Op/Tech Strap for Hasselblad 500CM

[blankk]

Hey guys, I just bought an Op/Tech Super Pro Strap "A" for my 500C/M. How the heck do I get the little black clip thing to clip in? The thing seems impossible to do, especially since the little chrome clips don't move away from the camera and the black clip is in between them and the camera. Is there some trick to this or is it just incredibly difficult?

 

[EdColorado]

Let me see if I can describe this in words only....

You need to pull the black plastic clip up away from the metal clip. It will slide up the strap. After that the metal clip -should- slip over the lug on the camera body. The clip is made up of two pieces of metal both of which the strap passes through. The outer piece of metal will slide back away from the camera lug hole. On my strap the metal clips cover, the flat part that is on the outward facing side, was just a little too long. It interfered with the camera body lug and wouldn't allow the strap clip to go on. I had to use a decent amount of pressure to get that outer part to snap behind the body lug. I used a small screwdriver to push on it, just behind the lug. A better way might be to get a small file and file a small relief to allow it all to go together easily. So, once the clip snaps in place you pull that plastic part back down the strap. It will fit into the metal clip, right behind the lug and will act as a lock to keep the whole thing securely locked down.
Pictures do speak a bunch of words so here's a couple quick ones of one of the mounted lugs....

 

[Q.G.]

Here's how the original clips are used.

 

[blankk]

Thanks guys. I finally got them on, but wow, it was incredibly difficult. Probably never going to take it off. Is there much (or any) of a problem with the clips scratching or wearing down the body of the camera?

 

[Q.G.]

Is there much (or any) of a problem with the clips scratching or wearing down the body of the camera?

None at all.

 

[blankk]

Thanks for the help!

 

[EdColorado]

I'd agree, no problems at all. I'm also in agreement that I'll probably never take mine off. Royal pain to put on...but a very nice strap once installed.

 

[Q.G.]

I never tried any, so am curious to know what it is that makes these Op/Tech clips so hard to put on.
The originals just slide on. Fast and easy.
And taking them off is only a little bit more work, requiring you to lift their sides before sliding them off.

 

[EdColorado]

Q.G., The main problem I think is clearance. First the sliding plastic clip that is supposed to lock it all together fits behind the strap, next to the body. Due to the camera lug being square the clip doesn't rotate so you have to work right next to the body. Its all just very tight and fiddly. Looking at the picture you posted of the original strap I see there is no locking device, thats whats been added that makes it all tougher. You can clearly see this part on the new strap in the pictures I posted.

 

[Q.G.]

I see. It's the black thingy behind the clip that is causing problems.

The original straps do not have such a thing. The clip sits very securely over the lug, without any fear that it might accidentially come off. The spring plate, fitting behind the lug, does not need an additional locking device to keep it in place.
I don't really understand why the Op/Tech clips would need a locking thing. Perhaps it would be best to find an old Hasselblad strap, snip off the clips, and fit those on an Op/Tech strap?

 

[EdColorado]

I had the same feeling about the Optec strap when I was putting it on. Especially as the spring plate is a bit too long and has to be forced past the lug, I don't think it would be prone to accidentally coming off. If the strap was going to have to be removed often I think I'd just cut off the plastic locking piece.

 

[Papa Tango]

I use the Op-Tech system for several of my cameras--the neck strap combined with different lanyards. For the longest time, I was trying to insert the plastic retaining clip into the body of the mount (type B) until I discovered this simple trick:

THE LANYARD BODY WILL SNAP ONTO THE POST WITH THE RETAINING CLIP IN PLACE!

Of course to remove the clip and lanyard, it is necessary to pull the plastic clip out and lever the snap plate up. I tried this with an "A" mount also, and it was the same deal. Sometimes, I think we make things harder than what they need to be...

 

[davecon]

The instructions missed a point. first the retaining slide has to be slid back. then you can clip on the lug. but trying to get the retaining slide to connect to the rest of the gear is a pain. the slide is blocked by the strap. sending it off at an angle! thought I had it in but the clip disconnected from the lug. good thing the camera wasn't hanging around my neck!!

 

[Ric Trexell]

Had the same problem with it on a RB67

I bought the Op/Tech strap for my Mamiya Rb67 Pro S and it was a little bit of a hassle putting it on too. I guess if I ever remove it I will have to work at it with a crow bar. I have ordered another one from B&H for my second Rb and that one will be on for good too I fear. However, they are still cheaper than the Mamiya strap which costs $50. Ric.

 

[heespharm]

Hrmm I must be the only one that thinks it's not that difficult? I think once you slip off the plastic clip a couple of times it gets easier.... I think I slip mine off after every outing to clean the camera

 

[jspillane]

Not to bump an old thread, but a little info that might be useful to someone struggling with this. I happened upon this while trying to attach the op/tech straps. I found that if you remove the film back from the body, the plastic clip is quite easy to slide back into place, due to the better angle and more space to move your hands around.

