Home · Register · Join Upload & Sell

Moderated by: Fred Miranda

New fredmiranda.com Mobile Site

New Feature: SMS Notification alert

New Feature: Buy & Sell Watchlist

FM Forums | General Gear-talk | Join Upload & Sell

Sewing Camera Strap In Place

jchabalk
Offline
•
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Sewing Camera Strap In Place

Hi there, i was wondering if anyone else had dome this.

I use Domke 1" no swivel straps on most of my cameras, i install the strap and take maybe a couple of outings to make minor length adjustments but generally i get it set where i want it and then weave it on using the included hardware in a way where it won't move or come loose. I think i follow a guide that domke published somewhere but i've been doing it this way for ~25 years now without issue, it works great.

What i'm wondering is if there's any reason i can't (or shouldn't) sew the strap in place allowing me to dispense with the plastic bits that keep the strap fastened?

I understand that i wouldn't be able to remove the strap without either cutting the stitches or removing the split rings but that's basically the way it's worked for me for a long time now.

If anyone's done this i'd love to hear any pointers or see examples. I'm definitely not a tailor but i have a feeling this is relatively straight-forward.

Feb 26, 2024 at 05:57 PM

sjms
Offline
• • • • • • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Sewing Camera Strap In Place

can't see the real advantage in doing this. mine is on and off quite often and actually uses a different attachment system for relative quick remove from a very secure locking point.

everyone has their own methods and reasons.

just remember to inspect the connection points on a regular basis

Feb 26, 2024 at 07:43 PM

runamuck
Offline
• • • • • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Sewing Camera Strap In Place

How it got here I haven't a clue J. BuffetT

This was a response supposedly posted to a different thread

Edited on Feb 27, 2024 at 02:44 PM · View previous versions

Feb 26, 2024 at 09:04 PM

jeffbuzz
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Sewing Camera Strap In Place

I recognize that everyone has their own methods. But I do not understand the benefit of doing this. I use PD straps and QD mount slings specifically so I can quickly detach my cameras and lenses. There are many times for me when having a strap attached is not only a nuisance but a hazard.

That said, any decent strap is going to have been sewn using a heavy duty industrial machine. You can certainly stitch your own. It isn't rocket science. But is also isn't the same as darning socks. You need to do a proper lock stitch to create a secure attachment comparable to the original strap. I have made repairs, modifications and totally custom straps for various purposes. Unless you have a heavy duty sewing machine, you'll want a sewing awl like the "Speedy Stitcher" to do this by hand.

Feb 27, 2024 at 02:38 PM

jcolwell
Offline
• • • • • • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Sewing Camera Strap In Place

I modify my Grippers, like this:

1. cut off the Domke QR swivel (it doesn't lock, so I don't trust it), and replace it with a strong SS split ring
2. reattach the ends backwards, securing the loose-end webbing strap through the strap-pad D-rings
3. add a commercial, tuna fishing swivel and a small, screw-locking carabiner (about 1" long) to the other ends
4. attach the strap to the camera using the mini-carabiners, through small DIY webbing loops in the camera strap lugs.

In addition to making the connections more secure, this lengthens the straps a bit, so that the camera grip is at relaxed hand height (arm hanging at my side), when the camera is hanging straight down off a shoulder. I've used this setup without fails since about 2005. Often with one camera hanging off each shoulder (typically a wide-angle zoom on one, and 70-200/2.8L IS on the other, plus a 300/2.8L IS or 500/4L IS on a monopod.

Top: original strap ends (on 1" Gripper), bottom: modified ends (on 1 1/2" Gripper)

Closer view of modified strap ends

Gripper attached to DIY camera-strap lug loops

Schematic for camera-strap lug loop

Feb 27, 2024 at 03:23 PM

jchabalk
Offline
•
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Sewing Camera Strap In Place

That's really cool, thanks for sharing! And it looks like the DIY loops are essentially just wedged in the strap lugs using the folded end as a stop? Am i looking at it the right way?

Feb 27, 2024 at 03:28 PM

sjms
Offline
• • • • • • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Sewing Camera Strap In Place

you can also get polymer ones from OpTech.

https://www.optechusa.com/products/adapt-its.

used them on my EOS 1Ds series when i used them. still use them on my 120-300 Sigma

Edited on Mar 09, 2024 at 08:23 AM · View previous versions

Feb 27, 2024 at 03:53 PM

jcolwell
Offline
• • • • • • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Sewing Camera Strap In Place

sjms wrote:
you can also get polymer ones from OpTech.

https://www.optechusa.com/products/adapt-its.

used them on my EOS 1Ds series when i used them.

Thanks. Seen 'em. I think my webbing loops pre-date those newfangled ones, by many years. The webbing loops have outlasted the dozens of cameras that I've used them on, in the past 20 years. I think I have an odd number of them, now.

Op/Tech makes great stuff. I was an early-adopter of their neoprene products, since they hit the market (before they were stocked at B&H). All of my Op/Tech stuff has lasted very well, too.

