GFX 50S wrist-strap / tripod-plate combo

I've previously written about how I prefer a wrist-strap to a standard neck-strap, or actually to any other type of strap or 'sling'. We all differ in how we use cameras, and various straps cater for that. I hope this helps those who use their camera in a similar way to me. I'll reiterate a few points...

I prefer to have my camera in hand and not 'tied' to my body, so I can hold the camera away from me, over the side of buildings, boats, etc, and be totally free to quickly hold the camera in very low or high angles. Then when I'm not taking shots, I don't want the camera - to whatever degree - to be bouncing around on me or subject to unnecessary weather, so it's in a shoulder bag when I'm not using it (-or on a table if I'm in the studio).

I don't like the hardness of leather wrist-straps - or the thin nylon cord / thread that they often end in (don't trust it after wear), or any scratching sharp metal buckles / rings on a strap, nor do I like bulky padding.

I settled on the Joby dSLR wrist strap; it's soft, subtle, strong, has no metal or sharp parts, has a 'slip-knot' design that automatically tightens to a stop around your wrist, and nothing bulky about it. Neat. Been using them for years. This is great attached to a normal strap lug on a camera, but the GFX has rotating lugs that act as a lever on the pins if a sideways force is applied - as it would be with a wrist strap. So the strap must be attached to a tripod plate (or L bracket).

It has taken some time to find a RC2 plate (I use Manfrotto), and where the strap isn't attached to a protruding QR pin, as I say I like everything minimal and neat - I don't want a releasable pin sticking out the base of a tripod plate or bracket.

For a while I used a standard Manfrotto 200PL QR plate, with the strap threading around the D-ring, but D-rings are only 'sprung' into place and can pull out, dangerous.

Ok I've found the plate, a PeakDesign Dual Plate, it's just about ideal (can also be used on Arca heads). The Joby strap is slightly too wide to easily pass through the hole in the PeakDesign plate, but gets though with some encouragement! The plate has some width, a v.grippy surface and holds solid (unlike some other plates).

The combo works great.

Plate :

https://www.peakdesign.com/dual-plate

Strap :

https://joby.com/dslr-wrist-strap

On my GFX + 32-64mm (loosely held with one hand over a hard floor, as I often do) :



/

[...if by any chance FujiFilm are reading this, please include an integrated, right / grip-side, solid strap-lug in the GFX 100S, can be recessed into the body doesn't need to be projecting.]

Thanks for that. As you may have seen in my other post I've been using the ProStrap, sometimes attached to a Black Rapid lug in the tripod socket and sometimes attached to an L-bracket. I've ordered the joby strap and the dual plate that you recommend.

left eye said:

I've previously written about how I prefer a wrist-strap to a standard neck-strap, or actually to any other type of strap or 'sling'. We all differ in how we use cameras, and various straps cater for that. I hope this helps those who use their camera in a similar way to me. I'll reiterate a few points...

I prefer to have my camera in hand and not 'tied' to my body, so I can hold the camera away from me, over the side of buildings, boats, etc, and be totally free to quickly hold the camera in very low or high angles. Then when I'm not taking shots, I don't want the camera - to whatever degree - to be bouncing around on me or subject to unnecessary weather, so it's in a shoulder bag when I'm not using it (-or on a table if I'm in the studio).

I don't like the hardness of leather wrist-straps - or the thin nylon cord / thread that they often end in (don't trust it after wear), or any scratching sharp metal buckles / rings on a strap, nor do I like bulky padding.

I settled on the Joby dSLR wrist strap; it's soft, subtle, strong, has no metal or sharp parts, has a 'slip-knot' design that automatically tightens to a stop around your wrist, and nothing bulky about it. Neat. Been using them for years. This is great attached to a normal strap lug on a camera, but the GFX has rotating lugs that act as a lever on the pins if a sideways force is applied - as it would be with a wrist strap. So the strap must be attached to a tripod plate (or L bracket).

It has taken some time to find a RC2 plate (I use Manfrotto), and where the strap isn't attached to a protruding QR pin, as I say I like everything minimal and neat - I don't want a releasable pin sticking out the base of a tripod plate or bracket.

For a while I used a standard Manfrotto 200PL QR plate, with the strap threading around the D-ring, but D-rings are only 'sprung' into place and can pull out, dangerous.

Ok I've found the plate, a PeakDesign Dual Plate, it's just about ideal (can also be used on Arca heads). The Joby strap is slightly too wide to easily pass through the hole in the PeakDesign plate, but gets though with some encouragement! The plate has some width, a v.grippy surface and holds solid (unlike some other plates).

The combo works great.

Plate :

https://www.peakdesign.com/dual-plate

Strap :

https://joby.com/dslr-wrist-strap

On my GFX + 32-64mm (loosely held with one hand over a hard floor, as I often do) :

/

[...if by any chance FujiFilm are reading this, please include an integrated, right / grip-side, solid strap-lug in the GFX 100S, can be recessed into the body doesn't need to be projecting.]

