Strap Talk (GX200, but not only)

[rui fernandes]

Hi guys, for those on the quest for the perfect strap, this might be the right thread for you!

(I don't know why, this kind of talk just poped out... it's strange, isn't it... working days are approaching and this might be affecting me... never mind.) :roll:

So, some time ago I posted this solution on dpreview, answering to Prog's question:
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1013&message=34153491

Back then I was pleased with this solution, but not completely sactisfied, I know... The neck strap was too long and I didn't wanted to cut it. I would like to keep it intact, who knows if I'll need it in the future? And the hand strap's fabric wasen't confortable at all...

So I found another solution (another test), starting with four cheap straps
(you know, from one of those really cheap stores ;-) )

It gives me one more hand strap solution (forgive me the red, I know the ladies will love how the colour goes with the case, but this one is just to show how it works and I'll have to find a black one quite urgently!). And can make your own strap "costumization"... Although it leaves one lock "free" on the left side, gotta be carefull with it (more to think about?)...

And the neck strap is way more "clean" and confortable now

It's still very easy to change straps, ad now for three different solutions, two for the hand and one for the neck. :mrgreen:

 

[thelps]

Rui,

I am so pleased you have started this discussion, its something I have not resolved for years - straps!

I am currently using the supplied wrist strap on the GRD (which I find ok) but could use some for the LX3 and DP2. I notice the straps at the top of your post have metal as part of the construction. These worry me as I am one of those silly people who don't like their cameras scratched or marked in anyway and the metal makes me fearful. I notice you have adapted them and removed the metal - good work.

I also am a little wary of those clips, I have only had one fail on me and that was a closure on a camera bag so no big deal. But I think at some point you'd have to discard these before they wear and let your camera drop.

So far the best wrist strap I have owned came with my Contax T3, it was a paracord type and had a clamp that could tighten it.

 

[Marana]

I've been pretty happy with the embroidered Ricoh factory strap ST-2. It's a little on the long side, but that's ok by me. I can leave it around my neck and it functions as another tension point for the tripod effect when I lift it to my eyes to take a shot.

 

[odklizec]

Hehe funny thing Rui! Some time ago I did exactly the same as you did. I needed (and still need) perfect strap with quick-release clips. So I bought a cheap lot of simple straps with quick release clips on ebay (20 or so in one package foe 2USD or so?). They look exactly the same as yours. Did you get a small present for your purchase? Unfortunately, the clips are too fragile and the end strings are very thin. I quickly broke two clips and I was never happy with strings. For example, the strings used by Ricoh are much thicker and more solid. So my current solution is based on cannibalized Ricoh GS-1 strap and Artisan&Artist strap, which come without the end strings suitable for small GRD/GX strap holes. So I took the ends from GS-1. AA strap is a DSLR strap with flat ends so it's not directly usable with GRD/GX (but it is with GXR). Unfortunately, this solution can be hardly call "user friendly" because it requires some time and patience to attach/remove. AA already has some straps with quick release clips, but these are not that good as the one I'm using now. The main advantage of my strap is anti-slippery finish.

 

[thelps]

I was wandering around a store today and noticed the genuine Nintendo Wii Game control strap and though these may be great for cameras?
The Wii straps have the sliding clamp as well, so you can tighten the strap to your wrist.

They come in a pack of four, but guys you may want to use only three, give the pink one to the wife? :lol:

These are the type I saw --- http://www.crunchgear.com/wp-content/up ... _strap.jpg

 

[JBuch]

I have been thinking about straps myself. The supplied wrist strap is fine for most situations, but sometimes a neck strap in more convenient. The standard Ricoh neck strap is alright once you've attached it, but I would like it to be easier/quicker to put on or remove.
The Ricoh neck strap is made up of three segments: two short ones attached to the camera and a longer (middle) segment. If these segments were joined with clips, it would be quicker to remove the strap.
But it could be even smarter. Think of a neck strap like this:

loop, short adjustable stap, female clip < male clip, long strap, female clip < male clip, short adjustable strap, loop

If done this way, you could unclip the middle segment and join the two short parts to form a wrist strap.

Jasper

 

[socket]

So my current solution is based on cannibalized Ricoh GS-1 strap and Artisan&Artist strap, which come without the end strings suitable for small GRD/GX strap holes. So I took the ends from GS-1. AA strap is a DSLR strap with flat ends so it's not directly usable with GRD/GX (but it is with GXR).

I've done the same and I'm very happy with the results. It's not that hard to do and the A&A strap is very comfortable (being quite wide). It's very solid, too. The strap is also a bit longer than the GS-1 strap, whcih I like because I usually carry my camera diagonally across my body.

It's a great solution!

 

[rui fernandes]

I also am a little wary of those clips, I have only had one fail on me and that was a closure on a camera bag so no big deal. But I think at some point you'd have to discard these before they wear and let your camera drop.

