Split Rings for Strap

[Bobonli]

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I was in the right place at the right time to re-enter the M-ecosystem and scored an immaculate M4-P. Whomever bought this in 1983 must have immediately put it in a safe, in its original box. What it doesn't have is the little split ring gizmo that connects to a strap. All of my existing cameras have larger connectors through which you run a loop of strap through. Obviously I'll need to get a split ring strap but in the meantime is there a source for a suitable ring-connector or do I just run down to the hardware store and grab two off the keychain display?

 

 

 

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[jaapv]

If you mean you want to use a Peak Design loop just use a piece of Dental Floss to pull it through. M cameras never had split rings except special metal a-la-Carré ones and regular ones will damage the eyelets. 

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[IkarusJohn]

43 minutes ago, jaapv said:

If you mean you want to use a Peak Design loop just use a piece of Dental Floss to pull it through. M cameras never had split rings except special metal a-la-Carré ones and regular ones will damage the eyelets. 

Oooo Oooo Oooo a chance for nitpickery not to be missed?

My M10-D came with a split ring, as did my M-A!  Neither are John le Carré models!

Tadaaa!

[Bobonli]

I have the original instructions and can see the "hook" gizmo meant to connect to the strap. I haven't seen one of those in a loooong time. No, not referring to the Peak design connectors; happier with a one piece connection.

[Michael Geschlecht]

Hello Bobonli,

Welcome to the Forum.

My 14092 came originally with split rings. Just like the illustration in the 1968 Leitz Dealer Catalog shows it.

If you get split rings in your local hardware: Make sure that they are stainless steel & remove any burrs, points or rough spots with something like a fine honing stone.

And, when you are putting them on: Gentle & slowly & don't be in a rush.

Best Regards,

Michael

Edited June 28 by Michael Geschlecht

[250swb]

6 hours ago, Bobonli said:

Obviously I'll need to get a split ring strap but in the meantime is there a source for a suitable ring-connector or do I just run down to the hardware store and grab two off the keychain display?

 

 

 

 

eBay, search for 'split rings' in the cameras section and you should find you have plenty to choose from. Leica strap lugs are better made in recent times than they used to be when they were brass, but all the same try to avoid the triangular split rings because these can cause pressure points and wear the strap lug (triangular rings are fine for Nikon's, but Nikon can make strap lugs). But you'll find on eBay you can buy round split rings and also leather body protectors to use with them.

[Matlock]

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37 minutes ago, 250swb said:

eBay, search for 'split rings' in the cameras section and you should find you have plenty to choose from. Leica strap lugs are better made in recent times than they used to be when they were brass, but all the same try to avoid the triangular split rings because these can cause pressure points and wear the strap lug (triangular rings are fine for Nikon's, but Nikon can make strap lugs). But you'll find on eBay you can buy round split rings and also leather body protectors to use with them.

Better yet, try for an original Leica Neoprene strap (14 312 I believe) which would have been supplied with the M4-P. It doesn't need split rings and that is why your camera doesn't have them.

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[a.noctilux]

Indeed 14312 the best strap for Leica M (minus M5 ! )

have a look in this thread

https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/336167-carrying-strap-no-14312/#comment-4501327

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so not really split rings

 

Edited June 28 by a.noctilux

[Matlock]

17 minutes ago, a.noctilux said:

Indeed 14312 the best strap for Leica M (minus M5 ! )

have a look in this thread

https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/336167-carrying-strap-no-14312/#comment-4501327

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so not really split rings

 

The Leica 42 312 strap is even better and uses the same attachment system. Sadly both are now discontinued.

[Huss]

I have a bunch of those nylon Leica straps that I don't use.  I prefer the leather one that replaced it.

[Bobonli]

Here's what in the original manual

 

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[Pyrogallol]

6 hours ago, a.noctilux said:

Indeed 14312 the best strap for Leica M (minus M5 ! )

have a look in this thread

https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/336167-carrying-strap-no-14312/#comment-4501327

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Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

so not really split rings

 

I have several of these straps and can never get the clips on the right way round. Now I put the metal part on first and then attach the cloth strap after, which makes it easier to take off and turn round when I get it on the wrong way round. Some of the metal clips are straight but some have a curve to stand off from the camera body.

[Anbaric]

21 hours ago, Bobonli said:

I was in the right place at the right time to re-enter the M-ecosystem and scored an immaculate M4-P. Whomever bought this in 1983 must have immediately put it in a safe, in its original box. What it doesn't have is the little split ring gizmo that connects to a strap. All of my existing cameras have larger connectors through which you run a loop of strap through. Obviously I'll need to get a split ring strap but in the meantime is there a source for a suitable ring-connector or do I just run down to the hardware store and grab two off the keychain display?

If you want to keep it in its current condition, I wouldn't just get any old split ring and use a random strap, but find one designed not to scratch the finish. A late model 14312 strap (I think they changed the design a bit over time) does a pretty good job of this on my M6 because the concave plastic ring protector clips stop the rings rubbing against the top plate. But my M6 is one of the Solms bodies with the inset plastic buffers nears the lugs that also help to protect the body, so I'm not sure if this works quite as well on the M4-P. You can also get leather protectors that fit over the lug between the ring and the body, or specific straps with some other way of reducing friction. The current leather Leica strap has built-in ring protectors.

[logan2z]

17 minutes ago, Anbaric said:

You can also get leather protectors that fit over the lug between the ring and the body, or specific straps with some other way of reducing friction.

I use the leather straps from Hawkesmill:

https://hawkesmill.com/product/kensington-leather-camera-strap-brown/

Very nice, soft leather and they do have leather behind the rings that protects the body from damage.

[trisberg]

Older Leica leather straps definitely came with split rings, not sure I would trust these straps any longer,but the split rings should be fine but they might scratch your camera. https://www.ebay.com/p/604992285

-Thomas

 

[Pyrogallol]

No need to pay these inflated prices for leather straps. I bought some of these.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/stevena7552

 

[250swb]

23 minutes ago, Pyrogallol said:

No need to pay these inflated prices for leather straps. I bought some of these.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/stevena7552

 

I have a couple of those straps and they are very nicely made, just as nice as some of the straps I have at four or five times the price.

[Huss]

9 hours ago, 250swb said:

I have a couple of those straps and they are very nicely made, just as nice as some of the straps I have at four or five times the price.

Exactly.  It's basically 'just' a strip of leather with split rings.

[Bobonli]

Ok. Think I’ll roll with something like this, that has a leather tab to protect the body. 

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[Huss]

3 hours ago, Bobonli said:

Ok. Think I’ll roll with something like this, that has a leather tab to protect the body. 

That's nice.  But you can get pretty much the same thing on ebay for $20 vs $65.