Both straps on one lug- too high a load?

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Hi, been using both ends of the strap on the LHS lug. Keeps the RHS free and out of the way of my hand.

Wondering if this will place too much stress on the one lug?

Cheers.

-- Simon Wong (drsimonwong@hotmail.com), July 26, 2001

Answers

I've seen many older Leicas with the strap lugs almost worn through, but never saw one pull out of the body. Hanging the camera from one lug introduces another component of stress, though, which is torsion, as the camera can now twist around the lug axis, and the force is now directed axially on the lug rivet as opposed to perpendicular to it if the camera is hung from both straps. Another variable factor would be the weight of the lens, as would the amount of time the camera is in use. Bottom line, the strap lug attachment might be overbuilt enough to last a century, but you are after all putting all your eggs in one basket. If I were insistent on using just one lug, I might consider tieing a piece of high-test nylon fishing line from one lug, taut across the camera top rear (under the eyepiece and pc plug)over to the other lug; that way if the stressed lug pulled out you'd have a safety catch and the camera wouldn't hit the pavement.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), July 26, 2001.

On which type of M camera. The early cameras have a rivited on strap lug and this might pull through easier than the later cameras which have screw holding it in place. The only incident of a strap lug giving way I know of was on a early M4-2. It hit the rocks and toasted the camera and lens. Leica sheepishly replaced both.

I use the wrist strap and it hangs from just one strap lug. You are supposed to use your hand as well though.

Cheers,

-- John Collier (jbcollier@powersurfr.com), July 26, 2001.


Simon

I'm happy with my M6 and up to even 2 lenses hanging from one lug. I even use a key chain style quick release which easily solves the torsion problem mentioned above. I absolutely trust the M6 lug to cope with that load - unless you intend to play yo-yo with it or jump fences. ;-)

Then again, shit happens.

But how can you be optimistic with a misty optic...?

Cheers, Lutz

-- Lutz Konermann (lutz@konermann.net), July 26, 2001.


Thanks guys.

Jay, I'll give it a go and see how it pans out.

John, it's a brand spanking new M6TTL.72 with 3 year Passport warranty...hence my brazen recklessness ;-). I put more stress on than your wriststrap, unless you let it dangle off your wrist? I hang my camera off my neck or shoulder.

Lutz, your post is where I got the idea from! I've sent you an order for your sling and slide too. Looking forward to receiving your gadgets.

Cheers.

-- Simon Wong (drsimonwong@hotmail.com), July 27, 2001.


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