Anybody uses OP/Tech USA neoprene straps with MF cameras ?

Hassasin · Mar 17, 2023

Was just wondering if anybody is using Op/Tech USA neoprene straps with heavier MF cameras (Hass, Bronica. Mamiya etc). I have two concerns hanging heavier body on these: security of plastic quick connects and "bounce" on that neoprene neck part. I have not used it, nor had my hands on it, so just asking for any user input.

I'm particularly looking at the Classic. They make connectors for Hass and Bronica size, both are actually of high quality as far as the metal part goes (have those already, great price at B&H). Question remains whether to just use the connectors with different strap or stick with quick connects and Op?tech USA offer through and through.

Op/Tech USA Classic

Sirius Glass · Mar 17, 2023

I have only use Hasselblad neck straps with the proper clips.

Hassasin · Mar 17, 2023

Sirius Glass said:
I have only use Hasselblad neck straps with the proper clips.

Op/Tech clips are at least as good as Hasselblad, have both. Hass straps are fine, have them too, but comfort level is just not there for me as I have put clips on a wider strap and I like that a lot more. Neoprene is a nice soft product, hence my asking.

Hassasin · Mar 17, 2023

Just for kicks, these are the metal clips in two sizes, the plastic security lock is actually nice touch

OP/TECH USA Super Pro A Clips (Hass and other smaller pins)

OP/TECH USA Super Pro B Clips (Bronica S2/EC, Mamiya RB etc., larger size)

Steven Lee · Mar 17, 2023

@Hassasin yes those are great straps, the plastic connectors are super strong. I used them on several medium format cameras.

But also consider this: are you really lugging around a naked MF camera on your neck? Over time I realized that I am not a wedding photographer, and a better solution for me is to carry a MF camera in a right-sized shoulder bag. If you do that you do not need a strap at all, and I'd argue it's more comfortable (bag is not as punishing on your ribs than metal cameras) and safer for cameras as they're shielded from dust/rain/whatever.

[EDIT] Actually, I do have straps on my cameras, because they make it more convenient to pull them out of a bag, but they are tiny wrist straps. They're super optional, and the ones I use were custom-made to required length by a China-based eBay seller.

Pieter12 · Mar 17, 2023

I have OP/Tech neoprene/nylon straps on practically all my cameras, from MF (Rollei 6008 and Hasselblad SWC, Leica S) to 35mm (Nikon D4, F4, F2). I have never had a problem with any of them and some are probably 15 years old. On the other hand, there is always this strap for the paranoid:

A4 1 3/4" Camera Strap with Aluminium Quick Release Adjuster

This is the biggest, baddest camera / equipment strap in existence today. Featuring a top of the line military quick release and tons of adjustability this strap has got your back!

robertscamera.com

Pieter12 · Mar 17, 2023

Steven Lee said:
@Hassasin yes those are great straps, the plastic connectors are super strong. I used them on several medium format cameras.

But also consider this: are you really lugging around a naked MF camera on your neck? Over time I realized that I am not a wedding photographer, and a better solution for me is to carry a MF camera in a right-sized shoulder bag. If you do that you do not need a strap at all, and I'd argue it's more comfortable (bag is not as punishing on your ribs than metal cameras) and safer for cameras as they're shielded from dust/rain/whatever.

I find for most purposes, having no strap is better in a lot of situations. Unless you have it around your (aching) neck all the time. And I wouldn't trust a heavy camera just over the shoulder, across the chest is awkward. It does make sense if you use a WF finder and are able to pull down against the neck strap for added stability. With a relatively heavy MF camera, back and lens, the damn thing just gets in the way, getting tangled in a shoulder bag or backpack if that is the main way you are carrying the camera. What I do like about the OPTECH is you can detach the neck band and reattach the shorter ends together and they stay out of the way better. Snap the neck band back on and you can wander a bit with the camera around your neck. Also, taking the neck band off when the camera is on a tripod is nice.

Hassasin · Mar 17, 2023

Pieter12 said:
... On the other hand, there is always this strap for the paranoid:
View attachment 332873

A4 1 3/4" Camera Strap with Aluminium Quick Release Adjuster

This is the biggest, baddest camera / equipment strap in existence today. Featuring a top of the line military quick release and tons of adjustability this strap has got your back!

robertscamera.com

With that a fire extinguisher would also be in the right place. Thanks for link.

