[ User review ] - R strap

[Oly5050]

Ok, just wanted to post about my recent purchase of an R-strap which I ordered from the USA. Got both the R-strap 1 and R-strap 2. There is also a 3rd version which is in camo, but I din get cos I thought that I would NEVER ever want to walk around with camou material on me. If I did, I would also have to camo gaffer my equipment, and then I should be out bird shooting or during ICT.

Back to the topic, I must say that I am very pleased with the function of the R-strap. In fact between the 2, I prefer the R-strap 1 cos it is actually more streamlined than the R-strap 2. The R-strap 2 is more for pros, I guess, cos it has extra pockets for handphone, memory cards, batteries etc etc. As a result there is more bulk to the strap.

Subtle - Firstly, it feels less conspicuous to carry a DSLR, especially a E410 type of camera using the R-strap. It slings from your left shoulder to your right hip and the camera can sit anywhere on your right buttock to your right waist. This is in comparison with having to sling a camera around your neck with the camera on your chest or stomach.

Secondly, it does not get in the way. The camera, at least for me, I adjust so that the flat back of the DSLR is against my hip and it stays that way. When I walk around, I find that it actually stays out of the way more compared to when it is hanging off my neck. This is particularly pertinent when u are at the urinal (I know what a ridiculous example, but it is true), sometimes with the conventional strap, the camera swings and hit the urinal side. For the R-strap, it remains behind and out of the way. Secondly, when walking around, u can secure it further by keeping one hand in the trousers pocket and that also sort of keep it to one side.

Secure - Thirdly, it is way more secure. Compared to slinging a conventional strap on the shoulder, where it can slip off, cross slinging like the R-strap will not ever slip off.

Fast - Fourthly, it is fast. It is akin to a gun, just reach down, bring it up and shoot. The buckle slides very smoothly. With the way the back of the DSLR sits on my hip, when I bring it up with my right hand, it automatically finds the grip and when I bring it up, there is also some rotation bringing the camera to the eye. Perfect. I now prefer this system to the other system where I had a hand-grip and a conventional neck strap attached. These are officially now in storage. Haha.

I must say that this is one of the most ingenious straps around. I also like the fact that at the point where it is resting on your shoulder, there is a pad there too which normal camera straps do not.

One of my only concern was the attachment of the buckle to the camera which is a screw onto the tripod screw hole of the camera. There are 2 methods. The first is using a tripod plate that comes with a D ring. The second is with the R-strap which is some double security screw system. I prefer the plate method as it is more streamlined and in a way more functional, especially occasional tripod use is anticipated. Also none of these methods restrict access to the battery compartment. I have carried it around for about 4-5 hours and have not found that the D ring or the screw system will loosen if u tighten it nice and tight. If u are paranoid, u could always check the screw once a while.

Worthwhile product to buy IMHO. I have no conflicts of interest to declare here. Just my truthful assessment of the R-strap short term. Kudos to the inventor ---- envy.

The above opinion was based on the R-strap 1 with a E410 + 14-42 mm lens.

[Oly5050]

Just a small update. The R-strap with a heavier setup using the E3 + 12-60, causes a little bit of a swing. Less stable and secure than the E410 setup. I think for the E3 with a lens which has some heft and length like the 12-60, the DSLR is probably most stable balancing the crook between the lens and the body over the front-side corner of the thigh instead of having the flat of the DSLR against the hip or buttock. The reason is the weight of the lens overpowers the flat back of the DSLR and the tendency to topple is higher. Have not tested this for any significant length of time, but will update as I try it out.

[egnaro]

thanks for the info!!! too bad we cant get it in SG.

[bernards]

I ordered one for more than a month and it never showed up. You are lucky.

[Oly5050]

Originally Posted by bernards I ordered one for more than a month and it never showed up. You are lucky.

Huh?!! Something must be wrong. Mine came real fast. I think I got mine within 5 days or so, if I remember correctly. Definitely within a week.

[bernards]

I was told it was shipped 12th last month. My journey of buying a R strap.

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I ordered my strap on the 30th and paid via Paypal. I have not received any acknowledgement or shipping notification since. Please update me on the status.

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We've shipped all back orders as of Monday May 12th. Please allow 7 to 10 days for International delivery.
Thanks for hanging in there with us as we work out our growing pains.

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It's now 1st of June. I still have not received any strap. There has been no acknowledgement or shipping advice. Please advice.

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Our records indicate that your shipment went out on Monday May 12th. Since it has not arrived to you (as it should have by now) I have placed a 2nd shipment (free of charge) in the mail to you today. Please expect 10 business days for delivery. Please let me know when this item arrives.

[tomcat]

Well... I got the Y-Strap instead.
http://figitalrevolution.com/y-strap/

[raymond10]

I have used the R-strap for over 3 months and brought it to Switzerland for a week. Very good product. Agree totally with Oly5050 on the assessment of the product.

[Hitman]

Not to discount the functionality of the original R-strap, but for some who think the price is high and would like to DIY, here's a DIY R-strap by a Clubsnapper...

http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=354954

[Oly5050]

Originally Posted by tomcat Well... I got the Y-Strap instead. http://figitalrevolution.com/y-strap/

Went to the website. Not very clear how it hangs and how it is different. Actually...looks quite similar to R strap.

