MrT Loc: Gilbert, AZ

MT Shooter is right again. I have a D7000 with an MB-D11 and frequently use a 70-300 4.5-5.6 VR lens. I found this great strap, SpeedCarry, it attaches to a Arca Swiss compatible quick release plate that attaches to the tripod socket. Very convenient. It keeps the quick release plate accessible and no neck strain. The problem is the camera and lens are too much weight for the screws holding the MB-D11 together. The main switch on the D7000 went out and I had to send it to Nikon for repair, they did a great job, when I tried to take the MB-D11 off, the locking dial(?) would spin but not loosen the tripod socket screw. I pushed down on it hard and finally got it removed. Upon getting the camera back from Nikon, I tried to re-attache the MB-D11 and had more difficulty. I took the MB-D11 apart expecting a problem with the locking screw and all 6 of the screws the hold the top plate of the MB-D11 together had broken screw threads. I was able to super glue them back together and reassemble the MB-D11 and reattach it to the D7000 but do not think it is a long term fix. I still like the convenience of the strap so I bought the Black Rapid ConnectR-2 and have attached it to the spring clip attached to D7000's strap lug. We will see how that goes. Lesson learned.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

T, I had a little trouble following your post. But it sounds like your problem was NOT with the camera but with the QR bracket?
Personally I would never attach anything to the tripod socket other than a tripod!
That said I recall it was brought up that nikon itself makes a strap that goes on the socket.
But keep it in perspective, a pro body shell with NOTHING in it weighs more than a 7000 with a kit lens attached!! Why do you think that is? Not all cameras are created equally, so we still need to use our heads.
So let's be factual here. Was your problem with the camera itself or the auxiliary QR plate or both? Was it a genuine ArcaSwiss plate or a knock-off? ;-)
SS

Erik_H Loc: Denham Springs, Louisiana

SS,
I don't think that it was the camera or the QR plate that failed, but the battery grip.

Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

Sounding like the title is a bit misleading - it appears that it was the GRIP that had the failure, not the camera.

jethro779 Loc: Tucson, AZ

It also presents a good reason for not using a strap and a grip together.

Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

FWIW - I have used a BR strap on my Nikon D7100 for a year now with a Mieke Battery grip with no issues.

The grip is now off the camera due to an electrical failure and I will replace with an OEM Nikon brand grip shortly and go back to using my BR strap with confidence. The Nikon grip is a much more solidly built grip than the Mieke "knock off".

Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago

After seeing some of the pics MT has posted of tripod socket failures caused by mounting straps to it, I would definitely not use it.
But, to each their own.

Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

Yes, it is definitely a your mileage may vary - lots of variables.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

I think I was the first to provide the link to the Nikon Black Rapid Strap last year. Here's a link to it again. You'll note this is on Nikon's site. They certainly seem to be supporting the idea of a tripod mounted strap.

http://www.nikon.com/news/2014/0225_strap_03.htm

Here's text from the ad:

"Along with the great mobility offered by BlackRapid products through specifications that enable on-the-go shooting with a mechanism that allows the camera to slide diagonally up and down the shoulder strap, a system that utilizes the camera's tripod socket so that the camera hangs upside down for a smooth grip, a shoulder pad that effectively distributes weight for less burden, and an under-arm tether that holds the strap firmly in place, these two new straps offer an even greater sense of security with a safety strap that prevents the camera from falling in the unlikely event the fastener comes loose, and a cover that prevents the carabiner that connects the strap to the camera from scratching the camera body."

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Don, this is more of an awareness problem than a clear cut rule.
In, MT's pic, it's clear that the camera is made of plastic with a little piece of metal bonded into it. It's clearly a consumer camera.
In the better models that area is part of the metal frame. In the pro cameras that area is extra thick so the cameras don't flex and vibrate when shooting on a tripod.
It's a camera by camera situation. One needs to know the limits of their equipment. ;-)
SS

SonnyE Loc: Communist California, USA

Way lots of Variables!

Battery grips may come,
And battery grips may go,
But my body is sacred.

I mean my camera body is....
Oh... nevermind.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

And there it is.

MrT Loc: Gilbert, AZ

Thanks for all of the replies. It is clear from the comments that my original post was not clear. Let me refine it. I attached the CarrySpeed plate to the MB-D11. The CarrySpeed plate is an Arca Swiss compatible tripod head quick release plate. On the end of the plate is a connector that allows attachment of a camera strap. So I was carrying the camera, battery pack and lens by the tripod socket of the battery pack. The 70-300 4.5-5.6 VR is not the kit lens it is the FF lens weighing about 26 ozs, the camera weights 24 ozs. These with batteries puts between 3.5 and 4 pounds at the end of the strap. The MB-D11 is the part that is broken. The 6 screws that hold the top of the MB-D11 over the tripod screw in the MB-D11 are what has broken. I am trying to find photo that explains it better. The short version is I am no longer attaching any camera straps to the tripod socket and hoped to save someone else $200.

Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago

Makes Sense. Thanks. Like "Clint" said,.."Man's gotta know his limitations."
I guess that really applies here. I personally never attempted to carry my camera that way.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

With over 4 yrs using a Black Rapid strap on a D300, D700 and now a D800, no issues at all. I used an MBD-10 woth the D300 and D700. Worked like a charm. Biggest, heaviest lens I used was a 24-70, though I have used up to a 300 F2.8 but the strap was mounted to the tripod collar. Again, no issues.