Carry it like you mean it

dave lackey

dave lackey

Veteran
Local time
5:03 AM
Joined
Feb 20, 2007
Messages
9,417
Tom A has convinced me to carry it like I mean it! In other words, carry the camera around the neck!

Why am I just now getting around to this? I don't know if it was the uncomfortable strap/weight on my neck; aversion to being labelled something; or if it was the Nikon 1 I checked out at Target during Christmas shopping.

Yeah, that's it. the Nikon 1 with a commercial showing a small, slim digital camera that you put into your inside jacket chest pocket...:p complete with a lump of a lens that does NOT fit inside your jacket pocket. I would hate to see it in a pant pocket.

So, back to fulll-frame cameras like SLRs and RFs (digital/film). I am using the Leica R4 with a motor winder now and it is so cool to wear that thing where people actually SEE it. Then, when I switch to the M3, it is even cooler as it weighs much less and is available to shoot immediately rather than having to bring it from a shoulder hanging position.:)

Do I look like a photographer? Who cares...at least people are given a subliminal advance warning that pictures will be taken at some point. I think that is very important. Occasionally, I have two cameras worn across my shoulder bandolero style. Or even one but I haven't a good strap for that yet.

So, thanks to Tom A and a few others (like Thorsten Overgaard) who wear their cameras proudly around their neck... I am a convert.:angel:
 
I wore my camera round my neck the other day whilst Xmas shopping, I felt like an old school reporter :) light was rubbish anyway so I just had an expensive necklace on :) I flit between neck and hand straps, can never make my mind up which is better
 
I'm an around-the-neck guy. I like having my hands free (when not photographing) and don't care if people notice my camera.
 
Sorry Dave, but I don't understand at all the point you are trying to make.
How is carrying a camera around one's neck more "meaningful" or whatever, than carrying it off a shoulder, on a wrist strap, bandolier style or simply held in a hand?
Sorry, but this "carry it like you mean it" sounds pretty frivolous, and pointless to me.
 
Dear Dave

I wear my camera around my neck too! It is easier to use and does not get bumped accidentally that easily. I had people bumped into me and almost caused the camera strap to slip off my shoulders.
 
Vincent.G said:
Dear Dave

I wear my camera around my neck too! It is easier to use and does not get bumped accidentally that easily. I had people bumped into me and almost caused the camera strap to slip off my shoulders.
Click to expand...

For a number of years now I have been promoting the idea of velcro strips on camera straps and matching strips on photo vest or jacket epaulettes, as a slip-proof method of keeping a camera strap from slipping off a shoulder, and at the same time, keeping my hands free.
I've carried a motor-driven F2 with a 300 2.8 lens and mono pod (weighing about ten pounds) this way with no slippage problem at all. And if the camera is worn backwards, the lens rides across the back or buttocks and is protected from being bumped as one walks.
 
Rarely carry around the neck and only if I'm using two bodies and a camera bag, otherwise it's neck strap wrapped around my wrist and carried in hand if I'm trawling for photos. If not being used, in the bag it goes.
 
I wear my Leica over the should usually. The m9 plus the noctilux isn't very easy on my neck.. The shoulder feels much better on that setup..
 
rbsinto said:
For a number of years now I have been promoting the idea of velcro strips on camera straps and matching strips on photo vest or jacket epaulettes, as a slip-proof method of keeping a camera strap from slipping off a shoulder, and at the same time, keeping my hands free.
I've carried a motor-driven F2 with a 300 2.8 lens and mono pod (weighing about ten pounds) this way with no slippage problem at all. And if the camera is worn backwards, the lens rides across the back or buttocks and is protected from being bumped as one walks.
Click to expand...

Everyone is different. I find wearing a suit jacket and a camera works best when the camera is around my neck. When wearing a jacket in the rain the camera is protected with the zipped jacket. When wearing a t-shirt, I will almost always wear it bandolier. Circumstances and preferences. Everybody is different. Not frivolous at all.:rolleyes:
 
I usually carry around my right shoulder, though ever since I've been using rangefinders the left side of the strap usually ends up covering the viewfinder when i pull it up to eye level. Ever since then, I've been carrying them around the neck... I should invest in a comfier strap :)
 
Yes, a comfortable strap. It seems that different cameras will do better with different straps. When doing weddings, a tux is not the easiest thing to carry a camera on the shoulder with, so, it is with circumstances. When shooting sports photography for many years, I dressed and carried the appropriately huge cameras/lenses and bags with me. Hung over the shoulders, cross the body, whatever.

But, now I don't do that anymore. I carry much smaller and lighter gear.

But comfort is a high priority for me.:cool: Not macho? Tough.
 
I'm at a loss as to how to interpret your parting message, Dave. "Macho" has little to do with carrying a camera IMO.


... but I've found the Tamrac N-17 to be that comfortable neck strap for both SLRs and RFs. The length adjusts and doesn't change, they have enough non-stick to keep from slipping, adn the quick release makes life easier when using a mono or tripod. The neoprene weren't very comfortable to me when walking since they bounce.

http://www.tamrac.com/g_camerastraps.htm
 
dave lackey said:
Everyone is different. I find wearing a suit jacket and a camera works best when the camera is around my neck. When wearing a jacket in the rain the camera is protected with the zipped jacket. When wearing a t-shirt, I will almost always wear it bandolier. Circumstances and preferences. Everybody is different. Not frivolous at all.:rolleyes:
Click to expand...

Dave,
With respect to circumstances and preferences, I agree with you completely. In identical circumstances many people will choose different ways of performing a given task.
My comment refers to your assertion that carrying a camera on a neck strap is more meaningful than carrying it some other way, which I do find to be frivolous.
anyway, I don't want to start a war with you on this, so let's just agree to disagree and leave it at that.
 
rbsinto said:
Dave,
With respect to circumstances and preferences, I agree with you completely. In identical circumstances many people will choose different ways of performing a given task.
My comment refers to your assertion that carrying a camera on a neck strap is more meaningful than carrying it some other way, which I do find to be frivolous.
anyway, I don't want to start a war with you on this, so let's just agree to disagree and leave it at that.
Click to expand...

Disagree about what? My opinion? You have yours. So be it.:angel:
 
Gumby said:
I'm at a loss as to how to interpret your parting message, Dave. "Macho" has little to do with carrying a camera IMO.


... but I've found the Tamrac N-17 to be that comfortable neck strap for both SLRs and RFs. The length adjusts and doesn't change, they have enough non-stick to keep from slipping, adn the quick release makes life easier when using a mono or tripod. The neoprene weren't very comfortable to me when walking since they bounce.

http://www.tamrac.com/g_camerastraps.htm
Click to expand...

Ken Rockwell loves the Tamrac straps. Must look into them. The word macho was a jest...as in only real men put up with pain. Not me! I am a wimp.:p
 
Originally Posted by rbsinto
For a number of years now I have been promoting the idea of velcro strips on camera straps and matching strips on photo vest or jacket epaulettes, as a slip-proof method of keeping a camera strap from slipping off a shoulder, and at the same time, keeping my hands free.

Years ago, I had buttons - of matching color, of course - sewn on the right-hand shoulder seam of my sports coats and suit jackets to help catch/secure the strap to my 2nd camera. My main user camera was around the neck with a neck-strap.

Seldom carry a back-up camera any more, so it's neck mostly - shoulder under jacket if discreet.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom