Custom DIY Dual Camera Strap Harness
Bruno Fujii
2 min read
To be honest, I've never been a strap kind of a Photographer. I've always used my camera strapless, but lately I've using it in a few scenarios like in my personal project Santos FC Forever which was shot outside. After a couple of experiences with a single camera harness — with different designs, materials, lengths and widths —, I decided to make a customized one to my needs. Currently I'm using three prime lens combo for my work and it makes easier if I can have them with me to switch whenever I need to.

One camera, one lens pouch
Unlikely many dual camera harness available, my idea was having a lens pouch in one side and the camera at the opposite side, much like this one available at ZUKA STRAPS, but one that can hold up to 2 lenses.
The choice of material was important too. Although I like the aesthetics of leather, a dual camera harness with the accessories can get kind of heavy and hot (specifically in Brasil where I'm based at). My custom strap is made of nylon webbing. I'm thinking of maybe changing to cotton canvas for more comfort like this "Camera Swagg" model from Hold Fast, but for now I'm quite happy with the nylon.





How to make your own (if you want to)
I basically followed this super helpful "DIY - Dual Camera Strap Harness" tutorial blog post from 2017 with a few tweaks. In my version I used 2 cheap but sturdies nylon belt as my base strap, and 3 38mm black square O rings, 1 QD Sling Swivel, and 1 Leofoto DC-22Q clamp for Arca-Swiss. All items from AliExpress.


QD (Quick-Disconnect) system
The most amazing part of my set up must be the QD system and that's the main reason for me sharing this DIY. I went to a rabbit hole just to find the most secure camera locking system. The standard screw clip is known as a weak part prone to failure (it can come undone), so much so that all of them comes with some kind of safety backup strap to prevent accidents.
Only I didn't know this QD system is actually used in photography, but somehow they are not popularized amongst most of Photographers. There's the BlackRapid Sport X QD apparently now discontinued, and the Magpul MS4 Dual QD Sling. Looks like Really Right Stuff (RRS) have partnered with Magpul since you can find the MS4 on their own website. They also have the clamp (B2-FABN), swivel (Loop), and a modular plate/grip for several camera models available — making it even more convenient to use.
I can't praise this system enough. If it is used in military, I'm sure it is all good for photography as well.


Lowepro ProTactic Utility Bag 100 AW - LP37181-PWW
Last and not least: the lens pouch/bag. With the ProTatctic 100 AW from Lowepro I can carry my two prime lenses without much bulk. I have attached it to the camera harness with a somewhat smaller extention connector with 2 metal square O rings loop. They fit perfectly on the back of the bag and it is secured by velcro, the O ring loops makes it easier to access when I need to. Just what I was looking for with this custom build. Maybe I'll just update the mini clamp with a grip/plate already with the QD system.
I'm ready for shooting more on the outside.


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