Mamiya RB67 Strap Lug source?

[Chris Nielsen]

Hi everyone.

Happy new RB67 owner here, or at least I'd be happier if I could rid my RBs of their annoying Mamiya straps. What a ridiculously crappy strap!!!!

I have an Upstrap here waiting to go on one of my RBs but I need to track down a source for the Mamiya strap lugs. Short of sacrificing one of my straps for it's lugs I'm a little stuck.

Any help would be appreciated. Oh, and before you tell me to go to the local agent, my dealings with them so far have been rather less than satisfactory, I'd rather not deal with him.

Thanks all

Chris

 

[benjiboy]

I wouldn't like to carry an RB on an Upstrap, you need an Op-tech Neoprene strap and a pair of OP-Tech Super pro type "B " connectors that will fit the RB http://optechusa.com/product/detail/?PRODUCT_ID=48&PRODUCT_SUB_ID=&CATEGORY_ID=8

 

[EdColorado]

I'll second the Op-tech option. I use their straps on both my RBs and love them.

 

[Travis Nunn]

I third the Op-Tech straps...

 

[Chris Nielsen]

Thanks, I'll check them out.

Can I ask what you don't like about the Upstrap for this application? Seems to hold my F5 + 300 f/4 fine, and I prefer to have cameras on my shoulder rather than around my neck. I figured having it over the shoulder would be handy as I walk around with my tripod in my other hand.

 

[Kevin Caulfield]

I'll fourth the Op-Tech, it's the duck's guts.

 

[EdColorado]

I don't think its anything against the Upstrap but a vote for the weight handling capabilities of the Op/Tech. The Op/Tech is made of neoprene which really helps absorb the weight of a heavy camera like the RB. The webbing used on the Upstrap will transmit the camera's weight straight to your shoulder. I find the Op/Tech really helps when walking around with any heavy camera and an RB with a 127mm and the multi angle grip counts as a heavy camera!
Look at the Op/Tech Super Pro strap with clip design "B".

 

[Chris Nielsen]

Thanks Ed, I will look into that strap. Seems a lot cheaper than my Upstrap so I might get my local camera store to order me one from B&H

 

[Scott_Sheppard]

Op/Tech.... hahaha

Put that RB on a Op/Tech and watch it SLIDE right off your shoulder.

We use Up-Straps on EVERYTHING, I use one to carry a Canon 1V-HS with a 200mm F1.8L lens and a complete Mamiya Universal fully loaded and it WILL NOT slide off your shoulder nor will the strap break.

They have 2 models one with kevlar in the strapping. Neoprene is for women !!

You can order the strap lugs from Op/Tech and then use them on your Up-Strap !!

Let me know if you need some more information.

Thanks

Scott

 

[2F/2F]

Since you dislike the Mamiya strap, why the reservations about simply cutting it up, stealing the lug connectors, and throwing it into the trash?

The RZ works fine for me on the stock Mamiya strap. I attach the lug connectors on the strap so that the lens points upward for over-the-shoulder carrying, and the WLF rests against my gut for around-the-neck carrying.) I would hate to carry it, or any heavy camera, on a neoprene strap; especially over the shoulder. I'd go with the Up-Strap or another fixed (i.e. non bouncy) strap, since you dislike the Mamiya strap. I can only stand the neoprene straps on lightweight cameras, personally, and even then they still feel a bit sleazy to me.

FWIW, this (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/53517-REG/Tamrac_N4511_N_45_Universal_Quick_Release.html) is the strap I use for my Mamiya C series and Press series cameras, and my near-7-lb. Linhof Technika III. With so many cameras, the quick release is an extremely beneficial feature, and it is simple, elegant, comfortable, and old fashioned, yet with all the modern features that really matter in a practical sense to me (nylon strapping as opposed to cotton, and quick releases), without being some high-tech spandex superhero strap. Also, you can easily remove the manufacturer's name tag to make it more plain, which I like. The suede never slips; ever, and I'll wait till my brick of Linhof or my Super 23 gets ruined in a fall to agree with all the people who swear that using a quick release is like asking for camera suicide. The strap is perfectly solid. (You want to feel SCARY? Put a heavy camera like my Technika on an Op-Tech strap and feel it go bouncy bouncy as you walk!) It is also quite affordable. This simple suede strap is perfect for me, and I am glad that it is made.

As you see, it is entirely a matter of opinion, and you already have yours, so I'd ignore all the noise and just read the possible answers to your question that have been provided. E.g. Chop that Mamiya strap to pieces and call it a day!

 

[Chris Nielsen]

2F: I dunno why I don't want to cut the existing strap up, especially since I have 2 bodies with a strap each I could easily sacrifice a strap. It's just that cutting it seems rather permanent, that's all.

Scott: I got my upstraps through listening to your show - I could easily cut the lugs off one of my RB straps and attach the Upstrap to it, which I'm considering...

 

[Changeling1]

You should be using a tripod with that RB. Can't imagine having that thing around my neck all day let alone getting a shot off without camera-shake!

 

[2F/2F]

"Should," the other poster said.

...but the OP ain't. So what good is "should?"

 

[fmajor]

Hey 2F/2F -

Thanks for the tip on the Tamrac strap.

I've found nothing that surpasses plain, old suede leather (especially padded) for staying put on my shoulder. It not only has good "staying put" power but cushions nicely as well. I have an old, worn out camera bag with a suede strap and it's my favorite carry bag b/c of the way the suede holds on.

 

[Chris Nielsen]

Hi guys. Yes, I am using a tripod. In fact I specifically have just upgraded to a Manfrotto 055 for this camera. I'm still wanting a strap though, for I want to be able to carry the camera around while I get to the next scenic spot, I can't see me putting it away in my backpack in between every shot. So I need something comfy to carry it with, that's all.

 

[Jeff Kubach]

Like the others I would go the OP/tech strap.

Jeff

 

[Chris Nielsen]

Just an update...

My Op/tech strap arrived yesterday. It's fabulous, and just right for this camera!

Thanks to all those who suggested it!

Cheers

Chris

 

[O_myMamiya]

Op/Tech.... hahaha

Put that RB on a Op/Tech and watch it SLIDE right off your shoulder.

We use Up-Straps on EVERYTHING, I use one to carry a Canon 1V-HS with a 200mm F1.8L lens and a complete Mamiya Universal fully loaded and it WILL NOT slide off your shoulder nor will the strap break.

They have 2 models one with kevlar in the strapping. Neoprene is for women !!

You can order the strap lugs from Op/Tech and then use them on your Up-Strap !!

Let me know if you need some more information.

Thanks

Scott

I like that the advertiser is so professional he feels the need to insult the obvious majority of optech users here. In spite of that douche I'll be getting an optech strap. Thanks for helping me make a decision Scott, you're ace!

 

[fmajor]

Since you dislike the Mamiya strap, why the reservations about simply cutting it up, stealing the lug connectors, and throwing it into the trash?

The RZ works fine for me on the stock Mamiya strap. I attach the lug connectors on the strap so that the lens points upward for over-the-shoulder carrying, and the WLF rests against my gut for around-the-neck carrying.) I would hate to carry it, or any heavy camera, on a neoprene strap; especially over the shoulder. I'd go with the Up-Strap or another fixed (i.e. non bouncy) strap, since you dislike the Mamiya strap. I can only stand the neoprene straps on lightweight cameras, personally, and even then they still feel a bit sleazy to me.

FWIW, this (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/53517-REG/Tamrac_N4511_N_45_Universal_Quick_Release.html) is the strap I use for my Mamiya C series and Press series cameras, and my near-7-lb. Linhof Technika III. With so many cameras, the quick release is an extremely beneficial feature, and it is simple, elegant, comfortable, and old fashioned, yet with all the modern features that really matter in a practical sense to me (nylon strapping as opposed to cotton, and quick releases), without being some high-tech spandex superhero strap. Also, you can easily remove the manufacturer's name tag to make it more plain, which I like. The suede never slips; ever, and I'll wait till my brick of Linhof or my Super 23 gets ruined in a fall to agree with all the people who swear that using a quick release is like asking for camera suicide. The strap is perfectly solid. (You want to feel SCARY? Put a heavy camera like my Technika on an Op-Tech strap and feel it go bouncy bouncy as you walk!) It is also quite affordable. This simple suede strap is perfect for me, and I am glad that it is made.

As you see, it is entirely a matter of opinion, and you already have yours, so I'd ignore all the noise and just read the possible answers to your question that have been provided. E.g. Chop that Mamiya strap to pieces and call it a day!

This was *the best* strap advice i've ever read - thanks 2F/2F. This strap, which i've since bought and use, is absolutely phenomenal. I'd *never* trust my camera to a neoprene strap after using the Tamrac N-45. My RB67 never slips or causes me to think it will come off my shoulder.

Besides this O_myMamiya, take your poor language elsewhere. This is a nice Community and we don't need neg-speak to drag it down.

 

[CGW]

Hi everyone.

Happy new RB67 owner here, or at least I'd be happier if I could rid my RBs of their annoying Mamiya straps. What a ridiculously crappy strap!!!!

I have an Upstrap here waiting to go on one of my RBs but I need to track down a source for the Mamiya strap lugs. Short of sacrificing one of my straps for it's lugs I'm a little stuck.

Any help would be appreciated. Oh, and before you tell me to go to the local agent, my dealings with them so far have been rather less than satisfactory, I'd rather not deal with him.

Thanks all

Chris

Why worry about a strap you hate? Sacrifice the lugs if it delivers a strap that won't saw your head off. Agreed, one of the poxiest straps ever made.

 

[Chris Nielsen]

Holy thread resurrection Batman!

This thread is exactly a year old - I got the Op/Tech and moved on, hilarious to see the thread come to life just now

 

[paul ron]

I also started a thread like this severeal years ago. I wanted to make my own straps using webbing. I had a fleet of 25 RBs, all I neeeded were the lugs. I wound up buying OpTech straps, never fdound a source for lugs.

The OpTech straps aren't my choice but were cheap at teh time I bought em. I still don't care for em much. I'd rather have a strap that slides over my clothes easily instread of that grippy material they use. Nothing Like the good old leather Mamiya straps!

.

 

[Chris Nielsen]

Wow, 25 RBs? That's awesome! I have two and that seems like a lot!

The original straps I have are about as flexible as a lump of concrete, it's painful using them. I wonder if they started out flexible when they were first made? Surely they can't have thought that was the best design?