Carry it like you mean it [Archive]

dave lackey

12-27-2011, 05:17

Tom A has convinced me to carry it like I mean it! In other words, carry the camera around the neck!

Why am I just now getting around to this? I don't know if it was the uncomfortable strap/weight on my neck; aversion to being labelled something; or if it was the Nikon 1 I checked out at Target during Christmas shopping.

Yeah, that's it. the Nikon 1 with a commercial showing a small, slim digital camera that you put into your inside jacket chest pocket...:p complete with a lump of a lens that does NOT fit inside your jacket pocket. I would hate to see it in a pant pocket.

So, back to fulll-frame cameras like SLRs and RFs (digital/film). I am using the Leica R4 with a motor winder now and it is so cool to wear that thing where people actually SEE it. Then, when I switch to the M3, it is even cooler as it weighs much less and is available to shoot immediately rather than having to bring it from a shoulder hanging position.:)

Do I look like a photographer? Who cares...at least people are given a subliminal advance warning that pictures will be taken at some point. I think that is very important. Occasionally, I have two cameras worn across my shoulder bandolero style. Or even one but I haven't a good strap for that yet.

So, thanks to Tom A and a few others (like Thorsten Overgaard) who wear their cameras proudly around their neck... I am a convert.:angel:

Pancake

12-27-2011, 05:30

I wore my camera round my neck the other day whilst Xmas shopping, I felt like an old school reporter :) light was rubbish anyway so I just had an expensive necklace on :) I flit between neck and hand straps, can never make my mind up which is better

jsrockit

12-27-2011, 05:30

I'm an around-the-neck guy. I like having my hands free (when not photographing) and don't care if people notice my camera.

Roger Hicks

12-27-2011, 05:59

Dear Dave,

Well.... I never stopped carrying mine around my neck!

Cheers,

R.

rbsinto

12-27-2011, 06:00

Sorry Dave, but I don't understand at all the point you are trying to make.
How is carrying a camera around one's neck more "meaningful" or whatever, than carrying it off a shoulder, on a wrist strap, bandolier style or simply held in a hand?
Sorry, but this "carry it like you mean it" sounds pretty frivolous, and pointless to me.

Vincent.G

12-27-2011, 06:07

muser53

12-27-2011, 06:14

There's a (good) reason those things are called neck straps!

rbsinto

12-27-2011, 06:43

Dear Dave

I wear my camera around my neck too! It is easier to use and does not get bumped accidentally that easily. I had people bumped into me and almost caused the camera strap to slip off my shoulders.

For a number of years now I have been promoting the idea of velcro strips on camera straps and matching strips on photo vest or jacket epaulettes, as a slip-proof method of keeping a camera strap from slipping off a shoulder, and at the same time, keeping my hands free.
I've carried a motor-driven F2 with a 300 2.8 lens and mono pod (weighing about ten pounds) this way with no slippage problem at all. And if the camera is worn backwards, the lens rides across the back or buttocks and is protected from being bumped as one walks.

newsgrunt

12-27-2011, 06:53

Rarely carry around the neck and only if I'm using two bodies and a camera bag, otherwise it's neck strap wrapped around my wrist and carried in hand if I'm trawling for photos. If not being used, in the bag it goes.

Shade

12-27-2011, 06:55

I wear my Leica over the should usually. The m9 plus the noctilux isn't very easy on my neck.. The shoulder feels much better on that setup..

Phantomas

12-27-2011, 06:57

Cool story bro.

dave lackey

12-27-2011, 06:58

For a number of years now I have been promoting the idea of velcro strips on camera straps and matching strips on photo vest or jacket epaulettes, as a slip-proof method of keeping a camera strap from slipping off a shoulder, and at the same time, keeping my hands free.
I've carried a motor-driven F2 with a 300 2.8 lens and mono pod (weighing about ten pounds) this way with no slippage problem at all. And if the camera is worn backwards, the lens rides across the back or buttocks and is protected from being bumped as one walks.

