BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Some time ago, I stated that I was working on a hybrid sling using a BlackRapid R7 sling with a second CR2 connector and two Optech utility loops. I have been using the system this week and it is great. I am attaching pictures of the system. Please forgive the quality of these pictures; they were taken in haste with my iPad (not the sharpest lens and terrible lighting). The pictures are for illustration purposes only.

neilds37 Loc: Port Angeles, WA

Looks good. Could we have some source links for the components please?

Dandee Loc: Kentucky

Hey Pappy, you were definetly cool and smart...Thanks for sharing that great shot...

gabe Loc: Mobile, Alabama

Like you I too had to scrimp and save to manage to purchase my Canon T3i and like you I do not care how uncool I may be I wear my camera around my neck for security reasons.

PrairieSeasons Loc: Red River of the North

I agree, although I use an Upstrap rather than Optech.

I noticed on the link you provided that they show a guy with a camera with a relatively big lens carrying it lens-out. I always carry the camera with the lens pointing in toward my body. That seems to be less "bouncy" as I walk and also less stressful on the camera's strap ring.

murm Loc: Adelaide, Australia

With a heavy lens such as in the video that seems a hell of a lot of weight for 1 strap lug to handle ?

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Agreed. That's why, when I converted my BR system to use the strap lugs, I got a second connector and used both of the lugs. Nor BR is bringing out a safety strap; maybe I should connect one to the tripod socket of my camera - just in case...... 8-) 8-) 8-)

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

BlackRapid Curve RS7 Strap: http://www.blackrapid.com/products/accessories#all OR http://www.blackrapid.com/products/accessories#straps

BlackRapid Connector CR2: http://www.blackrapid.com/products/accessories

Optech Utility Loops: http://optechusa.com/system-connectors.html

The only serious modification is cutting the loop at the rear buckle to be able to remove the buckle and strap stops to get the CR2 on the strap. Fortunately BR has already fused the end of the strap so carefully cutting the stitching is all that is needed to remove components. I suggest unbuckling the strap and laying it straight on a bench and, as a component is removed laying it above the strap in the proper order and orientation. When reassembling the strap, you can either have the initial loop re-sewn at a shoe repair shop or use a glide to hold the self-locking buckle tight as I did.

One other point. On a small camera like mine, the strap lug openings are very narrow, and the utility loops are hard to thread. Rather than use a string or wire as a pull strap, use a narrow (~ one inch wide) strip of nylon folded in thirds or quarters as a pull strap. Doing so allows the utility loops to flatten out and slide through more easily.

Have fun!

neilds37 Loc: Port Angeles, WA

Thank you!

jonsommer Loc: Usually, somewhere on the U.S. west coast.

I remember being in high school and I tried real hard to both be and look 'cool', not just a little cool, but Steve McQueen cool - and I just KNEW that he was the coolest guy that ever lived, everything he did was cool, and he smoked, too, boy was he cool - until he got lung cancer from his really cool smoking, and then they burried him - definitely uncool. So, I remember this was a seminal moment for my 'Be cool at all cost obsessed young ass' and I thought being my own man, no matter if Steve would have approved or not, was the 'new' cool. Nothing and nobody will ever be as cool as Steve, so the day they burried him, I quit trying. Now, when I see someone trying to look cool, more often than not, they look like fools, and I kinda feel sorry for them for being so shallow. So, moral to the story, obviously, fu!k cool, do what works for you, carry your camera any bloody way you want.

Just in case it matters so I won't be accused of hijacking the OP's question after my rant, I use a sling.

murm Loc: Adelaide, Australia

Good work, I like a thinker ! :thumbup:

Jerry Brown

The only thing I can say is never say never because it will come around and bite you on the butt. been there done that too many times

:D :thumbup:

Joyjoy Loc: Lauderdale by the Sea, Fl.

Thanks MT Shooter, I just ordered one. joy joy