camera makers camera straps!

This is so funny. I found a couple of those "hippy" straps in my closet while searching for nice things to give away this year. I used one once. It scratched up my Rolleiflex SL35 so badly in just one day I stopped using straps altogether. All that metal hardware, more of a punkrock statement than hippy. After my bad experience, I didn't start with a strap again until I got my my M2 or Bessa (can't remember which) with its wonderful simple black nylon and mostly non-metallic hardware. A period of several years. Who am I kidding, more like decades.

I still see the "hippy" straps in use. Saw a couple at the Cliffs of Mohr (Ireland) recently. I can't help but chuckle whenever I see one - audibly. I hope I don't offend anyone. They were extremely popular in the western U.S. during the early 80's late 70's.
 
I have a love-hate relationship with straps. I usually don't want one on the camera, but most take too much effort to mount quickly, so I've always just left them on. I've tried just about every flavor over the years and concluded that, in the final analysis, they're a necessary evil. About ten years ago I found the Lowe Pro Transporter straps. They fit the Leica strap ends and are about the most comfortable I've ever found. They detach easily, but are strong. I think I paid around $15 each for them and I have several now.

http://store.lowepro.com/lowepro-accessories/transporter-camera-strap
 
as apprehensive as i was to start using straps with those skinny loop ends i love them now!
they do not interfere with holding the camera and i get to slip them in between my fingers when shooting which i find really comfortable.
i check for wear and tear and so far there has been none.
i can release the strap from the camera in an instant which is so very convenient too!
 
nokonstraponoly.jpg

The slipknot makes this kind of strap into a very secure wrist strap. Even if someone grabs the camera, it'll just pull you along, cause the strap tightens around your wrist with added tension.

Normally I don't use this strap on this camera, but it's great with something larger, like a 645, or Rolleiflex, or a Nikon D2x!
 
I have a few of the hippie straps. I used them in the 1970's and I'm still fond of them. I have one on my digital Pen, but I usually keep them on the Minolta Hi-Matic and Olympus 35RC. Scratches don't bother me, but I haven noticed any scratches. I used those little leather extensions you used to see on 35mm SLR's. Those are kind of hard to find, but they cut down on the metal-to-metal contact.
 
Domke for me

Domke for me

I like Domke's 1.5" Gripper for heavy camera/lens combo.
1" for lighter loads.

I eschew the Quick Release.... "Quick Release" and "my expensive camera" appearing in the same sentence makes me nervous. Unless you frequently use a tripod you will not miss QR.

Canon's wide black straps with "EOS Model 750 X Ver. 2.1 Mark III" in red and white looks NASCAR-esque and spells "Steal This Camera."
Nikon's "Screaming Yellow" is no better.
 
I prefer the old-style narrow Pentax and Nikon embroidered nylon "fiber" straps,
those with a wider faux suede (non-slip) section sewn at the center (neck).

They're super strong but don't irritate or get in the way.
And never a disconcerting bounce like a neoprene strap...

Chris
 
nokonstraponoly.jpg

The slipknot makes this kind of strap into a very secure wrist strap. Even if someone grabs the camera, it'll just pull you along, cause the strap tightens around your wrist with added tension.

Normally I don't use this strap on this camera, but it's great with something larger, like a 645, or Rolleiflex, or a Nikon D2x!

I like using the OEM nylon straps just because they can be easily wrapped around your wrist and used as a wrist strap.. Your approach I have never seen before.. Gotta give it a try. Thanks for the photo example.

Gary
 
I have used a Nikon strap that came with a camera once for a short while but I usually use an accessory straps on all my cameras. I now use UPstrap straps on everything since I like the very grippy shoulder pad that they have. - jim
 
Leica, Bessa & homemade

Leica, Bessa & homemade

As above, the Leica straps & the modern Bessa straps are excellent. Leica ones have that crufty/only-the-engineer's-mom-could-love connector thing (which is sized for Leicaflex SL really) & Bessa's only come with the camera. I usually make my own - in USA Strapworks sells the nylon webbing in a variety of widths for 25-35c per foot. Hardware, plastic or metal, is cheap. Light cameras (M's, Nikon S's) can be strapped up for US$2-4 in a variety of colors. My ageing arthritic neck needs the wider straps to distribute the weight of the heavy SLRs & above all, the Mamiya TLRs.

What I save on straps I squander on film. Go figure. --alfredian
 
Add me to the Domke Gripper camp. 1" except for the Rapid Omega which benefits from the 1 1/2". I like the tan ones because the grippy side is readily identifiable and I like the way it looks.
 
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