mini-review: camdapter's leather handstrap

[Andy]

i'm a big fan of innovation. jim garavuso over at camdapter (www.camdapter.com) is a creative guy. he came up with the handstrap that conveniently connects to a non-pro sized body (e.g. d70, 300d, 20d) and still allows access to the battery door.

whilst participating in another discussion, jim showed me some really nice straps he's got for sale, straps that fit the pro-size bodies (canon 1-series... check with camdapter if they'll work on the pro-size nikons).

you can see a picture of the straps here (http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/280150/0#2341707).

anyhow, jim's a straightup guy, so i ordered one for the heck of it. i presently use canon's e-1 handstrap on my 1Ds Mark II, and i like it very much. but what the heck, new and different, eh?

the quality is good - soft leather, feels nice. the stitching appears to be very secure. the supplied instruction pdf (with accompanying photos) is very simple to follow. installation takes about 90 seconds. fit is good. what more can you ask?

there's contact info for jim garavuso on the camdapter website. so, is this an endorsement? nah - i'm really just reporting. i'm not paid nor compensated by camdapter in any way - in fact, i paid $25 + $5 shipping to get mine :D is it worth $2 more than canon's e-1 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=details_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=12984&is=REG)? that's up to you to decide. but if you don't have a handstrap, or don't want the canon, here's a good alternative :D

EDIT, UPDATE:

Jim Garavuso of Camdapter has come out with a newer, beefier leather handstrap. it's a bit heavier-duty than the original leather handstrap, and it's made of chap side full grain leather. i dig it.

http://camdapter.com/IMG_1325psr_1_1_1_1.jpg

I also have the mounting plate, which is a beautiful piece of engineering. solid black aluminum, it fits like a glove on a 20d or 5d body. truly impressive. i got the unit with a strap loop on both sides, allowing me to put the handstrap on the right side of the camera, and the neckstrap on the left side of the camera. like this:

http://camdapter.com/IMG_0898ps_2_1_3_1.jpg

a big plus with camdapter is that the unit is flat, allowing your camera to sit flat... the hakuba, for example, has that knob thingy, making it sit wrong. in addition, the camdapter mounts very snugly, making it safe for tripod use as well.

here's a pic with the double-ended camdapter on my canon 5D - leather handstrap and standard neckstrap attached:

http://williams.smugmug.com/photos/39025125-M.jpg


very very cool, jim - contrats on a great product :thumb :thumb

[limbik]

Wow, those are pretty slick! Now what the heck am I going to do with this Hakuba!? :rolleyes

I think I might try out the Arca Double and see how things go. The Hakuba is great and all, the way the tripod socket remains centered is quite ingenious, but when I use it on the tripod it has too much give. Getting battery access, and integrated plate... wow... I can't wait!

[gus]

I was only a day or so away from ordering a Hakuba. Will wait now to hear what you recon andy.

Can anyone tell me if the Hakuba uses the tripod thread under the camera ? Come on guys..im in a camera void coutry here. Non of the shops know what Hakuba is.

Gus

[Andy]

Wow, those are pretty slick! Now what the heck am I going to do with this Hakuba!? :rolleyes

I think I might try out the Arca Double and see how things go. The Hakuba is great and all, the way the tripod socket remains centered is quite ingenious, but when I use it on the tripod it has too much give. Getting battery access, and integrated plate... wow... I can't wait!


uhm, i've said this a hundred times... when using the tripod, simply unscrew the hakuba and let it dangle. :huh

[Andy]

I was only a day or so away from ordering a Hakuba. Will wait now to hear what you recon andy.

Can anyone tell me if the Hakuba uses the tripod thread under the camera ? Come on guys..im in a camera void coutry here. Non of the shops know what Hakuba is.

Gus

gus, the camdapter thingy is much more secure and strong than the hakuba.

*but* the hakuba is cheaper, and works just fine! when you put your camera on the tripod, you simply take 3 seconds, unscrew the hakuba strap from the camera base, and off to the races you go..

[devbobo]

Hey Andy,

With the tripod mount off centred from the original hole, doesn't this cause problems if you were trying to shoot a pano with this hand strap attached ?

And I just ordered a Hakuba too http://dgrin.com/images/smilies/bncry.gif

Cheers,

David

[Andy]

Hey Andy,

With the tripod mount off centred from the original hole, doesn't this cause problems if you were trying to shoot a pano with this hand strap attached ?

