View Full Version : Camera hanging techniques
Probably a stupid topic, but i'm just interested how you guys take your camera with you, without looking touristy or being clumsy.
My technique is:
1. Hanging the camera on my neck.
2. put one arm thru the strap.
Now the camera is hanging under my armpit. It looks better IMHO and my camera isn't that noticeable. It's also a little more protected there. (i will search for a picture to give a better image)
The only problem with this technique is initial shooting speed. If i wan't to take a picture i have to struggle with my camera strap a little before i can bring my eye to the viewfinder.
And it's even more a problem when you are also using a backpack. Because the camera strap gets cluttered with your backpack straps.
I hate hanging the camera the touristy way, because it's continuously bouncing on my belly ;).
So what's you technique?
Over one shoulder. With long lenses (SLR) I turn the combo 180 degrees so the lens bounses against my back. normally Ill hold on to the strap like on a rifle. If I have to handle something using both hands Ill do as you descripe.
Best regards
Have you had a look at the Y-strap? Should make it quicker and easier to bring the camera to your eye.
http://figitalrevolution.com/y-strap/
ruby.monkey
04-19-2010, 01:06
Now the camera is hanging under my armpit. It looks better IMHO and my camera isn't that noticeable. It's also a little more protected there. (i will search for a picture to give a better image)
The only problem with this technique is initial shooting speed. If i wan't to take a picture i have to struggle with my camera strap a little before i can bring my eye to the viewfinder.
And it's even more a problem when you are also using a backpack. Because the camera strap gets cluttered with your backpack straps.
This is how I usually carry my camera, and find it to be no problem, even with a backpack. The trick, I think, is to find a basic nylon strap without too much in the way of grip or comfort aids, as this will let the camera strap slip round without snagging. This also allows me to raise the camera quickly. Why carry it thus? So I can do things like this:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2634/4044709849_d8a6b26efc.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubymonkey/)
The other carry method I use is a Y-strap with one of Mr Coates fine sling connectors. I've found the combination suitable for anything up to a Mamiya RZ67 Pro II with 110mm lens.
Plain vanilla around my neck - along with the light meter - works just fine... Easy to lift and use, see, protect and easy to take off quickly if I need a little more freedom of movement. I'm more interested in speed and useability than whether others think I look ike a tourist :D I actually like wrist straps but their problem is that I sometimes want both hands free and then youre stuck...
denmark.yuzon
04-19-2010, 01:22
i hang my camera like this..
http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?pid=3574665&id=528723874
Brian Sweeney
04-19-2010, 01:41
If I want to be taking pictures, around my neck. When just getting somewhere, no intent to take pictures, over the shoulder. Looking like a tourist can sometimes be beneficial.
http://ziforums.com/picture.php?albumid=14&pictureid=96
Around the neck is more secure. Over the shoulder, best to hold onto the strap. I've had a camera drop to concrete becuase it slipped off my shoulder. At one point, I bought shirts with the little button-down thingies: epaulettes. Solves the dropping problem!
radi(c)al_cam
04-19-2010, 01:54
i hang my camera like this..
http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?pid=3574665&id=528723874 (http://www.facebook.com/#%21/photo.php?pid=3574665&id=528723874)
:confused:
"The page you requested cannot be displayed right now. It may be temporarily unavailable, the link you clicked on may have expired, or you may not have permission to view this page."
xxloverxx
04-19-2010, 02:06
Wrap it 2 times around my wrist and hold the camera in a position ready to shoot.
I use my other hand to pull the strap away from the viewfinder/lens.
Have you had a look at the Y-strap? Should make it quicker and easier to bring the camera to your eye.
http://figitalrevolution.com/y-strap/
Wow what a amazing set of fast responses you guys.. amazing community :D
The Y-strap is a great idea.. And that Stephen is a funny guy.. i would almost buy it because of him :D.
This brings me to the idea to just buy two (small) keychain rings, attach them to my Leica CL, so it could slide over my (no too thick) nylon strap. The Y-strap is a little bit too thick for me, i like a smaller band (ofcourse you will need this thickness for a heaver camera). So i will have my own mini-Y-strap :cool:.
I never wear my camera just on a shoulder, i'm just not feeling free enough and continuously worried about my camera.
@ruby.monkey that's also how i wear my cam.. you are a daredevil (cam+water) :eek:.