Didn't see anyone mention it, so I thought it was worth adding here for archival purposes.

 

[wiedzmin]

Here is the video
http://youtu.be/YYcJ_-Bo54A

 

[paul ron]

Those straps are pure junk.. why anyone buys em is beyond me. Pay the extra money n get a real strap for your beautiful camera.

 

[film_man]

Those straps are pure junk.. why anyone buys em is beyond me. Pay the extra money n get a real strap for your beautiful camera.

And what strap would that be? I'm seriously interested as so far I've tried these:

1. The Hasselblad original thin leather strap which came with my 501CM. It is good on a body like that with a 80 and WLF but once you put a prism or anything heavier or try to use it with an EL body it just cuts through your neck/shoulder.

2. I then bought an Artisan&Artist Hasselblad strap which every collector that never has to use the camera recommends and if they do they carry it in a bag and only take it out carefully to take a shot then put it back in the camera. What a beautiful strap that is when you're looking at the camera sitting on a shelf. What a piece of junk it is when using it. The length adjuster is so crap it keeps slipping so after a couple of days it is down to full length and I have to readjust. Plus it has ZERO grip so once when I was not careful it slipped right off my shoulder. Luckily it fell on mud so the only damage was a broken hood but it could easily be a lens written off if it wasn't for the hood and/or the surface was harder. I'm still angry with myself for paying £80 for a strap that is pure and utter crap.

3. So now I bought the Op/tech SuperPro A I finally have a strap that may look a bit rubbish but lets me easily carry an ELX+80+A12+PM90 all day long without every feeling the weight. And it doesn't slip.

So really, what strap would you recommend that can hold an ELX with back and prism and 80 comfortably? The ideal for me would be something that looks like the original but carries the weight like the Optech.

 

[paul ron]

The strap I use for my RB67 is the OEM Mamiya sold for $35 at Adoroma. It is tough as nails, wider, takes the weight and slides on my neck more comfortably when I swing my camer up for action.

The OpTec is generally too short to wear on your neck n under a shoiulder so the camera sits under an arm nicely tucked away so as not to slam the lens n wrench my neck when leaning forward.

The neck foam is much too grippy n doesn't slide up niely when bringingh my camera up for a shot. It bunches my coat n is never in the right place no matter how much I figet on each n every shot.

The generic plastic spade clips holding each side strap to the neck piece gives me such an insecure feeling. I have the same clips on my backpack n find they do pop open now n again under heavy loads.. so don't put too much merit in em or you may be sending me your equipment for dropped camera repairs.

As for price.. not a very good deal when the OEM was just a few bucks more. Oh did I mention the OpTec strap seem to be getting shorter over the years? I had one in the 80s then another recently form a customer.. so I compared the 2 n find it has gotten shoter by 8".. but there is an up siode to this.. you can buy extension sides that are exactly 8" longer for another $10. ummmm good business or just a scheme to sell the same old length strap for more?

Compared to your Hassy strap?.. never had one so I really can't say but I wonder if my mamiya strap has the same clips?.. seems MF cameras have 2 flavors of clips.. shop n try?


BTW if you are somwhat handy.. making a strap isn't very hard. You already have the origianl clips so all you'd need is some webbing material (comes in many widths n colors), couple spade clips.... all avaialable at sporting good suppliers such as EMS REI n alike.

 

[benjiboy]

For anyone who uses Op/Tech straps I strongly recomend you buy some of these http://www.amazon.co.uk/OP-TECH-Sec...qid=1366039139&sr=8-24&keywords=optech+straps to avoid bouncing youre camera off the deck if the strap connectors accidentally come apart. which is the achillese heel of these excellent straps

 

[film_man]

That's brilliant, just ordered them.

 

[dpt2014]

Optech connectors are incredibly strong. Been using them with all my systems for years without fail. I regularly use the strap to carry my rb67 with a power back. It is one heavy rig that feels very secure with my Optech strap.

 

[Too old to care]

Thanks to this thread I ordered one for my 501. I just installed it and I am very impressed with the quality. I feel the camera is much more secure with it than the 30 year old Hasselblad leather strap. It certainly will be more comfortable as I walk around with it.

 

[benjiboy]

Optech connectors are incredibly strong. Been using them with all my systems for years without fail. I regularly use the strap to carry my rb67 with a power back. It is one heavy rig that feels very secure with my Optech strap.

The Op Tech straps are strong until you accidentally grip one the quick releases if you don't use these http://www.amazon.co.uk/OP-TECH-Sec...=UTF8&qid=1366288158&sr=1-12&keywords=op+tech