tunalegs
Pretended Artist
I recently visited a friend in Naha, Okinawa. While walking around one morning I came by a shop with lots of interesting things in the window, cameras, typewriters, etc. I stepped inside, said konichiwa and looked around. This shop turned out to be Anshareproject (see link below). The man there (the owner I think) spoke english very well and we talked briefly about cameras and straps. I said I had to go to meet my friend but I would be back.
I came back that evening with my friend, and brought my Pilot 6 which needs a particular sort of strap. The man there that evening only spoke a little english, but he was expecting me, and with the help of my friend we were able to communicate.
Normally such a custom job would mean next day delivery, but as I was leaving the next morning, they told me they could have it made that night! And they delivered. I was pleased with the result, which cost ¥9000 - roughly $80. Considering it was a custom design and made the same day I think this was a great deal.
Anshareproject strap by Berang Berang, on Flickr
Anshareproject strap by Berang Berang, on Flickr
The build of the Pilot 6 means something like a Gordy strap would not work. Because the square ring is attached permanently to the camera body, the strap needs to be open-able with some sort of clasp or buckle. I specified a buckle, as this is how the original straps were made. A clip might also work - but it would look wrong.
strap1 by Berang Berang, on Flickr
strap3 by Berang Berang, on Flickr
strap2 by Berang Berang, on Flickr
A wider section was riveted in for the neck - more comfortable than the original. My only nitpick with the whole thing is the slightly uneven stitching on this piece, but really given the rush job, I can't complain.
I was given lots of options - stitching or no stitching, brass or black buckles, rivets, etc. leather color - they would do just about anything. They also had a selection of ready-made straps with typical clip connections for around ¥8000, so if you visit Naha it's worth a look, even if you don't have time for a custom made strap.
I looked up the shop online, and found this article which explains what the shop is all about:
http://okinawaclip.com/en/detail/185
Very interesting, and worth a look if you're in the area.
I came back that evening with my friend, and brought my Pilot 6 which needs a particular sort of strap. The man there that evening only spoke a little english, but he was expecting me, and with the help of my friend we were able to communicate.
Normally such a custom job would mean next day delivery, but as I was leaving the next morning, they told me they could have it made that night! And they delivered. I was pleased with the result, which cost ¥9000 - roughly $80. Considering it was a custom design and made the same day I think this was a great deal.
Anshareproject strap by Berang Berang, on FlickrAnshareproject strap by Berang Berang, on FlickrThe build of the Pilot 6 means something like a Gordy strap would not work. Because the square ring is attached permanently to the camera body, the strap needs to be open-able with some sort of clasp or buckle. I specified a buckle, as this is how the original straps were made. A clip might also work - but it would look wrong.
strap1 by Berang Berang, on Flickrstrap3 by Berang Berang, on Flickrstrap2 by Berang Berang, on FlickrA wider section was riveted in for the neck - more comfortable than the original. My only nitpick with the whole thing is the slightly uneven stitching on this piece, but really given the rush job, I can't complain.
I was given lots of options - stitching or no stitching, brass or black buckles, rivets, etc. leather color - they would do just about anything. They also had a selection of ready-made straps with typical clip connections for around ¥8000, so if you visit Naha it's worth a look, even if you don't have time for a custom made strap.
I looked up the shop online, and found this article which explains what the shop is all about:
http://okinawaclip.com/en/detail/185
Very interesting, and worth a look if you're in the area.