neck strap suggestions (braided, I think).

[msbarnes]

Sorry for adding to the pile of similar strap threads.

I'm looking for a neck stap.

My problem with neck straps is that they get in the way while shooting and wrist straps are inconvinient while not shooting. So my brilliant idea is to look for a neck strap that I can use as a wrist strap (like HCB).

Are some neck straps more suitable for this application? I feel that the nice flat leather straps would get tangled up more easily so I'm thinking of getting something braided.

For the experienced, is this logic correct and that braided straps work better for this application? Any suggested straps to look into?

From my limited search it seems that the three common ones are lance straps, street straps, and artisan artist straps with varying quality/prices. I'm edging towards the street straps, as they seem to be the best value solution. A nice balance between comfort, aesthetics, and price. Oh and aesthetically, all I want is something smallish, and black.

 

[burancap]

Barton 1972? They are big on the braid.

http://www.barton1972.com/catalog/index.php

 

[msbarnes]

Those look great, I think I might try on of those out. Any experience? They look to be of great quality.

 

[rbsinto]

Simple enough to make something from an existing 3/4" wide black nylon neck strap.
Cut out the center section (that rests on the shoulder or around the neck) leaving enough extra at both ends where the strap attaches to the camera to make a wrist strap. Black Velcro sewn on all four of the ends, and you got a convertible neck/wrist strap.
If you are either all thumbs or don't trust your sewing, get a shoemaker to do the stitching.
Now that I've thought of this, and worked it out, I might fashion one for myself.
Thanks for posing the question.

 

[back alley]

i know the steet straps are supposed to be softer than the lance but they are twice as much money...and the lance are pretty soft...

 

[Snowbuzz]

My Barton 1972 braided strap in russet arrived yesterday. The quality is fantastic and, better yet, this is the first strap I have that doesn't require untangling every second!

Now the bad news: it's difficult to wrap this strap around the wrist. I'm still experimenting as to how to do it consistently. I'll post a pic in a bit.

 

[Snowbuzz]

Here it is: the Boa constrictor around my skinny arm.

 

[ChrisN]

Here's mine - DIY kangaroo lace

 

[flip]

I have the barton - actually 2 - russett and the shiny black. The russet matches the A&A case perfectly and while it slowly relaxes with time, it is not for wrists. The shiny black seems to be made from a different leather, a bit thinner (still strong) and looks nice with my black om-4ti.

Extremely comfortable - beats my optech with a hockey stick. More comfortable than the A&A silk, but then again, the A&A is great for wrists.

 

[Snowbuzz]

That's very impressive, Chris!

 

[Dwig]

I've always been a big fan of the Nikon AN-4 straps. I've mostly used the
AN-4B (black) as I rather dislike the yellow one (AN-4Y). This pic is actually a rather rare old AN-4W that was never sold in the US except bundled with one of the special F3 bodies, the original unpainted F3-T if memory serves. I also managed to come across an identical stap in gray emblazoned "Canon".

 

[msbarnes]

How well do other strap styles wrap the wrist? I initially thought that braided was better because it is round but it sounds like not all braided straps wrap your wrist well, like the Barton (It looks incredibly nice though).

So which straps are better for this purpose. Is A&A silk/braided the best? Do the A&A cloth or Domke Grippers work well? Because it doesn't have to be braided, that was just my thinking. I only have experience with the Gordy straps and they are a bit stiff to wrap your wrist in my opinion (maybe mine is broken in enough ?).

Well I'm thinking of sticking with my Gordy, trying Lance, and/or waiting for a not incredibly expensive A&A silk braided to show up on ebay/rff. It seems that the Barton is not for me, and the Street Strap is double the price of Lance without a justifiable increase in quality. Anyone with both disagree?

 

[Snowbuzz]

Yeah, well, I see your dilemma. I have a Domke gripper (thin version) and it works quite well as a neck strap. You can wrap it around the wrist but I would generally prefer a thinner strap for that purpose.

 

[akptc]

I have been using the leather strap sold with the Ralph Gibson limited edition Leica and really like it on my X100 (used it on my RD1 before), comfy on the wrist and strong. I think I paid $65 or so.

(website)

 

[ChrisN]

The silk is probably the softest and most flexible. My 4-part round braid is very easy to do (goodle for instructions - plenty of examples on youtube), and you can buy the 3mm kangaroo lace over the web. Honestly it is very easy - if you can tie your shoe laces you can make one of these. Apart from those the best would be a simple old nylon camera strap with no pads or attachments, the thinnest and softest you can find. I buy any of this type I can find at camera markets or car-boot sales.

 

[Godfrey]

The Street Strap. Have had one on my X2 since last Summer. Love it. Worth the $70.
http://www.streetstrap.com

 

[Marc G.]

I'm currently using the artisan & artist silk strap on 1 rangefinder and the artisan&artist M3 style strap (ACAM-200) on the analog one. while I dont like using either as a wrist strap the silk one is very usable as such. the quality is great and it is very soft, so prolonged use doesnt irritate neither the skin on your wrist, nor on your neck.

it's expensive, very expensive, but I wanted it.