Warning -- Optech USA Straps

[dtcls100]

Watch out for these straps with the plastic hardware loops and quick releases. Today, I had a strap suddenly snap, resulting in one of my cameras hitting the floor. I have a couple more of these straps and most of them had their plastic hardware loops snap like a potato chip with a gentle twist. The straps are about 10 years old but have not been abused or subjected to sunlight long term. It appears that the plastic simply becomes brittle with age.

 

[ray*j*gun]

Thanks for the heads up.

 

[nikon_sam]

This is my biggest concern in using straps with quick disconnects..I too have an Op/Tech USA strap on one of my bodies...I bought it maybe two months ago...I'll keep a close watch on it...maybe adding a wire tie for insurance...
I bought it because it has padding on the strap and Iwanted to give it a try...and all they had were the ones with the QR...

 

[zuikologist]

Thanks also, I have a couple of these straps, no problems so far.

A wire tie is a good idea and unobtrusive.

 

[Dan Daniel]

Watch out for these straps with the plastic hardware loops and quick releases. Today, I had a strap suddenly snap, resulting in one of my cameras hitting the floor. I have a couple more of these straps and most of them had their plastic hardware loops snap like a potato chip with a gentle twist. The straps are about 10 years old but have not been abused or subjected to sunlight long term. It appears that the plastic simply becomes brittle with age.

Could you clarify which part broke? Was it the actual snap buckles? A thin loop? A part that rivets the buckle to a strap? I'm not certain from your description.

I've been using the 'pro loop' connectors for a long time. These use a thin heavy fabric loop, maybe 3mm wide and 6 cm long, to attach to the camera. You put the loop through a slot or an o-ring and thread the buckle through the loop. I check these every now and then and throw them out at the first sign of wear on the fabric. They seem to last two to three years on ones I use regularly.

I notice that the material used has changed over the years, from a flexible clothe-like fabric to a stiffer more plastic-like fabric. Maybe they noticed problems, or maybe just a supplier change.

 

[Darthfeeble]

Plastic gets brittle with age and exposure. I had the ones that have parachute cord to attach to the camera and one gave way after just a couple years. I replaced them all with a different system that uses the swivel snaps on the Domke straps.

 

[dtcls100]

Could you clarify which part broke? Was it the actual snap buckles? A thin loop? A part that rivets the buckle to a strap? I'm not certain from your description.

The plastic part that snapped is the plastic loop at the bottom of the plasic rivet that connects the neoprene to the fabric strap. It is a very thin plastic loop that has a knee type swivel that goes through it.

 

[Bille]

Keep the descriptions coming, and dont post a photo. Photos are expensive these days and take a long while with developing and picking them up and scanning and all, right.

 

[JP Owens]

I've used Optech neoprene straps for years and not had a problem. But, everything, eventually, breaks. Even Leicas! Always a good idea to keep an eye on anything supporting an expensive camera.

 

[stompyq]

Wow. A $30 strap lasted you 10 years?? That's amazing. My $70 Black rapid R strap snapped at the metal fastner (yes the metal part) after 6 months

 

[Chromacomaphoto]

I used these a lot back a few years ago with heavier stuff like Nikon F5's and the like. Good of you to let people know of your experiences if these are now of an age where they can become brittle and fail. I know a lot of people have used them to get around the awkward Rolleiflex strap mount issue, can't believe what a day ruining event that would be if somebody's 2.8F Planar hit the deck due to an Optech failure! I will say this though, they were damn comfy to wear.

 

[Dogman]

I also used them in the past but I eventually went back to the billboard Canon straps for the DSLRs and then I started using lighter mirrorless cameras. The OpTech straps never caused me any problems when I used them but I can see how the QRs might eventually become brittle. I do recall them being a bit bouncy while walking around with heavier equipment strapped over my shoulder.

 

[Steve M.]

The Optech strap connectors are a little on the light duty side, so this doesn't surprise me. I have some older non Optech straps that have much bigger plastic quick connect clips and I trust them, but as mentioned, over time plastic will definitely become brittle. I had a fanny pack (remember them?) connector break once, and those things have very little pressure on them.

 

[BlackXList]

I use OpTech or OpTech compatible straps a lot, and I'm a big fan of the connector system.

if you're wanting to secure the clip, rather than a wire tie, there's a very good product made by OpTech themselves to bind the clips together.

https://optechusa.com/system-connectors/secure-its.html

 

[oftheherd]

Never had that type of connector fail on me, and I have some about 14 years old. My wife buys thick plastic clothes hangers that routinely brake at the straight part of the hook after a couple or three years.

The Optech fix shown by BlackXList looks very good. One does wonder why they thought such a solution was needed.

 

[Tim Murphy]

I use OpTech or OpTech compatible straps a lot, and I'm a big fan of the connector system.

if you're wanting to secure the clip, rather than a wire tie, there's a very good product made by OpTech themselves to bind the clips together.

https://optechusa.com/system-connectors/secure-its.html

Dear BlackXlist,

I'm sorry for the OP's misfortune but I've been using OPTECH straps nearly as long as you have and I've been using other outdoor products that use the same connectors for far longer.

I use them to secure 100 pound plus coolers in boats that get beaten up in waves. Holding a camera is a cakewalk unless the connector was unknowingly damaged.

Regards,

Tim Murphy
Harrisburg, PA 🙂

 

[BlackXList]

For me the securits aren't primarily about making sure that it holds the weight of the camera at all.

I occasionally photograph in some interesting areas, or from the front row of music venues, for me they're more about making sure somebody doesn't think it's entertaining or an opportunity to squeeze the quick release.

The added structural strength is just a bonus for me, but if it is something anyone is concerned about, it'll do that too.
I don't think they're "neccesary" but if they add some peace of mind, then they're well worth it.

The first camera strap I put them on holds my GR.

 

[______]

Shouldn't this "WARNING" be about straps in general. It shouldn't be hard to find instances of other straps breaking. If we tar and feather OPTECH, it only seems fair to tar and feather everyone else whose strap has failed while we are at it.

I have a couple of OPTECH straps which have worked nicely and show no signs of wear. However, none of mine connect with those string things. Talk about asking for trouble. I use the ones with the webbing and o-rings.

 

[ColSebastianMoran]

To the OP -- Which part broke? I see five plastic pieces in an OpTech strap, A-E. Which one broke?

 

[fadedpastels]

after almost a decade using these straps i never even considered this happening now this has me contemplating different strap options 😱