD card first).

Take a look at MT Shooter's photos and comments: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-119939-1.html

Anthing can fail if you are careless.

mtnredhed Loc: The part of NorCal that doesn't move

I bought the Black Rapid, but in the end, didn't like the position it carried the camera in. I had the OpTech, and mod'ed the attachment style to the left lug and I prefer the camera orientation.

That being said, I think the straps that use a plate vs a smaller lug to attach to the tripod socket distribute the torquing load better.

Anyone wanna buy a BR strap?

darkmanCANADA Loc: Calgary, AB Canada

mtnredhed wrote:

I bought the Black Rapid, but in the end, didn't like the position it carried the camera in. I had the OpTech, and mod'ed the attachment style to the left lug and I prefer the camera orientation.

That being said, I think the straps that use a plate vs a smaller lug to attach to the tripod socket distribute the torquing load better.

Anyone wanna buy a BR strap?

My question to you is, what if the left lug or the attaching mechanism (Uniloop?) fails? Shouldn't you back it up with the other side too?

huskyrider705 Loc: Phenix City, Alabama

selmslie wrote:

Metal yes, but steel? See if it can be attracted by a magnet (remove your SD card first).

Take a look at MT Shooter's photos and comments: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-119939-1.html

Anthing can fail if you are careless.

I'll go along with it's a metal plate instead of steel which is also metal and from what MT Shooter shows is why I was going to change straps. But since my camera body is also metal this should not happen. I would not use this method on a plastic body camera.

Erik_H Loc: Denham Springs, Louisiana

rook2c4 wrote:

One good preventive measure is to inspect all straps, sockets, buckles etc. regularly, especially before or after use. Look for cracks, tears, loose threading and any other signs of stress. Often straps don't just go from perfect condition to broken in one instance.

Excellent advice! :thumbup:

Sundance Loc: S. F. Bay Area

Hankwt wrote:

- - - - - -..., opinions aside - How many member here on UHH have actually had a tripod socket fail ??? or Have first Hand knowledge of such failures- reading about it on the internet does not count. ???????

I will start I know first hand of none so 0

next ???

I have had an original strap come un-buckled on me once but I was lucky enough to be holding the camera at the time... I now use the op-tech and I like it a lot - (thanks MT Shooter)

plewislambert

CurreyPhoto wrote:

No failures here. Been using the tripod socket on lens or camera for about 5 years.

My camera is in a half-case to reduce wear and tear on the body. I can only attach the neck strap to the camera strap lugs. Never failed yet. If I'm not actually involved in taking pictures I put the camera back in the bag. .
Philip

mtnredhed Loc: The part of NorCal that doesn't move

darkmanCANADA wrote:

My question to you is, what if the left lug or the attaching mechanism (Uniloop?) fails? Shouldn't you back it up with the other side too?

Always a possibility, but I've got both loops attached to the lug, so that seems less likely and the load is distributed over both.

Both my camera bodies have metal internal frames and the lugs attach to that. I suppose the lug could pull out, but at that point I suspect that other forces are at work that are far more damaging.

Erik_H Loc: Denham Springs, Louisiana

darkmanCANADA wrote:

My question to you is, what if the left lug or the attaching mechanism (Uniloop?) fails? Shouldn't you back it up with the other side too?

I had a lug failure happen to an Olympus L1. Boom! instant doorstop. :cry: One hand rarely ever leaves the camera now.

darkmanCANADA Loc: Calgary, AB Canada

Xtreme66 wrote:

I had a lug failure happen to an Olympus L1. Boom! instant doorstop. :cry: One hand rarely ever leaves the camera now.

I too had a lug failure on an old film camera. Actually not really the lug but the ring that attached the strap to the lug failed. Luckily it landed on grass.

Martin 541 Loc: St Albans, Herts, UK

I had one fail and will not risk it again. Fortunately, it failed just before I swung my camera up to take a shot and as the camera strap had lodged itself around my neck it only came loose as I lifted the camera into position. I had been hill walking and was just entering a village for spot of lunch. I hate to think what may have happened if it had failed as I was climbing some of the hills. I retraced my steps and found the missing screw 50 yards away. Needless to say my strap is now attached to my camera the old fashioned way. Not so convenient I admit, but I am enjoying piece of mind.

Erik_H Loc: Denham Springs, Louisiana

Martin 541 wrote:

I had one fail and will not risk it again. Fortuna... (show quote)

Mine was on a regular neck strap. It happened as I was getting it out of my truck on a ferry boat. Lens first onto the steel deck. It didn't break the glass, but the motor drive never worked again. I took it in for repair, but it was a total loss.