Click to expand...

Thanks for this...great solution!

Joe

Theia said:

Thanks for that. As you may have seen in my other post I've been using the ProStrap, sometimes attached to a Black Rapid lug in the tripod socket and sometimes attached to an L-bracket. I've ordered the joby strap and the dual plate that you recommend.

Click to expand...

...you may need to use a small screwdriver to push the strap through the hole in the plate. I didn't try how the plate + strap works on an Arca head but is fine on a Manfrotto head, hope the combo works out for you.

Thanks for this recommendation. I bought the strap and love it. It's very comfortable.

Sharon

left eye said:

I've previously written about how I prefer a wrist-strap to a standard neck-strap, or actually to any other type of strap or 'sling'. We all differ in how we use cameras, and various straps cater for that. I hope this helps those who use their camera in a similar way to me. I'll reiterate a few points...

I prefer to have my camera in hand and not 'tied' to my body, so I can hold the camera away from me, over the side of buildings, boats, etc, and be totally free to quickly hold the camera in very low or high angles. Then when I'm not taking shots, I don't want the camera - to whatever degree - to be bouncing around on me or subject to unnecessary weather, so it's in a shoulder bag when I'm not using it (-or on a table if I'm in the studio).

I don't like the hardness of leather wrist-straps - or the thin nylon cord / thread that they often end in (don't trust it after wear), or any scratching sharp metal buckles / rings on a strap, nor do I like bulky padding.

I settled on the Joby dSLR wrist strap; it's soft, subtle, strong, has no metal or sharp parts, has a 'slip-knot' design that automatically tightens to a stop around your wrist, and nothing bulky about it. Neat. Been using them for years. This is great attached to a normal strap lug on a camera, but the GFX has rotating lugs that act as a lever on the pins if a sideways force is applied - as it would be with a wrist strap. So the strap must be attached to a tripod plate (or L bracket).

It has taken some time to find a RC2 plate (I use Manfrotto), and where the strap isn't attached to a protruding QR pin, as I say I like everything minimal and neat - I don't want a releasable pin sticking out the base of a tripod plate or bracket.

For a while I used a standard Manfrotto 200PL QR plate, with the strap threading around the D-ring, but D-rings are only 'sprung' into place and can pull out, dangerous.

Ok I've found the plate, a PeakDesign Dual Plate, it's just about ideal (can also be used on Arca heads). The Joby strap is slightly too wide to easily pass through the hole in the PeakDesign plate, but gets though with some encouragement! The plate has some width, a v.grippy surface and holds solid (unlike some other plates).

The combo works great.

Plate :

https://www.peakdesign.com/dual-plate

Strap :

https://joby.com/dslr-wrist-strap

On my GFX + 32-64mm (loosely held with one hand over a hard floor, as I often do) :

/

[...if by any chance FujiFilm are reading this, please include an integrated, right / grip-side, solid strap-lug in the GFX 100S, can be recessed into the body doesn't need to be projecting.]

Click to expand...

Thanks for this. It beats nothing but disappointed that the only solution you found results in something that makes the camera body on a whole slightly bigger and not flush with the bottom surface which means it can't be placed down without wobbling. I Peak's wrist slip strap by the way.

I use that wrist strap but attached it to one of the swingy shoulder strap clips. It is a super comfortable wrist strap.

SharonVL said:

Click to expand...

The reason I didn't do that is those lugs are only designed to take weight vertically from above - as with a neck-strap.

If the camera swings on the wrist strap as you have it, the lug will pull sideways and act as a lever on the body pin - which would not be advisable!

Those lugs and the body pins are not designed to take the camera's weight pulling outwards from the side, I would not be confident about this approach. Hence using the tripod connector - which is designed to take all of the camera's weight from all angles.

benfreidlin said:

left eye said:

I've previously written about how I prefer a wrist-strap to a standard neck-strap, or actually to any other type of strap or 'sling'. We all differ in how we use cameras, and various straps cater for that. I hope this helps those who use their camera in a similar way to me. I'll reiterate a few points...

I prefer to have my camera in hand and not 'tied' to my body, so I can hold the camera away from me, over the side of buildings, boats, etc, and be totally free to quickly hold the camera in very low or high angles. Then when I'm not taking shots, I don't want the camera - to whatever degree - to be bouncing around on me or subject to unnecessary weather, so it's in a shoulder bag when I'm not using it (-or on a table if I'm in the studio).

I don't like the hardness of leather wrist-straps - or the thin nylon cord / thread that they often end in (don't trust it after wear), or any scratching sharp metal buckles / rings on a strap, nor do I like bulky padding.

I settled on the Joby dSLR wrist strap; it's soft, subtle, strong, has no metal or sharp parts, has a 'slip-knot' design that automatically tightens to a stop around your wrist, and nothing bulky about it. Neat. Been using them for years. This is great attached to a normal strap lug on a camera, but the GFX has rotating lugs that act as a lever on the pins if a sideways force is applied - as it would be with a wrist strap. So the strap must be attached to a tripod plate (or L bracket).

