Holdfast Money Maker (version without the D-Rings)

holdfast money maker without the D-Rings

I know I've already written two separate blog posts about the Holdfast Money Maker, but this fabulous dual strap system is too awesome not to write about again.

I received the new version without the D-Rings courtesy of Holdfast, and I've been loving how I can wear my hair down. (I'm wearing it up here so you can see the straps better)

Holdfast Money Maker without D-Rings Holdfast Money Maker without D-Rings I'm still wearing the same color and same size.
No more D-Rings on the front and back. Subtly cleaner design!

Holdfast Money Maker without D-Rings

New clasps. I personally find these a little bit difficult to work with at times. Every now and then I'll quickly unclasp my camera so I can bring the camera high up above my head to shoot, but these clasps have slowed me down from doing that a lot. They are definitely much more secure, though.

I also lost one of the little leather pieces that's attached to it, so I just put in a keyring. Not as comfortable to pull as a leather tag.

Holdfast Money Maker without D-Rings
Holdfast Money Maker without D-Rings

Just a tip when receiving your first Holdfast Money Maker -

If you got the bridle tan or bridle chestnut, the leather will be pretty stiff at first. It took about a year of wearing my first Money Maker regularly before it became really soft and pliable.

So, when I first received the alternate version, I would bend the straps back and forth and rub the unfinished leather against itself to remove most of the sawdust-like particles. I'd do this while watching Netflix or something, and after a while it became soft enough that I didn't notice it much on my first shoot with it.  I liken this to breaking in a pair of ballet pointe shoes!

The next thing I'd love to see improved with the Money Maker (or something I can probably DIY) - minimizing the squeaking of the clasps and the locking screw. It does squeak a bit when I'm walking around with it since the metal is just rubbing against each other.

Here's a few more of me working with it. I usually wear the Holdfast with a shootsac at the same time. It's possible, just slide your bag behind you and bring the cameras to the front.

Holdfast Money Maker without D-Rings
photo by Gavin Farrington
Holdfast Money Maker without D-Rings
shot by Tyler Watkins



And see my previous blog posts and the original versions here:
Holdfast Money Maker | Initial Thoughts
Holdfast Money Maker | Part 2

Update:
Here's what you can do to quiet the squeaking from the locking screw rubbing against the clasps - wrap a thin layer of gaff tape onto the clasp!
holdfast clasp squeaking


20 comments:

  1. Thanks for the reveiw, Annie! Love the shots! I'm looking on the Holdfast site and don't see an option to buy the version with the d-rings. Is it still due to come out?

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    1. Hey Heather! Actually you have to email Holdfast about that personally so he can make a custom one :)

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  2. Which leather/color money maker is this? It looks really cool without the rings! Thanks.

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  3. It's awesome! I don't think he sells it any more though. I only see bridle chestnut burgundy. Did you special order that color?

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    1. Maybe it's out of stock or discontinued? That color was definitely on the website when I ordered it

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  4. Thanks, I need to get mine to stop squeaking. You'll get used to the new clasps and they loosen up after a while.

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  5. Thank you for this great review, I was struggling to see if I could use the Money Maker with my shootsac (so much going on!) However seeing you use them both together has encouraged me to go for the Money Maker! Thanks for the tip about the squeaking too :)

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  6. Really really really want one of these and this review confirms it but they just don't sell them in the UK :(

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    1. Hey Dan! Holdfast ships to the UK!
      http://holdfastgear.com/collections/all/products/money-maker-luxury-leather-multi-camera-strap

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    2. You can buy them at www.Rigu.co.uk Dan!

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  7. Thank you for the review Annie. I did read many other users complain about the sqeaking and how it sounded annoying inside a silent church. Am glad you could give us a way around that. I believe this would be the original version sans the safety catch strap ? I have somebody selling me a Holdfast original. Im however uncertain how important the Safety catch strap might be ?

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    1. I think this is the second type of clip. The original was lobster claw clips. I don't use the safety catches so I just make sure to occasionally tighten the screws (also I think the new safety catches don't look so great ;) ).

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  8. Hi Annie! :) What size did you get? I can't decide between the small and the medium?! Are they adjustable if the medium is too big? Thank you!

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    1. Hi Kate! I got the small size, and yes, they are adjustable. For your reference, I'm 5'3'' 115 lbs and the small fits me just fine. I also know men who are 5'6'' 130 lbs and they also have a size small. Hope that helps!

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  9. Hey Annie. Did you notice a color difference in your older strap to your newer one? Seems the older version was darker?

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    1. I don't notice a difference! I've got them side by side and they're made from the same color leather.

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  10. Ok! Good to know!! Thanks!

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  11. thanks for the review and usefull tips. Will try one for sure.

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  12. Thanks so much for that tip on using gaffer tape to stop the squeaking sound!!! Life saver!

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