And I just ordered a Hakuba too http://dgrin.com/images/smilies/bncry.gif

Cheers,

David

one more time :D i recommend removing the handstrap screw, hakuba or camdapter, when using a tripod - after all, how long does it take - maybe 3 seconds....

you'll like the hakuba it works great.

[devbobo]

one more time :D i recommend removing the handstrap screw, hakuba or camdapter, when using a tripod - after all, how long does it take - maybe 3 seconds....

you'll like the hakuba it works great.
ok in ur previous reply, i thought u meant that u need to remove the handstrap screw for the hakuba but not the camdapter. http://dgrin.com/images/smilies/thumb.gif

[Andy]

ok in ur previous reply, i thought u meant that u need to remove the handstrap screw for the hakuba but not the camdapter. http://dgrin.com/images/smilies/thumb.gif

yeah- the two are essentially the same design, but the camdapter is metal and the hakuba plastic - camdapter says "no need to remove" but in the case you describe, for panos, i'd of course remove it :thumb

[jtg]

While I do recomend removing the Camdapter for shooting panoramas, the offset of 3/4" would only be of issue if you were using a panorama bracket (rotating about the entrance pupil of the lens) and shooting a panorama with close subjects. Most "panorama" shooting of very distant subjects (i.e. landscapes) would not be affected by this small offset.


Jim Garavuso



yeah- the two are essentially the same design, but the camdapter is metal and the hakuba plastic - camdapter says "no need to remove" but in the case you describe, for panos, i'd of course remove it :thumb

[limbik]

yeah- the two are essentially the same design, but the camdapter is metal and the hakuba plastic - camdapter says "no need to remove" but in the case you describe, for panos, i'd of course remove it :thumb
It looks solid enough that hopefully I could avoid removing it at all with the Arca version. Now I have a good reason to upgrade to an RRS rail and clamp. :wink

[limbik]

Jim you are a genius! This thing is incredible!

My brief review:

First of all it is SOLID, feels like the well machined chunk of metal that it is, yet it does not seem to add much extra weight at all, very light.

2nd, it is FLAT, I can finally set the camera down on its base again.

3rd, the battery access works like a charm, I love it.

Finally, the strap, oooooohh the strap... that is the softest most supple piece of goodness that ever came off a cow's arse (well, hopefully not exactly, but its damn soft stuff).

What can I say? WOW... Anybody in the market for an almost new Hakuba?

[Khaos]

Unfortuantely this won't play with my rrs L plate. I would like a hand strap though. I carry my camera by hand a lot even with the 24-70 or 70-200 monsters on it. Me strong like Bull:D but me hand does cramp after awhile.:cry

[limbik]

Unfortuantely this won't play with my rrs L plate. I would like a hand strap though. I carry my camera by hand a lot even with the 24-70 or 70-200 monsters on it. Me strong like Bull:D but me hand does cramp after awhile.:cry
:liftI am also looking at that L plate for my 20D. I'm wondering if I can attach the handstrap plate to the bottom of the L-Plate? Does this look possible? It mounts flush with a hex screw right? Is there a regular tripod socket on the bottom? I could just mount the handstrap plate to that I think.

[limbik]

Hmm... I was just looking at the pictures on RRS.
Its too bad that the tripod socket on the L-Plate is forward, rather than to the side the way it is on the handstrap plate. I was hoping perhaps it was offset just enough to put the handstrap back at the exact middle... Hey, I can dream.

If the bottom plate of the L was solid, I would just have somebody thread a new hole 3/4" to the left and it would be a perfect pair with L-plate and handstrap keeping the tripod socket dead center... but alas, it does not look like it is.

[Khaos]

Hmm... I was just looking at the pictures on RRS.
Its too bad that the tripod socket on the L-Plate is forward, rather than to the side the way it is on the handstrap plate. I was hoping perhaps it was offset just enough to put the handstrap back at the exact middle... Hey, I can dream.

If the bottom plate of the L was solid, I would just have somebody thread a new hole 3/4" to the left and it would be a perfect pair with L-plate and handstrap keeping the tripod socket dead center... but alas, it does not look like it is.
Nope.

I will tell you though, that if you use a tripod with a ball head, the rrs L plate is awesome. It's light, smooth, and this may sound weird, but I actually like the feel of the camera body better with it on.

