From its inception, the UPstrap was designed by Al Stegmeyer who was desperate to keep his cameras and bags from slipping off his shoulder. The first UPstrap was a piece of bike tube glued to a slippery but beautiful camera strap. There were never plans to build UPstraps commercially. However, the gift of a third generation UPstrap to legendary photographer Jay Maisel changed all that. It was Jay who convinced Al that UPstraps should be brought to market. And when Jay talks, anyone with an IQ over an avocado pit listens.
UPstrap is a small company located in Tallahassee Florida that makes 99.99% USA parts and labor products.
I have many world class photographers and the press to thank for referring other photographers to our products and adding their name and reputation to the UPstrap testimonials and reviews. I am very pleased that it helps them and others focus on their art.
The current UPstrap products represent seven years of development and improvements. I search out the very best components available, regardless of cost, much to the terror of our finance guru RH.
If I can't find it, I build it from scratch. If I can't do either. . . I don't manufacture the product. The quick release is prime example. Apparently the military felt the same as I that there was not a quick release on the market that could be trusted. The contracted with a USA company to build it and it is a dependable and strong quick release. To me it is ALL about engineering and dependability. Utility not marketing drives UPstrap. While UPstrap builds a great strap it is for the most part great USA components made by other companies that pull it all together.
I am constantly improving the UPstrap, making changes that will improve the performance.
We sincerely hope our products make your life easier, your health better and your gear safer.
Al Stegmeyer, Photographer / Inventor