Carrying strap for Z5U at DVinfo.net

Bill Ackerman · January 24th, 2009, 10:38 AM

I'm a long-time still photographer that has joined the stampede to this new-fangled movin' pictures thing. I've had the 5ZU for a few days now and am having a blast playing with it - amazing little tool - so much to learn. It'll be a while before I can contribute anything of real substance, but here is something some might find useful:

For carrying the Z5U in the field, I have attached it to my BlackRapid RStrap (BlackRapid: Home). For me, it is perfectly matched to the Z5U. When not in use, the camera is out of harm's way behind my back, resting partially on my butt, with much of the weight distributed along my back, not the neck or shoulders. When I need to shoot some video, it is up and ready to use instantly. A clip in the tripod mount allows the camera to be quickly disconnected. I did not feel confident in the one provided, so I replaced it with a stronger, more secure one. The manufacturer said they would be shipping a better clip in October, but they have shipped nothing yet. Also, I know some photographers who do not like the RStrap. I think your body shape has a lot to do with how comfortable it is and how easy it is to move the camera into position.

So, I have been taking my new 5ZU everywhere, shooting as much as I can to learn more about video. The RStrap has made this much easier.

Bill

Adam Folickman · January 24th, 2009, 01:22 PM

Bill,

I watched the videos on the product. It looks like a cool product.

Does the Z5U feel bulky because of the weight if it rests on the lower part of your back ?

Also I would think you really have to be careful when moving around because the cam is not in view in your front.

Bill Ackerman · January 24th, 2009, 01:36 PM

Adam,

Not bulky at all. Of course I feel the weight of the camera, but it isn't uncomfortable and, since the camera is mostly behind me, the size isn't a factor. I'm used to carrying around a Nikon D300 with a big 200mm f/2 lens and the Z5U feels like a feather in comparison.

Bill

Greg Laves · January 24th, 2009, 06:01 PM

I have always used straps on my still cameras. I just can't imagine not using them without straps. However, I never use straps on any of my video cameras. It just seems like they always get in the way. I guess that doesn't make much sense. I have had numerous discussions (arguements) with a still photog friend of mine who refuses to put straps on his cameras because he feels the straps always get in the way.

Adam Folickman · January 24th, 2009, 08:42 PM

I use them on video cameras because I like to carry it around my neck.

I use this one for my digital camera and also my video camera. It is good because it is designed so the weight of the camera doesn't feel as heavy as it really is.

Op/Tech USA | Reporter Two Camera or Binocular & | 6501011

January 24th, 2009, 10:38 AM	#1
Bill Ackerman Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Rio Chango, Brazil Posts: 112	Carrying strap for Z5U I'm a long-time still photographer that has joined the stampede to this new-fangled movin' pictures thing. I've had the 5ZU for a few days now and am having a blast playing with it - amazing little tool - so much to learn. It'll be a while before I can contribute anything of real substance, but here is something some might find useful: For carrying the Z5U in the field, I have attached it to my BlackRapid RStrap (BlackRapid: Home). For me, it is perfectly matched to the Z5U. When not in use, the camera is out of harm's way behind my back, resting partially on my butt, with much of the weight distributed along my back, not the neck or shoulders. When I need to shoot some video, it is up and ready to use instantly. A clip in the tripod mount allows the camera to be quickly disconnected. I did not feel confident in the one provided, so I replaced it with a stronger, more secure one. The manufacturer said they would be shipping a better clip in October, but they have shipped nothing yet. Also, I know some photographers who do not like the RStrap. I think your body shape has a lot to do with how comfortable it is and how easy it is to move the camera into position. So, I have been taking my new 5ZU everywhere, shooting as much as I can to learn more about video. The RStrap has made this much easier. Bill

January 24th, 2009, 01:22 PM	#2
Adam Folickman Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: New Hampshire, USA Posts: 125	Bill, I watched the videos on the product. It looks like a cool product. Does the Z5U feel bulky because of the weight if it rests on the lower part of your back ? Also I would think you really have to be careful when moving around because the cam is not in view in your front.

January 24th, 2009, 01:36 PM	#3
Bill Ackerman Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Rio Chango, Brazil Posts: 112	Adam, Not bulky at all. Of course I feel the weight of the camera, but it isn't uncomfortable and, since the camera is mostly behind me, the size isn't a factor. I'm used to carrying around a Nikon D300 with a big 200mm f/2 lens and the Z5U feels like a feather in comparison. Bill

January 24th, 2009, 06:01 PM	#4
Greg Laves Major Player Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Corpus Christi, TX Posts: 640	I have always used straps on my still cameras. I just can't imagine not using them without straps. However, I never use straps on any of my video cameras. It just seems like they always get in the way. I guess that doesn't make much sense. I have had numerous discussions (arguements) with a still photog friend of mine who refuses to put straps on his cameras because he feels the straps always get in the way.

January 24th, 2009, 08:42 PM	#5
Adam Folickman Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: New Hampshire, USA Posts: 125	I use them on video cameras because I like to carry it around my neck. I use this one for my digital camera and also my video camera. It is good because it is designed so the weight of the camera doesn't feel as heavy as it really is. Op/Tech USA \| Reporter Two Camera or Binocular & \| 6501011