I'm very happy with metal clips Op/Tech makes and mostly due to that quality started thinking of not butchering the extensions and just complete the system.

Hassasin · Mar 17, 2023

Steven Lee said:
@Hassasin yes those are great straps, the plastic connectors are super strong. I used them on several medium format cameras.

But also consider this: are you really lugging around a naked MF camera on your neck? Over time I realized that I am not a wedding photographer, and a better solution for me is to carry a MF camera in a right-sized shoulder bag. If you do that you do not need a strap at all, and I'd argue it's more comfortable (bag is not as punishing on your ribs than metal cameras) and safer for cameras as they're shielded from dust/rain/whatever.

[EDIT] Actually, I do have straps on my cameras, because they make it more convenient to pull them out of a bag, but they are tiny wrist straps. They're super optional, and the ones I use were custom-made to required length by a China-based eBay seller.

Not always do I use a strap, but they are part of the set up. One of the things I like about the system strap is ease of detaching off the strap, leaving the ends still on the camera. I don't particularly like messing with metal clips on and off too often, if I can help it.

Sirius Glass · Mar 17, 2023

Steven Lee said:
@Hassasin yes those are great straps, the plastic connectors are super strong. I used them on several medium format cameras.

But also consider this: are you really lugging around a naked MF camera on your neck? Over time I realized that I am not a wedding photographer, and a better solution for me is to carry a MF camera in a right-sized shoulder bag. If you do that you do not need a strap at all, and I'd argue it's more comfortable (bag is not as punishing on your ribs than metal cameras) and safer for cameras as they're shielded from dust/rain/whatever.

[EDIT] Actually, I do have straps on my cameras, because they make it more convenient to pull them out of a bag, but they are tiny wrist straps. They're super optional, and the ones I use were custom-made to required length by a China-based eBay seller.

Carrying a bag on one side is bad for the back, especially if out shooting all day. Use a photography back pack and the camera around my neck. The distribution of weight front and back is good to balance and posture.

Sirius Glass · Mar 17, 2023

Hassasin said:
With that a fire extinguisher would also be in the right place. Thanks for link.

I'm very happy with metal clips Op/Tech makes and mostly due to that quality started thinking of not butchering the extensions and just complete the system.

When I went shopping for straps, I never came across the Op/Tech alternative, so I bought Hasselblad straps.

Hassasin · Mar 17, 2023

Sirius Glass said:
Carrying a bag on one side is bad for the back, especially if out shooting all day. Use a photography back pack and the camera around my neck. The distribution of weight front and back is good to balance and posture.

Agree there for sure, even if not always this is the easiest way to have it.

Dan Daniel · Mar 17, 2023

I've used them for Bronicas, Mamiya TLRs, etc. I ended up not using the neoprene center section because I found that the way the neoprene sat on the back of my neck caused me to sweat a lot and it was really uncomfortable. So I took the clip connectors and cut them away from the neoprene section and sewed the clips to some 3/4 inch nylon webbing, often sold as 'sleeping bag strap' material in hiking stores. Realize that I do not spend a lot of time walking around with heavy medium format camera hanging freeling from my neck. I will almost always have a hnd on the camera in some form or another.

What I really like about the Pro-Loop system is that the connectors to the camera can be clipped to themsleves and make a wrist strap. This is actually more comfortable and secure for me than hanging from my neck.

Pro Loop Connector™ (Reg. & X-Long)

MSRP $11.49 Available in two fully adjustable sizes: (Regular) 10

optechusa.com

I never had problems wit the camera connection clips.

Strap and carrying systems are like shoes or underwear- very personal.

JerseyDoug · Mar 17, 2023

I have the OP/Tech ends on my Hasselblad with the quick connects fastened together. My usual setup includes the 120/4 macro lens and a chimney viewfinder. I carry the camera lengthwise in a shoulder bag and the short strap makes it a lot easier and more secure to remove the camera from the bag and attach it to the tripod. I very seldom attach the strap between the ends.

Pieter12 · Mar 17, 2023

Sirius Glass said:
Carrying a bag on one side is bad for the back, especially if out shooting all day. Use a photography back pack and the camera around my neck. The distribution of weight front and back is good to balance and posture.

