Neck Strap Experiences (Page 2): Wow, another belly button question. LoL To answer your original question, for a neck strap, right about at. Reality is that I gave up neck straps years...

GENorkus Loc: Washington Twp, Michigan

Wow, another belly button question. LoL

To answer your original question, for a neck strap, right about at. Reality is that I gave up neck straps years ago and went to a body/shoulder strap.

Pablo8 Loc: Nottingham UK.

Leitz wrote:

Those of us capable of thinking for ourselves adjust our straps wherever we want them.

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I quite agree!! Back in the film days, when I was covering F1, and Motor-Cycle Grand Prix events, I had to be geared - up to provide B&W (for prints), colour slides for presentation slide-shows, and Webb-Offset printing, plus colour neg's for printing. I found it easier to have three Nikons loaded up with the different films. First priority for capturing a vital action shot, was colour, whichever, slide or neg film camera got to my eye first.
I used three strap-lengths, so the three cameras would position themselves one above the other from chest, down to lower abdomen. I carried my Billingham bag on one shoulder strap, hanging to the side of my body. This bag contained other lenses. Many National Papers were still only using B&W for reporting these events, so I sometimes had to produce 50/100, 10 x 8 prints for postage on Monday, following the event. Eventually colour was being accepted (and requested). Digital arrived too late for my busiest days with three cameras.

Tom DePuy Loc: Waxhaw, N.C.

larrywilk wrote:

I use a cross-body sling and allow the camera to hang at about my wrist. In this manner, I can cup it with my hand while walking and it is ready to bring to my eye for a photo. The sling also cushions the weight of the camera and lens (usually 300mm).

Ditto....

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

John_F wrote:

What neck strap lengths have users found best. Camera bottom above or below belly button? By how much about? Fatty, lean make a difference. Ideas welcomed.

Although some articles say that having the camera around the neck is a sign of an amateur, I think that's the most secure way to carry it. I use OP/TECH straps for my DSLRs, and I'm not too particular about the length of the strap. As long as I can reach down and grab it to make a shot, I'm happy.

When I carry two cameras - tele and W/A - I use the OP/TECH Double Sling, with one camera on each shoulder.

Leitz Loc: Solms

Pablo8 wrote:

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I quite agree!! Back in the film days, when I was covering F1, and Motor-Cycle Grand Prix events, I had to be geared - up to provide B&W (for prints), colour slides for presentation slide-shows, and Webb-Offset printing, plus colour neg's for printing. I found it easier to have three Nikons loaded up with the different films.

Right. Every situation is different. I used to carry a Minox in my vest pocket, with a beaded chain around my neck. Didn't work well a Mamiya RB 67, though!!

Jacqui Burke Loc: Perkiomenville, PA

I think you mean Promaster. I have that strap and like it as well.

Billyspad Loc: The Philippines

Well what an interesting question! How long did it take you to dream this gem up bro? I think Im the guy you need for advice on this phenomenally important issue. When I sober up I will measure my strap and take into account my height and weight plus of course the volume of my belly, with and without a gut full of beer, and if you could kindly provide the same measurements I will be in a position to advise you with a correct length for you. For the empty gut measurement can I respectfully suggest you eat a raw cabbage and two jars of pickled dill and measure after the food has done its work and you have had a good fart. This may sound like a measure too far but not only will it be the best fart to pass through your sphincter you have ever had it will ensure your strap length is perfect.

bcrawf

John_F wrote:

What neck strap lengths have users found best. Camera bottom above or below belly button? By how much about? Fatty, lean make a difference. Ideas welcomed.

Going beyond the matter of length, there is the question of preference in configuration--1) over the shoulder, 2) cross-chest and 3) front carry around neck. I prefer shoulder carry, a habit from when I carried two cameras. (And also allowing the camera(s) to be less obtrusive.) A refinement I use now when hiking is to tether the camera to an inch-wide nylon strap (belt) with a quick-release plastic buckle, which I position to pull the camera toward my back. This keeps the camera out of the way, giving freer arm movement, and keeps the camera from swinging away from my body if I lean or take a quick turn. The attachment to the camera is by a small (3 inch or so) nylon loop to the camera's carrying bracket, that loop going to a small carabiner which is on a small D-ring stitched to a spot on the belt. To use the camera, I can pull it around and release the carabiner or, for a quicker access, just release the belt (and have the belt hanging).

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Cameras dangling at the end of swinging straps is always dangerous ......

anotherview Loc: California

I adjust the neck strap to allow the camera to hang behind me without banging against my hip bone. This physical reference also allows the camera to hang in front approximately below my navel. This arrangement works for me.

John_F wrote:

What neck strap lengths have users found best. Camera bottom above or below belly button? By how much about? Fatty, lean make a difference. Ideas welcomed.

GENorkus Loc: Washington Twp, Michigan

jerryc41 wrote:

Although some articles say that having the camera around the neck is a sign of an amateur, I think that's the most secure way to carry it. I use OP/TECH straps for my DSLRs, and I'm not too particular about the length of the strap. As long as I can reach down and grab it to make a shot, I'm happy.

When I carry two cameras - tele and W/A - I use the OP/TECH Double Sling, with one camera on each shoulder.

I haven't considered the amateur look, a tourist look yes but not amateur.

My big reason to not use a neck strap is because of comfort. A camera bouncing on my belly never felt very good.

wweary

For five or ten dollars any number of dealers on Amazon will sell you a variety of comfortable straps of varying lengths!

aellman Loc: Boston MA

John_F wrote:

What neck strap lengths have users found best. Camera bottom above or below belly button? By how much about? Fatty, lean make a difference. Ideas welcomed.

I only mention this because in my case it resulted in the loss of a nice DSLR. The longer the strap, the more "swing" you get. That swing can be forward or left to right and can cause the camera to bump nearby objects and be damaged. In my example, it knocked the sensor out of position. So for that reason, I vote for the shorter option. With any neck strap, my policy is to keep a hand on the camera whenever possible to avoid unintended and potentially costly movement.

Reinaldokool Loc: San Rafael, CA

John_F wrote:

What neck strap lengths have users found best. Camera bottom above or below belly button? By how much about? Fatty, lean make a difference. Ideas welcomed.

Used a Black Rapid cross body strap attached to the tripod socket with my Nikons. It was carried on my right, just at a low hip position. This allowed a rapid movement to bring it to my eye, but easily protected when walking.

However, when I changed to my Sony a6300, the Black Rapid was a bit of overkill. Too strong and bulky. I purchased an Optech strap which I attach to the strap lungs (However, I've begun only using one strap lug. Did this with some trepidation. I wasn't sure that I wanted to trust just one connection, but it has been working fine.) The Optech has worked flawlessly. Same hip position.

N2BNE Loc: Rochester, NY

I have a Nikon D3300 that takes great Panorama photos,
Provided you do not jostle your camera while you pan,
To do this I have my strap adjusted so it provides a "Sorta-tripod"
between the neck-strap and my arms lock/tucked in elbows to my chest as I turn,
How this helps.