Rock and Roll Napa II strap - anyone using?

[Chazphoto]

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Hi all

Does anyone use the Rock and Roll Napa II strap?

https://rocknrollstraps.com/shop/camera-straps/napa-straps/napa-m-black-strap/
I am wondering if it is very slippery, in the sense of likely to fall off the shoulder when doing a one shoulder carry, and how flexible/bouncy/shock absorbing it is?  For comparison, my current strap is an old Annie Barton Carrera with a small leather shoulder pad, the untreated inside of which is fairly good at keeping the camera on the shoulder with most clothing.  When I have used the classic Rock and Roll strap, I found that it slipped off the shoulder very easily, because each link is smooth and the ribbing created is in line with the slope of the shoulder (if you see what I mean).  In addition, I found the Rock and Roll strap to be too bouncy; I don't think i need the shock absorption and the M10 and a lens and the strap causes the camera to move too much when being carried - for my comfort anyway.

I do need a new strap and love Evris's work.  Any experiences gratefully received.

thanks

Chazphoto

[charlesphoto99]

16 hours ago, Chazphoto said:

Hi all

Does anyone use the Rock and Roll Napa II strap?

https://rocknrollstraps.com/shop/camera-straps/napa-straps/napa-m-black-strap/
I am wondering if it is very slippery, in the sense of likely to fall off the shoulder when doing a one shoulder carry, and how flexible/bouncy/shock absorbing it is?  For comparison, my current strap is an old Annie Barton Carrera with a small leather shoulder pad, the untreated inside of which is fairly good at keeping the camera on the shoulder with most clothing.  When I have used the classic Rock and Roll strap, I found that it slipped off the shoulder very easily, because each link is smooth and the ribbing created is in line with the slope of the shoulder (if you see what I mean).  In addition, I found the Rock and Roll strap to be too bouncy; I don't think i need the shock absorption and the M10 and a lens and the strap causes the camera to move too much when being carried - for my comfort anyway.

I do need a new strap and love Evris's work.  Any experiences gratefully received.

thanks

Chazphoto

Once you've had a strap slip off the shoulder (and thankfully caught) I'd never go near one of those silk/fancy leather jobs. These below are the best for not slipping - and by not slipping, that means no constant shrugging of the shoulder to keep from it doing so. Not 'fashionable' but that's not why I use a camera. Still using one of their previous designs after fifteen years (the kevlar 'up-strap.')

https://journeycamera.com/camera-carry-system/small-f-friendship-pad-upstrap

[Chazphoto]

Straps, heh?!  Knew I shouldn't have started this one!

It has taken an age and I may be in search of a unicorn, but I want a leather strap for the feel, natural product-ness, and style.  I appreciate the utilitarian nature (and arguments in favour) of the Upstrap and Leica originals, but nylon/poly and rubber are not for me with the M.  I speak as someone whose Optech strap is still in use on a Sony RX10(iv) and I still have a fondness for the old Domke woven strap with the rubber stitched in rows (but the metal fittings would mark the M).  

I had the M10 special edition from RandR, which is the narrower type of guitar strap than that shown above.  Lovely quality and great fittings (the keyrings are excellent quality) but it slides straight off the shoulder and the stretchiness was actually uncomfortable in use (for me) because the camera moved even when I held the strap against my side - eg when running for a bus.  

Hence thinking of the Napa.  Has a thickness for comfort, is wider than a Riviera type strap, and pliable to roll-up easily into a bag.  Does anyone know if it stretches/bounces in use?  

(Believe me, I've been through the options from other makers and read the wonderful strap threads on here - including my rather technical one from a couple of years ago.  If the Carrera was still made by Annie Barton, I'd probably get another, but the leather is separating (topside from suede along the length) and the O-rings are thinner than Evris uses.

Cheers

Chazphoto  

[rramesh]

The one that came in the box feels rather lonely. Take it out and use it. :-;

[hepcat]

On 11/19/2023 at 2:27 PM, Chazphoto said:

Straps, heh?!  Knew I shouldn't have started this one!