If I am not using a backpack, I will try to carry a shoulder bag with the strap across my chest--that relieves the load a bit. Sometimes I will carry items I don't need quick access to in a backpack and have a smaller shoulder bag across my chest in front of me with the camera in it. I can also have the camera on a neck strap, resting on the bag that is positioned over my abdomen. Looks a bit goofy, but it works.

reddesert · Mar 17, 2023

I don't think the Optech straps are very bouncy. They have a little elongation, but not that much. They are also commonly used with AF/motor/grip 35mm/DSLR cameras that are about the same weight as an MF slr (although a large 35mm AF setup is perhaps more often used handheld than an MF slr). The amount of bounce/swing you can tolerate is very individual though.

I also generally agree with Pieter that having a big heavy camera hanging around your neck is a nuisance (especially if you lean forward and the camera swings out). However sometimes the strap is helpful. A nice thing about the Optech system is that they have all sorts of compatible mini-straps, buckles, etc, so you can build to suit, for example you can put an attachment point on a backpack harness. They also aren't very expensive for a "system."

Arthurwg · Mar 17, 2023

I have two, one for my Nikon F6 and one for a Hasselblad. Just ordered a third for my RB67. I find them really helpful.

pentaxuser · Mar 17, 2023

I use an Optech with my P654N camera and I don't find the straps bouncy either. Yes you will eventually notice the weight of the camera but only after a reasonable period. Short of a chest pouch with shoulder straps all cameras of a similar weight to a Hasselblad, Bronica, Mamiya will begin to make their presence felt after an hour or so without short breaks unless you have neck muscles similar to Arnie in his heyday

pentaxuser

Steven Lee · Mar 17, 2023

Hassasin said:
Not always do I use a strap, but they are part of the set up. One of the things I like about the system strap is ease of detaching off the strap, leaving the ends still on the camera. I don't particularly like messing with metal clips on and off too often, if I can help it.

In that case the OP/Tech is pretty awesome, do not worry about those clips. They're strong. The alternative to the OP/Tech is the Peak Design system straps. They are less comfortable, but they are easily adjustable (for length) which is surprisingly handy.

Hassasin · Mar 17, 2023

Steven Lee said:
In that case the OP/Tech is pretty awesome, do not worry about those clips. They're strong. The alternative to the OP/Tech is the Peak Design system straps. They are less comfortable, but they are easily adjustable (for length) which is surprisingly handy.

I've ordered a couple of straps now. It started with the extensions, because B&H had a set for $5.95 of the size needed, and I thought that was like free. Once I got them, quality was clear. Now I also have the other size and quite a few cameras are covered. Am happy to hear full support for the system, makes a decision easier.

abruzzi · Mar 17, 2023

I am very very wary of those plastic "pinch" quick release connectors, because I've had them break on me more than once (admittedly, where I live is hard on plastics.) I have used a neoprene Op/Tech strap on a tripod (mostly because the tripod was sturdy enough I'd worry about what the tripod fell on) and they are good quality.

aparat · Mar 17, 2023

I love these straps! I have been using them on my Pentacon Six for years. I have a couple of different adapters, so I can use them with the leather half-case, or the camera body itself. They make a variety of those for all kinds of cameras. It's super comfortable. In my opinion, the best strap solution on the market:

Optech and Pentacon Six Tl by Nick Mazur, on Flickr

warden · Mar 17, 2023

Adding an Op/Tech strap to my Hasselblad made it much easier to carry. Great upgrade over the factory strap.

rcphoto · Mar 17, 2023

I used an optech with an F5 and 70-200 2.8 without issue for years. I wouldn't hesitate to use one with a hasseblad or anything really. Super comfortable and a must have for heavy cameras IMHO.

jwd722 · Mar 17, 2023

I use the Classic Op/Tech on my RB67 and Bronica EC. Works great and never had a problem. I like the fact that I can remove the neoprene part and just carry by the shorter straps.

I have also found that a left hand grip makes carrying them very comfortable as well plus I can wrap the short straps around my wrist for extra security. For transporting longer distances a backpack is a plus.

Anybody uses OP/Tech USA neoprene straps with MF cameras ?

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency