Informal Poll - Camera Strap Solutions

The swivel doesn't contribute much except bulk and being another hunk of scratching metal that can fail when the catch gets caught....

I have the OEM Leica strap on my M right now and it is OK, I like how it looks -- but the Domke 1" wide gripper rides better and is more compact when placing the camera into a bag or pocket.

I feel nerdier but I have started wearing cameras higher and around my neck, they ride smoother and when I lean over it is easier to just hold the camera from swinging into my kid's head (it's happened, don't tell Mom).
 
Get a normal but extra long strap so you can carry the camera bandolero style. I myself prefer the A&A straps (very simple but strong black cloth straps with lug protectors) that come in 120cm length, but other straps (like Luigi's) come long as well. I like the A&A cloth straps since they have no buckles, etc.

I also like Leicagoodie's Sling, but use it with a grip, not on the camera lug.

Also, I used to use half cases, Luigi and what not. But after a while I decided that they are pretty but cumbersome, and I don't really need them.

Best,

Roland.
 
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Gear heads

Gear heads

When I was in Afghanistan a few years ago, everybody was trying to find the perfect strap their assault rifle. Picked up an interest for photography in said country, and now I find myself returning to the same issue albeit for a different kind of shooter; what kind of strap to get?
 
.ken said:
Voigtlander Deluxe Straps are very nice
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Just to add: this is the same as the A&A cloth strap I mentioned above. Except the default length is 90cm, but if you ask Rich@photovillage, he'll sell you 120cm straps, too.

Cheers,

Roland.
 
I use a sling-style strap that I made myself. I've documented it somewhere here on the forum.

Prior to this, I used neck straps worn in the same way. It was really uncomfortable sliding the strap everytime you wanted to raise the camera and the straps are usually in the way.

The sling style strap works perfectly for me. I find that the camera doesn't move at all unless I want it to. I imagine that you could probably use two bodies comfortably by either wearing them on different sides or possibly at different heights on one side. But I never carry two bodies, so I don't really know.

I think that the issue of carrying the camera by one lug is probably overblown. Stephen Shaub who makes the Y strap has said that he asked all the camera manufacturers and all of them said that it was safe to carry their cameras by one lug. My M2 has strap lugs that are almost worn all the way through. I haven't noticed any extra wear in the time that I've been using the sling strap with it.
 
bentheshark said:
I've seen the straps that allow the camera to slide on a key ring or the like that are worn as a sling (e.g., the Y-strap, Gordy's Sling). I really like the idea of these, but they mount either on a single lug, or on the trip-pod mount. This can be a problem because my half-case covers the tripod mount and i've heard using a single lug will wear it out pretty quickly. They also allow the camera to move a bit more freely which could be a problem when carrying two bodies.
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I made my own sling like this - it's ridiculously easy. Make a loop with some 1" nylon webbing, with the ends threaded (in opposite directions) through a pair of 1" plastic sliders. The sliders provide enough friction to keep the sling together and allow for some adjustment. too. Costs less than a buck to make, all plastic (nothing to scratch your gear), low profile, and customized to your body.

Lug wear is a real issue with Bessas and ZIs because they're made of chrome-plated brass without any steel eyelet inserts. Steel split rings are harder and will wear away the lugs, so I use 1" solid brass split rings. The lugs should last much longer because the brass ring is softer than the chrome plating and about as hard as the lugs themselves.

As a safety in case the lug breaks off (unlikely, but possible), I tie a short cord from the lug on the other side to the split ring. It does add a little something extra to get in the way, but it's better than the camera crashing to the ground if that single lug fails. I've seen severely worn and broken-off...it can happen.

For a second body, you could carry a small camera bag on the other side of your body and use a small carbiner on the sling so you can switch cameras quickly.
 
I mostly use the Domke Grippers w/swivels, worn "bandolier" or rifle style, i.e., w/the strap going diagonally from my left shoulder so that the camera ends up under my right arm. I find this to be the ideal method for me as it ensures that the camera is in a convenient location for shooting while keeping it out of the way w/minimal movement & bouncing when I'm not shooting.

I like the Domke swivels because they prevent twisting & give me the option of switching the shoulder pad to the non-gripper side when I need to swing the camera around more quickly. I haven't had any problems w/the hardware scratching anything, but the ball & socket joint on a couple of them have failed (thankfully without causing camera damage), so I do periodically check them. I also try not use them on my heaviest cameras, where I'll opt for an Op/Tech or non-swivel Gripper instead.
 
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The best strap that I got is my Billingham strap, because it is very soft.
 
I love the Leica straps. They're thin, light and Strong. I wear them slung over the head/shoulder and under the arm. This arrangement lets me 'cross-draw' while keeping the camera concealed under my jacket most of the time. It's a very comfortable setup, even in a tuxedo, and most of the time, nobody knows I've got a camera on me until I've already got them on film. : )
 
I must admit I never heard of Domke before this thread. I'll have to check them out.

I've always been a fan of super soft leather, so I've been putting pennies away for a Luigi strap. Can anyone who has owned both comment on which you like more, and why?
 
i have a longer than normal luigi strap that is beautiful and works well.
and i have a couple of domke straps.

the domkes are more practical and work like and do a great job and the luigi does a good job and looks good at the same time.

i keep them but i never use them as i prefer a wrist strap and a small bag - works for me.

where in canada are you btw?
 
I use a small bag, with the strap over my opposing shoulder. The particular one I use is the Lowepro Rezo 120:

18-2004-IMG1.jpeg


http://products.lowepro.com/product/Rezo-120-AW,2004,20.htm

I've learned to quickly reach in and draw the camera, I think it's almost as fast as having the camera around my neck.

It's really useful if you're bicycling, then you can position the bag at your lower back when you're on the move. Or if the weather's crappy, you can leave the camera in the bag most of the time, and take it out only when necessary.

One side benefit is it keeps the camera hidden, so people don't think you're one of them terraists. 🙂
 
back alley said:
i have a longer than normal luigi strap that is beautiful and works well.
and i have a couple of domke straps.

the domkes are more practical and work like and do a great job and the luigi does a good job and looks good at the same time.

i keep them but i never use them as i prefer a wrist strap and a small bag - works for me.

where in canada are you btw?
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I'm a Yukoner 🙂

I'm leaning toward the Luigi strap. I can't get over nice leather and I like how it's hand-made. I'll keep an eye out for the Domke straps though.
 
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