HOLD FAST MONEY MAKER REVIEW!
It’s been quite the journey of figuring out how I like to shoot as a wedding photographer and what gear I prefer to carry when.
For example, I started out shooting zoom lenses, then switched to primes because they’re sharper and faster. Recently I switched back to zoom lenses because I’d rather catch a moment than have a sharper image.
The way I shoot and the gear I carry is heavily influenced by my personal style which is why I’m stoked about my newest photo find: Hold fast’s Money Maker strap system.
WHAT HAVE I USED BEFORE:
Although I own the Think Tank International bag, I realized over time that I needed a way to mobilize specific equipment used more often including memory cards, batteries and my most importantly, my lenses. I started out with the Kelly Moore Classic Bag until it was discontinued and recently purchased the Ona Chelsea bag. Had I known that Hold Fast had a bag line of its own I may have pursued that route! And now…with the Money Maker strap I feel completely set!
For portrait sessions, I’m currently shooting a mix of film and digital so my Money Maker holds one camera on each side. The same applies for the wedding day until I swap my contax for another d3s when shooting in dim light.
I’ve used camera straps before including the Black Rapid Cargo Strap and Fotostrap but I feel the Hold Fast Money Maker has really taken the best of both and created something even better.
REGARDING THE MONEYMAKER:
* The Money Maker‘s leather is smooth and never catches on the metal ring.
* It can be used with two cameras as well as with only one.
*I read reviews that stated women with longer hair have gotten their hair stuck on the rings in the back. I’ve shot with the strap for at least 20+ hours combined at this point and have only gotten my hair stuck once. So, I would say the odds of this are pretty minimal and worth keeping the back rings in the case of future product releases (Hold Fast does offer to remove them if you opt to do so during the ordering process).
*The other review I came across stated that the connections between the Hold Fast and Camera Mount occasionally come loose risking the cameras falling. Again I haven’t had any issues thus far but hold fast does have an extra strap to connect for double security now.
*Just as a suggestion I would encourage future buyers to also purchase the portrait slider for the left side if you shoot looking through your right eye.
*I also purchased two camera leashes ….. Which I use for my light meter on the left and I’ve used the other to attach a 35mm on the right.
*The rings have also served to be extra useful even for keys. 🙂
*Oh?! And did I add that the straps are SO beautiful ?!!! I have gotten a ton of compliments on them already and I absolutely love the color (tan bridle leather)!!!
The straps were a little difficult to get used to the first day and I was sore after my first shoot with it but since I have been good to go. Since I have gotten used to the weight, I definitely feel like I’m much more mobile and evenly distributing the weight of my gear. I’m looking forward to shooting on a hiking trail this afternoon and not worried one bit about toting around my gear.
I still carry my camera bag in order to hold memory cards, film, inserts, and other miscellaneous items but I’m able to set it down now while shooting which is soooo nice!!
Below is a photo of what I looked like shooting before. As you can see, I’m holding my camera bag at all times with a fotostrap on my contax and my d3s balanced in the nook of my arm. My light meter stayed around my neck. Obviously, not ideal.
And this is what I look like now! No more balancing cameras!!! SO much better!
