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 Flickr
Anshareproject 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 Flickr
strap3 by Berang Berang, on Flickr
strap2 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.