Frequently Asked Questions
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All UPstrap products are designed to be very user friendly. Still, some questions may arise about strap length setup, best proven carrying techniques and expected wear of materials.
How do I know which UPstrap model to use on my equipment?
RF: Works perfectly with equipment LESS THAN 2.5 lbs such as still and video cameras, external power-packs and small binoculars. This strap is the ultimate choice for digital cameras. Strap width is 3/8".
SLR: Works perfectly with equipment MORE THAN 2.5 lbs such as large SLR cameras, medium format cameras and large field binoculars. The SLRs soft knobby pad is larger than the RF model; however they both have a strap width of 3/8".
LT: Works perfectly with laptop bags, equipment bags, travel bags and tripods ranging from 2.5 lbs � 15 lbs. LT utilizes the same full size pad of the SLR, with military strength 1" strap. Attaches easily with top grade snap hooks.
Be it cameras, binoculars, or electronic test equipment, the choice of the best UPstrap comes down to weight. Specifically, the weight of the object your carrying. The bag strap with the 1� strap webbing and metal snap hooks will work with any reasonably loaded laptop bag, carry-on or camera bag starting at 2.5 pounds and topping off around 15 pounds. Understand that the UPstrap will hold much more than 15 pounds but we don�t recommend much more on your shoulder.
The RF or SLR camera/electronics UPstraps are also based on the weight of your system package which with cameras can fluctuate as a lens is changed or power drives are removed. Systems or cameras under 2.5 pounds should use the RF UPstrap. Anything over 2.5 pounds requires the SLR. Keep in mind that while an RF UPstrap will work great on a Nikon FM3 with a 35 mm lens, if you put an 80-200 on it half the time....get the SLR. If your camera weighs in at 2.5 pounds total with no chance of going over that weight, pick the RF.
How do I connect the UPstrap to my equipment?
The bag strap simply snaps directly to the D rings of your bag.
While each camera, digital camcorder, binocular/spotting scope and specialized electronics system strap attaches differently, there are only 2 main systems to consider. One is via lug to split rings the other method is via a frame bracket or slot. The ring system used by Nikon, Sony, Olympus and others requires the user to thread the web through the ring or replace the ring entirely. The bracket system employed by manufacturers such as Canon does not require split rings. Both are fine systems and UPstrap products work flawlessly with each.
If possible use the split-ring supplied by your camera manufacturer. In the case of the Leica M6+ system the lug/ring is not a split ring but a bent spring loaded wire and the Leica strap is built into the wire. The Leica wire cannot be removed from the strap without cutting the Leica strap end which has a stop. To use the UPstrap on the Leica M we recommend replacing the wire with the ring supplied and adjusting the UPstrap in a normal manner. The holes in the Leica M camera lugs are smaller than other manufactures. Therefore, the split rings must be of a thinner caliber than those on a big SLR or medium format cameras. This is why we suggest using the heavy caliber split rings supplied by the camera manufacturer. . .especially with the larger cameras.
The large format Hasselblads system has a proprietary snap release. The UPstrap can be attached to those snaps if you remove the Hasselblads strap. Or you can purchase a spare set of snaps from Hasselblad and attach the UPstrap to those. Spares of important items are a good thing!
How long should I make the strap webbing for my equipment?
The UPstrap comes with a longer than normal length of web so it can be adjusted for the tallest photographer using the longest lens.
It is unnecessary to cut the web shorter until you have fine tuned the UPstrap length to match your shooting style. However, consider keeping your UPstrap on the shorter side, obviously with enough length to go over your head and rest around your solar-plexes, and if you attach an outboard flash, the flash head should rest a few inches below your chin.
The shorter the strap length, the more control you will have over the camera or laptop bag. I recommend keeping the load up a little higher, say just above your elbow, you can control the equipment with your upper arm, still leaving your forearm and hands free. There is an additional benefit to this method in that it keep your equipment more secure from swinging into door jams and out of the obvious view and control of hit and run snatchers.
TIP! To really fine tune your new UPstrap, take your primary camera and set the length so that the camera hangs by your elbow. Then with the opposite hand from the shoulder that your camera is hanging from, reach over and pull it up to your eye while keeping your left elbow down, rest the camera in the palm of your left hand, still holding it firmly in the right. The web should pull under your armpit and the UPstrap pad remains on your shoulder. If you set it just right, you can achieve some tension with the web, thus extra stability. Check for vertical and horizontal framing. This way, you can be ready to shoot without removing the camera from your shoulder and putting it over your head. Just grab, pull, steady and drop the shutter. It works great if you take the time to adjust it right. I have observed many great photographers and this seems to be the way they keep on the ready for that fleeting shot.
The exception to this shorter length of strap rule is those of you who are using the UPstrap on long lenses that have their own strap attachments. You will want these to be long because in the normal operation of this equipment it is used on a tripod and depending on the length of the telephoto can be quite a distance from the user of the telephoto can be quite a distance from the user.
How do I thread the buckle and keeper?
The UPstrap is delivered with all hardware properly installed. To learn how to thread the metal buckle and plastic keeper, take only one side apart at a time to see the correct pattern and duplicate the threading of the other end.
How long will it take for me to adapt to my UPstrap and relax my muscles?
You will notice a huge difference immediately in how the UPstrap grabs your shoulder. The new brain body connection rewire really depends upon how long and how often you have been using a shoulder strap and how often you carry your new UPstrap.
Our experience over the years tells us it will take about a week before your brain begins to grasp the fact that the UPstrap does NOT require body contortions to keep your UPstrap from slipping off your shoulder and the habit is broken from trust. You will know the process is complete when you no longer realize your shoulder strap is on your shoulder.
How long will the UPstrap pad tread last?
The short answer is many years! The UPstrap is designed much like a hybrid between a knobby and a radial tire. This hybrid will achieve maximum soft rubber traction while under normal use will last for years.
We have professional photographers who carry their camera every day and their UPstraps are still going strong after years of use.
Why does the UPstrap only come in the color black?
Right now all UPstrap products come in basic black although we intend to release Limited Editions of colors like silver and brown. The UPstrap philosophy is low profile function over form. A plain black strap is as incognito as it gets and we feel that most people do not want to broadcast the fact they have expensive equipment on their person.
What does Mil-Spec mean, and how does it relate to my UPstrap?
Mil-Spec is short for Military Specifications, which is the highest quality of materials available in terms of strength and durability. The webbing in our UPstrap cameras is the best we could find and in the case of the bag strap utilize an authentic Mil-Spec web. The web of each UPstrap is one complete piece through the pad from one camera connector to another with no sewing to weaken, and no quick releases to let go accidentally. In addition, the buckles/sliders and snaps are made of metal rather than plastic for maximum strength. We firmly believe that quality can't be compromised.
UPstrap™ The Ultimate Non-Slip Shoulder Strap
