My New Homemade Camera Strap

[Tom Harrell]

Greetings,

I have a IIIf that I carry around in a small bag. I was never ready to take a photo on the spur of the moment. I would have to dig the camera out of the bag which was not large enough to keep the 5 CM Elmar in the ready position. I decided to try threading some parachute cord through the camera strap lugs. I bought new parachute cord from a local military surplus store and set down today to give it a try. It was difficult but I finally managed to do it. I did it by cutting the cord at an angle and gently used a kitchen fork tine to poke it through. It took some working to get it started but I finally made it. Then I tied a knot in the end of the cord, pulled it back through till the knot was against the lug. I put it around my neck and adjusted the length of what I thought would be comfortable and cut the cord there. Next I again trimmed the cord at an angle and worked it through the remaining camera strap lug. I tied a knot in the cord and presto I have a very strong camera strap. I don't think the cord will bright mark the lugs as much as a regular strap.

Thought I would pass this on just in case anyone else needed a strap and wanted to try it.

Tom

[flashover]

What no photo of the finished product? Good idea though

[Flyfisher Tom]

Tom

Great idea. Do you have a photo, by chance, I'm not sure I know what parachute chord looks like. Thanks

[Tom Harrell]

I do not have a photo of the finished item. I will try and take a photo with an old digital camera I have and see if I can post it. I do think it is going to work out okay though and I may experiment with it to see if I can make it easier to install. I have a Tower Type-3 Leica clone to practice on. I will probably experiment with that camera tomorrow. I certainly will let you know how it went. Thanks for the interest.

Tom

[OldNick]

I assume the parachute cord is nylon, at least that is what I worked with many years ago. You probably already know this, but, if it hasn't occurred to you, you can seal the cut ends of the cord by applying heat. It takes some practice, but, done carefully, will eliminate any loose threads at the ends.

Jim N.

[jackp510]

Actually, being a rock climber, I just go to REI and buy thin accessory cord and climbing webbing to make my own camera strap for my camera bodies. At a 1 plus kilonewton rating, your neck will break before the cord and webbing does!!

Jack

[ChrisN]

Good work!

Another thing you can do with para-cord, to make it thinnner, is to remove the core, leaving just the outside braid. This is still very stong but it makes it easier to get it through small holes.

You can also plait or chain-knot the cord to give it more bulk through the main part of the strap.

[Tom Harrell]

Yes, you are all right! Tomorrow I plan on removing approximately a half inch or more of the core so I can more readily get it through the lugs on the Tower Type-3 camera just for the test. Will let you know if it is easier or not. Like it was said your neck will break before the cord will. Good to hear from you all.

Tom

[Dfin]

Just make sure your knots are good and secure. Some knots easerly slip undone with nylon cords!!

[Tom Harrell]

Right "O" I check them frequently. Parachute cord seems to hold the knots pretty well. The outer covering is not slick as most nylon is. The texture is much rougher guess that is a reason that the knots seem to hold well.

Tom

[Tom Harrell]

Got to try the strap out yesterday, works great. My girl and I went to the Indianapolis "Rib Fest" for an outing. She drug me to the Ted Nugent concert while we were there. First time this old timer had ever seen him perform. Very dynamic to say the least. I think I am still half deaf though. Anyhow just wanted to say that the parachute cord works great with no signs of slippage from the knots. Try it if you need a simple strap.

Tom

[jaapv]

It seems awfully thin to have as a carrying cord.. A mugger could garotte you with that!:eek: :eek: