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02/08/2011 04:30:53 PM · #1 |
After having broken zippers on two small Tamrac camera bags, I swore I'd never buy another Tamrac. So when I bought my 24-70 lens in April and bought a bigger camera bag to hold it, I got a Lowepro.
Friday evening leaving work I put the bag (containing camera and mounted lens) over my shoulder. Without warning the plastic piece of the strap just pulled apart and the bag fell to the carpeted floor. Damage done. The lens filter was smashed and the lens cap bent. I hoped that was the extent of the damage, but I took both camera and lens to an authorized Nikon dealer to have it looked over. I just got the estimate: over $400 for the repair job.
I'm angry at Lowepro but I don't think I have the receipt any longer, so it's hard to prove fault. Besides, though the bag looked entirely solid and brand new when I bought it, it came from B&H's used gear section, so I doubt if there's a useable warranty anyway.
I don't feel I'm particularly rough on bags, but I do carry a heavy camera/lens combo on my shoulder nearly every day. Is that a lot? Are there workhorse shoulder bags, you know, the kind one carries into battle, guaranteed to never break? At least if the strap connections had been sewn to the bag (and not clipped), I might have been able to see if the strap was weakening.
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02/08/2011 04:41:16 PM · #2 |
Best bag and case system I've ever used is ThinkTank
//www.thinktankphoto.com/
Message edited by author 2011-02-08 16:41:25. |
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02/08/2011 04:44:02 PM · #3 |
Same thing happened to me with my Lowepro Slingshot. My 100-400 was in the top, unpadded section. I was very lucky, and no noticeable damage was done to the lens as the bag crashed down onto a packed-dirt parking lot.
I put a couple of zip ties around the clasp. It's stupid to put a quick release on the only shoulder strap anyway. Who's ever going to use it?
Fucktards. |
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02/08/2011 04:47:40 PM · #4 |
What model Lowepro? I recall Slippy had a similar episode with a slingshot about 3 years or so back. I had the buckle pull open on my Slingshot AW 202 one time, but I was inside and it just landed on soft carpet. (I was actually in a camera shop looking at other camera bags. Perhaps it was angry?) I don't know how it happened, I'm messing with the buckle now and it's a pretty secure affair.
Seems like something that might be easily prevented with a zip tie. Not sure why that strap even has a quick release buckle, I never have reason to unhook it.
Added: Slippy typed faster than I did.
Message edited by author 2011-02-08 16:50:25.
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02/08/2011 04:57:11 PM · #5 |
| You should complain to the company. They might give you something just to shut you up. |
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02/08/2011 04:58:54 PM · #6 |
Ouch. I don't have any specific suggestions, I've used a Tamrac myself for the past 8 years and it has never failed me. I don't think that quick releases themselves are to blame; perhaps the design of a particular release? Heck, most DSLR straps have quick releases, and I don't ever recall hearing a report of a dropped camera due to the release coming undone, though I'm sure it does happen, however uncommonly.
What exactly failed on your bag? Was it an unintended opening of the quick release? If so, was the release damaged in any way (cracked, for example)? |
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02/08/2011 05:00:34 PM · #7 |
| i have been very impressed with the durability of my kata bag... but i havent been to war with it (although, apparently they actually DO make bags for the israeli army, so there you go...) |
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02/08/2011 08:57:54 PM · #8 |
I love my Lowepro Primus, but it's a backpack. Access is good from the side, but definitely doesn't work if I'm shooting with a grip and large lens. I sat there practicing for awhile seeing if it was just me, but it's just not a big enough hole for that. Otherwise, it's awesome. Built like a tank. I use it for my carry-on bag these days too since I can typically put whatever I want in it and keep my camera stuff with me too.
All the Lowepro slingbags have the release you're speaking of, so you must either ziptie it or be aware. Were you using one of their slingbags or one of the shoulder bags?
FWIW, I've never heard a bad thing said about thinktank, and they have a pretty diverse line of shoulder bags. |
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02/08/2011 09:59:25 PM · #9 |
| Also use the Primus AW and have always used lowepro- without a problem. The main reason for that is that their customer service is impeccable. I would contact them if I were you. |
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02/08/2011 11:33:19 PM · #10 |
I have a slingbag and accidentally popped the quick-release shoulder strap, dropping bag onto the deck of a high school natatorium. (shudder) Fortunately, nothing was broken. That latch is a dumb feature!
I like posthumous' reply :) |
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02/08/2011 11:41:34 PM · #11 |
| Cannot envision a situation where my bag would come apart. |
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02/08/2011 11:50:54 PM · #12 |
| I have been using a Tamrac back pack for a little over 2 years now and it has been perfect. |
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02/09/2011 05:07:47 AM · #13 |
when i decided to quit screwing around and taking chances (i had been to the edge with a couple lowepro models), i got advice from  matto and doctornick and they both suggested thinktank. i use a rolling bag to get me where i'm going and a belt system once i get there. with the belt system, you configure it to carry just what you need.
btw, sorry to hear what happened to you; i do hope you can get lowepro to do something to ease the pain...
Message edited by author 2011-02-09 05:09:36. |
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02/09/2011 08:33:51 AM · #14 |
Originally posted by posthumous:
You should complain to the company. They might give you something just to shut you up. |
Originally posted by moswyn:
I have a slingbag and accidentally popped the quick-release shoulder strap, dropping bag onto the deck of a high school natatorium. (shudder) Fortunately, nothing was broken. That latch is a dumb feature!
I like posthumous' reply :) |
I sent an email to some general Lowepro address and got no reply. I don't have the interest to pursue it more than that.
My little bit of revenge was making the video: Lowepro Slingshot 300 AW bad zippers and clasp, which has had almost 8,000 views on YouTube. I'd like to think many of those people moved on to a different make bag, except the ones who just seemed pissed off at me for making the video. Too bad about the low voice level I screwed up, meh. |
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02/09/2011 09:40:58 AM · #15 |
I pulled the sewing out of one end of the nylon strap loop handle on the top a Canon 200EG backpack, dropping it to the floor. Lucky for me, nothing was broken. I had been using it for about three years almost daily though, with about 20 lbs of gear in it, so I should have been inspecting the sewing on the strap once in a while. Now I always try to make sure that I am holding at least one of the shoulder straps as well as the lift loop when I pick up the one I am using now.
If you are using a back pack type, train yourself to zip it with the zipper pulls at one end or the other. I almost lost a camera in the airport at Atlanta when I was hiking from one terminal to another. The zipper was closed with the pulls both at the top center, and they started working open. Someone alerted me before the camera fell out of the top of the bag.
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02/09/2011 10:02:42 AM · #16 |
Thanks for the many replies, folks! It wasn't a quick release that broke, by the way. It's kind of hard to explain, but I'll definitely post a photo of where it broke(when I get my camera back).
I'm also hoping I can lay my hands on the original receipt. I *think* because I paid with my credit card there's a one year buyer's protection on the lens. It would be awesome if Visa could cover the cost of the repair. (I had to jump through a lot of hoops, but eventually they covered the full replacement cost of my first digital camera when it was stolen a few years ago). |
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02/09/2011 10:08:13 AM · #17 |
Ditto David and Skip...thinkTank!!!
Edited to add: Neither my Tamrac or my LowePro Sling bag have failed (yet) and they get loaded to the gills. I'm waiting for the zipper to rip out!
Message edited by author 2011-02-09 10:10:18. |
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02/09/2011 10:11:21 AM · #18 |
| Your credit card company should be able to help! |
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02/10/2011 09:25:05 AM · #19 |
| Thinktank bags look promising, thanks for the link. Interesting though that their warranty is for the bag only and doesn't cover any damage to camera gear. No bag can be guaranteed not to break. |
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02/15/2011 02:49:24 PM · #20 |
* Update *
I just got my camera and lens back with a $473 (€351) repair bill.
I needed a bag right away, so I went to B&H and bought this NG Midi Satchel for $80. It's a little cheesy looking (e.g., Africa print inside), but is the right size and seems sturdy. Most importantly, it has the strap stitched to the body. I also spent another $45 to replace the 77mm filter.
It really annoyed me that when I told them at B&H about the broken strap, the salesman sort of shrugged and basically said "What do you expect?" Which begs the question, why does a "pro" camera store have so much crap gear on their shelves?
Anyway, I'll post a photo of the broken Lowepro strap soon, just so you can see what to watch out for. Cheers! |
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02/15/2011 03:42:39 PM · #21 |
I love my slingshot. I may just add a zip tie to the clip. Don't know why it even has a clip. I never have had need to use it.
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05/26/2011 01:07:15 AM · #22 |
| I had a nightmare experience with a lowepro AW trekker backpack. upon my return home from a days shooting I picked up my Lowepro trekker backpack and the main zipper separated sending my Nikon D700, my Nikon 24-70 2.8 zoom, my Nikon 105 2.8 macro and other lenses crashing to the pavement. My 1700.00 24-70 lens broke on the rear part of the lens, the D700 camera has a bent lens mount and possible internal damage and my 105 macro has smashes on the rear cover of the lens. In all I have 1000.00 worth of damage. The backpack is about 1.5 years old and the camera equipment is about 2 years old. I have been in touch with Lowepro about this situation and they are very evasive about what action they will take. They were nice enough (bullshit) to send me a replacement backpack, new model of the backpack I was using, and they claim it has a more robust zipper then the one I was using. I asked them if the bag was stronger and they said that more robust does not mean stronger. The new backpack is the pro runner 450 AW that replaces the AW trekker that I had. I had nothing whatsoever with the failure of the zipper on the trekker backpack, it was equipment failure plain and simple. The zipper was not strong enough to do the job. The Lowepro motto is the trusted original, a load if I have ever heard one. I think that lowepro should stand behind there product and admit to the failure and reimburse me for all damage that was caused by there equipment failure. I think that this will be fair and equitable. I had nothing to do with this experience other then using and trusting Lowepro products. I am angry and very disappointed because the people at lowepro keep telling me that they will assist me but they will not say what assist means. They also want me to pay for the repairs up front, about 1000.00 and they will not say what they will do for me. I dont have 1000.00 dollars sitting around to take care of a problem like this that is not my fault. I will sell the backpack that Lowepro sent me. I dont trust Lowepro or the people that work there. This situation stinks and I would never recommend buying any Lowepro product. |
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05/26/2011 01:51:27 AM · #23 |
Well I own three Lowepro bags including my main one...the Fastpack 350, and I love them all.