Everyone is different. I find wearing a suit jacket and a camera works best when the camera is around my neck. When wearing a jacket in the rain the camera is protected with the zipped jacket. When wearing a t-shirt, I will almost always wear it bandolier. Circumstances and preferences. Everybody is different. Not frivolous at all.:rolleyes:

PatrickCheung

12-27-2011, 07:01

I usually carry around my right shoulder, though ever since I've been using rangefinders the left side of the strap usually ends up covering the viewfinder when i pull it up to eye level. Ever since then, I've been carrying them around the neck... I should invest in a comfier strap :)

dave lackey

12-27-2011, 07:08

Yes, a comfortable strap. It seems that different cameras will do better with different straps. When doing weddings, a tux is not the easiest thing to carry a camera on the shoulder with, so, it is with circumstances. When shooting sports photography for many years, I dressed and carried the appropriately huge cameras/lenses and bags with me. Hung over the shoulders, cross the body, whatever.

But, now I don't do that anymore. I carry much smaller and lighter gear.

But comfort is a high priority for me.:cool: Not macho? Tough.

Gumby

12-27-2011, 07:24

I'm at a loss as to how to interpret your parting message, Dave. "Macho" has little to do with carrying a camera IMO.

... but I've found the Tamrac N-17 to be that comfortable neck strap for both SLRs and RFs. The length adjusts and doesn't change, they have enough non-stick to keep from slipping, adn the quick release makes life easier when using a mono or tripod. The neoprene weren't very comfortable to me when walking since they bounce.

http://www.tamrac.com/g_camerastraps.htm

rbsinto

12-27-2011, 07:43

Everyone is different. I find wearing a suit jacket and a camera works best when the camera is around my neck. When wearing a jacket in the rain the camera is protected with the zipped jacket. When wearing a t-shirt, I will almost always wear it bandolier. Circumstances and preferences. Everybody is different. Not frivolous at all.:rolleyes:

Dave,
With respect to circumstances and preferences, I agree with you completely. In identical circumstances many people will choose different ways of performing a given task.
My comment refers to your assertion that carrying a camera on a neck strap is more meaningful than carrying it some other way, which I do find to be frivolous.
anyway, I don't want to start a war with you on this, so let's just agree to disagree and leave it at that.

dave lackey

12-27-2011, 08:13

Dave,
With respect to circumstances and preferences, I agree with you completely. In identical circumstances many people will choose different ways of performing a given task.
My comment refers to your assertion that carrying a camera on a neck strap is more meaningful than carrying it some other way, which I do find to be frivolous.
anyway, I don't want to start a war with you on this, so let's just agree to disagree and leave it at that.

Disagree about what? My opinion? You have yours. So be it.:angel:

dave lackey

12-27-2011, 08:14

newspaperguy

12-27-2011, 08:23

Originally Posted by rbsinto http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/themes/graphite/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1775313#post1775313)
For a number of years now I have been promoting the idea of velcro strips on camera straps and matching strips on photo vest or jacket epaulettes, as a slip-proof method of keeping a camera strap from slipping off a shoulder, and at the same time, keeping my hands free.

Years ago, I had buttons - of matching color, of course - sewn on the right-hand shoulder seam of my sports coats and suit jackets to help catch/secure the strap to my 2nd camera. My main user camera was around the neck with a neck-strap.

Seldom carry a back-up camera any more, so it's neck mostly - shoulder under jacket if discreet.

Gumby

12-27-2011, 09:04

The word macho was a jest...as in only real men put up with pain. Not me! I am a wimp.:p

Understood. But I must admit to feeling quite macho when carrying a 4x5 speed graphic, especially when the 3-cell graflite is attached.

goo0h

12-27-2011, 09:14

Sometimes I wear it around the neck, but tend to prefer to wear it across the chest. I like how it rests near my elbow for protection; if I'm wearing it under my long overcoat, it's not in people's face if I have no intention on using it; if at a party, I don't get food droppings all over the camera; and if I lean over, it doesn't bang into something. Currently just using the A&A adjustable strap extended all the way out. With some effort, I can drag the strap to bring the camera to my eye. It's not ideal, but generally works OK.

If I'm going to be using the camera more frequently, then yes, I'll generally move it around the neck again.

Sometimes I'll just carry it, but it depends on where I'm at, and how secure the environment seems. I don't think just carrying it, even if the strap is wrapped around the wrist, is terribly wise in some settings.....

