Camera straps. What do you use?

GregY

Member
Joined
Apr 12, 2005
Messages
3,323
Location
Alberta
Format
Large Format
Kerrkid....why would it be an issue? 11mm/circa 1/2" straps have been standard for decades. Neither a Leica M nor Rolleiflex are particularly heavy cameras. The narrow straps take up little room in any bag and are comfortable when/if you loop them around the wrist. Add to that, they're discreet compared to wide, coloured straps or the wide ones emblazoned w Nikon or Canon.
 
OP
OP

KerrKid

Member
Joined
Feb 5, 2022
Messages
1,512
Location
Kerrville, TX
Format
35mm

Thank you for the explanation. I can see the advantages you outlined. As I said, I never had problems with the one I had, but I thought it was outdated and sprung for a new wide one mainly for my D200 which is not svelte. Honestly, I don't like the one I got. It's very bulky and I sure wouldn't use it on my other cameras. I will check out the link you posted. Sure would be nice to make my own if it's not difficult. There's no shortage of leather here in Texas.
 

Rick W

Member
Joined
May 20, 2022
Messages
8
Location
Texas
Format
Digital

I use the Think Tank straps, too. They are great for my m/43 gear.
 

DWThomas

Subscriber
Joined
Jun 13, 2006
Messages
4,604
Location
SE Pennsylvania
Format
Multi Format
Ah, this could be one of those eternal threads! There are so many variables and so many possibilities -- but I fear, no single answer!

So far -- lately -- I prefer the general concept of a wider strap with tapered/narrower detachable sections to the camera. The best (IMHO) allowing disconnecting the big neck section and letting the camera connectors couple to each other to create a sort of wrist strap. I have a very lightweight version of such a thing on my Canon G15 which came from Crumpler (who may no longer exist), a sturdier one from Domke used on my Canon EOS-M5, and an Optech on my TLR. Didn't see it in a quick look, but Canon years back had a "Pro" strap that was a similar arrangement which I've used on an SLR.

I've not used straps on my Bronica SQ-A (too weighty) or my folding cameras (no lugs!) For the SQ-A, a bag is the answer. The folders often join me (one at a time) in a belt pouch.

But I also may vary the combinations depending on destination, mode of travel, length of trip, what I had for breakfast ...
 

bags27

Member
Joined
Jul 5, 2020
Messages
576
Location
USA
Format
Medium Format
I've run through a predictable number.

Now, it's Peak Design Cuffs and Leashes (interchangeable) on many of my cameras, from my Leica 4M-P to my Mamiya 7
and Peak Design Cuffs and Slides for HB 500, Fuji GW 690iii, and tripods.

I think this--and maybe the carbon tripod--is the best thing Peak Design makes. I've never had luck with their bags, but their hand and shoulder strap system is genius.
 

BobUK

Member
Joined
Oct 13, 2021
Messages
514
Location
England, UK
Format
Medium Format
The best strap that I had was a thin canvas one with shoulder pad. It held the camera upright. Nothing very showy.
The clever thing was it had a steel cord down the centre of the strap, to stop it being cut.
Apparently snatch thieves used to think nothing of cutting through straps in crowds at events and on trains etc. then it simply slid off your shoulder unnoticed.
Sadly I forgot to keep it when I gave away one of my lesser used cameras.
 

Besk

Member
Joined
Jul 30, 2005
Messages
583
Location
Southern USA
Format
Multi Format
I have been using wrist straps with a small camera bag exclusively for all of my 35mm cameras and a 6x9 folder.
 
OP
OP

KerrKid

Member
Joined
Feb 5, 2022
Messages
1,512
Location
Kerrville, TX
Format
35mm
Bob Eskridge said:
I have been using wrist straps with a small camera bag exclusively for all of my 35mm cameras and a 6x9 folder.
Click to expand...

I'd never thought of a camera bag until starting this thread. I'm not sure why, but keeping the camera in a bag until ready to use it makes a world of sense.

I have another N75 coming that includes a camera bag. Not sure it's what I'll want, but the ONA Bowery bag that another poster linked to is sweet.
 

moggi1964

Subscriber
Joined
Oct 18, 2020
Messages
275
Location
Rossendale, UK
Format
Hybrid
I use the Peakdesign Slide Light and Cuff on my Olympus Em1 MkII and on my Yashica Minister 700.

