The Harry Benz

[Joshua Lowe]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Different things work for different people and different cameras.

 

I used a Black Rapid w/ my M at first but didn't like having to unscrew the lug every time I wanted to remove the base plate.  I didn't like the camera hanging upside down and bouncing around, either.  I switched to the original Leica strap and was happy with it for about a year.  Then I tried the A&A 103N.  The soft fabric and extra width really made a big difference.  I didn't realize how much the rubber pad of the Leica strap was digging into my shoulder and irritating my neck until I switched.  This seems like small stuff but it really does have a cumulative effect when you're on your feet for hours at a time.

 

I share a Peak Design strap between my Xpan and my Oly 35SP.  It's a very wide strap which suits the relative bulk of the Xpan.  I put in some pretty serious miles of walking up steep hills around San Francisco over the weekend and the camera "disappeared" when I wasn't thinking about it.  That's the most I can ask for.

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[Soden]

I have the Wo Tan holster, it's almost the same as the T/Q Leica holsters but for the M. I don't think he makes it any more and it does not allow for the thumbs up or other such accessories.

 

Harry Benz has the j-loop which works well and allows a wrist strap to be used too.

[Jed Orme]

Just got an email from Harry Benz that the B Strap that I ordered from him on Dec 24th has been shipped to me here in CA.  Right after I ordered it, he told me to expect a delay beyond his normal 8 week turn around time due to a backlog of work & other complications.  So I really was expecting something much worse than the 10 weeks it has been already.  Now I can't wait to get it working on my M-240 & will offer up some images & opinions after doing so. 

 

Ed Cohen - this hopefully may make you a little more comfortable that they really do get made & delivered, even though it might not seem so initially.  Cheers.

[Jed Orme]

ECohen - sorry, didn't mean to presume about your name!

[ECohen]

Just got an email from Harry Benz that the B Strap that I ordered from him on Dec 24th has been shipped to me here in CA.  Right after I ordered it, he told me to expect a delay beyond his normal 8 week turn around time due to a backlog of work & other complications.  So I really was expecting something much worse than the 10 weeks it has been already.  Now I can't wait to get it working on my M-240 & will offer up some images & opinions after doing so. 

 

Ed Cohen - this hopefully may make you a little more comfortable that they really do get made & delivered, even though it might not seem so initially.  Cheers.

 

 

I'm on my second one and I can honestly say I'm going to brand loyal. I looked at everything out there and  theres nothing like Harrys quality and design. And I do prefer working with that kind of strap

 

It would be nice if was a shorter turn around time but it is a hand made quality product worth waiting for. I'm also sure Harry wants to deliver my strap as bad as I want it to show up.

 

Thanks for keeping me in the loop

EvanC

[Jed Orme]

 

I'm on my second one and I can honestly say I'm going to brand loyal. I looked at everything out there and  theres nothing like Harrys quality and design. And I do prefer working with that kind of strap

 

It would be nice if was a shorter turn around time but it is a hand made quality product worth waiting for. I'm also sure Harry wants to deliver my strap as bad as I want it to show up.

 

Thanks for keeping me in the loop

EvanC

 

My pleasure, & I quite agree that to achieve the kind of beauty & quality product that Harry creates does take time that we all have to recognize.  Actually I have been so busy just learning what I can about this new to me M camera, that I really hadn't realized that it had been 10 weeks when I got his notice.  Considering the only way for Harry to speed up his production would be to automate, cut corners or hire some helpers, all of these choices would diminish his creation I'm certain.

[Smoothlander]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

My pleasure, & I quite agree that to achieve the kind of beauty & quality product that Harry creates does take time that we all have to recognize.  Actually I have been so busy just learning what I can about this new to me M camera, that I really hadn't realized that it had been 10 weeks when I got his notice.  Considering the only way for Harry to speed up his production would be to automate, cut corners or hire some helpers, all of these choices would diminish his creation I'm certain.

I was notified that my HB strap shipped on Sunday March 6th.  I ordered last week of December.  I too am located in Calif....maybe Harry builds by geographic location!!  Cheers.

[jackk]

As to not using a strap: I use a pair of split-rings sequenced onto the right-hand lug for the M240: my ring finger goes through the second one in the series (bought one that fit: something like a size 9 or 10), and the camera is secure, although it does make shaking hands that bit more awkward... and if someone really wants to mug me for the camera, although he is likely psychologically prepared to slice a strap, he is probably not ready to dock a finger. If he is, I'm in the wrong part of town.

 

As to 'OMG! Relying on a single lug!!'... all straps rely on a single lug: if one of the lugs blows out while your camera is on a long strap - unless you have outrageous reflexes - your camera is going to hit the floor. It's the same idea as a standard style watch strap: if one pin goes out, the second one isn't going to do anything about keeping your watch on your wrist, and no one's come up with a decent M240 NATO strap. Whenever I'm using the rings on my M240, however, the camera is in my hand, so even if the lug loosens, the camera is unlikely to be going anywhere.