So far the best wrist strap I have owned came with my Contax T3, it was a paracord type and had a clamp that could tighten it.

Hi Tim, I'm aware of that possibility, and it's not easy to get the sturdy enought clips and the "easy to use" ones. I tested some others (much better but so sturdy that I would have take an eternity to change straps!)

Can you post an image of that Contax strap, if possible, please?

Marana, that one was on my plans too. But too long for my taste (as well as expensive for a tryal out) ;-)

I needed (and still need) perfect strap with quick-release clips. So I bought a cheap lot of simple straps with quick release clips on ebay (20 or so in one package foe 2USD or so?). They look exactly the same as yours. Did you get a small present for your purchase?

Hehe, does it exist at all, the perfect strap? ;-) I didn't found such a pack on my searches, also in this case I prefer to test them with my hands first. No present at this cheap stores, bummer. Anyway I'm looking at my mail in case anything useful for this quest drops in ;-)

Unfortunately, the clips are too fragile and the end strings are very thin. I quickly broke two clips and I was never happy with strings. For example, the strings used by Ricoh are much thicker and more solid. So my current solution is based on cannibalized Ricoh GS-1 strap and Artisan&Artist strap, which come without the end strings suitable for small GRD/GX strap holes. So I took the ends from GS-1. AA strap is a DSLR strap with flat ends so it's not directly usable with GRD/GX (but it is with GXR). Unfortunately, this solution can be hardly call "user friendly" because it requires some time and patience to attach/remove. AA already has some straps with quick release clips, but these are not that good as the one I'm using now. The main advantage of my strap is anti-slippery finish.

All those seems to be good solutions. I'm planning some "cannibal act" too, we'll see about that... As for the fragility, here's a detailed shot of a clip and string. It doesn't seem so fragile as that (knock on wood), and I can replace the string

The Ricoh neck strap is made up of three segments: two short ones attached to the camera and a longer (middle) segment. If these segments were joined with clips, it would be quicker to remove the strap.
But it could be even smarter. Think of a neck strap like this:

loop, short adjustable stap, female clip < male clip, long strap, female clip < male clip, short adjustable strap, loop

If done this way, you could unclip the middle segment and join the two short parts to form a wrist strap.

Jasper, thats what I thought about the Ricoh strap. But found another one like you mention and made my adaptation with an old strap from my SLR (sturdy but not too much large, unbranded, black). But I wasen't happy with the different sizes of straps and clips, neither the different fabrics (one of them not so confortable). And it was too long and I really didn't wanted to cut and destroy the old strap.
I show it on dpreview, you may take a look a the link I provided in the beggining of this topic. Anyway, here it is to make it simple for this discussion:

I've done the same and I'm very happy with the results. It's not that hard to do and the A&A strap is very comfortable (being quite wide). It's very solid, too. The strap is also a bit longer than the GS-1 strap, whcih I like because I usually carry my camera diagonally across my body.

... "across the body"... !! Now thats another solution to think about! Will this quest for the perfect strap ever ends? :mrgreen:

edit: BTW, Socket, I didn't got rid of my R4... she just stoped working normaly it turns on, lens out, but the LCD is black, as well as any file after shooting... thanks for your complimment, and I'll miss my R4 a lot :cry:

 

[dearxh]

Did you guys try the Wii strap which is mentioned by Tim? I think it is really a good solution because of its slide clamp. Maybe I will have a try on this weekend.

 

[socket]

BTW, Socket, I didn't got rid of my R4... she just stoped working normaly it turns on, lens out, but the LCD is black, as well as any file after shooting... thanks for your complimment, and I'll miss my R4 a lot :cry:

I'm sorry to hear that. :shock:

It's funny - a second hand R4 is for sale on Kijiji very close to where I live - it's been there for months. A bit far to post though (from Canada!)

 

[rui fernandes]

I'm sorry to hear that. :shock:

It's funny - a second hand R4 is for sale on Kijiji very close to where I live - it's been there for months. A bit far to post though (from Canada!)

Thanks, Socket. I wonder how many will be "lost" in some shelves around the world? One or two? Maybe you could made a good deal for you? Once in a while maybe some will pop out on a search like this one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/MINTRicoh-R4-Camera ... _500wt_975

But I still have my R3 and GX200, so I cannot justify spending more money on a new (old) camera. I'll try to control myself for the next few months, that Casio EX-FH100 and maybe CX3 will make some damages on my plans... ;-)

 

[socket]

Hmm ... I would really be interested in the CX1 if it had a better grip... the CX2/3... not so much (too much zoom).

Not to totally hijack this thread, but what is the best 'R' camera? I hear the R4 is up there.

