Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/11/20

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Subject: Re: [Leica] STRAP SURVEY (prev Saturday "Pro Photo" Shopping)
From: "John R. Fulton Jr." <JRFjr@compuserve.com>
Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2001 07:43:09 -0600
References: <3BF743EF.5D9EBE48@home.com> <B81C68CA.6EEB%mlquinn@san.rr.com> <5.1.0.14.2.20011118100754.00abb1f0@pop.mindspring.com>

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.]
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