@denmark.yuzon your link isn't working (not allowed to see the picture on facebook)
I am not sure if I should bring this sad news to you..... but if you have a camera you look like a tourist :angel:. There is no way around it, you look like a tourist that have your camera around the neck or a tourist that have your camera around your shoulder/neck.
Person A: look at that tourist....
Person B: he is not a tourist, you can see it on the very cool way he has the camera strapped around his shoulder and neck.
Oh by the way, I use the 'Bruce Springsteen' http://allthefestivals.wordpress.com/2009/02/20/bruce-springsteen-to-play-london-hyde-park/
ruby.monkey
04-19-2010, 02:42
@ruby.monkey that's also how i wear my cam.. you are a daredevil (cam+water) .
Eh, M3s dry out quickly.
Gordy Coates makes a narrow leather sling similar to the Y-strap (with optional shoulder pad, if one wishes). The camera is attached to a connector which clips to this sling. It's a neat little solution - the only reason I didn't get one was that I had already ordered the Y-strap when I came across it. The Y-strap, however, is excellent. I'm just a little bit miffed that I missed out on the bright red version. ;)
but if you have a camera you look like a tourist :angel:
its perfectly fine to look like a tourist. people in general tolerate your camera better, when they think you come from far-away-land ;)
Gordy Coates makes a narrow leather sling similar to the Y-strap (with optional shoulder pad, if one wishes).
Does Gordy have a website? (isn't showing up in the first hits on google)
And yes, a camera will always make you look like a tourist, but the Y-strap guy has a solution for it.. wear it under a coat and slide the camera up when you wan't to take a picture.
What i of course mean is: I wan't to go for a more active/sporty look instead of the belly forward camera showoff guy. I don't want people to look at my camera but to my face when i'm talking. And i wan't to move freely without worrying about my cam.
I have days when i take my camera with me the whole day without taking one picture, because nothing really interesting happened, or i was just distracted with something different then photography. For a lot of people it would be a reason to keep the camera home the next day, but i'm just waiting for that great photography moment. Then of course the camera has to be with me in a comfortable way.
oftheherd
04-19-2010, 03:26
Have you had a look at the Y-strap? Should make it quicker and easier to bring the camera to your eye.
http://figitalrevolution.com/y-strap/
That looks cool. Seems I remember Keith talking about that a couple of years ago.
What camera is he using?
ruby.monkey
04-19-2010, 03:44
Does Gordy have a website? (isn't showing up in the first hits on google)
Here you go - Gordy's Camera Straps (http://www.gordyscamerastraps.com/).
And yes, a camera will always make you look like a tourist, but the Y-strap guy has a solution for it.. wear it under a coat and slide the camera up when you wan't to take a picture.
.. and get mistaken for a terrorist reaching for his gun. Bang. ;)
(do be careful - the Y-strap is not recommended for early Leica Ms since they're not considered safe to dangle from one strap lug)
What i of course mean is: I wan't to go for a more active/sporty look instead of the belly forward camera showoff guy. I don't want people to look at my camera but to my face when i'm talking. And i wan't to move freely without worrying about my cam.
I have days when i take my camera with me the whole day without taking one picture, because nothing really interesting happened, or i was just distracted with something different then photography. For a lot of people it would be a reason to keep the camera home the next day, but i'm just waiting for that great photography moment. Then of course the camera has to be with me in a comfortable way.
I long ago stopped caring about whether or not other people notice my camera, and then I spotted something interesting - as long as I don't act like an ill-mannered oaf, *no-one* cares a toss about what I'm doing or carrying.
just made my own solution (thanks for the advice you guys!)
http://www.xs4all.nl/~beugels/rff/w-strap.jpg
(sorry, iphone quality picture)
It works, not great yet, but it works. Would buy a y-strap or a gordy when i didn't buy a Leica this month.
hlockwood
04-19-2010, 04:46
Have you had a look at the Y-strap? Should make it quicker and easier to bring the camera to your eye.
http://figitalrevolution.com/y-strap/
Can we discuss the potential problem of pulling out the lug when the M is suspended from only one of them? If this is not a problem, I'll happily get either the Y or the Gordy equivalent.
Harry
Yes, it is a problem and that is one of the reasons I donīt like them.
Can we discuss the potential problem of pulling out the lug when the M is suspended from only one of them? If this is not a problem, I'll happily get either the Y or the Gordy equivalent.
