My flexible camera strap configuration solution

twitch · 03-24-2011, 02:31 AM - **3 Likes**

Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here.

I struggled to find this out in my research, so thought I'd share what solution I came up with for my K-x.

So the Pentax shoulder strap annoys me, most of the time when I'm wandering around specifically to take photos I have it wrapped it around my wrist, but it's not comfortable and gets in the way. A dedicated wrist strap seemed the solution. But the problem is there were times when a shoulder strap was still required like when I go on a family outing and still need sometimes to have 2 hands free (you know, kids and all). So I wanted a solution where I could quickly switch between wrist and shoulder strap.

Anyway, I've managed to buy some OpTech gear which solves my problem. It needed 3 separate items; a wrist strap, a system connector package ("#9 - uni adapter loop") and a shoulder strap ("Utility Strap - Sling").

Here's what it looks like (forgive the photo quality, taken with a P&S and no thought to artistic merit)

First strap free with just the adapters

Wrist strap on

Shoulder strap

All the bits in one pic

Hope that helps someone

Last edited by twitch; 03-24-2011 at 02:36 AM.

steve1307 · 03-24-2011, 07:07 AM

Looks like a very good idea. Very versatile.

I have the Op-tech wrist strap in my B&H wishlist. From them its only $9, but probably $60 to deliver to Australia. Did you get it locally? If so where?

If it was only $10 or so I'd buy one to try it out. Looking at the handling photo they use to promote, I thought that wide neoprene stretchy band might be annoying in hot weather.

Those 2 straps and also the sling are more versatile and even combined are cheaper than that w@nky R-strap-on thingy. (just my opinion, sorry If you like it)

There's a couple of other thinner wrist straps out there:
Gordys (USA) for about $18 incl postage and Luigi's (Italy) which are more expensive again as his market is mostly Leica owners. "TKH" (Rainer) from this forum has one i believe.

I think I might go hack up some webbing and steal parts off and old Pentax film camera around here somewhere

. At least the Pentax logo will still be on it.

Edit: Haha found them on flea-bay http://stores.ebay.com.au/ProCameraGear

**Dma110** · 03-24-2011, 08:00 AM

Shoulder straps bother me also. I use a wrist strap, and a
b-grip waist holster. Then when I need both hands, snap the
camera onto that. Camera hangs safely at my waist. Just need
a littie care about not bumping into things.

jolepp · 03-24-2011, 08:16 AM

Here is an US ebay seller with the strap and a very reasonable international shipping cost: OpTech SLR Wrist Strap - Black - eBay (item 380284192627 end time Mar-29-11 23:25:52 PDT).

I got mine from these guys without incident

.

jays0n · 03-24-2011, 08:53 AM

Very nice, I am in the same boat pretty much, like to have the strap only around wrist, but never know when I have to rush off to chase kids that got away while I tried to capture that moment. Is there a group for "Pentax Parents Of Small Kids" ?

twitch · 03-24-2011, 03:20 PM

Originally posted by steve1307

Looks like a very good idea. Very versatile.

I have the Op-tech wrist strap in my B&H wishlist. From them its only $9, but probably $60 to deliver to Australia. Did you get it locally? If so where?

I bought all the bits from Michaels Camera Store in Melbourne CBD. The wrist strap was $8, the shoulder strap $15 and the adapters (the strips between the shoulder strap and the clips on the camera) were $9. Grand total of $31. I thought it was very reasonable considering how dear most camera stuff is.

Occulator · 03-27-2011, 06:17 PM

I have benn frustrated by these old fashioned neck strap systems for quite a while and recently had a go at making up a better strap myself.

I used the Black Rapid speed strap type system as my inspiration, making do mostly with bits and pieces I already had. My old neck strap was adapted at first, then I moved to a better one from a laptop bag which is far more comfortable and convenient. A couple of caribiners and a steel screw eye for the tripod mount finished it off nicely.

I really did surprise myself at how well it turned out. And best of all it came in under $AUS10. I'll post some pictures and instructions for you soon

Rime · 04-14-2011, 08:59 PM

I have the OpTech setup and I love it : I leave the little connectors permanently attached to the cameras and binoculars, and depending on what I need, I use the dual camera harness with the K7 and KX, the Reporter strap with the binoculars and one camera, or the Utility Strap with one camera or pair of binoculars. I keep a large brass safety pin clipped around the camera connector strap, and if it rains, I just slip a plastic bag ( I'm a dog owner : I always have plastic bags in my pockets! ) over the camera and secure it with the safety pin. If a great shot presents itself, the plastic bag gets ripped off and the shot taken.

