Multi use strap for vintage cameras.

philslizzy · Joined: 07 Aug 2012 Posts: 4748 Location: Cheshire, England

As you know I collect vintage cameras. And use them. Lots of older cameras don't have lugs for a strap so you must rely on the ever ready case. If you don't have a case or the front will not detach you can have a problem. I have come up with a multi-purpose solution.

Let me point out from the start that part of this project involves hanging the camera from the accessory shoe. Not recommended with big, heavy cameras

This strap was originally made for my Zorki 2-C but with an additional piece I can use it with almost any lightweight camera with an accessory shoe.

Here it is with my Voigtlander Vito ll hanging from it.

Attached to the Zorki

The basic strap: A leather strap (adjustable from an old case) An attachment for the tripod bush on one end and a spring loaded swivel hook on the other. I have glued small pads of leather to the sides of the swivel hook so It doesn't mark the metal of the camera.

For the Vito ll I needed a way to attach the other end.

I cut a piece of 3mm plasticard the same size and shape as the accessory shoe and pushed it in, shaving the edges to make it fit tightly.

I then needed to attach a leather strap to it. I decided to use a 10mm leather rivet so I drilled a hole through the plastic and married it up with the leather strap in which I punched a couple of holes. The rivet needed countersinking so I did that, now it's flush with the plastic. Sandwiched between the leather and the plastic is a thin bolt. This is to give a little distance between the strap and the camera body. It also allows me to swivel it the other way round if necessary.

The camera retaining screw was salvaged from an old case, it goes through an eyelet, under the leather patch is a washer, smaller than 1/4", I cut a 45 degree portion out of it with snips and squeezed it over the shaft of the retaining screw with pliers. It just stops the screw from falling off. The leather over it was to protect the camera and tidy it up.

A simple project, you dont need instructions for this one as its self explanatory.

I have a small set of leather rivets, eyelets and punches. This does help! The last image shows the swivel hook attached via a punched hole in the leather. I will reinforce this with an eyelet. A split ring may also be used through the loop on the end.

LucisPictor · Expire: 2013-12-03

Nice idea! Is it rugged enough for daily use?

philslizzy · Joined: 07 Aug 2012 Posts: 4748 Location: Cheshire, England

It is very rugged. I've used it for nearly six months with my Zorki and worn it all day many times. It is all leather, glued and riveted. very rugged. I plan to make another with all the leather the same and the rivets & eyelets the same colour. This one kind of evolved so it's a mix-match of materials.

You could make one from nylon webbing rather than leather, although because of the material it would have to be wider. Its the fitments that make strap this unique.

I was worried that the accessory shoe may get too much strain, but the Vito in the photos only weighs about 700g. No problem.

David · Expire: 2013-01-25

Very, very good idea.

philslizzy · Joined: 07 Aug 2012 Posts: 4748 Location: Cheshire, England

Thanks David.

Francois · Joined: 16 Jul 2014 Posts: 4 Location: South of Montreal

I too was a bit worried about the hotshoe... probably more than the strap itself as leather is pretty durable.

But on the other hand, I keep thinking that this is just what I need for a few of my cameras.

Thanks for the very inspiring tip Smile

philslizzy · Joined: 07 Aug 2012 Posts: 4748 Location: Cheshire, England

Francois · Joined: 16 Jul 2014 Posts: 4 Location: South of Montreal

Cameras vary so much in shape that the only solution I could think of is two sliding L brackets that adjust to the width of the camera and get held secure with the tripod socket. To counter the front to back balance, I'd put on the top of each bracket a tab that goes forward with a series of holes drilled in it. You adjust the front to back balance by shifting the split ring position.