Strap or no strap?

[Arthurwg]

I always use a strap. Walking around NYC yesterday with my M6 hanging round my neck, worked perfectly. I also use straps with my Hasselblads, including my Xpan and SWC. Even when using my Camcorder I use a tether in case I drop it.

 

[Lee Rust]

I use a variety of hand-held cameras... RF, zone focus & small-body reflex... but they and their accessories all have to fit in the same small shoulder bag (ThinkTank MirrorlessMover 10). When I'm actively engaged in picture-taking they're carried in the left hand on a wrist strap, ready for shooting. When I'm not in photo mode, camera and wrist strap are zipped safely in the case. Neck straps are too bulky for this approach. Medium-format cameras and DSLR still get neck straps.

 

[Pieter12]

So, Pieter12... what conclusion are you drawing from this varied input?

So far, I haven't really read about anything that seems ideal. I almost always carry a messenger-style camera bag so the camera is in and out frequently. I think I'm going to try an op/tech strap that I can detach and attach easily. That way I can leave it off unless I want to carry the camera around my neck. There might even be a wrist strap option in that system. I have op/tech straps on my big SLRs (Nikon F4s, D4 and D800) and even the Rolleiflex 6008. I just will be looking for something less bulky for the 35RFs.

 

[benjiboy]

So far, I haven't really read about anything that seems ideal. I almost always carry a messenger-style camera bag so the camera is in and out frequently. I think I'm going to try an op/tech strap that I can detach and attach easily. That way I can leave it off unless I want to carry the camera around my neck. There might even be a wrist strap option in that system. I have op/tech straps on my big SLRs (Nikon F4s, D4 and D800) and even the Rolleiflex 6008. I just will be looking for something less bulky for the 35RFs.

There is an op/tech wrist strap, that's what I use pieter, it's very comfortable.

 

[MattKing]

There are accessories available from OpTech that allow you to configure something that works with the strap lugs on a camera or case, but function like the "BlackRapid" straps.
I've been using those with my Retina IIIc.

 

[Sirius Glass]

So far, I haven't really read about anything that seems ideal. I almost always carry a messenger-style camera bag so the camera is in and out frequently. I think I'm going to try an op/tech strap that I can detach and attach easily. That way I can leave it off unless I want to carry the camera around my neck. There might even be a wrist strap option in that system. I have op/tech straps on my big SLRs (Nikon F4s, D4 and D800) and even the Rolleiflex 6008. I just will be looking for something less bulky for the 35RFs.

No one thing is perfect for every occasion or every person. Pick what is best for you.

 

[blockend]

to me, they are more of a hiderence.

I agree. My usual modus operandi is to carry a camera is a small shoulder bag, flip the lid, take the shot and return the camera to the bag. In that context a neck strap is a real pain. However if I'm carrying a small camera in hand all day, I will use wrist strap. To complicate matters if I'm carrying a really cheap or very expensive camera, it may have a neck strap. The cheap ones will be dangled in all manner of odd situations, like 1 inch from a river. The pricey ones I don't trust my fingers to, so a strap is insurance. All that said, most of the time no strap of any kind.

 

[BrianShaw]

So far, I haven't really read about anything that seems ideal. I almost always carry a messenger-style camera bag so the camera is in and out frequently. I think I'm going to try an op/tech strap that I can detach and attach easily. That way I can leave it off unless I want to carry the camera around my neck. There might even be a wrist strap option in that system. I have op/tech straps on my big SLRs (Nikon F4s, D4 and D800) and even the Rolleiflex 6008. I just will be looking for something less bulky for the 35RFs.

This seems the conclusion every time I’ve read such a thread. Strap usage seems very much driven by so many factors that the breadth of others experience might show mostly the diversity but not an “ideal”.
But it sounds like you understand your working style, gear, and the options.

Detachable is a real benefit. A long time ago I bought a bunch of Tamrac quick-release straps. That gives me a comfortable strap plus the option to remove it when desired. There is a lot to be said for that and I’ve yet to identify any negative aspects of this set up.

Conceptually I understand wrist straps but much prefer letting my neck bear the weight when not actively shooting.

 

[Helios 1984]

I use a wrist strap with my Pen-EE2 & Yashica Zoomtec, everything else has a neck/shoulder strap.

P.S: Anyone else uses these old vinyl straps?

 

[Kodachromeguy]

For small and lightweight cameras, I sometimes thread a nylon cord through the eyelets and skip a strap. For the ends of the cord, burn a big lump of nylon, and it will not pull through by accident. I used to do this with my Leica IIIC, but it was a bit heavy, and I bought a leather strap for that correct "vibe." What I would really like is a strap made from python.

