rolleiflex strap bliss: cam-in alligator clips and a&a acam-104

aizan

aizan

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i knew i'd have to replace my decaying original leather strap sooner or later, and i chanced on newly made alligator clips from cam-in on the auction site. instead of rivets like the original, these have slots for nylon straps, and the top part angles outward to make room for the strap's added thickness. build quality is really good, too.

as for the strap, i got the discontinued artisan & artist acam-104 from popflash (who gave me a discount; thank you!). i picked brown, but they were also made in black, navy, khaki (olive), and red.

this was a lot more convenient than looking around for a leatherworker who could replicate the old leather strap, and probably cheaper. 🙂
 
mfogiel said:
When in doubt, get the Luigi (Leicatime) strap. Expensive, but beautiful.
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One of the worst straps I ever owned -- the use of that sliding leather bulb to go over excess strap material -- ugh! And so overpriced.

Here's a copy of info I made previously about Rolleiflex straps:

I've had Gary at Schatzlein make straps for me. I send him the old strap, or just the clips and he makes me a replacement strap with bridal leather -- that is great -- in black, brown, or burgundy (I like the burgundy the best).

I sometimes ask him to use the old buckle and other metal piece to make a replacement strap to the same specs as the original Rolleiflex one -- but I ask for him to make double (extra set) loose end keepers -- this way if you want to wear the camera higher you don't have a lot of extra strap in the way.

He charges about $28 and for another $5 or so he can make you a nice leather neck pad.

What I like best is to order a fixed length strap of 31 inches -- this way I have no extra material in the way, and the camera is always set for me. You can do the same by putting a tape measure around your neck to get your own custom length.

You definitely want to replace old leather on straps you intend to use because even if they look perfect the leather is dried out and brittle.

Schatzlein Saddle Shop Minneapolis, Minnesota.
413 W Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 825-2459

http://www.ssaddle.com/
 
Dan and alzan, thanks for the info. I need to do this soon. Duplicating the original style appeals to me most, but I may pick up a set of clips for a nylon strap also. Probably a handy thing to have around.
 
Monz said:
I can't agree with NY Dan about The Luigi straps. They really are very well made and look great: Narcissus by *monz*, on Flickr
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Yes, they are very well made. I have Luigi's straps for my MP (they are without metal rings, so they don't scratch at all: excellent idea). But I see in the photo the straps for rolleiflex are too large: they don't permit the attachment of accessories in rollei leather case (I always have attached on the original straps of my Rolleiflex the cases for hood, one rolleinar and at least one filter).
Surely he makes also thinner straps if requested.
 
shortstop said:
Yes, they are very well made. I have Luigi's straps for my MP (they are without metal rings, so they don't scratch at all: excellent idea). But I see in the photo the straps for rolleiflex are too large: they don't permit the attachment of accessories in rollei leather case (I always have attached on the original straps of my Rolleiflex the cases for hood, one rolleinar and at least one filter).
Surely he makes also thinner straps if requested.
Click to expand...

Luigi also does "Essential" 15mm straps which would fit the Rolleiflex. The fastening mechanism is different (doesn't need the scissor clamps). There is a picture of this strap attached to a Rolleiflex on his vast website.
 
I can't for the life of me find any reference to alligator clips on the Cam-In website. Would you have a specific link to the clips, aizan? Thanks for any help...Tony W
 
The extra material on Luigi strap for Rolleiflex -- I found super annoying. June 1-9 I walked over 50 miles and carried the camera for 8 hours plus each day -- not to mention the other hundreds of miles and countless hours -- and I like the same thickness strap as original but cut to the 31 inch length I prefer -- and I let this rest over my collar for comfort. And I don't want to risk non-original clips -- the originals are a marvel. And the guy I send the clips to mentioned above is so reasonable -- so I could get 4 of his for the price of one Luigi -- that includes buying the alligators when they go for a decent price on the Bay. And I've been using these full time for over 4 years with no issues. I have spoken 🙂
 
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