B GRIP SYSTEM

Has anyone experience of the B Grip system? What harness did they mount this on?

I am looking for a chest mounted harness that leaves one hand free for my stick.

regards

The B-grip is intended for attaching to a belt, which I believe is supplied with it.

You could have a look at the OpTech Bin Cam harness as an alternative. I have one and it is very comfortable

The B Grip site I went on had the sysstem fitted to a chest harnes as an alternative to the waist belt.

I did look at the Op Tech Bin cam system. I also was taken by the harnes from Severn Valley Leisure.

I am interested just how the B Grip works in practice. Their site gives a good account of this system but I would like another viewpoint.

regards

Hiya,

I just bought B-grip a few weeks ago before shooting a 2 day festival, and I love it. The system available now is the updated Evo edition. I've got MS and a tremor so my co ordination is a bit rubbish, my fingers are a bit numb and my dexterity is poor - handling camera equipment can be pretty tricky. What I wanted was a comfortable secure way of carrying my camera and basic accessories to gigs whilst being able to get at it all with the minimum of fuss. Edit: I should point out I'm on crutches most of the time so I'm a bit 'short handed' so to speak! Another advantage for me is you can mount the camera face up for lens changes.

The basic kit comes with a belt but I wanted to mount it on my back pack strap, so I got the combo with the travel kit too - this is what I got:

link

The back pack I use is an M-rock one from the same website.

Mounting the camera on the B-grip belt was certainly more comfortable than on its neck strap, but I wanted to use it on the back pack. Either way, you don't get the camera swinging around as you walk like you do on a neck strap.

So, what I do is use the B-grip belt with a belt mounted lens pouch for my fave spare lens and a smaller belt mounted pouch for memory cards and a couple of batteries.

The B-grip itself goes on my back pack via its little travel kit adaptor. The back pack is the sort you can swivel around your front for quick access - I can still do that with the B-grip as it slides on the back pack strap (although I suspect that won't work on every type of pack). I also keep the neck strap on the camera as a double security but I keep it loose so there's no weight on my neck.

I've now used the B-grip for the 2 day festival and all day at another gig a couple of weeks ago. Its quick to get the camera off and its secure when its mounted. Most of all its much more comfortable than the neck strap and it doesn't slap me in the chest when I'm walking! The travel kit comes with a rain cover which easily fits my K-r with Sigma 50-150 and hood.

Everyone's needs are different but for me its perfect. With the camera on the B-grip and my spare lens, batteries and memory on the B-grip belt I've got everything I need to hand.

Thoramay, where are you based? I'm in Basingstoke, Hampshire. If you're nearby you're welcome to borrow my B-grip kit for a few days to try out.

Cheers, davey.

Thanks Davey. It is one thing watching the manufacturers video and another to get a hands on review.

I, too, have too struggle with restrictions, mainly a walking disability and my hands shake like jelly. I need to use a stick. That is my interest in the B Grip as it appears, and you confirm, that you can travel without the constant slapping of the camera on the body.

My other problem is not having a defined waist. Using a belt requires it to be tightened uncomfortably to prevent slipping. I am looking for a chest harness to mount the B Grip at chest level.

I have seen references to a backpack that allows the B Grip to be mounted as you have. Not sure I want a back pack but it is an option. Had even contemplating using the belt attached to a pair of leather trouser braces.

What interests me is your experience with similar problems to overcome and that you are happy with the result.

Thanks for the offer of a borrow. I'm not that far away. Just across the Solent but that water is expensive to travel and can be a barrier.

If you fancy a day in this Island, I would gladly be your guide.

regards Thoramay

It is tempting, but I use an Arca Swiss type QR on my tripod so it is of no use to me.
As far as I can see there are only a couple of Velbon heads that the thing fits.
Being able to use the camera on my tripod is important to me. A shame they don't make it with the more universal Arca-Swiss QR

Hey Thoramay,

thanks for your feedback. Its interesting how we were both drawn to the same product. It does sound like our needs are similar.

When I shot the 2 day fest I was lucky enough to get a backstage pass for my van so I was parked about 1 minute (even at my pace) from the shooting pit in front of main stage. So, I really didn't need a back pack for camera gear. But the 'rig' was so comfy I just emptied the pack and used it to support the B-grip.

It might be worth dropping the people I bought my B-grip from an email to ask if they have a solution for you (there's a link to their site in my original post). They've been helpful to me and they might have some ideas.

Sorry there's that stretch of water between us. If you find yourself off island and want to meet and try the kit do let me know. Thanks for your offer of 'Island Guide'! Its been years since I've been on the IOW! Alas, as you say, its a little on the expensive side to cross the solent.

However you go, best of luck with your solution.

Cheers, davey.