Camera Strap Marks

[lamemoria]

Are you all bothered my camera strap marks on the body--if so, whta do you do to make sure they do not occur?

Thanks

JM

 

[Dougg]

First, avoid metal fittings in the strap near the camera body, other than the lug-rings themselves. Swivels, rivets, etc... all can scratch the finish. Second, observe the protective leather flaps supplied with Contax (Kyocera) straps... They work! I saw that Aki Asahi was offering the very same style leather flaps on eBay, and I bought a package of 10, enough for 5 cameras, for $7.49 incl shipping. I see the same package in his eBay store now: http://cgi.ebay.com/Strap-Lug-cover...itemZ7622854867QQcategoryZ30030QQcmdZViewItem

 

[harry01562]

Aki has the flaps in black or brown leather, when I last checked. I bought both colors, and put them on the bodies that I use. They work great, on RF or SLR, or anything else with normal lugs. His service is usually great, and I have bought several times. The eyepiece covers and the transparent top/bottom covers for the Leica M's is another group not to be overlooked.

Harry

 

[pvdhaar]

I use leather flaps that originally came with the Konica Hexar RF..

 

[Rich Silfver]

My favorite case-/strap maker in the world - Luigi 🙂 Makes straps that either a) doesn't have a metal connector - or b) has a flap that will protect the metal from scratching the side of the camera.

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

Keep the camera in a box, and wear soft cotton gloves when you fondle it.

These cameras survive wars and earthquakes and stuff. I do not think they will get overly spoiled by a leather strap. Take the strap off and go without if you like.

 

[jaapv]

Cameras are like humans- the contract dings, dents scratches and creases in the course of their life - my camera's look better than I do - but then they are younger.......

 

[ghost]

another vote for the contax/kyocera/hexar rf style leather protectors.

 

[PeterL]

Strap marks are part of the war wounds of a camera. I don't use no steenkin' protection, I'm proud of the colours my camera shows.

😀


Peter.

 

[Avotius]

I dont use anything to protect my cameras, marks and scratches gives em character, I hate new cameras because they are so clean and everyone is afraid to mark them or something, but then again I dont like used cameras either because those marks were not put there by me.

 

[umana]

About Any Possible Care For Our Photograpohica...

About Any Possible Care For Our Photograpohica...

My sincere opinion, said that I take pictures since I was 7 years old (now, 64), and that I still have (in fine shape) my very 1st, small, lovely "Klein" camera...

1. In the life, there is room for who take care ALSO of the objects external
shape, (and, necessarily, of the technical healty...), and, of course, for who
don't care of the cosmetics.

2. To have an ugly, not cared for camera, don't improve the pictures quality,
as well to have all LIKE NEW cameras. Same for average conditions. 🙂

3. We all (I think) prefer to take care of our cars, motorcycles, bikes, boats,
if not for their reselling value, almost for a certain respect of them, and of
our... "users dignity". Same for our homes, furnitures, and so on.

4. Then, I don't understand why some one around could consider wrong or
superfluous to take care of our cameras and lenses, too !

5. All our items are "on loan", being them, usually, easily surviving to us.
Well, I highly prefer to imagine that I will leave behind me (does not matter
to WHO... To my daughters, to my wife, to my relatives, to my friends, and,
why not, to my customers) mostly some acceptably CLEAN, repected and
cared for items, wellworking, handsome, ready to be used, appreciated, or
even admired by all the "following" peoples !

6. Without this ("NORMAL") care, two/thirds of the MUSEUMS could not exist,
today. Imagine the beauty of some antique vases, paintings, jewels...

Then, my suggestion is to use your cameras as you'll prefer, with or without care,
following your (caracter) instinct... Freedom is beautiful ! 🙂

Ciao, Luigi (I beg your pardon if my English is poor...)

 

[dadsm3]

Leicas are too beautiful to totally disregard their cosmetics....yet it's important that you use it, and not shelve it away due to fears about weather, damage, theft; what's the point?
My late father's early M3 stays at home for special occasions due to sentimental reasons, but my M6 goes anywhere, and both are Luigi-protected. They'll both look gorgeous for decades...but my beater M3 goes naked, and shows it, but will accompany me to Mordor and back.....

 

[jaapv]

I notice, Rich that you are wise to use protection, as you use non-original strap fasteners. The original Leica straps damage the camera only minimally.

 

[Rich Silfver]

Jaap, that photo was from Luigi's site - I don't use straps with flaps myself.
Not intentionally - just don't happen to do it.

 

[Kyle]

Keep the camera in a box, and wear soft cotton gloves when you fondle it.

These cameras survive wars and earthquakes and stuff. I do not think they will get overly spoiled by a leather strap. Take the strap off and go without if you like.

Yes, Leicas will take the beating, but that doesn't mean you have to cause unnecessary damage. If you can avoid strap marks with a simple piece of leather, why not do it? Also, think of this... how many vintage Leicas are out there that would be mint if it weren't for those strap lugs. They can turn a museum piece into just a really nice user camera and can effect resale value.

So, go out and use your Leica or any other camera. You don't need to baby it, or keep it locked in a glass case, but if you can avoid certain damages, marks, etc. the theres no point in not doing so.

 

[ghost]

you never know when you'll want or have to sell a camera. every amateur can relate.

 

[jano]

Protection is good. Just remember, if it's not prophylactically didactic, it's not tactic. 😀

Jano

PS: I like what Kyle said.

 

[Rich Silfver]

Yes, Leicas will take the beating, but that doesn't mean you have to cause unnecessary damage. If you can avoid strap marks with a simple piece of leather, why not do it? Also, think of this... how many vintage Leicas are out there that would be mint if it weren't for those strap lugs. They can turn a museum piece into just a really nice user camera and can effect resale value.

So, go out and use your Leica or any other camera. You don't need to baby it, or keep it locked in a glass case, but if you can avoid certain damages, marks, etc. the theres no point in not doing so.

Well said.