Which camera strap and case?

Jarle Aasland

Nikon SP/S2, Fuji X100
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I'm currently using the bottom half of an original S2 leather case, and the original strap that's attached to the case.

Ideally, I'd rather attach a modern strap to the camera body, but I'm concerned with scratching the top plate (I don't normally worry about these things, but my old S2 body is close to perfect and I hope to keep it that way). The old leather case is fine, but I'm a bit worried that the 50 year + strap might break.

For transportation (over the shoulder or placed in an ordinary backpack, etc.), I'm using a Lowepro TLZ mini case, which I'm happy with.

What kind of strap/case/bag do you use for your Nikon RF?

Thanks,
Jarle
 
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Thanks Fred,

Yes, I'm worried, which is why I find myself carrying the camera by hand, instead of using the strap.
 
luigi (who sponsors the site here, as Leicatime) makes excellent straps with very nice stitched on leather protectors.

I personally use Gordy straps on many cameras. I find the thick leather holds the rings off the body as is - but I also don't really worry about the cosmetic condition of my cameras.
 
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Both my S3 and my F/F36 use the old-fashioned yellow and black Nikon branded cloth straps with a strip of velcro sewn on the underside of each to attach to my photo-vest velcroed epaulets. I use these straps only because they were handy (one was the first strap I ever bought about 30 years ago, and the other I recently got at a photo flea market for $1.50) and because I felt the really heavy Lowepro straps I use on my other motorized SLRs were overkill.
I never use camera cases because I consider my gear to be tools and as long as I use common sense and take reasonable care, a scratch or a bump that doesn't affect the ability of the stuff to take pictures is of no consequence to me.

Oh. And one other reason for using these particular straps on these two particular cameras; neither the Nikon rangefinders nor the F has a film memo holder on the back, and while I did glue a memo-holder to my standard F back, for the F when motorized and the S3, I simply sewed one to each strap, close to the left end so I easily see what film I'm using.
 
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Planning to attach a strap directly to the camera body, I found that the two attachment points (the ones that are part of the body) seems a bit loose.

There's some play (very little, but it's there), which I've never seen on any other Nikon body. Is this normal?
 
Jarle,
I'm no expert, but there is no play in any of the strap-lugs on any of my seven cameras, so I'd guess that yours are loose. If there is only a bit of play I'd not be concerned, because an S2 doesn't weigh a great deal so there wouldn't be much strain on the lugs if you suspend the camera from a strap.
Again this is only an assumption, but I'd guess that the lugs attach to the body via a nut on the inside of the chassis, and thus tightening them would be relatively easy (for someone who knows what they're doing of course.)
 
Thanks Fred,

So, it looks easy enough to tighten the strap lugs. Now, if I could only disassemble the camera. And more importantly - put everything back together again..

Guess I'll just update the strap on my neverready case instead.

Jarle
 
Thanks again Fred,

your insight is much appreciated.

I've not yet decided what to do, but I've sent an e-mail to Pete Smith. I'll probably have the lugs fixed and get a CLA while it's there.

Jarle
 
I do not have a Nikon but on my Leicas immediately above the eye for the placement of a strap, I stick a neatly cut piece of black plastic tape (eg cut with a small round hole punch) or small black felt protector dots - bought from hardware store to go on the bottom of things to protect furniture. This stops any strap's metal eyelets rubbing the body. I have had some on my cameras for years and there is no damage.
 
Jarle,
Grab those S2's if they're cheap! You can make them light-tight again with a couple of strips of duct tape and some cardboard.
 
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