jrc Posted September 4, 2007 Share #1 Posted September 4, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) This is a variation on the handgrip thread... I use the handgrip, but I'm being driven crazy by the shoulder strap. I got rid of the Leica strap as inadequate, and put on an Upstrap, which is the best (most functional) I've found, of the Leica-style straps. But for quick street shooting, it just doesn't work well. I'm always getting tangled in it, or I'll try to lift it to my face and it gets hung up, or it flops around the lens. I tried a Gordy's strap, which I like, but I don't like having one hand occuppied all the time. I don't know what the solution is. Is there some technique thing that I don't know about that would work better? Or is a wide strap more likely to stay out of the way? The thing that seems to work most efficiently is a very short strap, so the camera hangs right under your chin, but I really don't like that, either -- it's just too obvious and I think it annoys other people when you're talking to them, to have a camera pointed at their heads. JC Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted September 4, 2007 Posted September 4, 2007 Hi jrc, Take a look here Shoulder strap. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Shootist Posted September 4, 2007 Share #2 Posted September 4, 2007 I use the standard Leica strap and find it very adequate. I carry the camera with the strap over my right should and the camera body hanging on my left side, bandoleer style, with the strap crossing my chest and back. I do have the strap fully extended so I can use the camera in the horizontal, landscape, or verticle, portrait, positions without a problem. The only thing that get in the way, sometimes, is my reading glasses which I wear around my neck like a librarian. It seem the strap fits perfectly in the bridge section of my glasses. Other then that the strap never gets in front of the lens. I also must wear it on the outside of any clothing I'm wearing. Otherwise the stap does tend to get caught/pinched and is hard to move around my body. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sm23221 Posted September 4, 2007 Share #3 Posted September 4, 2007 I gave up on using a shoulder strap some time ago. I use a wrist strap that that tightens one end around my wrist and just hold my camera by the Leica grip. It's protected in case I accidentally drop it too. I found that a shoulder strap causes wear marks mostly from rubbing against my clothes and banging the lens into things ocassionally. Having the camera always in my hand assures I'm not as likely to a miss shot too. When I'm not using the camera it's stored in my front fanny pack (the real beauty of an M8). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ulphoto Posted September 4, 2007 Share #4 Posted September 4, 2007 Don't much care for the supplied strap either. The best strap I've ever used is the one that came with the R-3. I've used them ever since on both my Leicas and Nikons its very flexible and about an inch wide. KEH often has them in stock. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dpattinson Posted September 4, 2007 Share #5 Posted September 4, 2007 I tend to wrap the strap around my right wrist while shooting, and carry the camera either dangling by the grip, or up on my chest depending on how quickly I want to be able to respond. I vastly preferred the strap that came with the Konica Hexar RF for this purpose as it doesn't have the rubber grip, however I've developed a way of looping the leica strap to minimise the impact. If I could swap the leica strap for something exactly the same, but minus the rubber section, I'd be quite happy. I have considered getting a wrist strap - however I often sling the camera bandolier style (on left side, strap over right shoulder) when I need both hands, so I'd still need a strap to do that anyway. I also keep the strap almost fully extended so that I can pull up the camera and shoot in any orientation. I don't find that it really gets in the way much. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
carstenw Posted September 4, 2007 Share #6 Posted September 4, 2007 I use a Leicatime strap, the thinnest possible, a non-adjustable 90cm long, and just sling it over my shoulder, putting my hand on the camera. It stays put most of the time, but slides relatively easily when I pull the camera to my eye, without moving the strap from my shoulder. This way you can even carry it under an open jacket. Here is a picture of my M6, which has the same kind of strap, but 1m. . Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/32650-shoulder-strap/?do=findComment&comment=345949'>More sharing options...