CK Dexter Haven

12-27-2011, 09:15

Ken Rockwell loves the Tamrac straps. Must look into them. The word macho was a jest...as in only real men put up with pain. Not me! I am a wimp.:p

Oh my gosh! Really! Please - someone.... ANYONE... show me a photograph by Ken Rockwell that impresses you to such an extent that you want to emulate him in any way. Or, take gear advice from him. Down to the detail of strap preference. I've been struggling to understand this for years. You recognize his name. I get that. That makes him an expert?

....

OP: i wear mine on the right shoulder, across my chest. The strap is long enough to use the camera without taking the strap off my shoulder.

I wish i could just hang it around my neck, but the darned things always seem to bounce around as i walk. Clank-clank-clank on my chest. Why is it that no one else is similarly affected? Maybe i walk to fast. I certainly don't have any kind of strut in my gait....

Tom A

12-27-2011, 09:17

I usually carry two cameras - one in my shoulder bag and the other around my neck. The reason for the around the neck part is that over the years I have bashed up more lenses and cameras in car-doors, normal door frames and once had a shoulder carried camera get stuck in a revolving door!!!!!
It is a habit - and as most habits, difficult to break. A single rf camera with a moderately heavy lens is OK - sometimes heavy lenses can impart a bit off a "blood flow cut off" to the brain and you do stupid things - like buying different camera systems at swap-meets etc.
The other reason for having the camera "up front" is that you can glance down and check shutter speed settings, aperture etc quickly.
I also can grab the camera while driving and do "drive by shots" (generally dont work out though).
In my past I used to do multiprojector A-V shows (24 projectors - way before Power Point!). Then I used to carry 4 Nikon F2 or F3 with motordrives, one short strapped and one with longer strap on my chest and one on each shoulder. Inertia was a problem, the sheer weight of the stuff would propel you forward!.
I also like keeping hands free - and the wrist -strap/wound up neck strap is a bit clumsy - and you have to find a place to put the camera down on if you are sitting down, or simply shaking someone's hand!
But in like everything photographic - to each his own and it is more important that you are comfortable with how you carry the camera than what other people tell you to do!

shadowfox

12-27-2011, 09:22

Dave,

A fun thread to read, I now have a mental picture of you, Tom A. and other folks proudly walking around with cameras around your neck :)

I'm fine with my shoulder bag "way" where no one sees a camera until I decided to take a picture. It's not the "stealth" part that is the main motivation although it does help, it's more the sense that I'm blending in with the street crowd.

There is one camera that I proudly sling on my shoulder at events, that is the F3 + MD4. I feel like I can take on the world when I'm toting them :p

Gumby

12-27-2011, 09:34

Oh my gosh! Really! Please - someone.... ANYONE... show me a photograph by Ken Rockwell that impresses you to such an extent that you want to emulate him in any way. Or, take gear advice from him. Down to the detail of strap preference. I've been struggling to understand this for years. You recognize his name. I get that. That makes him an expert? ...

Ha ha, that's funny. I've never thought of it that way. Turn it around -- what do you think Ken Rockwell thinks of us? I'd LOVE to hear his impressions.

zuiko85

12-27-2011, 09:49

For myself I like a bandolier style strap. Too easy to get bumped off of shoulder and my gait causes camera to bounce too much around neck. I also prefer a vertical orientation of the camera and so have hooked up a home made strap slot to my M4-2's tripod socket.

damien.murphy

12-27-2011, 10:52

Personally around the neck is not for me, and find the camera swings uncontrollably whenever I do anything other than stand upright. Now bandolier-style across the chest with the M resting beneath my elbow I love, for all the reasons mentioned already above.

newspaperguy

12-27-2011, 11:35

Not just a bump, but another thought prompted by Tom A.'s comment about the shoulder carried camera being prone to banging into stuff. Agreed.

