Patrick La Roque Reviews his Simplr Camera Straps

Patrick La Roque's Camera Straps

Patrick La Roque is a photographer, writer, speaker, and member of the Kage Collective.

He’s a remarkable visual storyteller, who’s work could equally evoke calm or frenzy, warmth or solitude.

Here’s a little of what Patrick thinks about his M1a & M1w:

“…Basically, these are products that don’t flash or glitter, that don’t call attention to themselves at all. Everything about them is understated and subtle. But they’re beautifully crafted and ready-made for mirrorless systems. …As much as I still love the feel of my leather straps, I can’t dismiss how much lighter and easier to work with these are. Just quickly being able to vary the length with little friction, to remove them altogether if they’re in the way…it all adds up.”

Read the full review on Patrick’s site.

A Show of Strength

M1a holding 35lbs

This is what we do for fun around the office.

Here’s a Simplr M1a with 35lbs (nearly 16 kilos) hanging from it. And that’s off of one connector … Remember you’ll have two attached to your camera.

We wouldn’t advise carrying a 35lb camera/lense combo on this strap, but when you’ve got a 2.5lb rig, it’s nice to feel safe.

It’s also worth noting that the adjuster, which slides easily when adjusting the length of the strap, didn’t budge at all under this weight.

An Introduction to Mini QD Loops™

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The quick-connectors we use on our M1a and M1w straps are Op/Tech USA Mini QD Loops™ (They come in 1mm and 1.5mm versions, but we only use the stronger 1.5mm version).

We’re often asked if they release accidentally. We’re happy to report, we’ve never seen or heard of this happening. To release them, you have to apply significant pressure to both sides — simultaneously. It’s virtually impossible for them to release unintentionally.

We’ve found them to be small, strong (check out our strength test) and reliable, but don’t just take our word for it — They have a 4.6 rating on Amazon with 250+ reviews.

If you’d like to use your M1 Series strap on more than one camera, or just want some spares, we sell them here.

How to Attach Mini QD Loops™ to Cameras with Split Rings

Does your camera have a split ring, like this?

Unless you’re 100% certain that your camera has smooth lugs, it’s best that you attach Mini QD Loops via split rings. Furthermore, we suggest that you use ours, as they’re uniquely designed to work beautifully with the cord loops (much better than the triangular ones).

1. Thread the cord loop through the split ring.

Thread the cord loop through the split ring.

2. Thread the mini quick-disconnect through the loop.

Thread mini quick-disconnect through opening of loop.

3. Pull the mini quick-disconnect to cinch the loop.

Pull mini quick-disconnect to cinch the loop.

If your camera came with triangular split rings, we strongly recommend replacing them with round ones.

We make some really excellent round split rings that work perfectly with Mini QD loops, and don’t get twisted up like triangular split rings.

You can replace the triangle split ring with a round split ring. We think they work a little better.

How to Attach Mini QD Loops™ to Cameras without Split Rings

Optech Camera Quick-Release detail

Before attaching Mini QD Loops directly to strap lugs, read this important post: Strap Lug Inserts: What are they and why should I care?

Unless you’re 100% certain that your camera has smooth lugs, it’s best that you attach Mini QD Loops via split rings, as outlined here.

1. Thread the cord loop through the strap lug. It might help to use a piece of string or dental floss.

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2. Thread the mini quick-disconnect through the loop.

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3. Pull the mini quick-disconnect to cinch the loop.

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