I use the Deadcameras leather strap and handle for my Mamiya C3. Wonderful quality.
 

Sirius Glass

Subscriber
Joined
Jan 18, 2007
Messages
50,356
Location
Southern California
Format
Multi Format
For MF cameras I like a strap that is wide where is rests on my neck.
 
OP
OP

KerrKid

Member
Joined
Feb 5, 2022
Messages
1,512
Location
Kerrville, TX
Format
35mm
moggi1964 said:
I use the Peakdesign Slide Light and Cuff on my Olympus Em1 MkII and on my Yashica Minister 700.

I use the Deadcameras leather strap and handle for my Mamiya C3. Wonderful quality.
Click to expand...

In hindsight, I should have gotten the Lite instead of the regular Slide. Kind of wish the Slide tapered to a smaller width at the camera to reduce the bulk.

I checked out the Deadcameras straps. My eyes are still watering. They sure are proud of those things.
 

mshchem

Subscriber
Joined
Nov 26, 2007
Messages
14,627
Location
Iowa City, Iowa USA
Format
Medium Format
I use the dedicated straps on Mamiya and Hasselblad. Everything else is standardized with vintage Tamrac. Straps need a very reliable easy to use quick release mechanism. There was a time when you could buy the "ends" that attach to the camera, this is what I do. Tamrac was manufactured in California, the nylon quick release ends were made in the USA. I've never had one fail. Web straps with padded leather, comes off easily for use on a tripod, storage etc.
 

henryvk

Member
Joined
Feb 14, 2021
Messages
380
Location
Europe
Format
Medium Format
KerrKid said:
That’s funny. I have the exact same strap and it came with my Pentax KM. Mine is losing all the little rubber nubins, though.
Click to expand...

That's funny, I never realised it would have had rubber to begin with. Mine must have had it stripped off before it even entered my posession.

Anyway, I just painted a layer of gray/black liquid latex on the underside of the strap. It's nicely rubberised now and the latex doesn't seem to come off easily. Let's see if it lasts.
 

nikkormat

Member
Joined
Jun 4, 2022
Messages
20
Location
Czech Republic
Format
35mm
Nikon AN-6W on my F2, F3 and black Nikkormat; AN-4B on my Minolta Autocord; AN-1 leather strap on a my chrome Nikkormat.

The AN-6Ws scream "Nikon" in big gold letters, but that doesn't bother me. They are comfortable and well made.

The AN-4B is simple, comfortable and does the job. The AN-1 is not comfortable, but I like the look of it on the chrome camera, and it's okay wrapped around the wrist.
 

benjiboy

Subscriber
Joined
Apr 18, 2005
Messages
11,970
Location
U.K.
Format
35mm
I have several good-quality camera straps, made by Domke, Think Tank and Op Tech, but I don't use them anymore because I find that lately most of my work has been "street", and I find that carrying my camera by my side in my hand with a wrist strap is the most discreet way of doing it, that doesn't telegraph to my subjects that I'm a photographer.
 

B+WFriend

Member
Joined
May 11, 2011
Messages
35
Location
VA
Format
Large Format
Mostly depends on the camera in my experience. Size/weight will have some influence on my choice. But generally, I prefer thinner and more flexible straps. Even on my F5 I like the Nikon made one that came with it, which is fairly thin comparably speaking. Try a few and you may find what you like. I’ve also been known to have an around the neck strap for my 4x5…
 

jay moussy

Member
Joined
Jun 10, 2019
Messages
1,314
Location
Eastern MA, USA
Format
Hybrid
Most vintage MF cameras do not have lugs, so, tripod-mount wrist straps are the only option (when mount is present!).

Known good ones, for the "hobbyist having fun" level of use?
EDIT: good ones have a free swivel feature?)

Could a good wrist strap, combined with light strap, possibly for same maker, make a flexible mini system for the variables of a day out?
 
Last edited:

benjiboy

Subscriber
Joined
Apr 18, 2005
Messages
11,970
Location
U.K.
Format
35mm
If I use a neck strap on my Canon F I's (not a light camera) it's the Domke Gripper Strap.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn more…