Strap for Leica M

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I know a similar question has been asked before. I read it during one of my first visits to this forum, but now I cant find it (I should have paid more attention). If someone can point me to the archived thread, or would share their experiences once again, I would be most grateful.
I have a 1954 M3 with all brass straplugs, and a M4 which is beeing CLA'd and I don't remember if the straplugs are steel reinforced like on my Nikon FE.
I am looking for a solution similar to the narrow nylon Nikon strap with plastic protectors on the rings. It has protected my FE perfectly from almost 20 years of wear. I am not really attracted to the original M strap, it appear to be too wide for my preferences.
I have no problem finding a Nikon Nylon strap, but no strap rings are included. The camera shops I have visited only have triangular "rings" which I think will put to much wear on the edges of the Leica M3 straplugs -and possibly also the M4 if it is all brass, besides the triangular rings sold does not include plastic protectors.
What solution did you choose, and how does it protect the camera from wear?

-- Niels H. S. Nielsen (nhsn@ruc.dk), July 28, 2001

Answers

There is only one type of camera strap that I like and that's the original split ring leather straps sold by Leitz. They have no lug protection but I've never had a problem with maring my M3. Getting them on and off is a bear but then I don't take them on and off very often.

I also have the current Leica nylon(?)strap but it's no where near as comfortable as the slim leather strap.

When I need another strap, I'll look for an aftermarket leather strap similar to the Leitz version.

-- Bud (budcook@attglobal.net), July 28, 2001.


Ups! As it turns out, a slightly incompetent salesperson in the shop showed me the neophrene strap and told me that was the only Leica strap available. Incidentially I ran acros a image of the standard nylon strap, which seem to be just what I am looking for, except it is 3 times as expensive as the Nikon strap; Leica in a nutshell.

-- Niels H. S. Nielsen (nhsn@ruc.dk), July 28, 2001.

Domke makes nice straps, for quite cheap, they have leather protection for camera body, the only thing I donīt like is the two metal hooks, but they can be easily covered.

-- r watson (al1231234@hotmail.com), July 28, 2001.

I just use the standard Leica straps. They have a very good ring connector arrangement and are as comfortable as anything else I've used. The M is light enough that it just doesn't matter much.

godfrey

-- Godfrey (ramarren@bayarea.net), July 28, 2001.


Try Upstrap. I'm not sure about the lug protection but Upstrap makes wonderful, non-slip straps.

Fergus

-- Fergus Hammond (fhammond@adobe.com), July 30, 2001.



You might try this Japanese strap. I haven't tried it myself, but it looks pretty good on their web site:

http://www.mediakyoto.com/camerashopper/O_products_e/index_e.html

-- Jay D (jayd@netvigator.com), August 01, 2001.


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