Let's talk Camera Straps

[raid]

Raid, that's all too rational an answer. We're talking about aficionados of aspheric lenses, 1.0 -1.4 maximum apertures and all things Leica. A strap budget?..... i don't think it will get universal acceptance

Just saying! I really only focus on camera and lens with an extra emphasis on the lens. The camera used to be a "box" with film, but a digital camera is a "computer in a box", and the computer can make a difference.

 

[rfaspen]

Finally. Some images of straps. I suppose I need to make a couple images and share as well.

I use whatever strap seems to be the correct size, weight, and format. Sometimes I take color into consideration. Currently, I have a Sony strap on my M240. Its about 1.25 inches wide for the middle section and made of blue cloth (with SONY printed at one end). Tapers down to 1/2 inch wide nylon sections at the ends. Cost me $0.50 at thrift store.

I use the quick-connect ends (I think made by OpTech?) on all my cameras. I can then switch straps among all my cameras as needed. I also appreciate the completely non-metallic attachments that will not mar my cameras.

These:
(image from Adorama website. I hope that's OK)

 

[ptpdprinter]

I am not much for pimping out my cameras. I use those quarter inch nylon straps with the neoprene neck pad. I think they are like $20 and it still felt like a splurge. I have forgotten who makes them.

 

[jsrockit]

For me, I tend to use neck straps mostly and sometimes a wrist strap. My favorite neck straps are the cord type... from Lance since I like to customize the length of my straps to 43" and they are not too hard, but not too soft. My favorite wrist strap is the leather wrist strap that Ricoh sells for the GR. Not the one that comes with the camera...

If I were to try something different, I might go for a Peak Design Leash Camera Strap in Ash.

 

[Erik van Straten]

All the old leather straps that I've ever seen - except by Nikon and Kodak - have been brittle and useless.

Hmm, I think that you've never seen the true leather Leica straps. I collect them. They do not become brittle and useless. They're made from very special leather: thin, supple and soft. And they stay like that over the years.

Erik.

 

[ktmrider]

Leica nylon strap for M5 (primarily due to the flat strap lugs) and Gordy's for MP240. I have Gordy's combined wrist and shoulder strap which works great. And a Gordy's wrist strap for the very small but very usable Fuji X70.

 

[Robert Lai]

Unfortunately Erik, I have too much experience with old Leica leather straps. My father in law had an original Leica strap on his M3, which he bought brand new in the 1960s. One day in the 1990s, the camera came crashing down onto concrete as the Leica strap broke.

All of the Leica leather straps I have seen attached to my IIIG, IIIF leather cases have been useless. I can see the cracks and brittleness, as well as fraying around the metal rings. I routinely cut them off to replace them with nylon straps.

Leica is not the only one. I cut the strap off my Contax IIa case also, because that was also deteriorating. Surprisingly, the cases continue to be sound, whereas the straps aren't.

Same thing for virtually all leather straps that come on my cameras.

Nikon F / F2
Kodak Medalist straps.
These are solid!

 

[Bob Michaels]

My choice always are those 3/8" wide nylon straps that come packed with just about every new camera. I can easily adjust the length. I can use them as a neck strap or a bandolier. I can throw a quick loop in one and use it as a wrist strap. Since I don't carry heavy cameras around all day, they support things just fine.

I never used a strap for many years but somehow have become used to having one for the last few. But I do require one that is versatile and do everything I need it to do.

I guess I am one of those outliers in the modern era as I will always choose the simplest and cheapest tool that gets the job done.

I think the strap on my Zeiss Ikon originally came in the box with a Holga. But it does everything I could ever want a strap to do.

 

[newsgrunt]

Think Tank straps > Domke straps 24/7. seen too many horror stories of the qr breaking and camera hitting ground. Also the rubber gripper strips age and get brittle and fall off. Think Tank straps are gripped on both sides. The welded ring also makes an attachment point for hanging camera off backpack shoulder straps.

 

[Deleted member 65559]

I prefer narrow single- length straps. You can wrap them as a wrist strap or tie a knot in them to use them short over one shoulder. Leather failure depends on how the leather was tanned as well as the climate you live in. My favourite are these from Harry Benz. Harry uses water buffalo leather & it doesn't slide off your shoulder like cowhide.