On the shoulder, I always carried my cameras with lens in - pointing to my body - sounds dumb, but it works and it's very comfortable. Makes a long lens lay against your back... or butt, depending on strap and/or lens length.

kxl

12-27-2011, 12:04

20+ posts re: carrying your camera around your neck... only at RFF :)

nighstar

12-27-2011, 14:23

20+ posts re: carrying your camera around your neck... only at RFF :)

lol

i've never NOT carried my camera around my neck with the exception of truly pocketable P&S cameras which are either around my wrist or tucked away somewhere when not in use. i have, however, changed how i carry my camera around my neck when it's not in use: instead of it dangling in front of me all the time i now wear it around my neck but to the side like i would a purse/messenger bag. i'm always paranoid that the lens/hood might bang/brush up against something while walking, though, so my hand is always hovering around it in crowded/tight places.

back alley

12-27-2011, 14:27

real men use wrist straps!!

;)

Tom A

12-27-2011, 14:44

real men use wrist straps!!

;)

Now, real men using wrist strap only with a MP and a 50f1.4 Summilux or Nokton 35f1.2 can very soon tie their shoelaces without bending down - if they keep switching hands on a regular basis as the arms gets longer and longer!

back alley

12-27-2011, 14:45

Now, real men using wrist strap only with a MP and a 50f1.4 Summilux or Nokton 35f1.2 can very soon tie their shoelaces without bending down - if they keep switching hands on a regular basis as the arms gets longer and longer!

its a bitch buying a suit too!!

;)

taskoni

12-27-2011, 14:55

My 2nd assistant director is carrying my cameras for me :p
My 3rd Ad is wearing the suit... Now... that's a bitch :D

jbielikowski

12-27-2011, 15:04

try to walk the streets with Koni-Omega + 58/5.6 + VF hanging on the neck, gonna get priceless looks from people. :D

Rico

12-28-2011, 01:02

Few of my cameras have a strap. If I mean it, I carry the camera in my hand. Otherwise, it's in a shoulder bag (think Domke F6).

gilpen123

12-28-2011, 01:43

Ken carry CAMERAS around his neck :eek:

http://gilpen.smugmug.com/Other/Digital-Pics/i-GZZXsfK/0/XL/KR-XL.jpg

Racefan

01-24-2012, 14:11

20+ posts re: carrying your camera around your neck... only at RFF :)

Ha! Love this thread - can't miss reviving and adding my 2 pennies...

Since coming back to rangefinders a couple of years ago I've abandoned all the various carry options that were required for the heavy DSLR gear. Back to around the neck. I use the short fixed length A&A cloth straps which are light and comfortable, don't let the camera swing too far when bending, are perfect for using slip-loop fashion as a secure wrist strap when I'm shooting a lot, and don't take much space in the bag.

Happy to contribute...

Tom A

01-24-2012, 14:44

http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1001/655417208_12ba093c43_z.jpg

30 years ago - boy were those glasses ugly and I had hair, lots of it. yes, I have always carried cameras around my neck - maybe not this many. Tuulikki took the shot with her nikon F and a 105f2.5 on Technical Pan film.

dave lackey

01-24-2012, 14:53

30 years ago - boy were those glasses ugly and I had hair, lots of it. yes, I have always carried cameras around my neck - maybe not this many. Tuulikki took the shot with her nikon F and a 105f2.5 on Technical Pan film.

Tom, now that is a picture I would like to have on my coffee mug, seriously. Even a T-shirt!:angel:

jsrockit

01-24-2012, 15:08

Those glasses are kind of cool IMO.

dave lackey

01-24-2012, 15:17

Those glasses are kind of cool IMO.

+1... that photo and a title like, "Carry it like you mean it" or something even better would be rather cool, too.:)

kdemas

01-24-2012, 15:28

@Tom- That's a classic!

As for the "around the neck" question... I do it quite often, especially when I'm using a strap that's less than grippy for shoulder carrying (like a Kameraleder strap). I like the position when worn around the neck, quick to draw.

Bill58

01-24-2012, 16:32

I cross-carry all my full size RFs on a Leicagoodies.com strap/ sling. My heavy Nikon SLRs are on a conventional/ wide foam neck strap.

Bill

gb hill

01-24-2012, 17:32

Those neck straps on the Bessa's are the most comfortable I've ever used. I wear mine usually on my shoulder, but like you Dave I have been thinking around the neck would be even better to get to my camera quicker...like Garry Winogrand:)

kshapero

01-24-2012, 17:49

Dave, what about this strap?

