Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/11/20
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]A survey on straps. Hmmmm. I've been using Leicas for a while. When I bought my first M2, Bensor cases were popular, Leicavits were cheap ($25.00) and there was something called a Remo-clip. The Remo-clip was a big (duh) clip that screwed into the tripod mount. You could then carry the Leica on your belt. I never completely trusted it so I usually stuck the neckstrap thru the belt, too, or something (kinda like the guy who wears a belt with his suspenders, I suppose). Over the years I've tried a bunch of neckstraps--Strap-a-teers, plain leather, Leica straps, non-Leica such as the "gripper" (which doesn't "grip" all that well) and am now using the Upstrap (which does grip extremely well). I like straps for many of the reasons mentioned plus other reasons. Hanging the M from your neck while loading is great. I suppose in a fast-moving situation (without a strap) you could fumble your way thru the film change but it doesn't seem very safe. 'Seems like you have to stop and put the camera down. OTH, I have very small hands so it's hard to hold on to all that plus change film, too. I'm from the "wrap the strap around your wrist" school of street photography. Walking down the street with the neckstrap wrapped around your wrist is great. The camera is easily accessible--in an instant you pick it up and shoot. No fumbling. One of the other things I like--in questionable neighborhoods--is the appearance. With your arm swinging as you walk you appear as somebody with "something" in their hand and wrapped around your wrist. Believe me, I am not a tough lookin guy. But there's something about "what's that black thing in his hand" the black M6 that just doesn't look right. And it's true. It's a potent defensive tool if you need. Since it's wrapped around your wrist and gripped in your hand--it isn't going anywhere. On the more subtle side there's nothing like the M6 with a smallish lens on your shoulder under a coat. You can whip it and photograph and tuck it back in your jacket in an instant. Again--on the street--it almost looks like you're packing "heat" under the jacket from the bulge. I understand the non-strap carriers. How many cameras have gotten pulled off tables when the strap was hanging off the table. It can and does get in the way at times. Never thought I'd write this much about "straps". best, John Fulton Fort Worth PS--re: the strapless Leica in the pocket, Danny Lyon (I believe it was he) one time said that having a Leica in the pocket had a similar feeling to having a gun in his pocket. [Enough of the Leica as a weapon--sorry.] - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html