Harry
Wow what a amazing set of fast responses you guys.. amazing community :D
The Y-strap is a great idea.. And that Stephen is a funny guy.. i would almost buy it because of him :D.
This brings me to the idea to just buy two (small) keychain rings, attach them to my Leica CL, so it could slide over my (no too thick) nylon strap. The Y-strap is a little bit too thick for me, i like a smaller band (ofcourse you will need this thickness for a heaver camera). So i will have my own mini-Y-strap :cool:.
I never wear my camera just on a shoulder, i'm just not feeling free enough and continuously worried about my camera.
@ruby.monkey that's also how i wear my cam.. you are a daredevil (cam+water) :eek:.
@denmark.yuzon your link isn't working (not allowed to see the picture on facebook)
I almost always carry at least three bodies on the street and so carry at least two cameras hanging off my shoulders. The trick is to have Velcro on the camera straps that mates with Velcro on the epaulettes of my photovest, giving me positive, non-slip attacments for the cameras. They are still easy to get off a shoulder, but secure enough that I never worry about them slipping off, even if one end of the strap detaches from the camera body.
denmark.yuzon
04-19-2010, 05:54
:confused:
"The page you requested cannot be displayed right now. It may be temporarily unavailable, the link you clicked on may have expired, or you may not have permission to view this page."
Im sorry, its just like the pic above, only, i wear it in front instead of dangling at the back.. and the length of the strap is about right when i put my hands on it ready to put it up in front of my face..
EDIT:
here.
http://i702.photobucket.com/albums/ww27/denmarkyuzon/23609_379250448874_528723874_357466.jpg
Wrist strap or in purse. (Yes, it's big enough. My current everyday purse is called "the overnight bag" by some of my colleagues.) :)
Roger Hicks
04-19-2010, 10:31
its perfectly fine to look like a tourist. people in general tolerate your camera better, when they think you come from far-away-land ;)
True. If they notice at all. Which most don't.
Cheers,
R. (40+ years with my camera around my neck, usually 1, sometimes 2, and only 3 when I'm working for whoever I'm photographing).
Cheers,
R.
Armoured
04-19-2010, 12:59
1) Poor Man's wrist strap: When actively shooting, hang the camera over wrist to create a loop on the other side, camera through that loop to create a sort of 'cradle knot.' Can be held easily in the hand (with less pressure, especially with a grip in front, because you're not worried about dropping it), when you need that hand free, you can drop the camera safely. Disadvantages: not comfortable with heavy cameras, your free hand is not so very free (there's a camera hanging off it), and depending on the strap, not easy to take off and e.g. hand to someone else (which only happens with my wife).
2) Pocket and cradle in hand. Only works with smaller cameras.
3) Shoulder and over the neck as per pictures above. Disadvantage: not always so easy to get up to eye level, depends on strap.
4) One shoulder, no neck. Prone to falling off and breaking your lens. Works well under a light jacket or a loose unbuttoned shirt (with added advantage of being mostly invisible when not at eye level).
I find I prefer either the wrist loop or one shoulder when wearing a jacket or loose shirt. Well, I prefer the pocket/one-hander, but not so many cameras are comfortable this way - a CL or a Zorki 3 is about the biggest I find works.
So what's you technique?
It looks like you already made your solution! Nevertheless...
If I'm wearing a coat or an open jumper I'll hang it over one shoulder, underneath. That way, when it slips off my shirt, it gets caught on my upper arm and I can place it back on my shoulder again. The advantages are actually manyfold: No one can actually see that I have a camera until I pull it up to take a photo, the camera gets protected from moisture and hard bumps, it doesn't get in the way of doing other things and it's quick to grab and shoot.
The disadvantages are that you have to often pull the camera strap back up onto your shoulder, the offset weight on your upper torso causes pressure and muscle aches and the front of your lenses will get abrasions by coming into contact with the inside of your coat.
There is also the somewhat pricey SpiderHolster (http://www.spiderholster.com/) belt clip system but that looks a bit western to me. If I used one I would still have a wrist strap attached to my rangefinder camera.
I second Armoured's suggestion #1: There's probably no faster way to get your camera ready to shoot. I think, sailors would call this way of fastening a ring hitch.
This carrying technique also allows me to adjust the strap length to the lug next to the shutter release button. In this way, I can hold the camera in portrait orientation hanging down from my wrist in such a way that my index finger is directly over the shutter while the remaining fingers plus thumb hold the camera. The strap then stabilizes and secures the camera in vertical orientation.
