Question about a hand strap, L bracket, and QD connection on a Z8

[JanH]

I always use a hand strap as my primary way of carrying my camera (when it is not in a bag) and a shoulder sling for long lenses with a collar. I have used different straps/slings over the years, but settled for a combination of a PD hand strap, sling, and a quick release plate for my Z6ii. It gave me flexibility, a small profile, and an arca plate in one solution.

Enter the Z8 and my desire to use an L bracket on this camera for landscape on a tripod. After considering more costly options I ordered Leofoto's Z8 plate based on another thread on this platform (tip: the LPN-Z8 plate is still available in the US from [email protected] for $40 including shipping).

Unfortunately this setup makes the PD quick release plate not only redundant but also an obstacle for mounting the camera directly with the L-bracket. At the same time the PD arca plate it is necessary for attaching the hand strap (all other hand straps I know of also attach to the tripod mount of the camera). See the photos for this setup.

However, this particular L-bracket does have a QD connection. So I am considering the following setup based on the QD option.

I have ordered an RRS QD swivel with a receded button to use as an alternative way to attach the PD handstrap to the L plate with a PD quick connector to the QD swivel rather than to the PD arca plate. The advantage of this setup would be that I could detach the handstrap quickly when I need to mount the camera on a tripod and can remove the PD arca plate. I am currently awaiting the arrival of the RRS QD connector from B&H.

However, I have no experience with QD connectors - my old black rapid had its own connector - and I am a bit weary of this new construction. After all, if the QD attachment of the hand strap comes loose I will drop my precious Z8. And with any QD connector that does not have a receded release button, the QD connector will come loose by just setting down the camera. In fact, on uneven or soft surfaces this may even be a problem with the RSS swivel that I have on order.

Does anyone have experience with a similar construction, or general insight into the (in)stability of this proposed setup based on their experience with QD connectors or this particular L bracket? Your experiences, ideas and suggestions will be much appreciated.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

 

[Ambler]

There have been a few threads on here about QD attachment.
I know Kirk's Z8 L bracket comes with a QD port. Kirk items are not so easy to obtain in the Uk these days so I opted for a Smallrig Z8 L bracket which has a QD port and (unlike the Kirk) is a composite - i.e. you can remove the L side plate if you wish.

Safety wise Black Rapid sell a safety tether and another option that Patrick (I think) posted on here which I use is an Op/Tech 1301422 Uniloop XL connector.
One part attached to the foot (on a long lens) or on the side of the L bracket and the other to the push button swivel. This can quickly be snapped apart when you want to detach the combo from the QD strap.

Since I bought mine Leofoto offer one which attaches with a hex screw. I think this is preferrable to the Smallrig which used a flat head screw.

 

[JanH]

There have been a few threads on here about QD attachment.
I know Kirk's Z8 L bracket comes with a QD port. Kirk items are not so easy to obtain in the Uk these days so I opted for a Smallrig Z8 L bracket which has a QD port and (unlike the Kirk) is a composite - i.e. you can remove the L side plate if you wish.

Safety wise Black Rapid sell a safety tether and another option that Patrick (I think) posted on here which I use is an Op/Tech 1301422 Uniloop XL connector.
One part attached to the foot (on a long lens) or on the side of the L bracket and the other to the push button swivel. This can quickly be snapped apart when you want to detach the combo from the QD strap.

Since I bought mine Leofoto offer one which attaches with a hex screw. I think this is preferrable to the Smallrig which used a flat head screw.

Thank you Ambler, I am looking into this option. I may use it as an insurance while I (hopefully) get to trust the QD system. If not I may just go to a PD sling permanently, and use a little wrist strap for when I detach the camera from it. I carried my film SLR for many years in that way.

 

[JanH]

There have been a few threads on here about QD attachment.
I know Kirk's Z8 L bracket comes with a QD port. Kirk items are not so easy to obtain in the Uk these days so I opted for a Smallrig Z8 L bracket which has a QD port and (unlike the Kirk) is a composite - i.e. you can remove the L side plate if you wish.

Safety wise Black Rapid sell a safety tether and another option that Patrick (I think) posted on here which I use is an Op/Tech 1301422 Uniloop XL connector.
One part attached to the foot (on a long lens) or on the side of the L bracket and the other to the push button swivel. This can quickly be snapped apart when you want to detach the combo from the QD strap.

Since I bought mine Leofoto offer one which attaches with a hex screw. I think this is preferrable to the Smallrig which used a flat head screw.

Thank you again for your suggestion.

Having looked a bit further into the options I think I will order a PD Cuff wrist strap. While I think it is a bit overpriced, it will fit into my PD ecosystem by enabling me to attach the strap to a PD connector on the right side lug strap. That way, if the QD would fail I will still have the camera attached to my wrist. Alternatively I can attach my PD slide there if I mount just a small lens and carry the camera over my shoulder.

As long as the lug straps of the Z8 hold I should be fine