Do you trust LTM strap lugs?

[Whateverist]

I was wondering how reliable the strap lugs are on an 80 year old camera. Does the metal hold up? Can I trust them enough to attach a wrist or neck strap? Or am I better off with a half-case?

 

[maxmadco]

I think that depends upon the camera and the lugs that are on it.
No problem trusting any of mine and I do but they are still in like new condition and tight to the camera.
I have seen some that are almost worn through and or loose and twisted on the camera and those of course I would not trust.

 

[ZivcoPhoto]

I just got my 1933 Leica III, black with nickel, CLA'd and I would have liked to had the strap lugs replaced, but I was told no one makes replacements and there are no replacements (nickel). I will not use the camera with anything larger than the nickel 50mm Elmar I bought for it. So I make it a habit to hold the camera for picture taking strictly by the body and not by the strap held tight in my right hand. The lugs are half worn after 80 plus years - but I trust them; things were made "honestly" back then.....on a Leica the best money could buy.... But I look with envy at my 1938 chrome Leica III which for all intent and purpose is a "like new" camera with seemingly not even the slightest wear on the lugs...or any other part of the camera.

 

[johannielscom]

Been here for quite a while now and I don't recall ever having read the strap lugs on someone's Barnack giving in, so I'd say they're safe to use...

 

[Rob-F]

I've had no problems with my three IIIcs and a II.

 

[aoresteen]

I've had about 8 screw mount Leicas over the years. Never an issue with the lugs. They are safe.

If you want new titanium or stainless steel lugs installed on your Leica, I'm sure SK Grimes could fix you up. Just bring your checkbook 🙂

 

[Whateverist]

If the original ones are that reliable, no thanks, I'm good ;-)

Thanks for all the replies!

 

[B-9]

Mine are very thin, but still no failure yet! The camera's are so small and light, you could probably use duct tape to hold a strap on without issue.

So yes, ide definitely trust them.

 

[nikonosguy]

my iid has no lugs --- got a kenji case for it to work around that issue

 

[Dralowid]

Why not? If they are loose tighten them up, if they are worn turn them upside down and then tighten them up.