Originally Posted by Hitman Not to discount the functionality of the original R-strap, but for some who think the price is high and would like to DIY, here's a DIY R-strap by a Clubsnapper... http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=354954

I know about this guy. Found it when I was researching about whether to take the jump on the R-strap. Now that I have got the R-strap in hand, and also having had a Matin camera strap, I can say this few things :

1. He has a bolt on his tripod screw hole. That is not by any means quick release. The R-strap has a double screw wheel system that u can secure using your fingers without the use of any tools. Honestly, I think, he is better off just getting a Manfrotto plate with a D ring there. That alone will bring his total cost up to about $50-$60 dollars. At that point, I think he is only $10-20 dollars away from the R strap. When the difference becomes that small, I prefer the OEM or original where everything is put together nicely. In addition, I also consider the time and the transport costs of hunting around to get the parts when I do DIY.

2. The Matin strap has some elasticity to it whereas the R-strap does not. I am not sure if some elasticity is good or not. In addition, I do not know if the texture of the Matin and its nature will allow a smooth upward action of the camera from the hip. The R-strap does not move when the camera is slid up.

3. The DIY does not have a stopper on the strap.

4. The matin strap is a bag strap and looks a little broader than the R strap. That may affect how the camera hangs at the hip.

5. If he tries to sell his DIY, he may actually infringe on a patent. I am sure that R strap and for that matter, the Y strap guy has got patents or patents pending.

6. I acknowledge that the R strap idea is simple. But if it was so simple, I wonder why no one did it earlier. What I appreciate about the R strap is that clearly time, effort and thought did go into the design, choice and fabrications of the parts so they all work. In any case, always, in retrospect, after the product is out, it always looks so simple. For that reason, I envy the inventor of the R strap.

[Oly5050]

Originally Posted by tomcat Well... I got the Y-Strap instead. http://figitalrevolution.com/y-strap/

Oh...I figured out how the Y strap works. Instead of using the base of the camera as fixation point, u use the strap handle on the left side of the camera to attach the Y strap. Instead of having the camera at your hip, the Y strap keeps ur camera at your waist, closer to your body. I guess there is an advantage there. With slight modification to the R strap, using a 20mm key chain ring, I was able to adapt the R strap to the Y strap. Basically, I think that the Y strap concept is probably more stable than the R strap. I also like the fact that if u a zoom lens attached, u can turn it such that the lens faces to the back. I thought that being able to hide the camera under the coat while wearing the strap is oh-so-cool!!!

However, I find that the Y strap system has a just a little more impediment to shooting compared to the R strap. But I think that is a reasonable compromise given that the camera is more stable on the Y strap and u can have it closer to your torso.

I am going to experiment using the R strap the Y strap technique and see how. But so far, I think I like the Y strap method. BTW, there is an advantage to using the R strap and modifying it to the Y strap technique.....the advantage is that now u have the quick release option whereas in the original Y strap, u need to thread the ring thru. With the modified way, u use the R strap clasp and clip THAT to the ring which is attached to the camera D rings.

Do u have it attached to your E3, BTW??

[tomcat]

Originally Posted by Oly5050 Do u have it attached to your E3, BTW??

No. I think the Y-strap might be more suitable for a lighter DSLRs like the E-4xx or E-5xx or P&S digicams than for heavier bodies like the E3. I got it for my IR-modified Canon G9 so that I could switch from the E3 to it quickly and vice versa.... eg. after shooting with the G9, I just let it drop to the side and switch over to the E3 and continue shooting.

[swiftdragon]

Hi Oly...do you have a photo of how you modified your R stap to the y strap technique? I am comtemplating buying one of these straps but I am still quite unsure which one works better.

[bernards]

The Y strap appears to be very minimalist for US$30. You should be able to get all the parts at Beach road market.

[Oly5050]

It is quite simple to modify the R strap to wear it like a Y strap. Just need a ring. By the way u can still see the quick release double lock mechanism for the original R strap at the tripod screw location.







God...I just love this N82. The image quality may not be that great, but it took me only 3 mins or so to take the photos, and then get them uploaded to flickr, and then posting the link here on the forum. No need to connect bluetooth, or USB, or transfer using the memory card. They beauty of 3.5G. Ahhh....starting to see the light.

[Oly5050]

There is one more disadvantage of the Y strap, albeit a very minor one. If ur camera does not have a D ring like the E410, but has the black rings instead, when u thread that ring around the camera's black ring, u may scratch it or with time, it may get scratched.

[bernards]

It seems like all the examples on the Y strap site were done with Leica Ms. It just hangs naturally. It's also non adjustable? It's basically a fixed nylon belt with a keyring, selling for US$30.

[tomcat]

Originally Posted by bernards It seems like all the examples on the Y strap site were done with Leica Ms. It just hangs naturally. It's also non adjustable? It's basically a fixed nylon belt with a keyring, selling for US$30.

It is adjustable.

[bernards]

Originally Posted by tomcat It is adjustable.

Phew. The website said something about having to use two rings to reach the proper height.

[Oly5050]

ok, here is another advantage of the r strap. u now got a quick release carry system. the conventional type requires u to thread the straps into the ring etc. so troublesome that by default i always leave them on, although on a daily basis i prefer the straps off. now with the r strap, i just snap the strap on or off. the original y strap unfortunately does not appear to allow quick release cos u got to thread the ring thru the d ring of ur camera. in the e3 and e510, if u not careful, u will scratch off the black paint. however, if u modify the r strap and sling it like a y strap method, u will retain the quick release method. take note tho, the modified y or original y strap method has a metal ring clacking around the camera d ring. potentially and over time, i think it may produce subtle scratches to the ring and surrounding plastic etc.