Making my own camera strap...

[kenny_c]

Hi Guys,

 

Having seen those luigi straps that sell for silly prices, I decided to take

matters into my own hands... so the inspiration came from the pet store, I just

attempted to make my own leather strap from a dog leash... the pictures are for

giggles... this posting is really random so take what you might want from it.

 

here's before

 

http://www.kennethchou.ca/c330.jpg

 

 

The strap was simply cut to a desired length and stitched back up with thread

while throwing the loops into place. What actually made me do this was the easy

in which they could be stitched up by simply going over the pre-made holes on

both ends... the handle end has alot of extra stitching, which made it easy to

cut to length and still use existing stitches to create the ends... this

particular one had a layer of soft deer skin which I have cut out carefully for

the possibility of a mid neck cushion, but the strap actually feels quite

comfortable without it, I'd say about just under half inch in width... I may

take it out for few shoots and then later decide to stitch the deer skin in, but

there is a possibility of ruining the leather. (I've never tried to stitch

leather).

 

Heres the result.

 

http://www.kennethchou.ca/made.jpg

 

so there you go! A cheap and sturdy camera strap for $5!

 

I might need to stitch further to re-inforce, and later fill in with some glue

to make sure it holds 200%.

 

Just a rant, it's nice to make something once inawhile and take matters into

your own hands.

 

cheers.

 

k

[mharris]

Man that looks great, been thinking of doing one myself someday.

[kenny_c]

Takes about just over an hour. So find a good Sunday to do this!

[h._p.]

It's always great when you can make your own accessories. I made a camera case out of a wooden box years ago and carried it on several jobs. It was strong enough to stand on, which was often a great help.

 

Well done, Kenny!

[paul_neuthaler]

Tomorrow, I will show the Leica I made myself using old Nikon parts!

[35mmdelux]

really nice. remember that you could take it to the local shoe repair place and have them stitch it as well.

 

thks much.

[love4leica]

Here is the one I got made locally<div></div>

[elmarfudd]

If you think Luigi's prices are silly, you should see what Leica charges for their products!!! ; )

[bobtodrick]

Factor in what my time is worth and this would be an expensive strap.

[pje]

I find this all very funny. It remindes me of how I made my own tires for my Porsche 911.

[jerry_kirkwood]

<i>Factor in what my time is worth and this would be an expensive strap.</i></p>Factor in how much time it took you to click your way to this thread, read it, type and submit, and this would be an expensive reply. And you wouldn't even have a strap to show for it, just an empty brag.

[elmarfudd]

Well I don't know what my time is worth, but I'm going to use some of it to make Jerry a "Best Response Of The Month" trophy.

[bobtodrick]

A man of quick wit, eh Jerry.

 

Sorry, I've got better things to do with my time than spend an hour making a strap I can buy for 15 bucks.

 

And total elapsed time writing this response...under 2 minutes...done while my printer spits out another $60 print...gee, I just made enough to buy 3 straps, brand new.

 

Hey Paul, can you whip me up some tires for an Alfa Romeo ;-)

[kenny_c]

Arent we all masters of economy these days...

By that argument, it's probbaly cheaper to hire a photographer... no camera or strap needed... hmm

[todd frederick]

I guess some of us just enjoy the satisfaction of doing things for ourselves. The personal touch. It's an individual preference.

 

I often make nice straps by using horse rein leather and "chicago bolts." I often did with with better cameras like Rolleis and Leicas. They can also be hand tooled.

[billsr]

I think I'll give up having sex. After reading this thread, I've come to realize that it costs too much! ;<))

[jimsimmons]

I've made my own straps before, but for the simple reason that I made them the exact length I wanted them for the camera in question. I had the shoe repair ship rivet and sew them in that fixed position. No buckles to come loose, less bulk, more flexible in the area nearest the camera, which made camera handling much improved. There are plenty of reasons for making custom equipment other than saving money.

[rjm photo]

Leica makes a really excellent, adjustable strap with shoulder pad, and non-marking attachment to camera eye setup for $34.00.

 

Not sure I would "trust" something cobbled together for the same purpose. If I wanted to show some craft skills maybe a belt or a wallet is a better idea than hanging an M4 on a dog leash.

 

Several years ago I read of people using automotive hose clamps for do it yourself focus tabs....to each his own.....Go for it.

[raymond_tai]

>I think I'll give up having sex. After reading this thread, I've come to realize that it costs too much! ;<))

 

William, You must be a lawyer - work for a minute and bill for an hour :)

[sumo_kun]

Its great to be able to make stuff yourself. Shows a personal touch and makes it unique. Soemthing to take pride in.

 

Raymond > You finish up in a minute?? ;)

[lutz]

William, you shouldn't stop having sex - it's a great way to make money. Just charge a little more for it. ;-)

[lutz]

Oh, and - depending on your customers - dog leashes will come for free! :-)<p>On another note, I might be biased but I like Kenny's approach.

[michael_londarenko]

Fun experiment, but Luigi's are still better. Handmade Italian calf leather is probably 60% of the cost there. Plus EURO/USD exchange rate, insane tax levels in Italy and their current Communist government all add up to relatively high price. Worth it though. Really good quality stuff.

[jerry_kirkwood]

<i>Not sure I would "trust" something cobbled together for the same purpose. If I wanted to show some craft skills maybe a belt or a wallet is a better idea than hanging an M4 on a dog leash.</i></p>Considering that an M4 weighs half as much as a teacup Yorkie and doesn't have legs I think probably you don't need to worry. Unless you've got ten thumbs and can't hammer a rivet.