'Security' buckles

[g4ghb]

I'm looking for some advice / recomendations regarding a secure 50mm webbing belt.

I am currently using a CCS 50mm webbing belt to carry my camera on (have had enough of neck straps and this is SO much better for the way I work) For years I have been a fan of CCS pouches and have had and used many but I now like the quick access of my current setup (will post info at some point) that I have created using my L-bracket and a large arca swiss mounting plate. I'm currently working on a mk2 version to hold my big lens but this is still work in progress as i havn't perfected it yet.

Anyway despite the CCS belt being built like a tank i have this nagging doubt about the buckle and that it may accidentally get opened and my unprotected camera will dash itself on the hardest surface available.

I have seen a few plastic 50mm buckles that have what looks to be a button in the middle as well as the two either side as normal and wonderd if this is a safety catch (ie need tp press this at the same time as the normal catches to open it) has anyone got one / had experience of these?

Also there are the military quick release metal buckles available but again my concern is the metal latches getting caught on something (bending over etc) and releasing when not expected.

any advice / recomendations welcomed

 

[The Lord Poncho]

Those metal buckles (either the original cobra buckle, or the myriad of copies) are very good. The design was originally made for safety critical equipment, parachute harnesses, industrial safety etc - so your concerns about them accidentally realsing and dropping a camera i think would be unfounded. They are designed so that both sides need to be depressed at once in order to release them, so a very low likelihood of an accidental release.

 

[Jared]

Cobra's need both levers to be pressed to open.
They also come in plastic nowadays. IIRC contactleft.co.uk has pretty good selection.

There are also side release buckles with centre lock. It's a slide toggle rather than a button, not sure I've seem them in 50mm though.

 

[baggins]

we have used the cobra buckles on our tree climbing harnesses for decades and they get serious abuse and i've never heard of one failing. although they do require occasional lubricating (duck oil type thing).
Would love to see your camera carrying set up. i have the same prob. My Bigma is just too heavy around the neck, so at the moment i use the tripod plate to hook it onto the belt loop on my rucksack waist belt.

 

[MrEd]

I had the same fears with mine, so I zip tied the buckle so it can’t be opened!

 

[bobnewboy]

Im afraid i wimped out and paid for a heavy duty camera strap - a
brown Black Rapid Sport-X over-the-shoulder job. I've attached it primarily to the tripod screw mount of my lens, and the secondary connection to the camera body.

 

[Danceswithhelicopters]

They're standard issue police buckles for kit belts. They are fixed loop only, as in they can't have a loose male end which you pull to tighten, so if that suits PM me and I will send you a free one.

 

[Laurentius]

Those metal buckles (either the original cobra buckle, or the myriad of copies) are very good. The design was originally made for safety critical equipment, parachute harnesses, industrial safety etc - so your concerns about them accidentally realsing and dropping a camera i think would be unfounded. They are designed so that both sides need to be depressed at once in order to release them, so a very low likelihood of an accidental release.

E's right you know, even the cheap Chinese ones are less likely to fail than all that plastic rubbish that has been in vogue for way too long now. Plastic was born to fail when you least want it to.

 

[Silverclaws2]

With the potential for 50mm buckle's to come open to dump the camera on the deck, I have long since been using the Lowepro S&F belt and shoulder harness system of which not only provides security but also takes the weight off the hips. Wherein using such a carrying system, one may find they're highly customisable.

But plastic side release buckles, when I purchase them for projects I seek out the name ; Delrin

 

[g4ghb]

Thanks for the comments guys

I had assumed the cobra buckles needed both pressing at the same time but this is what i really wanted confirming.

I agree i will feel far happier with a metal buckle i think, i'll get one and see how i get on.

re my camera carry, ill get some pic's sorted when i get a chance and create a post - i'm sure it will spark discussion and there will be some great suggestions for improvement if i know this place

 

[g4ghb]

A Quick Update! - on reccomendation I ordered a cobra copy from ebay for the princley sum of £3.73

And I'm happy to say i'm not dissapointed! - it is smaller than the plastic buckle and feels SO much more secure and inspires confidence.

Thanks for the advice gang!

 

[Stew]

Do you have a link to the buckle you bought? I have need for a couple at that price!

 

[g4ghb]

Do you have a link to the buckle you bought? I have need for a couple at that price!

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/114644361354?var=414811272650

 

[Stew]

Thanks!

 

[g4ghb]

An update a couple of years on…..

well the buckle has started to open ‘on its own’ I suspect it is being accidentally triggered by my jacket etc but is worrying because it is on the belt holding my camera. Thankfully my ninjalike reaction’s have been good enough so far an my camera hasn’t crashed to the floor before I have been able to grab it.

anyone else come across this before, is it possibly due to the ‘bargain’ I found (sorry if you are having the same issues Stew)

so once again I am on the lookout for a buckle I can trust. I like this style but has anyone come across one with a ‘lock’

am open to all suggestions and naturally price is a factor but I’m looking for something bombproof this time and prepared to pay what it is worth.

 

[Chris]

Never had any issues with non-cheap-replica COBRA buckles. I like the mini COBRA ones so they don’t dig into me so much when sat down or leaning over.

AustriAlpin Cobra Buckles

The black cobra buckle is the worlds highest quality patented buckle that has a 4000lbs breaking strain that cant release under load. it is used on belts , paragliding products, in films and many many other areas.

www.contactleft.co.uk

Ferro Concepts FCPC Mini Cobra Buckle

The FCPC Mini Cobra Buckle sold separately to add to your FCPC V5 to have both shoulder straps quick detach.

www.tactical-kit.co.uk

 

[g4ghb]

Thanks FS. Always rather go on a recommendation, what size are the mini’s as there are no dimensions on the site

 

[Chris]

This page should have all the dimensions and weight tolerances on I think (for the 1.5” mini):

AustriAlpin 38mm / 1.5" Black Cobra Buckle - Male Adjustable Female Fixed FY38KVF

AustriAlpin Cobra buckles (patented) are, without equal, the world's safest, most finely crafted, and strongest load bearing quick release fasteners available.

www.contactleft.co.uk

 

[TeeDee]

Jacobite solutions.

Fidlock Belts - Jacobite Solutions

Back by popular demand! That's right, you managed to harass poor Rob enough, to the point where he decided to make more. Made in Scotland Buckle: 40mm Fidlock, ladder-lock buckle w/ release lever & cord Magnetic clasp Black coated Stainless-Steel clasp 70kg load strength Belt: 38mm, Mil-spec...

jacobitesolutions.com

 

[Jared]

Shame need 2". 45mm ISC Klick-lock seems cheap.

ISC BU182 - 45mm Klick-lock Buckle and Sliding Tang Set - Dual Adjustable 16kN | eBay

<p>ISC BU182 - 45mm Klick-lock Buckle and Sliding Tang Set - Dual Adjustable 16kN. </p><br /><br /><p>New in bag</p>

www.ebay.co.uk

BU182 45mm Klick-lock Buckle for use on Safety Harnesses

for securing and adjusting web on Safety Harnesses

www.iscwales.com