Your favorite strap for Fuji GW690?

[loquax ludens]

I just got a Fuji GW690 II. The camera weighs 3 pounds, so it needs a pretty solid strap. That's really too heavy to carry in your hand with just a wrist strap. 🙂

I have a Tamrac strap that will work, but it has a plastic clip near each end so that the neck portion of the strap can be detached from the shorter pieces attached to the lugs. I used it for years on a lightweight EOS 3, but I don't trust it for the GW690.

What strap do you use for your GW690 or other big heavy RF camera?

 

[sevo]

If I have to carry a hand-held medium format camera, those Optech Neoprene straps are the most comfortable ones I know for cameras of that size and weight. But more often than not the (strapless) cameras go on a tripod and are transported in a bag or case.

Plastics buckles aren't that risky, provided that they have some dual security mechanism to keep you from accidentally unlocking them - quality nylon buckles are used on critical climbing gear, baby transport equipment and the like, and will break later than your neck or camera.

 

[loquax ludens]

True, this camera will see a lot of tripod duty, but I do plan to carry it sometimes too. You know, for those times when I want to do some stealthy ninja street photography while dressed up in my clown outfit. 🙂 Seriously, I prefer to leave cases in the car and just carry the camera, tripod, and meter to wherever I'm setting up. Having a good neck strap is essential for me.

I thought about the Optech straps, but I don't like the feel or the look of neoprene. Also, a lot of those Optech straps have just the sort of plastic (nylon?) clips that my Tamrac has. I don't want to chance that. My Tamrac strap doesn't have any mechanism to keep the clips secure against breakage or accidental disengagement, although it would not be difficult to rig.

 

[PMCC]

Consider a Domke gripper strap, 1 1/2" width. Comes in a secure detachable version with swivels (I mean secure), and in a one-piece non-swivel version. Those neoprene straps are like wearing a stretchy bra full of billiard balls.

 

[t.s.k.]

I use the Op-tech straps as well for most of my MF bodies (6x9 RF and TLR), except I don't use the neoprene portion (it just clips off). Ergo, the straps are too short for around-the-neck activities but ideal for wrist wrapping, tripod work, and smaller bag...all pluses in my book.

 

[keytarjunkie]

The larger domke gripper strap. I use the smaller one for small cameras (ie X100) and the larger one for medium format cameras. It's a great strap and will last a long time.

 

[DamenS]

I use the Op-tech neoprene on mine. Was also worried about the nylon clips, but decided this was an irrational fear - they are super strong.

 

[ChrisN]

Neck or shoulder carry? (My GSW690 has both strap mounts on one end - better for carry on one shoulder.) The wide Upstrap would work very well for this application. Very good at not slipping off.

 

[loquax ludens]

Neck carry or bandolier style is how I normally carrry my cameras. I don't feel that the camera is sufficiently secure with shoulder carry, particularly when the camera weighs 3 pounds.

I think this camera is too big to carry at my side with a cross-chest (bandolier) style strap. The lens sticks out so far I'm sure it'll be in the way, or I'll slam it into a door frame or something.

I'm planning on using the pair of lugs at the top and bottom of the film door hinge to carry the camera in the verticle orientation. That is how I believe you described yours, Chris. There is also a lug on the top on the shutter button side, so it could be carried in horizontal orientation, but it feels too big that way.

I'm thinking about one of Gordy's straps. They are certainly strong enough.

 

[helvetica]

Black Rapid

Black Rapid

How about a Black Rapid strap? I use one on an EOS 1n + 70-200 2.8, and it does not dig into my shoulder or feel like it could break loose. How are the tripod sockets on those cameras? The detachable base plates on the Leica M's would give me pause, but you won't be having that problem.

 

[loquax ludens]

The Black Rapid strap is interesting. Looks like a heavy, tactical strap, perfect for a handheld SLR and a photographer on the go. I'd really be afraid of using the tripod socket like that though. I find that quick release plates will wiggle themselves loose if you carry them around on your camera off the tripod, so it doesn't seem as though a camera strap would be any more secure.

The tripod socket on the GW690 appears fairly sturdy and deep. However, the camera will be spending a lot of time on the tripod, so a strap like the Black Rapid that attaches to the tripod socket would have to be removed frequently.

 

[George Bonanno]

I take it you suffer from limp wrist syndrome as your camera strap complaints are unwarranted.

May I suggest a lapel flower that spews water on command.

Since your main concern is camera safety rather than image capture I consider you a fake, a phony and a fraud.

Prove me wrong...

 

[Matus]

I take it you suffer from limp wrist syndrome as your camera strap complaints are unwarranted.

May I suggest a lapel flower that spews water on command.

Since your main concern is camera safety rather than image capture I consider you a fake, a phony and a fraud.

Prove me wrong...

Polite, friendly, constructive or helpful ... is you post NOT. So why did you bother?

 

[George Bonanno]

Because I am a moron !

Come on Matus... the way that view camera lens and film plane is positioned in your avatar is insane. That's what I call pretentious. And to couple it with an Olympus PAS... why bother ???

 

[loquax ludens]

Thanks for your helpful suggestions, George. I will consider the lapel flower. It will go along with my clown suit.

 

[George Bonanno]

OK, putting my sick sense of humor aside for the moment here's my take on a camera strap for the Fuji GW690II. I own two and use them frequently as daily snapshooters.

The Op/tech USA strap is a disaster in my opinion. It's big, bulky and has an uncomfortable insecure feel on the shoulder because of the Neoprene stretch-bounce factor. It constantly slips down the shoulder while on the move even though it's dotted with anti-slip beads. With its ergonomic design and shape one would think from looking at it it would be a perfect human fit. But it's not. I have broad shoulders and it still tends to slip beyond belief. It constantly needs readjustment and attention. The strap also has a hot weather stink and deterioration factor... a real turn-off. I've discussed this with a few wedding and event photographers. They were clueless until I insisted they sniff their strap... nasty ! Also the strap does not wrap in any way, shape or form securely around the wrist. As a neck strap it constantly creeps up towards the earlobes as it were earmuffs. Again needing constant readjustment. The plastic clips are super strong and extremely secure if connected together as a short hand carry strap.

The Domke Gripper and or Lowepro with the cotton canvas structure and woven rubber insert is the best strap for heavier cameras. It's non-slip on the shoulder and neck. Feels totally secure and comfortable at all times and wraps securely around the wrist. Strap color and width is a personal preference but in reality has limited value.

BTW: The tripod socket on the 690's are a real weak point. They will distort drastically under tension. And the thread count is limited due to the socket being recessed (not flat with baseplate).

So... that's that on that,
George

 

[loquax ludens]

You do have a sick sense of humor, George. But I thank you for your feedback on the strap and for the skinny on the tripod socket.

Perhaps you'll be happy to know that you've inspired me. I picked up a 5 lb weight today to work on improving my limp wrist. I may sell the water-squirting flower on eBay.