 I still have a fondness for the old Domke woven strap with the rubber stitched in rows (but the metal fittings would mark the M).  

(Attached photo stolen from Johnny Martyr and cropped)

 

Cheers

Chazphoto  

I'm still using the Domke straps.  Wouldn't think of using anything else.  And I have them looped through Leica strap ends to avoid the body damage you anticipate.  I have several sets of those I've acquired over the years and still use.  

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[Jeff S]

I prefer the Leica 14312 straps on all my M bodies.  But Leica also produces leather straps, which others prefer, e.g., 

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1296572-REG/leica_18575_leather_carrying_strap_black.html/reviews?ap=y&ap=y&smp=y&smp=y&smpm=ba_f2_lar&lsft=BI%3A6879&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD7yMh0V_4S_xtBvAo1SJTriQ6fLi&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsf7FxvPmggMVg4bICh1JEAhmEAQYASABEgL8-vD_BwE

 

Jeff

[Smudgerer]

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Dead Camera's Slim Strap........on all my M's. Before that the Leica 14312 straps that were / are the best other alternative.

[kivis]

My Oberworth never slips and never distracts my shooting.

[Strmbrg]

I can't recall the issue of any strap slipping of my shoulder. Regardless of material of the strap and material of my clothes.
Maybe the issue is dependant on our body-shapes. Short, sloped shoulders or straight, wider ones.

[plasticmoz]

On 11/28/2023 at 10:37 AM, Smudgerer said:

Dead Camera's Slim Strap........on all my M's. Before that the Leica 14312 straps that were / are the best other alternative.

Same here -- love them.

[kivis]

On 5/2/2024 at 11:15 AM, Strmbrg said:

I can't recall the issue of any strap slipping of my shoulder. Regardless of material of the strap and material of my clothes.
Maybe the issue is dependant on our body-shapes. Short, sloped shoulders or straight, wider ones.

Or slippery clothes.

[Chazphoto]

Replying to my original post, very much later.

I bought a Rock and Roll Napa 2 strap for the M10R a few months ago.  I'm based in the UK and the exchange rate, plus UK taxation, made this an expensive purchase.

The strap is excellent, however, and has been put through enough work over the last 5 months that I can answer my own questions, at least. 

• It does not allow the camera to bounce the way that the classic Rock and Roll guitar-type straps do, which is good news for me. 
• The woven nature of the strap does mean that there is some natural cushioning, even if it is only around 12mm wide. 
• The lambskin leather means that the strap has a very soft handle and wraps around the hand or lens very easily, ditto folding into a bag for storage. 
• So far, it has stayed on one shoulder when I've carried it that way, on a variety of fabrics (including suede jacket, waxed cotton and woollen blazer) - it will not give you that rubbery-type feeling of security, but it is good enough particularly as I've bought a length to try and use a cross-body carry more often. 
• In that configuration, it slides up for use fairly easily over shirt and other fabric and I've worn a jacket over it from time to time (for protection from rain and if in crowds) without impeding that method of deployment too much.

My compliments, as always, to the excellent team at Rock and Roll Straps!

Cheers

Chazphoto     

[Pavlos Koutsoukos]

You can also check  Hyperion Camera Straps for a huge selection of Leather and Rope Straps fully customizable to your needs. https://www.hyperioncamerastraps.com

[kivis]

On 11/19/2023 at 9:58 AM, charlesphoto99 said:

Once you've had a strap slip off the shoulder (and thankfully caught) I'd never go near one of those silk/fancy leather jobs. These below are the best for not slipping - and by not slipping, that means no constant shrugging of the shoulder to keep from it doing so. Not 'fashionable' but that's not why I use a camera. Still using one of their previous designs after fifteen years (the kevlar 'up-strap.')

https://journeycamera.com/camera-carry-system/small-f-friendship-pad-upstrap

I have to agree