[limbik]

Nope.

I will tell you though, that if you use a tripod with a ball head, the rrs L plate is awesome. It's light, smooth, and this may sound weird, but I actually like the feel of the camera body better with it on.
That's exactly what I was thinking. The 20D needs a little extra beef anyhow.

[Andy]

updated, see the first part of this post.

[digital_gopher]

I had ordered a strap and plate from Jim the other week. There was an error in the ordering system, which caused me to get 2 straps shipped instead of the one with the mounting plate. Jim did the right thing and immediately shipped the plate once we had discovered the error even before I returned the extra strap. He has a great product and provided wonderful customer service. Would recommended this to anyone looking of a camera hand strap.


Jeremy

[Andy]

one more time :D i recommend removing the handstrap screw, hakuba or camdapter, when using a tripod - after all, how long does it take - maybe 3 seconds....

you'll like the hakuba it works great.

i'm going to eat these words.

there is *no* need to remove the camdapter unit when tripodding. it's that strong, sturdy and secure imo.

the hakuba is a whole different story, since it's plastic, not machined aluminum.

[Andy]

I had ordered a strap and plate from Jim the other week. There was an error in the ordering system, which caused me to get 2 straps shipped instead of the one with the mounting plate. Jim did the right thing and immediately shipped the plate once we had discovered the error even before I returned the extra strap. He has a great product and provided wonderful customer service. Would recommended this to anyone looking of a camera hand strap.


Jeremy

yep, jim g is first-rate, jeremy. thanks for adding to the post here.

[limbik]

How does that plate+strap fit on your 5D Andy?

[Andy]

How does that plate+strap fit on your 5D Andy?

like a glove :deal

[Andy]

added pic of double ended camdapter in main post

[Ric Grupe]

Andy, is this base compatible with the Bogen 322RC2 Head?

http://www.camdapter.com/IMG_0755_6_1_12_1.JPG Arca style.

If so...wouldn't that be convenient! I'd never take it off. :clap

I realize I can look this up.....but I figured you would know offhand and save me the effort!

Neckstrap, handstrap, and tripod mount all in one!!! Looks solid too.

[Andy]

Andy, is this base compatible with the Bogen 322RC2 Head?

http://www.camdapter.com/IMG_0755_6_1_12_1.JPG

If so...wouldn't that be convenient! I'd never take it off. :clap

I realize I can look this up.....but I figured you would know offhand and save me the effort!

Neckstrap, handstrap, and tripod mount all in one!!! Looks solid too.

i don't know - my base is different - just flat all-round, the one you picture is the "arca-style" and i'm not sure if it would fit the bogen head that you and i use.. i'll give jim g a shout and see if i can get one.

[Ric Grupe]

i don't know - my base is different - just flat all-round, the one you picture is the "arca-style" and i'm not sure if it would fit the bogen head that you and i use.. i'll give jim g a shout and see if i can get one.
It's farther down the page that you referenced.

[ehughes]

I received mine last night, couldn't be happier with it..

Ed

[Ric Grupe]

I received mine last night, couldn't be happier with it..

Ed
Which style? Tell me more. :D

[limbik]

Which style? Tell me more. :D
Ric, that is the model that I have as well. I will be using it with one of these plates http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/clamps/index.html on top of my ball head.

I have not found a way to use an L-Bracket with it yet, but it is not a serious issue yet. But I can use it with any of the RRS rails at least, since it is all Arca-style. I will let you know how well it fits the clamp as soon as the clamp arrives.

[Ric Grupe]

Markins makes similar plates that don't have pins (something that over time can loosen and get lost) and have an anti-twist design.

The one for the 20D can be found here.

http://www.markinsamerica.com/MA5/PG-34.php

[Andy]

Andy, is this base compatible with the Bogen 322RC2 Head?

Arca style.

If so...wouldn't that be convenient! I'd never take it off. :clap

I realize I can look this up.....but I figured you would know offhand and save me the effort!

Neckstrap, handstrap, and tripod mount all in one!!! Looks solid too.

i heard back from jim garavuso. no, that plate won't work with the 322rc2. but the good news is, is that jim g's gonna make one!

