I am sure that one thing every photographer can agree on is that the camera strap that comes with the camera is useless! After that, however, there’s lots of debate about how you should carry a camera.
After forty years of having a camera quite happily swinging and thumping into my chest every time I walked, and with the advent of age, meaning I notice pain more, I started to explore different options for carrying my camera.
I was initially really attracted by the Cotton Carrier systems. I liked the idea of the camera resting lens down (stopping the punching) and the fact that it spread the weight across your shoulders and back through the strap. But, when I did some research, I discovered that they have their own proprietary locking mechanism, and it’s not Arca-Swiss compatible. So, every time I wanted to use a Tripod (or, in my case, more frequently, a monopod), I would need to take off that lock, install an Arca Swiss plate and then attach. File under “too much hassle”.
After lots of searching I came across the Falcam F38. I have been using this for a few months now, including an intensive 10-day recent trip to France.
I love it, and thought others may be interested in other ways of carrying their gear. Paul thought I wan’t mad, and offered me this chance.
From the start, I bought the Falcam (and then another one), so this is what I think after parting with my own hard-earned (actually, I’m an academic so hard-earned is perhaps stretching it) cash.
The F38 is a locking mechanism. The advantage it has, however, is that it is compatible with the Peak Design QR plate. That is Arca-Swiss compatible, so I can just press the release switch and immediately place the camera on the tripod. No hassle and takes no longer than it would if I just had my neck strap. I have a QR plate permanently attached to my L bracket, and it works brilliantly.
The Falcam comes in two styles. The first is a strap buckle. This attaches to your neck strap or anything else. I combined it with a USA Gear harness. This means that the weight is supported across my back and shoulders. The great advantage of this is that, like the Cotton Carrier system, it means that I now carry my camera lens down. So, no banging when I walk, and it seems more secure.
Once the plate clicks in then it isn’t coming out. I do use a tether as I’m paranoid, but I have not had a single instance when it has released accidentally. You press a button to release it, and it can’t be easily accidentally pressed. Also, for further assurance, you can ‘lock’ the button.
The second style is a clasp that you can attach to your belt or camera bag etc. I liked my original F38 so much I got one of these too. I now carry my big lenses (Z100-400 or Z180-600) in one of these on my backpack.
Again, it means the weight is not on my neck, and it is much quicker to grab it and put it on the camera. I have seen others carry a second camera using this clasp. Exactly the same principle. 3 Legged Thing does a Lens Foot with a Peak Design QR plate formed as an integral part. I have one of those on both of my big lenses. Now, they simply click in and I can carry them anywhere. Again, not had one ever pop out (although, again, I do have a tether!).
I thought members may be interested in my experience. I’ll admit, I am very impressed. It has completely revolutionised how I carry my gear, particularly when I’m out for a few hours and don’t want to keep taking my camera in and out of my bag. The combination is very comfortable and secure.
You can find the Falcam F38 Quick Release Base on Amazon