Flickr

this one is my favourite, & after selling my III, I started using it on my M, instead of the wider one

 

[Larry H-L]

I like the non-adjustable Voigtlander deluxe straps that the head bartender used to sell, but they appear to be discontinued and out of stock.

Otherwise, the narrow Domke gripper, or the newer Peak Designs straps.

 

[Erik van Straten]

Unfortunately Erik, I have too much experience with old Leica leather straps. My father in law had an original Leica strap on his M3, which he bought brand new in the 1960s. One day in the 1990s, the camera came crashing down onto concrete as the Leica strap broke.

I've never seen that a Leica strap broke, I have them made in 1930 and onwards, but it can be what someone said that climate has something to do with it. Our climate is good for leather!

Erik.

 

[farlymac]

I've got so many straps from the used cameras bought over the years, I can take my pick every time I got out, but I do have some favorites on certain cameras.

Hippie straps are always nice, except the ones with film container straps built in, because by now the elastic is worn out.

Some narrow straps work better on the rangefinders.

Wide leather is preferred with something like an SLR.

And a few have manufacturer supplied straps if they are to my liking. Too many of those were made out of bad materials which are now degrading.

Cameras with straps (I usually take them off when shooting their portrait)


Nikon F2S Chrome by P F McFarland, on Flickr


Leica R7 by P F McFarland, on Flickr


Nikon Action Touch Underwater Camera by P F McFarland, on Flickr

PF

 

[retinax]

No-name cheap leather strap that has the right degree of stiffness/softness and an old non-adjustable Agfa fabric strap are what I use atm.

My issue with all straps I've tried is that they sometimes get in the way of my hands or worse, in front of the viewfinder when bringing the camera up to eye level. I'm thinking of, like Papercut above, making my own extra long, connectors of thin paracord or something to resolve this. M5 style strap lugs on one side would help/failing that I've attached one end to the tripod socket so at least only one end of the strap to keep from obstructing my my hand/the Vf/the advance lever.

 

[Tim Murphy]

If OP-TECH doesn't make it it ain't worth owning for me

If OP-TECH doesn't make it it ain't worth owning for me

Dear Akiva,

I use mostly DSLRS, gripped or professional sized, to shoot wildlife and nature.

OP-TECH makes everything I could ever want to own. Their straps are customizable, modular, comfortable, rugged, and most importantly, they are CHEAP, just like me!

I know that others may think differently, and I respect that, but I've been highly impressed with everything I've ever purchased made by OP-TECH. I just wish they made shoes and sandals, and then they'd be perfect!

Regards,

Tim Murphy

Harrisburg, PA

 

[Tim Murphy]

My choice also

My choice also

Finally. Some images of straps. I suppose I need to make a couple images and share as well.

I use whatever strap seems to be the correct size, weight, and format. Sometimes I take color into consideration. Currently, I have a Sony strap on my M240. Its about 1.25 inches wide for the middle section and made of blue cloth (with SONY printed at one end). Tapers down to 1/2 inch wide nylon sections at the ends. Cost me $0.50 at thrift store.

I use the quick-connect ends (I think made by OpTech?) on all my cameras. I can then switch straps among all my cameras as needed. I also appreciate the completely non-metallic attachments that will not mar my cameras.

These:
(image from Adorama website. I hope that's OK)

Dear rfaspen,

That's the beauty of OP-TECH gear to me. You can have 600 cameras and just one or two straps, and you can always hit the road with a camera that is secure no matter how you wish to carry it.

Regards,

Tim Murphy

Harrisburg, PA

 

[maggieo]

You know, for most of my career, I lugged Nikons around on hippie "guitar straps."

 

[KenR]

Binocular strap

Binocular strap

I put to together a camera strap with a binocular strap that puts the weight of the camera on my shoulders rather than my neck - thinking of you Roger. Works like a charm with my Mamiya6 where you never have to turn the camera to a vertical position. Doesn't work so well for my "traditional" cameras where you do have to change orientation.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Can't walk with camera in my hands. Neck strap for me.
Leica made is garbage. Made for Bessa lasts and great.
Same for Canon SLRs straps. I have same style extra long, hipsta pattern from eBay. Also good strap.

 

[maigo]

You know, for most of my career, I lugged Nikons around on hippie "guitar straps."

I love the look of the hippie straps but haven’t tried one yet. Watching a few auctions to use them with my 70s era SLRs.


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