This is very handy for Ignore Your Viewfinder shooting ('from the hip') for stealth pictures. Nobody will even notice you are taking pictures. With a little practice, this works well with 28mm or 35mm wideangle lenses.
Many great posts here. I once looked at the Y strap, but I am not convinced using it on my M5. Then, I followed the Gordy link...HE has his version with is MUCH better designed with a few different type of connectors... The String or Tripod type will work with the M5 "special design" lugs :)
Although I did email him about the "Split-Ring" working or not for the M5 lugs.
No, back to the original Q.
I carry my camera around my neck, resting on my ample belly :rolleyes:
I, hover my right hand with my thumb over the shutter ready to take an image at waist level, sometimes I actually raise the camera to my eye (left of course), I think I may like the idea of using the sling type also.
@wiedo: What camera is in your post. The lugs look like M5 style.
Juan Valdenebro
04-19-2010, 16:06
I never hang a camera from my shoulder crossed. If one camera, one shoulder, if two, two shoulders, if three, the lighter one from my neck. That when I can be seen with cameras...
If a camera isn't hanging from my neck, it's not easy to take it up and shoot real fast, but if it's hanging from my neck all the time before getting into the scene, people are worried about my shooting, so most of the times I end up with the camera hidden, hanging from my shoulder behind my arm, and in the last moment I take it up without placing the strap around my neck: it just slips down my arm, so the strap hangs with no use while shooting. I use very thin black straps: they are less notorious than brown leather ones before and while shooting. And black cameras because silver, as light, attracts eyes, Wrist straps tend to make you show a busy hand... The best option could be the camera alone inside a pocket or small bag, but I tend to feel I'd drop the camera easily... With the strap hanging in the air I feel I could catch it in the air if I drop my camera... It's never happened to me, but I've feared it always. Even knowing I could buy again exactly the same camera, I suffer with that vision...
Cheers,
Juan
I wear a lot of black clothing. If I have say a black t-shirt on I can have My cam on the shoulder behind my hip. It does not look like I have a cam. I am able to swing it up when I want to. Very inconspicuous. The Y strap would work this way as well.
kermaier
04-19-2010, 16:49
Mostly on a Y-strap or the LeicaGoodies equivalent. Sometimes a wrist strap, but only when I'm able to put it down or into a bag at will. Once I used 2 cameras, one with each: wrist strap with 28mm in my right hand, cross strap with 50mm on my left hip. When I needed to use the 50mm, I brought it up to eye level with my left hand, and dropped the camera with the 28mm to dangle from my right wrist. Worked fine as long as I didn't pivot rapidly and set the dangling camera to swingng wildly... :)
::Ari
Armoured
04-19-2010, 20:11
I second Armoured's suggestion #1: There's probably no faster way to get your camera ready to shoot. I think, sailors would call this way of fastening a ring hitch.
Thanks, I was wondering what that knot was called (and thanks in particular for understanding my poor description of it).
It looks like you already made your solution! Nevertheless...
If I'm wearing a coat or an open jumper I'll hang it over one shoulder, underneath. That way, when it slips off my shirt, it gets caught on my upper arm and I can place it back on my shoulder again.
My solution doesn't have to be final, it was an easy option to try (had two keyrings at home). Your suggestion is great too, but you need to have a coat on and doesn't work in the summer. But it can be a great winter/autumn style :D.
@DNG it's a leica CL, and it has the vertical lugstyle. That's why the y-strap wasn't enought for me.. wanted to use both lugs.
Your suggestion is great too, but you need to have a coat on and doesn't work in the summer. But it can be a great winter/autumn style :D.
Indeed, this is exclusively a fall/winter style !
newspaperguy
04-20-2010, 02:25
Just a late thought. Back-in-the-day (read: in more formal times)
I had color matching buttons sewn onto the right shoulder
seams of mu jackets to 'catch' the camera strap. (small button)
Worried about the one-lug problem with the Y strap or equiv., try this DIY solution.
Most of the time I hold my camera in my right hand, with the strap wrap around my wrist, I have a grip on the camera which makes hand holding comfortable. But when I need my hand, I hang the camera on my shoulder. bob
David Hegar
04-20-2010, 19:33
Y-Strap is really a great strap to get quick access to the camera while it frees up both hands when the camera is not needed. Y-Strap allows me to DE-HUNCH my shoulder to prevent the camera from sliding down my shoulder.
