Introducing…Camera Swagg! (Named after the designers’ name Swaggart). This is the legendary MoneyMaker in a non-leather material. You asked for it and HoldFast has delivered!
You may already be aware and read the blog I did a while back on the really awesome multi camera straps by Hold Fast. But if you haven’t heard of these guys before, they create the awesome MoneyMaker camera straps made from high grade leather and now cotton canvas, complete with metal d-rings, safety straps and a superb versatile design. Most importantly, the straps look the business, keep your cameras secure and feel comfortable even when you’re shooting a 12-hour wedding.
Camera Swagg is a line of products designed around non-leather materials with a focus on performance and value. You get the same beautiful MoneyMaker design, same hardware, but all made 100% Cotton Canvas, instead of leather. These are one size fits all, and they come with everything you need to shoot with two cameras, including a pair of Camera Holdfasts.
This Vegan friendly MoneyMaker means business. High grade Cotton Canvas, anchored metal d-rings, safety straps that connect to the side lug mount, completely bypassing the clip and screw for ultimate security and impeccably versatile design make this an essential tool for the modern photographer.
What actually is the MoneyMaker? Well it’s a harness-like camera strap that goes over your shoulders and allows you to carry 2 camera bodies with lenses or you can even carry three camera bodies with some other attachments. It’s so much more than just an alternative to your standard DLSR camera strap and it certainly is a big contender when you compare the MoneyMaker to the range of Black Rapid straps or Camera Belts on offer.
The Hold Fast MoneyMaker allows you to attach any camera and lens with a tripod mount to either side of the harness, what’s more, the way the MoneyMaker holds the camera means they hang by your side and keep out of your way. I’ve spent the lats two years shooting weddings using the leather harness from Hold Fast with two Nikon DSLR’s with a 24-70mm lens and a 70-200mm lens with no problems at all. You can walk around freely and the cameras stay tucked into your side and they’re ready for you when you need them, you never have to worry about picking up and putting down your cameras when you’re on a shoot.
Aside from the comfort and ease of using the MoneyMaker it’s also very safe, the strap comes with two HoldFast screws that screw straight into your camera or lens tripod mount. Then you simply connect your camera onto your MoneyMaker and use the sailboat clips for extra safety. Seriously, I shot an 11 hour wedding using the MoneyMaker and didn’t need to adjust or tighten anything the whole day, it’s just perfect!
You’ve probably heard me mention this before but I love honesty, I implement trust and honesty into every aspect of my businesses so it’s certainly something I look for when I’m the consumer. The MoneyMaker straps are made of premium cotton canvas and they look and feel durable. I’ve only field tested the MoneyMaker Cotton Canvas version on a few occasions so I can’t say it will last a lifetime but it feels like it would. I’ve been shooting with my leather MoneyMaker for 2 years now and it still works and looks awesome. But if it doesn’t last a lifetime, the guys at Hold Fast give you a lifetime guarantee with every MoneyMaker, they’re that confident in their products!
Speaking just solely wedding photography for a second, I seriously couldn’t shoot a wedding without a MoneyMaker camera strap after using it on a few occasions. I no longer have to worry about leaving my second camera body around and I can easily swap between the two bodies and lenses within seconds. Secondly, it’s comfy. In a nutshell I didn’t feel like I was carrying two huge Nikon DSLR plus lenses around all day, perfect if you suffer with aches and pains. Thirdly, you would not believe how many wedding guests come up to you and compliment the MoneyMaker, not that I thrive on compliments but it’s a fantastic conversation starter.
With a lifetime guarantee, the MoneyMaker is something you can look at as an investment, you’re paying for a quality product, so yes the price is going to appear steeper than the most camera straps. The price varies dependant on your selection, there is a vast range of options, leathers and non-leathers Hold Fast offer but on average you’re looking at $175. If you’re a UK photographer, you can now purchase Holdfast gear from Rigu.co.uk
All in all, I would highly recommend the Hold Fast MoneyMaker and I’m chuffed that I got to test one for my first Field Test on the Creative Resources & Advice Blog. Here’s a few points to take away:
- You don’t have to worry about keeping your second camera body insight as it’s always right by your side.
- You look the business and it’s a great conversation starter.
- Comfortable to wear all day.
- Easily swap between camera bodies and lenses.
- Be prepared to spend a little for a great investment and product.
- Your MoneyMaker has a lifetime guarantee so there’s no need to worry – not that it will ever break!
Where to buy: B&H have a huge stock of MoneyMakers, follow the link to have a look. For UK Photographers head over to Rigu.co.uk for a huge range.
About the Author
Luke Holroyd is a UK-based wedding photographer who travels the world capturing people’s special day. To find out more about Luke, visit his website, or follow his work on Facebook. This post was also published here and shared with permission.
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