 

When the camera is not in hand, it is resting on a solid, horizontal surface under adult supervision, or in a holster, or secured in a bag (meaning that I have no anticipation of shooting anything anytime soon). Bags are never a standard 'shoulder strap' style bag, either: again with the loose cannon on deck: all that mass just waiting for the opportunity to do something awkward. For a bag, I prefer the discreet daypack or fannypack, secured to my person: no pendulum effect permitted.

 

Straps are traditional, and taken for granted. If a strap works for you, that's grand, but there are other solutions out there, and I've discovered or developed a few that I prefer: I prefer my camera secured, either in-hand, or in a known, fixed, solid location: none of this flopping about stuff. Part of my thinking about this, years ago, was noting a police officer's pistol on his belt: the police don't hang their pistols on lanyards and wander about: that tool is kept in one location, and they know precisely where that is (whereas their tool is dangerous, mine is simply expensive, but the desire for security is the same). That made sense to me, and after a strap interfering with a shot or a camera swinging about wildly one time too often, I started actively seeking and working out solutions.

 

Sorry: not intended to hijack, but not to ignore ECohen's courteous question (plus, seeing how widely the conversation had ranged...)

 

Nice to know someone out there have similar thoughts as myself, just got this in mail that comes with a simple finger loop strap: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/camslinger-streetomatic-street-photography-bag#/

 

Been using a sling strap for 2 years, but didn't like seeing the camera swinging around my waist, especially when I have to lean forward, so many times I stopped the cam from hitting something... also for better security....

 

Cheers!

[IkarusJohn]

It's interesting how we all have different preferences for carrying our cameras.

 

I've got bags, full length straps and wrist straps, and they all have their benefits.  What I have found is that I want my hands free (rules out wrist straps), I want the camera available (suggests a shoulder strap is best) and I hate drawing attention to my camera, despite or perhaps because of what it cost.  The camera has to be available and secure.

 

In days gone by, I would cringe at the sight of a big camera, slung around the neck with a thick strap, brightly embroidered with NIKON or CANON - it just screamed of American tourist (sorry).  But these days, I think fuck it - it is what it is.

 

So, for my film M cameras, I have brown braided Barton straps (they're very nice), for my Monochrom I've got a yellow Yosemite climbing rope strap (it looks great) and I have a Tie Me Up Rock n Roll red leather strap for the SL, which looks and feels fantastic.  When walking about, if I'm not taking pictures, the camera is in a messenger bag (Wotancraft, dothebag Mono_9 or Peak Design Everyday Messenger) or backpack.  If I'm taking pictures, I have the camera either in my hands or slung over my right shoulder, with the lens facing in (a habit I picked up years ago - the camera sits against my hip and the lens is secure).

 

I don't like holsters - the lens feels vulnerable, the weight on my belt is uncomfortable, and I feel like a Boy Scout.  I don't use a holster for my phone either.  Somehow, just being dressed nicely and carrying a camera feels more natural - one lens, one camera, no crap.  Then, of course, there are car keys, wallet, phone ...

 

In the future, I would like to be able to use my phone to pay for everything, use my phone for storing ID (drivers licence, firearms licence, passport), have my access and stored value cards on my phone and keyless ignition for my car, also stored on my phone.  My motorbike is keyless, why do cars still have ignition keys?  There isn't a hole anywhere on my car where I can stick the key - the whole thing goes into a dock on the dashboard to start the car.

 

John (Hijacker)

[ECohen]

Feel free to hijack this thread. It is all about how do you carry your camera.

 

I too cringe at a wide strap around the neck and prefer a long thin discreet  strap across the chest . Hence the Harry Benz. To me across the chest keeps your hands free and distributes the weight for long walks,always keeping the camera ready. My worry is me dropping the camera, that's why I like keeping it across my chest even when shooting. At least that's how I use my rangefinder camera........Wondering does that scream, American tourist?...it might

 

I must say the Camslinger is a great solution too.

[IkarusJohn]

Across the chest is also a preferred option for me, if I'm not about to take a picture.  Usually, the camera sits behind me, if I do that.  It's a very M camera way of carrying - doesn't work so well with the SL ...

[Jed Orme]

I was notified that my HB strap shipped on Sunday March 6th.  I ordered last week of December.  I too am located in Calif....maybe Harry builds by geographic location!!  Cheers.

Yes, it looks like we were in the same boatload of Harry's orders that time of the year.  And maybe he does keep track of them by geographic separation or coordination.  But mine still hasn't arrived yet, even though the postal authorities clearly should understand the priorities that should be accorded such a fine piece of art.  Oh well, perhaps tomorrow!

[indergaard]

I've tried so many straps in the last years... Lance Camera Straps, Gordy's, Sailor Straps, Luigi Crescenzi / Leicatime Deluxe straps, Leica's original leather strap and nylon strap, CustomSLR straps, you name it... The Artisan & Artist ACAM-100/103N is the most comfortable strap of all these since they are slightly wider and very soft, and they're adjustable, light-weight, stylish, and easy to manage... I wish I tried these straps before.

 

The HB straps looks nice. But they're leather, so they're heavy and they're gonna stick when it's warm out. At those prices they better be perfect.