I have looked at the Manfrotto plate and my Arca plates will not fit in that QR head. The angle of the dovetail is different and there are some other clearance issues. That being said, I do intend to develop a compatible plate for that system. It is very popular and I have had many requests from users. I can't give you a firm timeframe on that development but I will consider you my Beta tester.

i love it when businesses listen to their customers. jim: make it flat on the bottom still, so the camera rests flat.... :thumb

[jtg]

Markins makes similar plates that don't have pins (something that over time can loosen and get lost) and have an anti-twist design.

The one for the 20D can be found here.

http://www.markinsamerica.com/MA5/PG-34.php

Ric:

Just a couple of comments:

The stainless steel pins on Camdapers are held in place with setscrews. I use locktite thread locker on them, so they will not loosen unless they are deliberately removed by using an allen wrench to break the seal, something I recommend users not to do.

The Camdapters for the 5D, 20D, D100 etc. have an anti-twist lip design.

The Markins plates are very nicely made with an machined integral strap lug, BUT unless you have VERY small hands the Canon E1 hand strap will not work with them. Camdapters on the other hand will allow you to use either the E1 hand strap or Camdapter Leather Hand Straps.

Jim Garavuso
http://www.camdapter.com

[Ric Grupe]

Ric:

Just a couple of comments:

The stainless steel pins on Camdapers are held in place with setscrews. I use locktite thread locker on them, so they will not loosen unless they are deliberately removed by using an allen wrench to break the seal, something I recommend users not to do.

The Camdapters for the 5D, 20D, D100 etc. have an anti-twist lip design.

The Markins plates are very nicely made with an machined integral strap lug, BUT unless you have VERY small hands the Canon E1 hand strap will not work with them. Camdapters on the other hand will allow you to use either the E1 hand strap or Camdapter Leather Hand Straps.

Jim Garavuso
http://www.camdapter.com
Thanks for the info. :D

Can you speak to this?

http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?postid=178969#poststop

Not sure if Bogen base is arca or proprietary.

[Andy]

Thanks for the info. :D

Can you speak to this?

http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?postid=178969#poststop

Not sure if Bogen base is arca or proprietary.


ric, your link there just goes back to this thread. here's my resp to your question which i asked jim: linky (http://www.dgrin.com/showpost.php?p=180081&postcount=32)

[Ric Grupe]

i heard back from jim garavuso. no, that plate won't work with the 322rc2. but the good news is, is that jim g's gonna make one!



i love it when businesses listen to their customers. jim: make it flat on the bottom still, so the camera rests flat.... :thumb
Me too!

If your memory is better than mine, could you PM me when further developments occur?

Thanks, Andy. :D Appreciated!!!:thumb

[Andy]

Me too!

If your memory is better than mine, could you PM me when further developments occur?

Thanks, Andy. :D Appreciated!!!:thumb

i will update this thread, just subscribe to it and let dgrin do the remember for you :lol3

:deal

[Ric Grupe]

i will update this thread, just subscribe to it and let dgrin do the remember for you :lol3

:deal
Done!

Thanks.

[docwalker]

Do you have an update on the status of the Bogen version? I am in the market for a handstrap for my D200 w/battery grip.

Like some of the earlier posters, I am using a 322RC2.

[Andy]

http://dgrin.smugmug.com/gallery/1075510

[Andy]

i heard back from jim garavuso. no, that plate won't work with the 322rc2. but the good news is, is that jim g's gonna make one!



i love it when businesses listen to their customers. jim: make it flat on the bottom still, so the camera rests flat.... :thumb

And Jim Garavuso comes through:
http://dgrin.smugmug.com/gallery/1075510

My review has been updated to include info and pics of the new Manfrotto / Bogen plate.

http://dgrin.smugmug.com/photos/96681885-M.jpg

[TristanP]

Thanks for the update Andy. I will be getting one of these for Christmas. :thumb to Jim for designing the Bogen adapter.

[mrclark321]

Just ordered one for my 5D, now I don't need a BG to use my handstrap :clap



Dan

[jdryan3]

Just ordered one for my 5D, now I don't need a BG to use my handstrap :clap

Dan

Dan -
What kind of head do have? I use the 486 RC2, which the camadapter web site says should be OK, but...first hand feedback is always better

[Pindy]

I discovered, pioneer that I am, that Jim's Manfrotto plate obstructs the battery door on the Rebel XTi with the strap attached, only by a few mm. Though I'm sending mine back, Jim's going to look at the design for his next production run to try to accommodate us entry-level folk with a recessed strap loop.

Great guy in all and beautiful quality stuff.