Hanging Pentax DA 300 F4 on K1 Upside Down From Camera Sling by Tripod Collar. How Safe?

Hi,

I just purchased the BlackRapid Sport Breathe Original Camera Sling and I want to use it with my Pentax DA 300 F4 on either my K1 II or my K3. The best balance point would be hanging it (upside down) from the tripod collar, but this makes me nervous because of the fact that the plate attaches to the ring with a screw that basically holds on by pinching it. I worry that over a period of time the screw could loosen and the whole rig could fall off (yikes!).

Does anyone have any experience or opinions on this?

I'm going on a long birding walk tomorrow and am hoping to use my new sling.

Thanks for any feedback on this!

-Bob

PortrayingLife wrote:

Works great!

K-1 MkII+DA*300/4+HD1.4TC

With the carry lug adjusted to the 9 o'clock position, I sling the kit across my body so it hangs from my left side at my waist with the lens pointed to the rear. Note the use of two attachment straps. The lug strap carries the load, the other is for peace of mind though I've never needed the backup protection it offers. I can go all day with no problems.

While my sling/strap setup is made by OPTECH USA, I bet you can rig your BR sling to work in a similar way.

Cheers... M

Great!  So I guess you've never had the screw between the plate and the collar loosen after a prolonged period.  That's good to know.  I still get a bit nervous but maybe it's OK.

Thanks for your encouraging reply!

I have a different sling but it attaches to the collar foot via a ¼ tripod screw as well. Very secure if you tighten it.

But mine doesn't have a snap link.

The collar is usually a good balance point but that's still a bunch of weight and bulk. My strap allows me to draw it in close, which helps prevent swinging around. And I always have a hand or two on such a big combo; I use the strap just to help with carrying it, and don't let it just dangle like I would with say the K-1 and a 50mm.

You can use some Locktite, which is meant to secure metal screws.

I use the strong one for the screw that fixes the boat anchor to the chain... That one must NOT get loose. I use the light one to secure adjustment screws on my saxophone. They must stay adjustable but still move. I believe medium strength should be ideal for the tripod screw, but it helps if you check it on a regular basis.