 

[Theo Sulphate]

I try to put a strap on each camera I use, but I have more cameras than straps. In that case, I typically put the camera in a medium sized padded case that does have a strap.

 

[guangong]

When carrying a Retina about, I not only use a strap, but also a Retina case. These cameras are not as robust as they appear. My folding Contessa has strap, with or without case.

 

[dmr]

For small and lightweight cameras, I sometimes thread a nylon cord through the eyelets and skip a strap. For the ends of the cord, burn a big lump of nylon, and it will not pull through by accident. I used to do this with my Leica IIIC, but it was a bit heavy, and I bought a leather strap for that correct "vibe." What I would really like is a strap made from python.

I like that idea! I may try it, although I'll probably do only one side and tie some kind of a wrist loop.

I've done makeshift wrist straps from old neck straps and they are functional but not that attractive.

 

[TheRook]

No strap makes it easier to get the camera in and out of a shoulder bag or pocket the camera.

I think your bag is simply too small for the camera. With a slightly bigger bag it will be much easier to get the camera in and out, and the strap can even help ensure that camera is removed from the bag safely without dropping.

 

[slackercrurster]

Now, if I was a snapshot shooter, tourist, vacation shooter...then sure, I'd use a shoulder strap. I would not carry my cam in my hand as I do. It gets tiring hand-held.

 

[dmr]

Now, if I was a snapshot shooter, tourist, vacation shooter...then sure, I'd use a shoulder strap. I would not carry my cam in my hand as I do. It gets tiring hand-held.

When I'm out on a photo walk I'll often take two cameras, one film and one {d-word}. Sometimes two similar cameras with different film/lenses. Shoulder/neck straps are handy for that.

 

[Luckless]

I think your bag is simply too small for the camera. With a slightly bigger bag it will be much easier to get the camera in and out, and the strap can even help ensure that camera is removed from the bag safely without dropping.

Seems to be the sort of thing that depends on the camera and one's style of shooting.

I've gotten away from using straps in most cases, simply because I find it faster and easier to have a good pocket or pouch that the camera fits in and out of quickly and easily without having a strap flapping around to get hung up on stuff.

Unless I'm working in a manner where I may want to go hands free at a moment's notice - Such as shooting sports with two cameras and switching between them without having to worry about 'putting one away', then I rather not have any strap at all.

 

[slackercrurster]

I always use a strap. Walking around NYC yesterday with my M6 hanging round my neck, worked perfectly. I also use straps with my Hasselblads, including my Xpan and SWC. Even when using my Camcorder I use a tether in case I drop it.

My wrist strap has saved my cams a few times when I would have dropped it.

 

[slackercrurster]

I came across my dedicated neck strap last night in a zip lock bag. It is pre-set for the church candid fisheye shot for the right height. I also have my notes as far as exposure, focus, timing etc. I only get one shot once a year, so need all the help I can get.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

For small and lightweight cameras, I sometimes thread a nylon cord through the eyelets and skip a strap. For the ends of the cord, burn a big lump of nylon, and it will not pull through by accident. I used to do this with my Leica IIIC, but it was a bit heavy, and I bought a leather strap for that correct "vibe." What I would really like is a strap made from python. View attachment 212339

I'm in cheappo club as well .

 

[Theo Sulphate]

I'm in cheappo club as well .
...

What is the plastic zip-tie around the lens for?

 

[CropDusterMan]

I use Luigi Straps on all my Leicas. I buy them through his website in Italy...the ones I have are called Tazio.
They arrive with the softest most worked-in feel. Love them.
J

 

[slackercrurster]

Now, if you are serious about candid work...this is not what you want. I got it from the latest Eric Kim advertisement. The only thing worse is one of those monstrous neoprene strapes with hooper dooper shoulder pad attached in gay rainbow flag colors.

Fair use

You can tell a lot about the gear photogs use. You wont find many if any photogs in the world using gear like I have set up.

世界のリーダー赤外線フラッシュと円形魚眼レンズ写真

 

[slackercrurster]

I'm in cheappo club as well .

It is skinny...good for you! Problem with shoulder straps is they start flying al over when you shoot fast and bring attention to the photog. The best for candid work is a little M43..IF it had easy manual controls like the old Oly 1/2 frames.. The Oly M43's are hell to adjust on the fly.

 

[slackercrurster]

Now, if I do use a strap and it is only for specialized shooting, it is a Leica quick release strap. The problem with it is it has shoulder pad, but is doable. A big issues is the quick release sometimes come undone and the camera can drop. I tape them down with gaffers tape. Sorry, no pix handy. It either came with the MM or the M240.