asfeir Posted September 4, 2007 Share #7 Posted September 4, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) I find the Artisan & Artists Silk neck strap to be ideal. It is light, soft, can be used as a hand strap or shoulder strap. I got mine from Photo Village. The only problem is that it is pricy (like everything Leica!). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrc Posted September 5, 2007 Author Share #8 Posted September 5, 2007 I find the Artisan & Artists Silk neck strap to be ideal. It is light, soft, can be used as a hand strap or shoulder strap. I got mine from Photo Village. The only problem is that it is pricy (like everything Leica!). Hmm. Interesting. JC Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjt1 Posted September 9, 2007 Share #9 Posted September 9, 2007 I vastly preferred the strap that came with the Konica Hexar RF for this purpose as it doesn't have the rubber grip, however I've developed a way of looping the leica strap to minimise the impact. If I could swap the leica strap for something exactly the same, but minus the rubber section, I'd be quite happy. I converted my leica strap with the rubber bit to one without yesterday! Its very easy - all I did was tear the rubber off the webbing of the strap. I only used my fingers, and it was quite easy. I initally tested by seeing how well it was joined to the strap by prying the rubber off the strap where it joins, and it came away easily. Inside the rubber the strap is continuous (one piece) although it is slightly wider where the rubber bit is. Of course, only do this if you are prepared to throw the strap away if anything goes wrong. Ususal disclaimer - I cannot be repsonsible for anything that goes wrong. I figured I didn't have anything to lose as I didn't like the strap as it was with the rubber. Hope this helps. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
microview Posted September 9, 2007 Share #10 Posted September 9, 2007 I find the Artisan & Artists Silk neck strap to be ideal. It is light, soft, can be used as a hand strap or shoulder strap. I got mine from Photo Village. The only problem is that it is pricy (like everything Leica!). I like the black woven cotton strap from A&A. Some might find it a bit short.There are soft leather pieces which prevent marking the Leica with the rings. And you can open the rings without breaking your finger-nails! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jlancasterd Posted September 9, 2007 Share #11 Posted September 9, 2007 This is a variation on the handgrip thread... I use the handgrip, but I'm being driven crazy by the shoulder strap. I got rid of the Leica strap as inadequate, and put on an Upstrap, which is the best (most functional) I've found, of the Leica-style straps. But for quick street shooting, it just doesn't work well. I'm always getting tangled in it, or I'll try to lift it to my face and it gets hung up, or it flops around the lens. I tried a Gordy's strap, which I like, but I don't like having one hand occuppied all the time. I don't know what the solution is. Is there some technique thing that I don't know about that would work better? Or is a wide strap more likely to stay out of the way? The thing that seems to work most efficiently is a very short strap, so the camera hangs right under your chin, but I really don't like that, either -- it's just too obvious and I think it annoys other people when you're talking to them, to have a camera pointed at their heads. JC I've given up on the standard Leica strap too. Instead I use the black 'Deluxe Voigtlander strap' produced for the Bessa R3A and its siblings. It's strong, cheap ($35 from Camera Quest) and very comfortable, being made from 3/4" wide, soft rope fabric. It is has leather reinforcements on the strap ends and leather flaps to protect the camera body from damage by the strap rings. The only downside is that it is fixed length (35"), but that suits me as I usually wear it round my neck - with the ends twisted so that the camera rests on my upper chest with the lens pointing down. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shootist Posted September 9, 2007 Share #12 Posted September 9, 2007 I converted my leica strap with the rubber bit to one without yesterday! Its very easy - all I did was tear the rubber off the webbing of the strap. I only used my fingers, and it was quite easy. I initally tested by seeing how well it was joined to the strap by prying the rubber off the strap where it joins, and it came away easily. Inside the rubber the strap is continuous (one piece) although it is slightly wider where the rubber bit is. Of course, only do this if you are prepared to throw the strap away if anything goes wrong. Ususal disclaimer - I cannot be repsonsible for anything that goes wrong. I figured I didn't have anything to lose as I didn't like the strap as it was with the rubber. Hope this helps. Thanks for the tip! I just did the straps on my M8's. This may allow me to carry the camera under my photo vest, instead of on top of the vest, and easily bring it up to my eye without having the strap get stuck between vest and shirt. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dpattinson Posted September 9, 2007 Share #13 Posted September 9, 2007 I converted my leica strap with the rubber bit to one without yesterday! Its very easy - all I did was tear the rubber off the webbing of the strap. I only used my fingers, and it was quite easy. I initally tested by seeing how well it was joined to the strap by prying the rubber off the strap where it joins, and it came away easily. Inside the rubber the strap is continuous (one piece) although it is slightly wider where the rubber bit is. Of course, only do this if you are prepared to throw the strap away if anything goes wrong. Ususal disclaimer - I cannot be repsonsible for anything that goes wrong. I figured I didn't have anything to lose as I didn't like the strap as it was with the rubber. Hope this helps. woot! - thanks, now I have a rubberless strap Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter_n Posted September 10, 2007 Share #14 Posted September 10, 2007 I use Domke Gripper straps for my M bodies but I also use a gordy's wrist strap. They are extremely well made: gordy's camera straps Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
john_nyc Posted September 10, 2007 Share #15 Posted September 10, 2007 Wow, this is great! I think that without the rubber, the stock Leica strap has just become the perfect strap for me. Right length, nothing to bind up when I swing the camera to eye level, and no split rings! Steve, thanks for posting this. John Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guy_mancuso Posted September 10, 2007 Share #16 Posted September 10, 2007 Well i had my run with straps and given up on Luigi's which is sitting here now collecting dust. I was in Germany with Al Tanabe a member here on the forum and he had the Upstrap http://www.upstrap-pro.com/. And i tried like crazy to get my M8 to slip off my shoulder with it and i could not do it. The luigi flew off my should a lot faster , so i ordered one when I came home and really like it , actually need to order a second one. Thanks again Al Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hankg Posted September 10, 2007 Share #17 Posted September 10, 2007 If you wear your camera on your shoulder the upstrap will keep it planted but I prefer wearing it across my chest bandolier style. No worries about it slipping off or someone grabbing it. I asked Luigi to polish the underside of his widest strap so it would be more slippery. So when I grab the cameras it pulls right up to my eye with no resistance, right hand with the strap wrapped around to help steady the camera. Works great. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shootist Posted September 10, 2007 Share #18 Posted September 10, 2007 Well i had my run with straps and given up on Luigi's which is sitting here now collecting dust. I was in Germany with Al Tanabe a member here on the forum and he had the Upstrap UPstrap Professional Non Slip Camera Straps. And i tried like crazy to get my M8 to slip off my shoulder with it and i could not do it. The luigi flew off my should a lot faster , so i ordered one when I came home and really like it , actually need to order a second one. Thanks again Al That's the point, I don't wear any camera just over the shoulder hanging under that same shoulder. I wear it bandolier style and that means with a strap that has a grip portion I have to wear it on the outside of my clothes/jackets. Otherwise the grip portion always get caught between the layers of clothing and you have to fool with it to get the camera up to your eye. And without the grip portion you can wear one on the left and one on the right without them getting caught by the other grip portion. Honestly I really don't see the big difference between the Upstrap and the original Leica strap other then the grip part is bigger and has grippers on both sides of the rubber section of the Upstrap. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guy_mancuso Posted September 10, 2007 Share #19 Posted September 10, 2007 True Ed but i have to say in Germany i switched to the leica one for the time being. Damn camera kept sliding off and i almost lost it a few times. But your style is different with over the shoulder and the grip could hang it up . Depends on how you sport the M8. For shoulder folks bending down to pick something up can be deadly. I do like the double sided becuase the strap does get twisted in the heat of a battle, so no matter what the grip is there with two sides Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shootist Posted September 10, 2007 Share #20 Posted September 10, 2007 For shoulder folks bending down to pick something up can be deadly. I totally agree. That, and for the fact that I just don't feel the camera is secured from someone picking it off my shoulder and running down the road with it, is why I use the over the chest/back way of carry. I never have to worry about it falling to the ground and I don't have to shoot somebody (My screen name says it all). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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