Personally, I would never buy a bag that used inline connectors on the main carry straps. The straps on my main bag are all sewn in and feel extremely durable. There is a small one that connects the chest cross section and a very large solid on that you can use for the waist straps, but I don't usually wear it that way. Even so I'm very careful with it's handling and don't over stuff it even though it holds a lot. I normally carry my main body (7D), three lenses, all my filters, 580EX II flash, Kenko Tubes, spare batteries and grip cartridge for emergency batteries, my charger, cleaning clothes, and a few other small items such as my WhiBal card and X-Rite Colorchecker Passport. There is room for a 17 inch laptop, but I normally carry that separately if needed. Not exactly light, but not overstuffed and bulging either putting stress on the bag.
Sorry for your experience, and hopefully you can get some help resolving it.
I might have missed it, but what bag did you have?
Dave |
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05/26/2011 01:59:09 AM · #24 |
Originally posted by silverworks:
I had a nightmare experience with a lowepro AW trekker backpack. upon my return home from a days shooting I picked up my Lowepro trekker backpack and the main zipper separated sending my Nikon D700, my Nikon 24-70 2.8 zoom, my Nikon 105 2.8 macro and other lenses crashing to the pavement. My 1700.00 24-70 lens broke on the rear part of the lens, the D700 camera has a bent lens mount and possible internal damage and my 105 macro has smashes on the rear cover of the lens. In all I have 1000.00 worth of damage. The backpack is about 1.5 years old and the camera equipment is about 2 years old. I have been in touch with Lowepro about this situation and they are very evasive about what action they will take. They were nice enough (bullshit) to send me a replacement backpack, new model of the backpack I was using, and they claim it has a more robust zipper then the one I was using. I asked them if the bag was stronger and they said that more robust does not mean stronger. The new backpack is the pro runner 450 AW that replaces the AW trekker that I had. I had nothing whatsoever with the failure of the zipper on the trekker backpack, it was equipment failure plain and simple. The zipper was not strong enough to do the job. The Lowepro motto is the trusted original, a load if I have ever heard one. I think that lowepro should stand behind there product and admit to the failure and reimburse me for all damage that was caused by there equipment failure. I think that this will be fair and equitable. I had nothing to do with this experience other then using and trusting Lowepro products. I am angry and very disappointed because the people at lowepro keep telling me that they will assist me but they will not say what assist means. They also want me to pay for the repairs up front, about 1000.00 and they will not say what they will do for me. I dont have 1000.00 dollars sitting around to take care of a problem like this that is not my fault. I will sell the backpack that Lowepro sent me. I dont trust Lowepro or the people that work there. This situation stinks and I would never recommend buying any Lowepro product. |
Well, since you just registered today, and this is your first post I have to say that it comes across a little bit as someone who works for a competing company of Lowepro's and gets paid to search the internet for the term Lowepro and comment like this. LOL. Not saying it's true mind you, but that's how it comes across to me. I mean...you don't even have a camera listed in your profile. :)
Hey, welcome to DPC...get a camera, get a new bag and start entering all these challenges, and don't mind the man behind the curtain. :)
Dave |
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05/26/2011 09:22:08 AM · #25 |
Originally posted by DCNUTTER:
Well, since you just registered today, and this is your first post I have to say that it comes across a little bit as someone who works for a competing company of Lowepro's and gets paid to search the internet for the term Lowepro and comment like this. LOL. Not saying it's true mind you, but that's how it comes across to me. I mean...you don't even have a camera listed in your profile. :) |
Actually, it came across to me as someone that is angry and did a web search to back up his feeling that the Lowepro has recurring problems. Then, seeing some sympathetic ears, opened an account and posted their frustrations.
I just bought a new bag myself. I bought a Clik Elite Probody Sport and the Compact Sport for my wife. I've been jury rigging several camera bags for the last year, trying to find an elegant and efficient way of including a Camelbak hydration reservior. Clik is a fairly new manufacturer and a number of their models are designed to hold a Camelbak. Everyone makes camera backpacks that hold computers. There is certainly a need for that for travelers, but I don't lug my laptop around when I am out taking photos. I live in Texas and need water when I am out all day. (I've tried several packs that had laptop compartments, but the compartments are not quite the right shape and hose routing is often problematic.) Why everyone else has not been making such designs I don't know. Seems a simple and obvious idea to me.
Originally posted by DCNUTTER:
Hey, welcome to DPC...get a camera, get a new bag and start entering all these challenges, and don't mind the man behind the curtain. :) |
What Dave said. You'll get your money's worth of challenges and the frustrations that go with them. Outside of the shark tank, it's very helpful place. Just put on your thickest skin and you'll be fine.
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