Strap eyelet failure

[Tony Whitney]

I've never experienced any wear in strap lugs and I have cameras that are over 70 years old (Leica SM). I've heard about the X100 lug problems though but since I prefer to work from a small bag carried "bandolier style" I use a Gordie wrist strap with string attachment. Never had the slightest problem and the X100 strap lugs are like new, though I've had the camera since they first appeared.

 

[Jdi]

Sorry for not being sympathetic but the lug wear issue on the X100 has been known and talked about for a long time. We either need to check our lugs periodically or replace the triangle with an approach similar to the OpTech or use a good round split ring. I use a stainless steel fishing split ring from West Marine. Its large, smooth and gentle on the lugs. I also use the left lug only on the X100 and a tripod mounted lug on my XE1. Both are solutions without having to replace the worn lug which requires a tear down.

As far as being tough, I don't baby my cameras. The X100 has been dropped three times, has a few dents and has never missed a beat.

 

[drec]

digicam strap

digicam strap

Yes, I was aware of the weak eyelet issue a year ago when I bought my x100, which makes the nice everready case for it useless.

I bought a nice leather digicam wrist strap that loops in by the typical thin nylon strap to the eyelet. Minimal stress on the eyelet.

A tripod connected shoulder strap would do nicely too.

 

[paultreacy]

Hated the tripod socket solution. Camera was very unstable that way with just one point of contact. I did like my homemade wrist strap solution but it too would not suffice for assignment work.

However, I did return it to Fuji for a full service which I recommend everyone who is a heavy user, pro or am, do. Full service with new toughened eyelets, new body material, cleaned up viewfinder and full calibration check and fast tracked for just £76 (sterling). In my book, that's great value. Camera is operating at rocket speed now. I'm very, very happy with it and with FujiFilm UK.

http://instagram.com/photohumourist

 

[Ken Ford]

Paul, I assume they used the newer eyelets off the X100s which have the hardened inserts?

 

[mdarnton]

Someone (on another forum?) mentioned that he used slices from a plastic ball point pen refill as self-made protective bushings similar to those Nikon and Olympus have used in the past for his camera, I don't remember what it was.

I guess that depends on having the right eyelet size, the right pen, and a ring that will fit after it's done. I guess I'd go to the art, model train, or hardware store and look for the perfect piece of brass tube to fit the hole tightly, and use that; cut a slice, put it in, use some tool to ream/expand the ends to lock in the hole.

 

[superultramega]

Is it possible to find a ring made of a softer metal such as brass? If so, any reason not to do this?

 

[rayfoxlee]

I had wear appearing on my used M7 - it didn't come with the genuine Leica strap, so I made a couple of D rings from jumbo paperclips (the 3" type). Simply cut off a U-shape end section from a couple, allowing enough length in the arms of the U to bend them at 90 degrees inwards. They should overlap, of course. It's best to sew the strap around the flat sides of the D rings to ensure that the cut ends don't scratch the camera by turning in the strap loop.

Job done at zilch cost!

 

[mdarnton]

I did at one time find some brass split rings and use them. That was about 40 years ago, I found them in a hardware store, and I haven't seen any like them since. Looking now on Google it seems something like that still exists
http://www.stampingoutloud.com/stam...tweight-split-rings-polished-brass-58-qty-50/

But that's still brass-on brass. The ideal, I guess, would be brass rings in steel eyelets--I wonder why that isn't the norm?

 

[willie_901]

I prefer the Opti-Tech solution. However occasionally it's prudent to check the fabric for wear.

 

[paultreacy]

Sorry for delay in responding. Yes, X100s has improved, robust design. I sent my camera back to Fuji UK and they have replaced the eye sockets with the same as the X100s has. I can see the tiny re-enforced rings inside.

So I'm well happy now and looking forward to getting my TCL-X100 and a couple of extra bodies, either 100 or s.

Please permit me to announce the forthcoming limited edition handmade book, X100Zine No:1 which will be available for purchase in June. I'll make the announcement on my website soon.

Thank you.

 

[douglasf13]

Sorry for delay in responding. Yes, X100s has improved, robust design. I sent my camera back to Fuji UK and they have replaced the eye sockets with the same as the X100s has. I can see the tiny re-enforced rings inside.

So I'm well happy now and looking forward to getting my TCL-X100 and a couple of extra bodies, either 100 or s.

Please permit me to announce the forthcoming limited edition handmade book, X100Zine No:1 which will be available for purchase in June. I'll make the announcement on my website soon.

Thank you.

That's great to know about the X100 service adding the X100s eyelets. I'll keep that in mind if mine start to wear. Thanks!

 

[willie_901]

The strap triangles and leather(?) protection pieces need to be re-done from scratch.

Here's a tip. If you look closely at the triangle, you will see two of the corners are spit while the third corner is continuous. The wear is minimized when the triangle is oriented such that the continuous corner is in the eyelet.

 

[douglasf13]

The strap triangles and leather(?) protection pieces need to be re-done from scratch.

Here's a tip. If you look closely at the triangle, you will see two of the corners are spit while the third corner is continuous. The wear is minimized when the triangle is oriented such that the continuous corner is in the eyelet.

Yeah, I don't even bother with the triangles. I use circular versions that don't put as much pressure on the eyelet.

 

[willie_901]

Pressure is one thing. But the machined edges of the split corners have to increase wear if one of them is inside the eyelet.

 

[douglasf13]

Pressure is one thing. But the machined edges of the split corners have to increase wear if one of them is inside the eyelet.

It's funny you mention it, because I've been debating this myself. Which is worse, more pressure from the thicker, yet smooth non-split corners, or less pressure from the thinner, yet rougher split corners?