Strap options for late 1930s Rolleiflex Automat

philipus · Mar 7, 2021

I am looking for a strap for the Rolleiflex Automat I was recently given. It has triangular lugs with an approx. 1cm horisontal slot through which to feed a leather strap, see here https://www.rolleiclub.com/thedarkroom/?p=3084.

I'm searching but only find straps with either simple rings or the scissor-style ends, which I believe won't fit, and would really appreciate your suggestions.

Thanks in advance
Philip

AgX · Mar 7, 2021

The easiest way is to attach any used nylon webbing strip with its ladder buckles.

The neatest way is to attach a used leather strap of still good quality.

philipus · Mar 7, 2021

Thank you very much. I am looking for a leather strap ideally. Any suggestions?

AgX said:
The easiest way is to attach any used nylon webbing strip with its ladder buckles.

The neatest way is to attach a used leather strap of still good quality.

JPD · Mar 7, 2021

I use the common style of nylon loop straps. They are secure and cheap. I bought one used a couple of years ago, washed and used it. Here is one with at least a little leather: https://ouhsnap.com/products/snapstrap™-nylon-leather-strap

The original strap for the Rolleis of this vintage have ends like these:

https://live.staticflickr.com/1038/1453692029_ce99516abb_n.jpg
I have the strap for the Original Rolleiflex, but the leather is dry and I wouldn't trust it. There are still original F&H new old stock straps of this type for sale on Ebay sometimes, but the modern nylon straps are better and will not break.

AgX · Mar 7, 2021

philipus said:
Thank you very much. I am looking for a leather strap ideally. Any suggestions?

I get mine from old camera leather cases out of the rummage box. But many straps were from bad quality from the start and today are brittle.
(Best leather cases I have ever seen are from Zenits.)
Of course you hardly will find a ladder buckle to accept the thick leather strap. You would have to close the loop by riveting.

Strap options for late 1930s Rolleiflex Automat

philipus

AgX

philipus

JPD

AgX

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