How do you carry your camera?

codester80

A Touch of Light
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I've noticed a growing trend of people who carry their camera bandolier style either using just the strap or a combination of strap with the tripod socket attachment that allows the camera to swivel around at the hip.
I've always carried my cameras with the strap over one shoulder (with the 80-200mm tucked facing backward along my hip, when mounted). Rangefinders I carry over one shoulder or around the neck when I'm in the heat of shooting.
Currently I've got a mix of Domke and Think Tank straps on my daily shooters but my favourite strap is a braided non-adjustable nylon strap that came into my possession many years ago. I'm thinking of changing out all my other straps for similar straps (Lance Camera Straps) as I find the braided straps stay out of the way and make the camera easier to handle.
I'm curious as to how others carry their cameras around.
 
90% of the time, I carry 1 camera + lens across the body, "bandolier"-style. If I need more mobility (w/the camera), I'll move it from under my arm to just around the neck. Maybe 5% of the time (mostly shooting shows/events), I'll have 2 cameras (each w/different focal lengths or different films if shooting film), both bandolier-style, but on opposite shoulders (strap for the primary camera goes on top). The remaining 5%, I'll have 1 rig worn bandolier-style, w/additional bodies & lenses in a bag also, you guessed it, bandolier-style but the bag strap underneath the camera strap.

I use mostly Domke Gripper straps, mainly because of the swiveling quick releases, not the grippy part, & but also because they're made in the US & are cheap. I also use Op/tech (for big medium format & dSLR bodies), Lance (w/loop connectors for lighter bodies or those w/worn-out strap lugs), & 1 A&A "Easy Slider". The Black Rapid-style system doesn't appeal to me; I like the sliding part, but having the camera hang upside down from the tripod socket doesn't work for me.
 
When I'm working a longer gig (a concert, or assignment lasting longer than an hour), usually a Lance or similar strap bandolier-style.

For personal use, travel, or to carry a second camera as needed when I'm on assignment, I prefer using a Spider Holster with a wrist strap (Gordy's or similar). Using two cameras bandolier-style is a good way for me to end up tangled up. Not a good look. The Spider Holster is a great way to carry an X100 or X-Pro sized camera without the big ol shoulder strap.

spiderholster.com
 
Small camera -- 1/2 case, draped over neck and right shoulder hanging on the side on account of that looks coo' , hanging around the neck looks dorky. Very important.

DSLR/Larger camera -- sling strap thingy that attaches to the tripod mount. Again, hanging on the side. Looks coo' . Very important.
 
XE1 + zoom = in a domke bag that is carried bandolier style.
Anything smaller is a domke gripper strap (no bag) either neck or bandolier carry.
A Hexar flew off my shoulder once .... no more shoulder style for me.
 
When I'm not actively shooting, or just walking around I carry it bandolier style, otherwise over the shoulder. But I've had an accident using it this way so I'm a little paranoid
 
For handheld shooting (usually with a 35mm SLR), I just use the standard neckstrap over a shoulder.

TLRs I almost always shoot on a tripod at waist level. I affix the camera to the old Bogen tripod, extend the legs for waist-level viewing, and balance it all on my shoulder as I walk about.

- Murray
 
I use mostly Domke Gripper straps, mainly because of the swiveling quick releases, not the grippy part, & but also because they're made in the US & are cheap. .

Exactly why I like them, too. The strap never gets twisted and tangled and the quick releases make it easy to mount the camera on a tripod.

Seems I'm in a minority with the shoulder carry. I find the bandolier style is awkward and requires too much strap. It's OK for carrying but soon as you go to shoot, you've got the long strap to deal with. I also found it was easier to bump the camera into things. When I shoulder carry, I always have me hand and arm leading the way to protect the camera and allows me to shift the camera behind my hip if I have to squeeze between people in a crowd.
 
Leica II, no strap lugs, in the hand.
All other 35mm in the hand with strap wound around the wrist.
Over left shoulder when not in use.
Around the neck sometimes, especially under an umbrella.
I don't use the word 'bandolier'.
 
Super thin wrist strap with cam in hand. Sometimes a second cam with a shoulder strap.
 
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