SOldBear · 04-15-2011, 12:32 PM - **1 Like**

OK. Here is my setup. Pardon me for the quality of the "model."

I tend to use tripod often. So I add this Arca-Swiss compatible quick release plate ($12 from FleaBay):

The most often used is the sling strap:

I use the harness for long photo sessions (e.g. hiking):

I don't use the neck strap. But my son likes it sometimes:

It's not the best hand strap in the world. But I feel safer and more stable with it. Besides, it doesn't cost anything:

For light setup, e.g. with a Limited lens and without the vertical grip (not like in the photo), the wrist strap is best:

tommyx · 07-02-2011, 12:11 AM

Originally posted by twitch

I struggled to find this out in my research, so thought I'd share what solution I came up with for my K-x.

So the Pentax shoulder strap annoys me, most of the time when I'm wandering around specifically to take photos I have it wrapped it around my wrist, but it's not comfortable and gets in the way. A dedicated wrist strap seemed the solution. But the problem is there were times when a shoulder strap was still required like when I go on a family outing and still need sometimes to have 2 hands free (you know, kids and all). So I wanted a solution where I could quickly switch between wrist and shoulder strap.

Anyway, I've managed to buy some OpTech gear which solves my problem. It needed 3 separate items; a wrist strap, a system connector package ("#9 - uni adapter loop") and a shoulder strap ("Utility Strap - Sling").

Here's what it looks like (forgive the photo quality, taken with a P&S and no thought to artistic merit)

First strap free with just the adapters

Wrist strap on

Shoulder strap

All the bits in one pic

Hope that helps someone

Thank you for this suggestion. I was having the exact problem

Now waiting for the 3 items to be shipped.

03-24-2011, 02:31 AM - 3 Likes	#1
twitch Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4,571	My flexible camera strap configuration solution Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. I struggled to find this out in my research, so thought I'd share what solution I came up with for my K-x. So the Pentax shoulder strap annoys me, most of the time when I'm wandering around specifically to take photos I have it wrapped it around my wrist, but it's not comfortable and gets in the way. A dedicated wrist strap seemed the solution. But the problem is there were times when a shoulder strap was still required like when I go on a family outing and still need sometimes to have 2 hands free (you know, kids and all). So I wanted a solution where I could quickly switch between wrist and shoulder strap. Anyway, I've managed to buy some OpTech gear which solves my problem. It needed 3 separate items; a wrist strap, a system connector package ("#9 - uni adapter loop") and a shoulder strap ("Utility Strap - Sling"). Here's what it looks like (forgive the photo quality, taken with a P&S and no thought to artistic merit) First strap free with just the adapters Wrist strap on Shoulder strap All the bits in one pic Hope that helps someone Last edited by twitch; 03-24-2011 at 02:36 AM.

03-24-2011, 07:07 AM	#2
steve1307 Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Sydney Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,130	Looks like a very good idea. Very versatile. I have the Op-tech wrist strap in my B&H wishlist. From them its only $9, but probably $60 to deliver to Australia. Did you get it locally? If so where? If it was only $10 or so I'd buy one to try it out. Looking at the handling photo they use to promote, I thought that wide neoprene stretchy band might be annoying in hot weather. Those 2 straps and also the sling are more versatile and even combined are cheaper than that w@nky R-strap-on thingy. (just my opinion, sorry If you like it) There's a couple of other thinner wrist straps out there: Gordys (USA) for about $18 incl postage and Luigi's (Italy) which are more expensive again as his market is mostly Leica owners. "TKH" (Rainer) from this forum has one i believe. I think I might go hack up some webbing and steal parts off and old Pentax film camera around here somewhere. At least the Pentax logo will still be on it. Edit: Haha found them on flea-bay http://stores.ebay.com.au/ProCameraGear Last edited by steve1307; 03-24-2011 at 07:13 AM. Reason: 1 minute of google searching

03-27-2011, 06:17 PM	#7
Occulator New Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Sydney Posts: 4	DIY options I have benn frustrated by these old fashioned neck strap systems for quite a while and recently had a go at making up a better strap myself. I used the Black Rapid speed strap type system as my inspiration, making do mostly with bits and pieces I already had. My old neck strap was adapted at first, then I moved to a better one from a laptop bag which is far more comfortable and convenient. A couple of caribiners and a steel screw eye for the tripod mount finished it off nicely. I really did surprise myself at how well it turned out. And best of all it came in under $AUS10. I'll post some pictures and instructions for you soon

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Camera storage - $25 solution	Shibby3.8	Pentax Camera and Field Accessories	13	07-25-2010 03:47 AM
Battery Grip + Strap + Tripod plate Solution	pb_red	Pentax Camera and Field Accessories	2	06-25-2010 12:00 PM
Flexible Lens?	NecroticSoldier	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	21	02-23-2010 08:33 PM
who keeps their strap on the camera?	catsman50	Pentax DSLR Discussion	171	02-15-2010 05:15 PM
Camera Strap Options	MacGirl	Pentax Camera and Field Accessories	21	07-27-2009 07:30 PM

03-24-2011, 08:00 AM	#3
Dma110 Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Gilbert Arizona Posts: 559	Shoulder straps bother me also. I use a wrist strap, and a b-grip waist holster. Then when I need both hands, snap the camera onto that. Camera hangs safely at my waist. Just need a littie care about not bumping into things.

03-24-2011, 08:16 AM	#4
jolepp Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Finland Photos: Albums Posts: 3,196	Here is an US ebay seller with the strap and a very reasonable international shipping cost: OpTech SLR Wrist Strap - Black - eBay (item 380284192627 end time Mar-29-11 23:25:52 PDT). I got mine from these guys without incident .

03-24-2011, 08:53 AM	#5
jays0n Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: San Francisco Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 471	Very nice, I am in the same boat pretty much, like to have the strap only around wrist, but never know when I have to rush off to chase kids that got away while I tried to capture that moment. Is there a group for "Pentax Parents Of Small Kids" ?

03-24-2011, 03:20 PM	#6
twitch Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4,571 Original Poster	Originally posted by steve1307 Looks like a very good idea. Very versatile. I have the Op-tech wrist strap in my B&H wishlist. From them its only $9, but probably $60 to deliver to Australia. Did you get it locally? If so where? I bought all the bits from Michaels Camera Store in Melbourne CBD. The wrist strap was $8, the shoulder strap $15 and the adapters (the strips between the shoulder strap and the clips on the camera) were $9. Grand total of $31. I thought it was very reasonable considering how dear most camera stuff is.

04-14-2011, 08:59 PM	#8
Rime New Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: San Francisco Bay Area Posts: 7	I have the OpTech setup and I love it : I leave the little connectors permanently attached to the cameras and binoculars, and depending on what I need, I use the dual camera harness with the K7 and KX, the Reporter strap with the binoculars and one camera, or the Utility Strap with one camera or pair of binoculars. I keep a large brass safety pin clipped around the camera connector strap, and if it rains, I just slip a plastic bag ( I'm a dog owner : I always have plastic bags in my pockets! ) over the camera and secure it with the safety pin. If a great shot presents itself, the plastic bag gets ripped off and the shot taken.

04-15-2011, 12:32 PM - 1 Like	#9
SOldBear Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 3,206	OK. Here is my setup. Pardon me for the quality of the "model." I tend to use tripod often. So I add this Arca-Swiss compatible quick release plate ($12 from FleaBay): The most often used is the sling strap: I use the harness for long photo sessions (e.g. hiking): I don't use the neck strap. But my son likes it sometimes: It's not the best hand strap in the world. But I feel safer and more stable with it. Besides, it doesn't cost anything: For light setup, e.g. with a Limited lens and without the vertical grip (not like in the photo), the wrist strap is best:

07-02-2011, 12:11 AM	#10
tommyx Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Singapore Posts: 122	Originally posted by twitch I struggled to find this out in my research, so thought I'd share what solution I came up with for my K-x. So the Pentax shoulder strap annoys me, most of the time when I'm wandering around specifically to take photos I have it wrapped it around my wrist, but it's not comfortable and gets in the way. A dedicated wrist strap seemed the solution. But the problem is there were times when a shoulder strap was still required like when I go on a family outing and still need sometimes to have 2 hands free (you know, kids and all). So I wanted a solution where I could quickly switch between wrist and shoulder strap. Anyway, I've managed to buy some OpTech gear which solves my problem. It needed 3 separate items; a wrist strap, a system connector package ("#9 - uni adapter loop") and a shoulder strap ("Utility Strap - Sling"). Here's what it looks like (forgive the photo quality, taken with a P&S and no thought to artistic merit) First strap free with just the adapters Wrist strap on Shoulder strap All the bits in one pic Hope that helps someone Thank you for this suggestion. I was having the exact problem Now waiting for the 3 items to be shipped.