Jonathan Clulow
@johnnyc24 Jun
Neck strap recommendations for street photography with a
I spent the afternoon walking the streets of Manchester with my X-Pro3 and was reminded that, despite trying a number of strap options over the years, I still haven’t found the ideal setup. I’m currently using a climbing rope-style strap, which I generally like for its simplicity and comfort. My only issue is that the camera sits a little too low and tends to swing against my torso when walking. I’ve also found myself moving away from the Peak Design anchor system. While it’s undeniably practical, it feels a little bulky on a camera as compact and understated as the X-Pro3. With a small lens attached, the camera balances beautifully, so I’m looking for something minimal, comfortable and adjustable enough to keep it sitting a little higher on the chest. Interested to hear what others are using for street work with rangefinder-style bodies..
You mentioned moving away from the peak design (PD) anchors, but that's the thing that worked for me. I have both the PD Leash and Cuff. I'll use both throughout the day, the cuff around my wrist when actively walking around and the leash either around my neck or as a cross shoulder sling. The strap I'm not using goes in a small bag. This has proven the most comfortable as I can alternate between how I carry my camera. But it uses PD, so take from this what you want 😀.
They’ve served me well over the years, but I don’t think they suit the direction my setup has taken anymore.
On larger cameras I think they’re excellent, but on something as compact as the X-Pro3 the anchors and clips feel a little oversized. There are already a surprising number of small buttons on the right-hand side that can be awkward to find by touch, and I find the anchors just get in the way of those little day-to-day interactions.
I still think Peak Design make great products—it isn’t a criticism of the system. I just think my priorities have shifted towards something that feels a bit more minimal and disappears into the camera.
Actually since posting this I've found a strap that I really like.
It's a Kodak one (Which is great because I shoot some Kodac emulations).
https://www.kodak.com/en/consumer/product/accessories/camera/camera-strap/
Only thing is its gone away from that rope minimal style but I love those included quick release systems.
Have you seen that the newer Peak Design anchor clips are a little more slimline than the previous ones? (I first noticed the new ones on the Form rope strap)
It's not adjustable, and no quick release, so maybe doesn't fit your brief, but I just want to shout out Stroppa for making great straps. My preferred is the Stroppa flat which you can get in lots of lengths. I use these sprung o-rings to be able to swap lengths as I have a few. https://stroppa.pl/stroppa-shop/?c=cee236228e9a
Always found Optech straps to be comfortable and good value.... https://www.optechusa.com/collections/carry
Plenty of interesting ones here also...... https://rocknrollstraps.com/product-category/camera-straps/
I think I may be pushing my luck by using this 20 year old wrist strap from a casio. 😬 If anyone has any recommendations for a minimal and comfortable wrist strap that doesn't get in the way, they would be most appreciated.
I really like the super short peak design rope style design that they have released. They work around the neck and the wrist well enough.
Also have some leather ones that I got from 595strapco, for the wrist and longer ones.
I wear the camera across as well and that reduces the bounce
You want something short with nice soft leather check https://studio-j-a.com/products/camera-short-strap-black?variant=55998287675779
I did mine with Hyperion Straps. You can chose everything: the colour of the rope (or leather), the length, the finitions, the type of attachments. You can have peak design type, or my favourite, metallic hooks. Super sturdy, switching super fast between my cameras. It can wiggle a bit, but I don’t usually hear the sound, except when I shoot super super silent places. I will most likely order also a wrist strap from their website 💪
That's a tough one. Such a personal preference. I also struggle with this and whether to use a wrist strap or a neck strap. So far, I've found the Peak Design system best for my needs. I often like to take the weight off my neck and making it a cross-body carry helps with that. I can't do that with ease on any other system.
I would suggest a comfy strap attached to Falcam F38 sling attachment (https://www.ulanzi.com/en-sg/collections/falcam/products/falcam-f38-quick-release-buckle-kit-for-shoulder-strap-3142) with a very comfy adjustable camera strap, and then a wrist strap attached to the camera. Then when you’re walking you can sling the camera to whatever height you want and not hate life, and have a secure wrist strap for when you’re actively shooting.
I do actually have one of those. They are better suited to an SLR style camera. My XT4 has that under it. Total game changer for heavy cameras! Great recommendation John.
For the X-Pro it needs to sit as a forward facing config with just a shorter length.
Although after saying all this 3 really good moments I missed this weekend by not having the camera in hand. Typical!
For a birthday, I was kindly gifted a lovely leather strap from Hawkesmill:
https://hawkesmill.com/product/westminster-leather-camera-strap-brown/
I use it with my X-T5, and it works really well with smaller lenses (such as the Fujicrons). For heavier lenses I find I get too much neck strain, but that wouldn't be an issue based on your requirements. The quality is excellent, but it is a lot of money so there may be better value options out there.
Camera straps are like camera bags. Takes for ever to find the right one, and then it isn't right later on and you start over. For my smaller cameras, I tried moving away from PD strap and wrist strap, for the PGYtech slim strap and wrist one. I like it better, but the PD wrist cuff thing with the ability to kind of "lock" it in place fully open I miss.
There is a saying among cyclists that it involves the never-ending search for the right saddle. I think the same is true for camera straps and bags.😁
@visual_finder you might find this thread useful
Thanks Michael