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5175/5485125898_113c28fd0e_z.jpg

raid

01-24-2012, 18:55

I carry my camera with a neck strap when it is not in the camera bag.

Tom A

01-24-2012, 20:02

Dave, what about this strap?

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5175/5485125898_113c28fd0e_z.jpg

Looks like a Lumiere/Takahashi strap. I use these on "light" cameras, mostly Nikon Rf's. Very comfortable and flexible. If you want to carry the camera in your hand - it "folds" up nicely - with less bulk than conventional straps.
With a heavy body, a M2 with Rapidwinder and a 90f2 vII - it does cut into the neck a bit. Stays well on the shoulder too.
Tom

kdemas

01-24-2012, 20:59

Ahhh... the A&A Silk Strap, a goodie. I went for the black one, very nicely made.

Dave, what about this strap?

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5175/5485125898_113c28fd0e_z.jpg

Cyriljay

02-27-2012, 15:35

dave lackey

02-27-2012, 15:45

Well, I too prefer to carry mine around my neck whatever it look like to the others.

.......whereas the Old Masters of Photography still like to do as I and although It seems not very practical and dangerous do with several cameras at the same time.

The hard way and the funny way of how <<William Klein>> working with several Leica in Paris.

89829

Ah...just getting warm weather now and been on a few 5-mile walks with the SLR or the IIIF or even one of the Nikons. T-shirts are a pain with no collars as the strap rubs the back of the neck. Here is where the bandolier style works best but I can't find a strap quite long enough.... hope i can before really hot weather or it's back to a wrist strap and/or shoulder carry for me.:p

But then, I wear polo shirts a lot and the collar saves the day for regular neck carry.

randolph45

02-27-2012, 16:01

seajak

03-07-2012, 12:54

Dave,

Have a look at the Crumpler Popular Disgrace (http://www.crumpler.com/AU/Camera-Bags/Camera-Straps-Accessories/Popular-Disgrace.html?LanguageCode=EN&SKU=PDE001-B00000). The neck pad is covered with a silky smooth synthetic fabric which is really comfortable against the skin. It is also long enough (just) to wear across the chest. I wear T-shirts most of the time and this has become my favourite strap.

cheers,
clay

dave lackey

03-07-2012, 13:12

seajak

03-07-2012, 17:20

Hi Dave,

Mine is around 108cm at the moment. However, I have the free end doubled back inside the the loop below the buckle so you should be able to get another 8 cm or so out of it.

cheers,
clay

dave lackey

03-07-2012, 17:28

Hi Dave,

Mine is around 108cm at the moment. However, I have the free end doubled back inside the the loop below the buckle so you should be able to get another 8 cm or so out of it.

cheers,
clay

Thanks, Clay. Will measure my straps tomorrow and see how they compare!:)

n5jrn

03-07-2012, 17:35

For me, it depends. If inspiration is generally not striking me to take photos, the camera stays in the bag. If it mostly is, the camera is around my neck with lens cap on and lens collapsed (unless using it, hopefully!). If it really is, the lens stays extended and the cap stays off (and I stay careful).

daveleo

03-15-2012, 11:54

I carry the small Panasonic LX3 around my neck all the time.
I carry the larger Nikon DSLR in a bag across shoulders (camera has a wrist strap).

Years ago my Hexar flipped off my shoulder and was inches away from hitting the street when I caught it. Never again carry a loose camera off one shoulder.

Archiver

03-16-2012, 03:18

If I am wearing a camera, it is either around my neck or bandolier style. If I am walking briskly I either put it in bandolier mode or hold it in my hand. Otherwise it is in my bag. I hardly ever have a camera hanging off a shoulder, it seems so precarious there!

unixrevolution

03-16-2012, 05:49

I have long straps on all my cameras so I can carry them bandolier style. As cited above, I hate carrying around my neck not only because it's uncomfortable for me, but because it keeps swinging around like a wildly-flailing fragile wrecking ball, and as I walk it bumps against my belly going, "you're fat...you're fat...you're fat..."

