Leica M without straps

[halayli]

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Hi there,

 

 

I recently got my first Leica, an M-P 240 and I am still trying to figure out the optimal setup when moving around and taking photos.

 

I always have issues with the straps as I find that it gets in the way and makes it harder to grab. When walking around, It's more likely to bump the cam when the strap is on my shoulder because it swings more, and hanging it on my neck is painful.

 

So... for alternatives.

 

This is what I am considering. Bring my Billingham Combination Bag all the time and hang it sideways, remove straps, and get a grip + loop. Hold the cam when walking and taking photos and keep it in the bag when I am not.

 

 

Any suggestions on this? What's your typical setup?

[rob_w]

I moved to a wrist strap + Leica grip about 4 years ago and never looked back.

 

Use a small Billingham to hold the camera when not in use -- e.g. on the way to/from the place where I will be taking photos -- then have the camera out and ready. It is like an extension of my arm. Not too heavy for an hour or two of walking around and picture taking. You can use any bag, really. I have a Billingham insert which fits my work backpack and sometimes use that instead if I am on a work trip.

 

I prefer a leather wrist strap with a certain amount of stiffness so it does not slip about or slide down. Bought mine from Red Dot in London, not sure of the brand.

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[halayli]

I moved to a wrist strap + Leica grip about 4 years ago and never looked back.

 

Use a small Billingham to hold the camera when not in use -- e.g. on the way to/from the place where I will be taking photos -- then have the camera out and ready. It is like an extension of my arm. Not too heavy for an hour or two of walking around and picture taking. You can use any bag, really. I have a Billingham insert which fits my work backpack and sometimes use that instead if I am on a work trip.

 

I prefer a leather wrist strap with a certain amount of stiffness so it does not slip about or slide down. Bought mine from Red Dot in London, not sure of the brand.

 

 

This is exactly what I am thinking about. I have a Billingham combination bag, but i find it bulky for such use cases.

 

I might go for this one:

 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001JQLGFC/ref=s9_simh_gw_p421_d0_i3?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=desktop-1&pf_rd_r=1RGS0CRN2HWG3NKVX7S3&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=1970559082&pf_rd_i=desktop

 

Any recommendation for a wrist strap?

[nidi]

I use a small Billingham insert in a small reporter bag, and a stiff leather wrist lanyard from

Fast + Prime connected to a Black Rapid FastenR Hitch:

FAST+PRIME- HAND-SEWN CASES FOR LEICA | Mono Wrist Lanyard

 

Best regards from Niels...

[DMJ]

I use this http://www.amazon.com/Billingham-503301-01-Hadley-Small-camera/dp/B0014E5KNS/ref=sr_1_14?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1419892328&sr=1-14

 

Great bag & small.

[Exodies]

I use a grip and finger loops, it's very comfortable. I have a Billingham Hadley across the shoulder to drop the camera into when I need my hand. Used to use a wrist strap until I pulled off my glove and the camera came with it. With a neck strap I'm always worried about it catching on things when I'm not wearing the camera - door handles, feet when the camera is on a table.

[Lals]

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I tried a couple different bags and liked the Digital Hadley the best as it is small enough, stays close the body (I wear it cross-body) and the opening mechanism is fast. The artist and artisan silk strap is comfortable around the wrist as well as around the neck if you want both hands free.

[Michael Geschlecht]

Hello Everybody,

 

I prefer the original Leitz/Leica thin strap without any shoulder pad that has been around in a pretty much unchanged form for over 50 years.

 

I rarely hang a camera around my neck or on my shoulder. Altho I sometimes hang a camera on my shoulder under my coat. Keep in mind that if you are not careful when it is under your coat the camera/lens is susceptable to falling.

 

There are some situations where a strap on your shoulder is useful:

 

Normally I adjust the strap length so that when the strap is on my shoulder & I pull the camera & lens up to my eye: The strap tightens reasonably stiffly just as the eyepiece is in the correct position. This gives me +1 stop or more of addded stability when taking pictures hand held in situations where I need that.

 

Keep in mind that: Leitz/Leica "M"'s, whether film or digital, have ambi-occulus range/viewfinders. While the rest of the body's controls are relentlessly right handed.

 

Generally when I am using the camera I wrap the above strap, adjusted as described, twice around my left wrist & cradle the camera & lens with my left hand underneath. This gives a person a reasonable degree of security if the camera/lens should slip out of their hand. It also leaves a person's left hand in an ideal position to hold the camera/lens & focus while additionally holding the camera with their right hand which is also releasing the shutter.

 

Best Regards,

 

Michael

[FlashGordonPhotography]

I use a Black Rapid strap on all my cameras now. Since the tripod socket is stronger than the M9 I can trust it more. Straps never get in the way and are easily removed when I don't need them. Often I'll replace the standard shoulder strap with a wrist strap that clips on to the same lug.

 

You do need to remove the lug with the standard base plate. But since I use a grip on my M-P I don't need to remove the lug.

