About

Carry And Mount System started off with the simple goal of mating a bottom-mounted sling strap to a camera in a way that would not interfere with using a vertical shooting grip. We did not set out to develop a plate that was Arca-compatible and made the vertical grip more comfortable to use, but when we mounted the first machined prototypes, we found that we had surpassed our original intent by far. Fortunately, we did not stop there. Involving other photographers led us to rethinking the strap and strap connection and adding the threaded insert (which seems so obvious now). Using hindsight to our advantage, the lens plate evolved quickly into a natural companion of the camera plate, as essential to the system as the telephoto lens is to the photographer.

Tested and Proven

We've created numerous prototypes and refined them through rigorous testing and feedback from seasoned professionals. We started by assessing the general shape and height of a protruding feature on the grip that could be tolerated by a variety of hand sizes. With that established, we proceeded with sculpting the plate to transform it from "tolerable" to "unnoticeable." When we started receiving feedback that the vertical grip was even more comfortable with the plate mounted, we knew we had something good. Then we got stuck. We needed a low-profile fastener to match the height of the plate but that necessitated a tool for removal. Bottom-mounting has several advantages but occupying the camera's tripod socket and needing a tool to regain access to that point was a show-stopper for fast-paced event shooters. We struggled with various accessories which would make plate removal less of an issue but couldn't accept adding an extra step when wanting to convert to tripod or monopod shooting. Then the light bulb came on and the rest is, well, CAMS.

How strong is the CAMS Quick Disconnect?

We have had a few questions about the strength of the CAMS Quick Disconnect Fastener and Camera Plate, and if we have tested the connection. Pictured above is all 175 lbs of Joe hanging from the Fastener and Camera Plate. The connection passed the test and functioned like new afterwards. Now let’s just hope Joe doesn't develop a complex from revealing his weight!

Two Options for Fasteners

We have received feedback here on Kickstarter expressing concern about unintentional camera release due to the protruding button on our fastener. We want everyone to feel fully secure in carrying their camera with our system so we have decided to offer an alternate version of the fastener as an option with your strap or upgrader kit order. As you can see in the pictures above, this alternative fastener (on the right) has a flush design that requires the button be pushed 3mm [~1/8”] below the top surface of the fastener to release.

WTF: Why The Forging?

You may be wondering why we selected precision forging a s the production method of choice for our plates given the abundance of projects on Kickstarter utilizing CNC machined components. Precision forging’s biggest selling point for us is the ability to create complex surfaces from a solid billet of aluminum in a matter of seconds. Rather than slowly chipping away at the contours of our plate with a ball-end mill, two halves of a forging die are brought together under tremendous pressure creating the “rough” forging shown below. This piece is then trimmed, machined in a few critical areas, and anodized to create the finished product. The result is a part with intricate detail that is stronger than its machined or die cast counterpart and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.

Quality Control 

Right after we launched Kickstarter we were precisely measuring our first article production camera plates with an extremely accurate coordinate measuring machine to ensure we provide you with the best quality parts that will function exactly as we planned.