The bandolier style is more my speed, but for dual weilding I'll probably eventually go with a RapidStrap double rapid:

http://www.blackrapid.com/product/camera-strap/dr1/

For all my other camera strap needs, I go with American-Made straps from OP/TECH USA. Good quality and good prices, and very comfy.

http://optechusa.com/

dave lackey

03-16-2012, 06:02

Erik, that is too funny!:)

I am using an Op-Tech on the R4 and just this week on the M3. I love the way it hooks to the rings on the cameras, easy to put on and take off without taking the split rings off. The strap falls down and out of the way as soon as I bring it up to shooting position and the wide strap is very comfortable on the back of the neck.

Come summer, I will most likely go back to a thin strap as the heat in this part of the world is oppressive and sweat is a factor too.:p

mathomas

03-16-2012, 06:27

Just for fun:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4HjmI9Zi4k

(this is my video, so be gentle)

charjohncarter

03-16-2012, 06:33

People think I'm a dork with or without a camera. So I wear mine around my neck, besides it give me hands for meters, filters, cable releases and flash equipment. Now that is really dorky.

burancap

03-16-2012, 06:47

People think I'm a dork with or without a camera. So I wear mine around my neck

Likewise on both counts...

After coming this >< close to dropping an M slung over my shoulder -always around the neck, now!

mathomas

03-16-2012, 08:40

Likewise on both counts...

After coming this >< close to dropping an M slung over my shoulder -always around the neck, now!

I just really hate the feeling of all the weight hanging off my neck. And wearing it on a shoulder makes no sense to me. It can never come off your shoulder if you wear it across your chest, and the weight is also off your neck.

That's how I see it, anyway.

And yes, I look like a dork no matter what :). It's function that I'm after.

jippiejee

03-16-2012, 08:49

(this is my video, so be gentle)

In gentle voice... psst... second 'right-->>' example: maybe take off the lens cap? :)

burancap

03-16-2012, 09:10

That's how I see it, anyway.

Your are correct, so I will try to clarify my previous post (also, after watching your vid).

1.) Neck (classic style): When I am actively shooting. Though, I may lengthen my strap(s) and try your bandolier style at all times.

2.) Neck/shoulder (bandolier style): When the camera is dormant, too heavy, or in particular - when I am carrying two cameras. Again, the dormant one tucked out of the way with the active one around my neck. A quick arm switch and I am good (with no chance of a drop).

3.) Shoulder (purse style): Never! Well, at least not again.

OK... I just put way too much thought into this post... I think that the bottom line is that the neck simply HAS to be involved.

mathomas

03-16-2012, 19:52

In gentle voice... psst... second 'right-->>' example: maybe take off the lens cap? :)

Hehe, yes. Of course, this was just a demonstration. Don't try it on the street!

unixrevolution

03-28-2012, 04:49

Hehe, yes. Of course, this was just a demonstration. Don't try it on the street!

But you save so much money in printing costs that way...

menos

03-30-2012, 21:52

I never carry cameras around my neck - I hate the swing and bumping cameras into stuff that way.

I also wear on all cameras the exact same length, modified Leica quick release strap.

I always shoot with two or three bodies and never got the hang of short/ long wearing straps, to stack cameras on my chest - always messy for me.

So, I have mostly one camera over a shoulder, ready, to be picked up, one camera in my hand, I am shooting with and a third or just other stuff in a shoulder bag, which is sized, to easily take three M bodies and lenses.

While shooting, I change the bag and shouldered camera a lot from one shoulder to the other, cross wearing it in tight or highly movable environment (or in the cold, as it provides additional heat insulation).

My neck is only temporary camera holder, when changing film/ batteries/ lenses.

Erik van Straten

03-31-2012, 11:02

I never take more than one body and one lens. The camera hangs around my neck with an old Leitz leather neckstrap made as short as possible. The lenscap is secured by a small strap wich is connected to the clip of the neckstrap.

Erik.

menos

03-31-2012, 17:36

Erik, I think, one can see this in your photographs - really simplistic and concentrated to the fact - I like that, but could never do this.

It is funny, as friends poke me about me always needing some warm up time, when going out and shooting.
I always spend about 1h of changing lenses and cameras, playing around until I have my two bodies and lenses for the day locked.
This needs me, to take more lenses and cameras with me in a shoulder bag, than I would need to use, but it strangely is the only way, that works for me, as I found.

