Leica M Strap

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As a recent Leica M buyer, I have found much useful info at this site; to all of you who share your knowledge and opinions, thank you.

I want to share something that I recently came across. I don't like the strap that came with the M6, so set about finding a different one. I found that Seth Levine, the fellow who makes the M Classics camera bag, also makes straps in the classic Leica M style, though he doesn't advertise them on his web page. The straps are about 1/2" wide, of top grain leather (in brown or black), with a very simple length adjustment and nickel-plated brass rings for attachment to the camera's strap lugs. Seth says that these are very close to original Leica straps of the '40s-'60s. I can't vouch for that, but I do think that he makes a very nice strap. It is very simple, functional, and understated, much like the M itself. Best of all is the price: in your mailbox for $23. Pretty reasonable for a limited production, handmade item.

Seth's email address is pepe3@bellatlantic.net

By the way, I have no financial interest in Seth's business -- I just thought one or two of you may be interested.

-- Douglas Kinnear (douglas.kinnear@colostate.edu), August 22, 2001

Answers

Thanks, its always useful to stay in tune with quality Leica accessories. I was curious what you didn't like about the Leica strap? I regard it as a rather brilliant design in its its simplicty, function, and security.

-- Dan Brown (brpatent@swbell.net), August 22, 2001.

Dan--

I just think it looks a bit chintzy, especially with that plastic shoulder pad, complete with little nubs to dig into my neck or shoulder. And mine is the older style strap apparently, with connectors that are not quite as secure as on the later version. Also, I just prefer leather. It's just personal preference, really...As an economist once said, 'There's no accounting for taste"!

-- Douglas Kinnear (douglas.kinnear@colostate.edu), August 22, 2001.


I'm a big fan of the original leather split ring straps. I've seen them being sold used for prices much higher than $23 dollars.

The thing I don't like about the current strap is that they are stiffer than the leather strap and aren't as smooth (i.e. they scratch my neck).

Thanks for the tip. I need another leather strap.

-- Bud (budcook@attglobal.net), August 22, 2001.


I have placed one of these straps on each M camera and they are much more comfortable than the Leica strap.

I too have not pennies in Seth's business aside from what I spent with him.

steven

-- Steven Alexander (alexpix@worldnet.att.net), August 22, 2001.


I don't like the Leica strap because of the big bulky ends that will scratch the body. They seem to have put 2 rubber bumpers on the body, ready for the scratching ! Also the rubber shoulder patch has those hard scratchy protrusions that will scratch my shoulder and my mother didn't fit rubber bumpers on me at birth.

So I removed the bulky ends and used some nice stainless O rings (spares from Victorinox penknifes), works great, doesn't touch rhe body at all.

And took a sander and sanded the shoulder patch smooth. Now its nice, smooth ,flexy but still sticky ! A delicate job not for the faint hearted.

Still a nice leather strap would be excellent. I will give Seth a call. Anyone has a pic of his strap and camera case. I have a weakness for brown leather !

-- Yip (koklok@krdl.org.sg), August 23, 2001.



i use the Domke Gripper strap (1" width version) and really like it a lot. It doesn't scratch and is quite comfortable and non slip. Also the price was right.

-- tristan tom (tristan@tristantom.com), August 24, 2001.

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