Feb 28, 2024 at 10:24 AM

jcolwell
Offline
• • • • • • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Sewing Camera Strap In Place

jchabalk wrote:
That's really cool, thanks for sharing! And it looks like the DIY loops are essentially just wedged in the strap lugs using the folded end as a stop? Am i looking at it the right way?

You're welcome.

Yes. It's not easy to the stuff the two-layer (thin) end of the loop, through the camera strap lug. I use a small, flat driver to stuff it through. It's not possible to pull the three-layer end through the lug. That's for Canon DSLR, of basically every type, from the 20D to 1DX.

For cameras with single-post strap connections (e.g. Canon M-series and Fujifilm X100-series), I put a SS split ring through the post, and then use a 1" Gripper. Over time, I've lost a few of the really-small screw-gate crabs, and so I use some newer 'S' biners (metal, with centre-lock wire gates), on small cameras like the X100S and Canon M5/M6.

Feb 28, 2024 at 11:17 AM

sjms
Offline
• • • • • • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Sewing Camera Strap In Place

jcolwell wrote:
Thanks. Seen 'em. I think my webbing loops pre-date those newfangled ones, by many years. The webbing loops have outlasted the dozens of cameras that I've used them on, in the past 20 years. I think I have an odd number of them, now.

Op/Tech makes great stuff. I was an early-adopter of their neoprene products, since they hit the market (before they were stocked at B&H). All of my Op/Tech stuff has lasted very well, too.

it goes back to 2003 no i did not use their film bodies

yeah i have a few bits and pieces of their stuff still floating around too.

X20 13mm f/3.2 1/17s 3200 ISO 0.0 EV

Edited on Mar 07, 2024 at 04:48 AM · View previous versions

Feb 28, 2024 at 01:52 PM

jiannazzone
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Sewing Camera Strap In Place

I've always had an issue with straps using large metal parts for fear of scratching a camera screen or body. I'd be interested to hear from others whether that is really an issue.

The 1" Domke straps are available without the QR swivel, but the 1.5" straps are not. For those, I just had a cobbler remove them and sew the webbing ends directly to the rings on the strap pad portion. On cameras where I want quick release straps I am happy with Op/Tech straps.

Feb 29, 2024 at 07:34 AM

jcolwell
Offline
• • • • • • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Sewing Camera Strap In Place

jiannazzone wrote:
... I just had a cobbler remove them and sew the webbing ends directly to the rings on the strap pad portion. On cameras where I want quick release straps I am happy with Op/Tech straps.

That's more or less what I do, except I use a double-reverse wrap in the strap belt-loop thingy, to attach the ends to the strap pad rings.

I don't like it when my strap-attachment setup causes marking on the camera, which is why I use the 1/4" webbing, doubled-tripled loop in the camera strap lugs (for larger cameras), because split rings and most other metal gizmos mark the camera. OTOH, my cameras do get marked up by hitting things that I come too close to, putting them down on things that I shouldn't, and gravity. As long as it works, and the glass and sensors are clean, I'm good to go. If it gets broke, I get it fixed or move on, through the camera food web.

Feb 29, 2024 at 09:09 AM

sjms
Offline
• • • • • • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Sewing Camera Strap In Place

i use a "different" method since 2008.

bodies setup this way: D500, D7200(Daughters), Z6, Z9 and my little D7000 w/adapter

a few varied straps

yes, the connector can hold various other considerably heavier "tools" securely that it was designed for.

Feb 29, 2024 at 10:01 AM

Norm Shapiro
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Sewing Camera Strap In Place

Can you gives more information on that L plate setup? Thanks

Feb 29, 2024 at 05:06 PM

sjms
Offline
• • • • • • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Sewing Camera Strap In Place

RRS Z9 L plate (2 piece). had to wait for it awhile to get it. it is the most structurally rigid setup made.

https://reallyrightstuff.com/nikon-z9-modular-plates/

assorted straps 2 older modded ones in view all using QD commectors

DSC-RX100M5 11mm 1/30s 6400 ISO

Edited on Mar 09, 2024 at 08:17 AM · View previous versions

Feb 29, 2024 at 05:28 PM

clu3.clew
Offline
•
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Sewing Camera Strap In Place

If you use tripod, just be extra careful since you can't easily remove the straps. I've had camera straps catching something resulting in the tripod falling over before, and now most of my cameras only get straps put on when necessary.

Mar 07, 2024 at 04:24 AM

jcolwell
Offline
• • • • • • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Sewing Camera Strap In Place

clu3.clew wrote:
If you use tripod, just be extra careful since you can't easily remove the straps. I've had camera straps catching something resulting in the tripod falling over before, and now most of my cameras only get straps put on when necessary.

This is exactly why I use my DIY webbing loops in the camera strap lugs - quick release.

I expect the commercial loops that @sjms mentioned above, would work at least as well, https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1847808/0#16483501

Mar 07, 2024 at 07:18 AM

sjms
Offline
• • • • • • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Sewing Camera Strap In Place

same strength more easily installed and removed.

Mar 09, 2024 at 08:19 AM


FM Forums \| General Gear-talk \| Join Upload & Sell

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.