Tom A

03-31-2012, 19:37

Long time ago when I made a living shooting press stuff. I always carried two cameras around my neck - one short strapped, usually with a 35 and one "long" strapped underneath the first one. The long strap one was almost always a 21. Unfortunately, if you had to jump around a bit, it usually resulted in "pogo" stick movement. Bottom camera moving upwards, meeting top camera coming down - and exit a 21 finder (or even a top plate on occasion).
Nowadays, I usually carry just one camera around my neck, a second in the bag - or in a largish pocket of the vest. I am also considerably older and move slower. Less defunct finders and top-plate this way.
I like having a strap attached to me! Once I was shooting something and I had decided to just hold one M2 in my hand and shoot, decided to switch cameras and just let go of it! I did expect the camera to just fall to the end of the strap - it didn't - it hit the floor with a rather loud crash. Cured me from the "hand hold" only idea!

Sustich

04-16-2012, 06:04

Neck for my RFs.

If I'm somewhere without my full sizers, I always wear a D-Lux 3 on a lanyard around my neck; it's ready for the quick draw, and hangs the red dot close to my heart. (Hopefully not a target).

Nick

07-23-2012, 21:29

As a matter of care I *have* to have my RF's around my neck. The alternative would be off my shoulder, with the most expensive part (the lens) most exposed to be knocked against other people or objects.

Particularly in busy Hong Kong, I'm terrified that my glass will be damaged, so I always have it around my neck where it's busy (aka, everywhere).

sparrow6224

07-23-2012, 22:53

How about this? I like the way HCB is carrying his camera here and I've taken to doing the same. It feels more engaged and natural than hanging it off my neck or shoulder. (Picture of HCB with an M4, strap wrapped around his right hand and wrist, and lens cap rigged with a string he's wrapped around his left palm... if I fail to read the pic over into this file you can find it at http://dariocarusso.blogspot.com/ -- you'll have to scroll almost to the bottom of a long page.) Anyway it's a cool way to carry the camera -- it becomes the most important thing, never secondary.

<img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qptky8K9Iy4/TrHMWOPJRvI/AAAAAAAACo0/8EuiLHZnYqo/s400/bresson.jpg" id="il_fi" height="394" width="298" style="padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 8px; ">

sparrow6224

07-23-2012, 22:55

Yeah, I thought I'd fail...

ChrisN

07-24-2012, 00:08

Here you go - it's [ I M G ]http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qptky8K9Iy4/TrHMWOPJRvI/AAAAAAAACo0/8EuiLHZnYqo/s400/bresson.jpg[ / I M G ] (with the spaces removed from the IMG tag).

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qptky8K9Iy4/TrHMWOPJRvI/AAAAAAAACo0/8EuiLHZnYqo/s400/bresson.jpg

sparrow6224

07-24-2012, 18:05

Thanks Chris. Now ain't that a mackin' way to weild the camera?

loquax ludens

07-24-2012, 18:33

How did HCB rig that string on the lens cap? Drill a hole through it?

sparrow6224

07-24-2012, 20:58

Looks like, yes. Did he know they were gonna be $90 apiece?

leicapixie

07-25-2012, 04:44

i carry my cameras around my neck. Fine if my Digital point and shoot ,more pain if my Leica M. I am unable to carry more than one camera at a time!
Doing PJ work i often tried carrying a few cameras at a time.. very soon tied up in a bondage scene, that Houdini would have stayed in..
Camera in the open allows folks to know you are snapping. Less invasive.
My Leica M3 so battered and vulcanite missing(soon replaced) makes for conversation.

B-9

03-07-2013, 12:18

I tend to have the camera around the shoulder, sitting on my hip. I use one of the original domke grippers, black with no camera branding. I bought this strap back in 2006 for 1$ out of a strap bin at the local swap. Most of the gripper is gone, but its the most comfortable and durable strap in my bag.

I usually have the camera in hand even wile walking, the TA Winder makes for a firm grip. It also keeps that pesky advance out of my eye.
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/rffgallery/gallery/31159/med_U31159I1362690376.SEQ.0.jpg