People who engage themselves in the world of photography should know how to put on camera strap correctly. This is to ensure that your loved camera doesn’t fall off your body and damage it. Camera straps play a crucial role in keeping the overall outside appearance looking new because straps prevent it from falling down the pavement.
In this article, I’ll be teaching you the basics of how to put on camera strap and why it is important. Plus, I will also be listing different straps, so you’ll know which camera strap you have and know how to attach the camera accordingly. Without further ado, let us begin now.
The Purpose of Camera Straps
Before I get right into the basics of how to put on camera strap, it is also important for you to know the major uses of camera straps and why they are essential for every photographer out there.
Going for a Hand-free Walk
Like what our bags have to offer when things are quite heavy or unpleasant to handle all the time, we rely on our bags and straps to do the heavy lifting. That’s what camera straps do. It helps me get through walking by just hanging it loose in my body. Plus, it keeps the camera close to you, so when a good potential shot arrives, you are ready to take a shot from it.
To Protect Your Camera
One of the reasons why you should know how to put on camera strap is for protection. Straps are the simple things that make a good cause. It holds your camera in place, and it may either be at the front or back. Plus, having strap limits you to put it anywhere and has the potential to be stolen or lost.
Equal Support
Sometimes it’s the others’ turn to do the heavy lifting and not the hands. Having camera straps can distribute the weight of your camera from your shoulders, body, and hips.
Recognition Purposes
It is easy to spot a photographer if they have their cameras hanging from the straps. For me, especially, I’m not keen on noticing people during events. However – if I get to witness certain individuals having a camera, it can easily recognize them as the official photographer of the event.
Types of Cameras
To know how to put on camera straps, you should also know the several types of camera straps. Each of them differs on how they are needed by the photographer and how they work well with the shooting environment.
Kit Neck Strap
These are the traditional camera straps. They usually come in the box with DSLR cameras. Almost all of them are made with synthetic leather and are quite durable and easy to use.
Artisan Neck Strap
This kind of strap has a lot of variations to it, but in general, they are in the form of a scarf. They can be made of leather fabrics, silk, knit cloth, and many more. The good thing about this is the support it provides. However, when going for extended shoots, you can feel the strain around your neck.
Sling Strap
As the name suggests, it is just like a sling strap. This is usually made with thin leather and easily rips with substantial force. This type of camera strap is best used for lightweight and compact cameras. Never use them on heavy cameras and DSLR cameras as they don’t provide enough support.
Hand Strap
One of the best and useful ways on how to attach a camera strap is through a hand strap. This is ideal for people with neck and shoulder problems who don’t want to strain these specific body parts. It works by strapping the camera in your hand. Be careful when your camera is hand-strapped, letting go of your hand also means letting go of your camera, quite scary, just thinking about it.
Wrist Strap
A much safer option compared to the hand strap. This works by strapping it within your wrist, and it also has a snap placed so that your camera is safe when you’re constantly waving your arms, the camera won’t fall off. However, this type is not advisable for heavy cameras. It puts quite a strain on your wrist. Best for portable or lightweight cameras.
Holster
As the name suggests, works as a gun holster too. The strap is usually attached near your waist, so it will most likely not strain your shoulders or neck. It can also give quick access and free movement for the photographer.
Steps on How to Put on Camera Strap
Here are the fundamental and useful steps on how to attach camera straps. Pay attention to these steps, as these are very helpful in protecting your camera.
Step 1
The first thing to do is lay everything out from the straps, fasteners, and the buckle or tether. The tether works like a belt. You can adjust how tight or loose the straps will be.
Step 2
Slide the end part of the camera through the strap. The eyelet is where the straps go through. They are usually on the far end of both sides.
Step 3
Locate where your fasteners are. Once you’ve taken a good look at them, position them by making the right side facing up.
Step 4
In between the points of the tether, run the straps. Either by feeding the straps in reverse or outside going in.
Step 5
Make some slack by pulling the camera strap upwards, and in the middle of the fastener, this should create a large loop.
Step 6
Feed the strap end onto the retainer piece and run it back through the fastener.
Step 7
Now pull down the straps tightly. This is to fix the straps from the fastener.
Step 8
And you are done! Adjust the tightness or looseness according to your liking. That’s how to put on camera strap. Very quick and easy, right? If you follow the procedures correctly, you’ll never have to worry about your camera falling off you.
Conclusion
Knowing how to put on camera strap is a great way to safeguard your camera. Plus, it minimizes the strain put out by the weight of your camera, especially if it’s quite heavy. For me, I emphasize my family and friends in securing the straps well. Besides, you don’t want to deal with broken pieces of your camera, right? Now tight them up! Find out more about camera straps.