"Dear Makers of Digital Cameras - please invent metal clasps to attach your cameras by so I do not have to rig the loop-de-loop myself and sit by to wait for the inevitable breaking of the strap and dropping of my camera during an engagement session."

My question really is - how long does Canon take to fix and return a body? And - ARE there straps that do not attach with the loop system? I know my old film bodies never had these...

Oh boy. Now you're making me nervous... one more thing to worry about!

I knew there was a reason I don't use the strap. It shouldn't break if it's just hanging around.

Ack. That blows. So it's the strap that broke and not the clasp? Weird. Even my film cameras (Minoltas) had that same strap system and I've never even worried about them breaking. Now I hang some serious weight off it pretty often (big body, huge lens).... I'll have to keep an eye on the 'strap wear'.

The good news is that Canon Service is pretty fast. They have about a 10 day turnaround. not bad compared to the 6 weeks you get with Nikon....

~Bill

Buy a roll of black gaffers tape.. This is duct tape to photogs.. there is nothing it can't do.

Ok now when you have your gaffers tape.. tape the strap together before the loopy clamp thing.. it wont be noticeable nor get in your way.

I loop the heck out of my straps... go through the one time like suggested but then take the tail and loop it back through for double reinforcement. That sucker is not getting free.

At OSPW Jose Villa's strap broke at the end of the shoot. Lens busted off the body but left the metal attachment piece intact and the lens shattered all over the ground. He wasn't as freaked out as the rest of us ("insurance" he said) but it was really sad to see that tight lens in pieces. I feel for ya

Note to self... replace strap every 24 mos or 48,000 images, whichever comes first.

I never though of it, but with fast zooms and a heavy flash, there's a LOT of stress at the tiny connection point.

I use a safety pin on my hand strap for a little extra security.

Sheesh, I've had the strap on my (quite hefty) 1Ds for years without a problem. *going to check it now*

Yeah, Canon's repair center is quick as soon as you authorize the work. I think I had my stuff back within a couple of weeks.

Oh man, I think everyone's heart sank when that happened. Then Jose said "that's what insurance is for". Oh man. Everyone really was freaked out for about 5 secs though.

So, double loop, safety pin, duct tape and maybe some super glue and I should be good to go...I miss metal clasps.

Thanks for the advice! For some reason I was told it would take up to 6 weeks - great to hear during prime wedding season

I think that should do it

Thats about the time we looked into insurance. Hearing the breakage was hard enough and it wasn't mine.

Deidre, consider the Op/Tech Pro Loop strap, it has no point of detachment other than the quick disconnect buckles, which are tough and sturdy.

This makes me really glad that I already have the wrist-stressing habit of carrying my camera in my hands all the time. I only use the strap as "backup" in case I drop it. But still! Thanks to all for the strap-strengthening tips, and yeah, I think I'll be replacing my straps every couple of years....