How To Remove Strap on Domke F-2?

[wgerrard]

I'd like to remove the strap on the Domke F-2 I acquired recently and replace it with a narrower Op-Tech clip-on strap I already own.

The strap, though, appears to be permanently stitched to itself where it attaches to the loops. When people buy new F-2 straps to replace the original, how they do remove the old one?

 

[peter_n]

I just cut it off with a scissors and had a new one stitched in. My old strap lasted 20+ years. 🙂

 

[wgerrard]

I don't want it to wear out, and I don't want to hafta take scissors to it.🙂

The problem is the strap doesn't want to stay on my shoulder. A narrower strap stays put, and feels more comfortable.

 

[peter_n]

I only cut mine off because the rubber stitching had worn out and the strap was beginning to slip on my shoulder too. If you don't want to cut it, use an X-Acto knife on the stitching but it'll take a lot longer than snipping it.

edit: Whoops Dan beat me to it!

 

[newsgrunt]

When the rubber grip strips on my Domke straps gave up the ghost, I had some Tough Tek material (similar to Grip Tac camera covering I think) sewn on to the strap. Now they stay put on my shoulder.

But to the original question, you need a seam ripper type tool or sharp exacto knife to slice the sewn thread. Then use some ladder locks (or Tri Glides ?) to attach the strap.

 

[back alley]

some of you guys seem to know a lot about sewing...

 

[peter_n]

some of you guys seem to know a lot about sewing...

LOL. I got the new strap stitched in by a local cobbler. It wasn't cheap.

 

[rbsinto]

Oy!
Why won't anyone listen? You can carry any camera bag or camera/lens combination hanging off one shoulder if you simply sew Velcro to the shoulders of your vest or shooting jacket, and then to the underside of the bag or camera/lens strap.
I have schlepped my monopod mounted Nikkor 300 2.8 attached to my motorized Nikon F2 (total weight about 11.7 lbs) without any slippage using this system, and have sewn Velcro to all my camera and bags straps to make carrying them off my shoulders easy and safe.
The extra advantage of this arrangement is that should a fitting fail, the bag or camera will not slide off the shoulder, but remain "stuck" in place saving it a trip toward the center of the Earth courtesy of Isaac Newton.