 

[rui fernandes]

I played a little bit with a CX1 from a coleague, and I must say I was very impressed by the IQ. On the LCD, only, and because of the flash work. The shots were made inside a restaurant, and I couldn't believe how good it was, especialy coming from the R series experience, where I definitly couldn't get those results. I didn't play as much as I wanted to because of all the confusion, and I'm sure that camera wasen't "fine tuned", set to AUTO ISO for example, so I cannot say that much...

R4, maybe the best R*, altough some users say its the R3. Other claim that the more recent R* are excelent. I don't know if any user has the experience through all the series to be able to take a vallid conclusion. Pavel, perhaps?

One thing still puzzles me. R4 files seems better on the monitor at home than on the LCD. The most recent are exceptional on the LCD, but are they so good on the monitor? ;-)

 

[Marana]

Rui, one thing I've noticed that that even if the photo is blurry, it looks sharp on the CX1 rear lcd screen, it fools the eye, :^) But then again, if I didn't pixel peep so much, maybe it wouldn't matter. BUT, I do pixel peep, and I find I need to keep super steady hands for the pictures to turn out. Also, I've sort of given up low light photography and learned to love the flash! One last thing that helps is my neck strap, I've put it at just the right length to act as as a third anchor point for the camera when I take a photo, holding the camera with both hands and pulling on the strap.

I have a friend's wedding coming up soon, and I really, really hope I can get some good photos with the CX1. I'm kind of worried, it'll be indoors at a restaurant in Texas, and I don't want to annoy everyone with flash. BUT, it'll be a small affair, and she's asked me to take photos! SO, please wish me luck!

 

[thelps]

Rui,

here is a pic of my Contax T3 next the GRD III, the T3 strap is somewhat thicker and wider and more rounded but the friction held sliding clamp means you can adjust the strap so it feels more secure.
I often used to trim its adjustment. For those of you who wear gloves or coats, adjustment may be handy?

A WORD OF WARNING *** Lanyards can be dangerous. Your wrist is tied to the camera and should it get hooked or caught somewhere that is moving you will get carried with it.
Makes me consider that the clamps in Rui's first post might let go under a lot of tension. Better to damage and lose your nice camera rather than a wrist or hand - you can always buy another camera.

 

[thelps]

Here is a pack of 4 genuine Nintendo Wii remote straps, with my GRD III. The pack of 4 straps cost AU$10.
So at AU$2.50 per strap, thats affordable.

 

[gsaronni]

Here is a pack of 4 genuine Nintendo Wii remote straps, with my GRD III. The pack of 4 straps cost AU$10.
So at AU$2.50 per strap, thats affordable.

Hi
Are these straps strong enough to rely on them?. I like the ones that can be adjusted to your wrist.

Thanks

 

[thelps]

Hi
Are these straps strong enough to rely on them?. I like the ones that can be adjusted to your wrist.

Thanks

I can't be sure if they are strong enough, the knitted strap part is about 4 times the width than the Ricoh supplied strap, so it likely that part is stronger, but its the white string part that looks to be the weakest link. As these straps are made to stop a Wii controller from flying away from you hand I can only hope they will be up to the task. Fashion wise they may not be suitable for some.

Having tried one on my LX3 I think these are possibly a tad short for me. The plastic block part continually knocks (taps) the side of the camera. I think it likely I'll go back the the standard Ricoh strap on the GRD for the moment and keep these straps for the cameras that I only got neck straps with. And keep looking for something new of course!!

I feel I have to re-post A WORD OF WARNING *** Lanyards can be dangerous. Your wrist is tied to the camera and should it get hooked or caught somewhere that is moving you will get carried with it. Makes me consider that the clamps in Rui's first post might let go under a lot of tension. Better to damage and lose your nice camera rather than a wrist or hand - you can always buy another camera.

Here is my GRD wearing the blue version - this may look better on the Stussy GRD III ?? :lol:

 

[Prognathous]

Interesting discussion. I must say that the dealextreme strap I managed to fit to the GX200 (thanks to Rui's tips) is very convenient to use. However, storing the camera in my pouch is a bit difficult, because the strap itself is pretty thick. I'm about to order a Ricoh ST-2 strap instead. Now, before I do, is there any reason to avoid this strap other than the lack of quick release buckles?

Thanks,
Prog.

Edit: This "for Ricoh" strap has quick release buckles and is cheaper than the ST-2. Do you think it's worth the bother over the original? Being a Neoprene strap I think it's likely to be just as thick as the one I have.

 

[odklizec]

Prog, I believe the ST-2 is exactly the same strap as GS-1? All I can say about GS-1 is it's very cheap-made and somewhat uncomfortable to use strap. It's too narrow if compared with A&A or even the one you found at ebay. I will eventually buy this ebay strap and compare it with A&A and ST-2 (GS-1). The one you found at ebay looks very comfortable and the price is superb. It seems it even have its inner (neck) side padded with anti-slippery finish (the same as A&A strap)? This should make the camera very easy to carry on your shoulder (unlike GS-1/ST-2 single-layer strap).