I tried so many straps it's almost embarasing: Domke gripper (I tried various width), Up Strap, Op-Tech, Y-Strap.
I even removed Y-Strap last week and went back to using Up Strap for a week, but for ease of use (freeing both hands) and quick access to camera Y-Strap is way ahead.
The only quirk with Y-Strap is that when the flash is mounted on the camera, due to the extra weight of the flash that makes the camera top heavy the Y-Strap will hang the camera awkwardly in this case.
As far as the strength of Y-Strap and its split ring, I tested it for a month to carry Canon 1dMarkIII and it passed the test. The only reason I took it off my 1dMarkIII is due to the weight of the flash since Canon is my work camera and I often have to mount on camera flash and I just hated the way Y-Strap hangs the camera with the flash mounted....super awkward.
-d
Lauffray
05-17-2010, 16:31
Looking touristy is the best ! No one notices you, especially if you're snapping with a small Leica next to some beefy looking SLRs :D
I usually shove it in my coat pocket and walk around looking casual, now there are a few months a year where that looks more suspicious than usual, fortunately I live in a pretty cold place :)
This works for hanging two cameras:
http://thirdpipe.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/gallows.jpg
Just a late thought. Back-in-the-day (read: in more formal times)
I had color matching buttons sewn onto the right shoulder
seams of mu jackets to 'catch' the camera strap. (small button)
Worried about the one-lug problem with the Y strap or equiv., try this DIY solution. thanks i will use the button,hope you havent patented it:D
Yes, Itīs called the Schwalberg button.
Tip: Sew the button on with heavy carpet thread.
thanks i will use the button,hope you havent patented it:D
atlcruiser
05-30-2010, 08:06
Right now I am using the AA silk cords around my neck. Overall a bit short but one great advantge for me is that the silk will both slide easily against my clothing but will also provide a slight amount of grip. Sort of hard to explain until you wear one a while.
Wrist straps for me equal broken cameras.
Long straps equal cameras banging around into stuff and me.
When I have the Mamiya 645AF out I have a small wheelbarrow to cart it around :)
I stand out in a crowd...jsut cant help it :) dont think a camera makes it more or less an issue. I dont really like the "stealth" approach. I feel that if I wnat to take a PIC I do so, I smile, non or wave my thanks. Very few times have I had any issue.
I got an A&A neck strap that I wrap around my right arm tightly so that the camera stand firmly in my hand... Faster and more stable that having it around my body or neck, for me...
Carterofmars
06-01-2010, 03:45
Love this strap...
Gordy's (http://www.gordyscamerastraps.com/neck-sling/index.htm)
Vince Lupo
06-01-2010, 04:26
All depends on the situation. If you're hanging it over your shoulder, you'll never be ready if something fast occurs in front of you (same with over-one-shoulder-and-across-the-chest -- almost looks like a fashion accessory that way). But, if you hang it in front of you around your neck, you are definitely saying 'I am a camera'. Carrying it in one hand with the strap wrapped around your wrist seems the best 'ready for action' and is somewhat discreet, but then you're holding this thing in your hand all day and it might not be the most secure way of holding it (plus you could knock it against something and now you only have one hand free). Actually you'd probably knock the camera against something if it's over your shoulder too!
So (at least from what I've tried) there really isn't one way that's better or not better than another....really depends on the situation. I probably use all of the above at one time or another.
Steve M.
06-01-2010, 05:00
wiedo,
yes, that's the way I do it as well. Even w/ a TLR or 'blad. With my folders that don't have strap lugs, I have a little side bag and it gets hung the same way. I can pull the folder out and have it unfolded in no time.
Of course I could always carry a DSLR and clutch the zoom lens like it was my own personal body part, and sit w/ my arm over the brand name like it was going to be stolen from me at any moment! Those guys annoy me as much as the guys that walk into coffeehouses w/ their bike cleats still on and dressed like they're off to some race. The wife calls them the one brain people because they look exactly alike. Even their bikes.
januaryman
06-01-2010, 05:38
A Domke bag across the chest for camera #2 and film/lenses, a short leather/fiber neck strap for camera #1.
elmer3.5
06-01-2010, 06:07
Hi, When:
Traveling/family: Lomography bag with necks strap 2 cams, films, 2 lenses.
Alone: Wrist strap, 1 lens, film in pockets.
Alone in dangerous place: snickers, wrist strap, old clothes.
Cheers!
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