GH4 User review, Shoelace as neck strap

Shoelace as neck strap

How I carry a camera

About 10 years ago  I stopped using the neck straps supplied by camera makers and switched to shoe laces.

Why ?

* I rarely carry a camera by the neck strap. I carry a camera as shown in the photograph, ready for immediate use or in a bag. You can see the shoelace strap is wrapped around my wrist.

* The neck strap is for changing lenses, a two handed operation.

* Standard neck straps are excessively wide and bulky. They consume too much space in a camera bag.

* If the camera has strap lugs of the type seen on the GH4 a normal neck strap requires those pesky little triangular metal connector thingies, which I hate.

* Shoe laces are plenty strong and durable enough. I have never had a problem with them.

How ?

If the strap lugs are round type as seen on the GH4 and many cameras, I use round shoelaces. I cut off the crimped plastic ends and taper the cut end with a soldering iron. This allows the lace to be threaded through the round eye. A cut length of 90 cm is about right. I tie off the lace with a bowline and tidy up the loose end with a bit of black electrical tape.

If the strap lugs are of the D type, flat laces can be used. These can be sewn in or tied as above.

Result   Light weight, minimal bulk, maximum convenience and utility.  The ideal camera accessory.