 

Gordon

[jaapv]

Hi there,

 

 

I recently got my first Leica, an M-P 240 and I am still trying to figure out the optimal setup when moving around and taking photos.

 

I always have issues with the straps as I find that it gets in the way and makes it harder to grab. When walking around, It's more likely to bump the cam when the strap is on my shoulder because it swings more, and hanging it on my neck is painful.

 

So... for alternatives.

 

This is what I am considering. Bring my Billingham Combination Bag all the time and hang it sideways, remove straps, and get a grip + loop. Hold the cam when walking and taking photos and keep it in the bag when I am not.

 

 

Any suggestions on this? What's your typical setup?

I lengthened a strap without shoulder pad (a movable one would work too) by about 20 cm and wear the camera diagonally, bandolier style, Very comfortable.

Or you can order an extra long Gordy's strap

[honcho]

My Leica MP is the only camera I have with a strap permanently attached, it's an AA silk rope which serves very well as a secure wrist strap. I don't like cameras hanging around my neck or shoulder and camera straps always seem to get in my way.

 

I use either Spider holsters or a SunSniper for heavy dslr's such as my Nikon D4's or the Peak Designs Capture Pro clamp, Clutch and Slide for lighter dslr's such as my D810 and D750.

 

I really do like the Peak Designs system for smaller cameras, all the different components integrate well, quick and easy to attatch or remove and the camera plates are either Arca or RC2 compatible.

[jto555]

You could have a look at the OP/TECH Neoprene straps. The Neoprene rubber acts like a shock absorber and takes some of the 'weight' out of the camera. So you can wear the camera around your neck for longer periods without it hurting.

 

Camera Straps | B&H Photo Video

[Echo63]

My Leica MP is the only camera I have with a strap permanently attached, it's an AA silk rope which serves very well as a secure wrist strap. I don't like cameras hanging around my neck or shoulder and camera straps always seem to get in my way.

 

I use either Spider holsters or a SunSniper for heavy dslr's such as my Nikon D4's or the Peak Designs Capture Pro clamp, Clutch and Slide for lighter dslr's such as my D810 and D750.

 

I really do like the Peak Designs system for smaller cameras, all the different components integrate well, quick and easy to attatch or remove and the camera plates are either Arca or RC2 compatible.

 

I too love my Spiderholsters for my DSLRs - i have just about worn the pins out on mine, and about to buy a pair of replacement pins (and A/S plates for the holsterplate) - i dont use a strap wih them anymore, except when working around water or at height.

 

My M strap lasted a week before i cut it up and added a metre of 25mm nylon, keeping the stock endlinks

Recently i cut the endlinks off that strap, and built a custom version of the A+A slider strap, using the neat, easy to use Leica endlinks.

My X100 wears a similar strap too - i can easily lengthen it or shorten it by pulling a tab

I normally hate camera straps, but the M is so small and light, it doesnt get in my way on a strap

Edited December 30, 2014 by Echo63

[Bill W]

As many straps that exist out there, there are that many ways folks use them. I prefer a strap that goes over my shoulder (Arte di Mano). I usually only have the camera and whatever lens is attached. I also want both hands free is needed.

[david perry]

I find the M240 with multifunction grip and medium finger loop (locking compound holding the latter securely tight), plus an Annie Barton 1972 wrist strap, is a good combination for easy, always to hand, walk around use. When I have finished a sequence of shots I just pop it back into my ONA Berlin bag. No fuss and no trouble.

[jbb]

Hi,

 

in the past (film Ms) I used to wear the Leica strap but since the Monochrom I have discovered the Artisan&Artist Easy Slider (various models, mine is ACAM E25). You only have to slide the strap using the loop with one of your thumb in order to adjust the length which in my opinion is perfect. I was fortunate enough to buy a 2nd one to carry my M-P

 

happy new year

 

JB

[Rick]

I have attached an XXL woman's thong to my camera. This way, I can put my arms through the leg holes and wear the camera around my neck drooping from my shoulders in front of me. Very comfortable.

[Mike Woods]

I have attached an XXL woman's thong to my camera. This way, I can put my arms through the leg holes and wear the camera around my neck drooping from my shoulders in front of me. Very comfortable.

 

is she still wearing them when you do this?

 

[pico]

I have attached an XXL woman's thong to my camera. This way, I can put my arms through the leg holes and wear the camera around my neck drooping from my shoulders in front of me. Very comfortable.

 

Picture, or it never happened.

There are thongs and there are XXL thongs.

--

Pico - who this morning spent $599 each for 3 pair of new glasses. Can't wait to see what I just wrote above.

.

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Hallo,

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[Gibbo]

I have attached an XXL woman's thong to my camera. This way, I can put my arms through the leg holes and wear the camera around my neck drooping from my shoulders in front of me. Very comfortable.

 

You're a nutcase, Rick. I like nutcases :D:D