It has taken some time to find a RC2 plate (I use Manfrotto), and where the strap isn't attached to a protruding QR pin, as I say I like everything minimal and neat - I don't want a releasable pin sticking out the base of a tripod plate or bracket.

For a while I used a standard Manfrotto 200PL QR plate, with the strap threading around the D-ring, but D-rings are only 'sprung' into place and can pull out, dangerous.

Ok I've found the plate, a PeakDesign Dual Plate, it's just about ideal (can also be used on Arca heads). The Joby strap is slightly too wide to easily pass through the hole in the PeakDesign plate, but gets though with some encouragement! The plate has some width, a v.grippy surface and holds solid (unlike some other plates).

The combo works great.

Plate :

https://www.peakdesign.com/dual-plate

Strap :

https://joby.com/dslr-wrist-strap

On my GFX + 32-64mm (loosely held with one hand over a hard floor, as I often do) :

/

[...if by any chance FujiFilm are reading this, please include an integrated, right / grip-side, solid strap-lug in the GFX 100S, can be recessed into the body doesn't need to be projecting.]

Click to expand...

Thanks for this. It beats nothing but disappointed that the only solution you found results in something that makes the camera body on a whole slightly bigger and not flush with the bottom surface which means it can't be placed down without wobbling. I Peak's wrist slip strap by the way.

Click to expand...

I don't find the camera wobbling, and as I use a tripod 25% of the time I have the tripod QR plate ready attached. It's faff to keep attaching and removing a QR plate. This works fine for me. But yes if Fuji had used regular recessed strap lugs that's where I'd be attaching the strap to.

Umm. Not sure where you got the info on how they were designed but I always have my hand on the camera. I think this works great.

SharonVL said:

Umm. Not sure where you got the info on how they were designed

Click to expand...

by looking at them, they are not designed to take sideways weight/tension - otherwise they would also swivel in that direction - outwards.

SharonVL said:

but I always have my hand on the camera. I think this works great.

Click to expand...

...you need to do a realistic drop test over a cushion to be confident the strap (and attachment) will do it's job of saving the camera - if it happens to be jolted out of your hand.

Those lugs are thin and may bend sideways, the pin head may even pull through. I wouldn't trust it. Try letting go over a pillow - at your own risk though as the pin may be damaged.

The tripod plate attachment is 100% safe and solid, if the camera is dropped it will do no damage to the camera and will totally save it dropping.

Yeah we always do that. It holds fine.

How about using this:


And this:




QD swivel lug

And a strap of your choice?

I am becoming a fan of the QD system.

Jim

--

JimKasson said:

How about using this:

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/Fuji-GFX-50S

And this:

QD swivel lug

And a strap of your choice?

I am becoming a fan of the QD system.

Jim

--
http://blog.kasson.com

Click to expand...

Interesting. Still enlarged the footprint but also outs the area point on the side vs the bottom which doesn't feel right for me.

JimKasson said:

How about using this:

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/Fuji-GFX-50S

And this:

QD swivel lug

And a strap of your choice?

I am becoming a fan of the QD system.

Jim

--
http://blog.kasson.com

Click to expand...

Yes I looked into that before deciding on the solution I ended up with.

The QD swivels need some kind of L-plate, which is ok if required, but then the QD swivel projects below that, extends a long way so the camera is really wobbly on the swivel.

I also discounted this as I just don't trust the release button - to not be accidentally pressed in - and the camera dropping to it's death. Say it knocks against my side while walking, camera drops, I don't want to be thinking about another hazard all the time, enough to think about. With something more discrete, i.e. not projecting below, it can be left in place, and no QR is required for the wrist-strap, minimal, solid and simple - which is the way I like it.

left eye said:

JimKasson said:

How about using this:

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/Fuji-GFX-50S

And this:

QD swivel lug

And a strap of your choice?

I am becoming a fan of the QD system.

Jim

Click to expand...

Yes I looked into that before deciding on the solution I ended up with.

The QD swivels need some kind of L-plate, which is ok if required, but then the QD swivel projects below that, extends a long way so the camera is really wobbly on the swivel.

I also discounted this as I just don't trust the release button - to not be accidentally pressed in - and the camera dropping to it's death. Say it knocks against my side while walking, camera drops, I don't want to be thinking about another hazard all the time, enough to think about. With something more discrete, i.e. not projecting below, it can be left in place, and no QR is required for the wrist-strap, minimal, solid and simple - which is the way I like it.

Click to expand...

It's taken me a while, but I now trust the QD release button. It's incredibly strong -- I can't pull it off no matter how hard I try without pressing the button -- and the way the release works, it can't be released when there is tension on the strap. I'm not sure what you mean by "wobbly", since, when you're using the strap, you're handholding the camera by the grip.

Jim

--