Black Rapid strap failure? (Page 3): I too use the Cotton Carrier system and believe it's safely attached to the base tripod socket. It is a very comfortable arrangement when my 7D (or...

mainshipper Loc: Hernando, Florida

Millismote wrote:

I have been using the Cotten Carrier system for almost 4 years now.I have used it with my 50D and 24-105 lens and now with my 6D and 300mm lens. A fixture screws into the camera tripod socket and the fits into a socket on the Cotten Carrier. I always use the camera straps as a backup. So far, no failures of the system.

I too use the Cotton Carrier system and believe it's safely attached to the base tripod socket. It is a very comfortable arrangement when my 7D (or 5DII) is mounted to a 100-400 since that is a heavy package. CC provides both a safety tether (which I attach to a strap lug and always use) and a secondary strap to keep the whole thing from swinging if you are moving about quickly. I can also carry two cameras very comfortably as well. I opted for the arca style base plate option on my setup so I can have a tripod quick release as well as the CC carrying lug installed at the same time. I don't believe the CC mounting arrangement puts an undue strain on the tripod lug. Additionally, I have arca style base plates on my 100-400 and 70-200 telephotos and always use the lens ring attaching point to mount those lenses to a tripod. The reason I bring that up is because I've seen folks attach a tripod to a camera with a heavy lens which most definitely put stress on the body base area.

David Kay Loc: Arlington Heights IL

Dbl00buk wrote:

I bought a Black Rapid RS 7 and have been using ... (show quote)

The tripod socket on the camera is designed for inward pressure. Not outward pressure. Whereas the original strap mounts are designed to handle the weight of the camera. On another thread on UHH there is actually a photo of the bottom of a camera broken out due to the tripod socket being pulled on. So unscrewing is not the big problem. The main problem is the bottom of the camera breaking and of course the camera/lens falling to the ground.

So even if you mount your strap to the tripod socket and then secure a cable from the camera mounting loop, the socket and/or bottom of the camera can still break away and you lose the body of the camera.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

David Kay wrote:

On another thread on UHH there is actually a photo of the bottom of a camera broken out due to the tripod socket being pulled on.

It's on the first page of this thread.

Flipper2012 Loc: Alberta, Canada

I have two camera straps, One is the OP/TECH Harness strap for 2 cameras and I either carry my Binoculars on or a case with a extra lens and other essentials in it My second strap is a single across the shoulder strap by Carry Speed which is very comfortable that I have modified by buying two extention straps from Op/Tech and replacing the Carry Speed Ball and plate atttachments with the Op/Tech extension straps which attach to the camera eye lids, I also have a Side Holster from Cotton Carrier which attaches to my belt . I adjust the straps properley to support the camera weight and then slide the camera into the holster which keeps the camera at my side and allows me to run ,bend do whatevere, even sit in the vehicle with the camera on.Simple the best.

WAL

The US tripod uses a ¼ 20 screw. It is a course thread. It is also a loose thread. You can feel this by how little resistance there is when its screwed in. Even if it is tightened it will become easily loose with a camera dangling form it. Using it for anything other than putting the camera on top of a tripod is a bad idea.
If you are thinking Lock Tight dont.

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

MT Shooter wrote:

I always advise everyone to NEVER mount their camera body to any strap via the tripod socket. It was never designed for that purpose and really should never be used for it.
That said, I do sell such straps in my store, specifically those designed for carrying two cameras at once, but I only sell them with the recommendation to use them only on the tripod collar of lenses that have that feature, never on the camera body.

MT,

I use a simular strap and connection. would have to go out to the exploror and look to see if it is the same one and its pouring here right now but know it is simular. I have never had a problem with it.

I agree with your advice! That said, anyone that does not check their connections, no matter what type, is foolish. I don't care what type or where they can come loose. For the few seconds it takes it could save you a lot of expenses and agravation.

Jim D

Fat Gregory Loc: Southern New Jersey

Occasionally I use a wrist strap that attaches to a strap lug and the tripod socket. Any suggestions for a safer wrist strap solution?
MT if you have a solution at your store please advise so I can purchase ASAP I have a 10 day shoot scheduled.

Hoosier in GA Loc: Milledgeville, GA

davidrb wrote:

:roll: :roll: :roll: Why is this? I have seen all kinds of photographers at many events using tripod mount straps. It secures the body to the tripod, to the monopod, why not the strap?

Having a Black Rapid strap, these comments got me worried about saftey of tri-pod mount. I'm considering using Op-Tech utility loops. This would allow me to convert Black Rapid strap to securing it on the camera same as a neck strap Any comments on this idea?

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Fat Gregory wrote:

Occasionally I use a wrist strap that attaches to a strap lug and the tripod socket. Any suggestions for a safer wrist strap solution?
MT if you have a solution at your store please advise so I can purchase ASAP I have a 10 day shoot scheduled.

Nothing to worry about. Your strap acts in a "shear" fashion upon the tripod socket, a recommended use.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Hoosier in GA wrote:

Having a Black Rapid strap, these comments got me worried about saftey of tri-pod mount. I'm considering using Op-Tech utility loops. This would allow me to convert Black Rapid strap to securing it on the camera same as a neck strap Any comments on this idea?

A definite improvement. But you are only adding to the expense when you could just buy a $22 OpTech strap and be done with it. ;)

Hypno Loc: Miami

MT Shooter wrote:

A hand strap does NOT carry a camera solely by the tripod socket, but has two attachment points. Plus, the attachment point utilizing the tripod socket is used in a "shear" fashion, a recommended use.

Thanks for the answer. I will continue to use the hand strap with more confidence knowing I an not going to destroy my tripod socket.

Hoosier in GA Loc: Milledgeville, GA

I'm considering using Op-Tech utility straps ($7.00) which would allow me to use Black Rapid sling attached to camera lug.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Hoosier in GA wrote:

I'm considering using Op-Tech utility straps ($7.00) which would allow me to use Black Rapid sling attached to camera lug.

I assume these are the ones you are talking about. They will do it.

Fat Gregory Loc: Southern New Jersey

Thanks MT
Please email me your website

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Dbl00buk wrote:

I bought a Black Rapid RS 7 and have been using ... (show quote)

There have been other threads on thus subject with similar comments about the potential for failure. However to this date there is only one report of a camera tripod mount failing when using this strap and follow up questions cast doubt on the circumstances. The risk of greatest concern should be the carabineer unscrewing from the mount. Many users add a tether from the left strap lug to the carabineer as a safety net in that event. There are a number of examples on line,