[ECohen]

I've tried so many straps in the last years... Lance Camera Straps, Gordy's, Sailor Straps, Luigi Crescenzi / Leicatime Deluxe straps, Leica's original leather strap and nylon strap, CustomSLR straps, you name it... The Artisan & Artist ACAM-100/103N is the most comfortable strap of all these since they are slightly wider and very soft, and they're adjustable, light-weight, stylish, and easy to manage... I wish I tried these straps before.

 

The HB straps looks nice. But they're leather, so they're heavy and they're gonna stick when it's warm out. At those prices they better be perfect.

 

 

I guess but I usually wear a tee shirt when it's hot an sticky...I like the strap its not wide and very easy to wear....it softines with time...and it doesn't have any metal.Benz makes a better strap the Luigis. 

 Yep it would be nice it it was cheaper....but I just paid 9K for a camera........One guy makes my strap by hand....he lives in Canada a bit higher cost of living than India,Mexico or Indonesia.

A few extra bucks for a strap that is well designed,  artfully hand made from quality materials and it will last a lifetime.... really a lifetime.

 

Im not sure why Im defending this strap except..... it really is the perfect leather camera strap on the market today IMHO  .......at least for me and I too have used them all.

[ECohen]

So your all in the loop

 I ordered my Harry Benz on February 1st, ......it Shipped today March 14th    7 weeks!!!  

And you all had me thinking I would be waiting...and waiting

 

If you like a simple well designed, leather strap  check this one out .......you won't be sorry. IMHO

[indergaard]

 

So your all in the loop

 I ordered my Harry Benz on February 1st, ......it Shipped today March 14th    7 weeks!!!  

And you all had me thinking I would be waiting...and waiting

 

If you like a simple well designed, leather strap  check this one out .......you won't be sorry. IMHO

 

 

How can you advise people to purchase a well designed and simple strap ... before you've even received yours?

That's the same as reviewing a camera that you've never touched. Cmon man.

[Exodies]

Well how difficult could it be? It's a strap.

[ECohen]

How can you advise people to purchase a well designed and simple strap ... before you've even received yours?

That's the same as reviewing a camera that you've never touched. Cmon man.

 

 

I have many  cameras and have used many different brands of straps over my 40 years in photography..... this is my second one from Harry Benz 

I've had the first one a couple years....so my review is based on almost 730 days of use.

True enough it is just a piece of water buffalo hide with no moving parts ...just a camera strap...and I like this brand above all others.

 

Does that answer your question ?

[Advertisement]

Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[haribo]

Hello Everybody,

 

I don't have much time lately (well, feels like forever) to visit but you can imagine my surprise to see a 3 page thread called The Harry Benz. 

Wow, I'm stunned. Thank you all so very much for your kind words. It means a lot to me and makes my usual 14 hour work days feel like time well spent. ;-)

 

My apologies to all who had to wait longer than expected. A lot of things are going on the past few month. Guess, soon I need to figure out how to clone myself.

To answer a question, I work orders in batches and pretty much in the order they come in. The only excemptions are La Cravate and Urushi straps. These I group together in separate batches. Makes working on them easier. Particular the Urushi straps take a lot more time to produce. They are a lot more work intensive and, on top of that, need also long curing periods between each of the many steps involved.

Anyhow, I try to work as efficiently as possible. But more importantly, I work with the highest quality and attention to detail I am capable of.

Then again, the best time schedule goes right out the window when next on the list is a 50 straps order from Switzerland… Which is the equivalent to the proverbial throwing a wrench into a well oiled machine.

So, if I'm behind my schedule it is actually a good thing. Why? Because I'm sticking to my game plan and am not taking shortcuts.

 

I'm also working on other projects. For instance, I soon will come out with a new strap particularly designed for the Leica SL (and S).

Sure, I could just throw something together and call it a day but that's not me. To me innovation is as important than high quality and craftsmanship.

My apologies for being so blunt but let's face it, there's enough of crap out there already. I don't need to add to it. (Not just talking camera straps here.)

 

Another one of my innovations kept me busy as well. This one is so new and different, it is now in the hands of my patent officer. As soon as it has Patent Pending status, I can tell you more about it. Until then, let me just say: Useless shoulder pads are now officially on the endangered species list.

 

When I have some spare time I am also wrapping my head around camera bags. And that means every detail of it. Beginning with the kind of leather I'm going to use.

You see, there's leather and than there's amazing (and unfortunately expensive) leather. This kind of leather is not only beautiful and, yes, rather luxurious, it is just like common cow leather very strong. But – I know you were waiting for that BUT – unlike cow leather which is rather heavy, it is very light in weight. Perfect!

So, unlike certain other not-to-be-named manufacturers, there is no need to resort to using dangerously thin layers of leather just to keep the weight down.

 

Until I have a camera bag to show for, check out this handbag I made (hand crafted and hand stitched) for my girlfriend.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BAqoWTvx259/?taken-by=harrybenz

 

Many thanks again for all your nice words!

JedOrme and ECohen, I hope your straps will arrive soon.

 

Harry

[IkarusJohn]

Beautiful handbag, Harry.

 

I'm looking forward to seeing your new camera bag (like I need another - maybe I can sell one of my less used bags to ThighSlapper; he won't notice, I'm sure)