camera over shoulder

[SBCmetroguy]

Okay I have a question. I see photographers all the time with their cameras dangling from their shoulders, but even for a big guy like myself I have the hardest time with this. All I have for a strap is the one that came with my Rebel XT, which is pretty thin and it doesn't like to stay on my shoulder. I want to be able to do this because it makes it easier to drop the camera and grab it back when needed, but what kind of strap should I use for this? Anyone got any advice?

I fear I will break my equipment while trying to use the XT strap over my shoulder. Also this strap feels a bit short anyway, and it's fully extended. I'd like a strap that will hang down a little lower anyway.

Thanks for any advice...

Brian

[ACDCROCKS]

I always put my arm over that way the strap will catch, or I will put my wrist on the strap. The POTN forum makes a nice strap that is thick and made of foam.

[_aravena]

Pending on size, I do sometimes carry my camera with my arm through the strap and it's a perfect fit for me to lift it up to my eye and shoot. It's the POTN strap. I'll get a pic of myself tonight doing it.

[Jon, The Elder]

Haven't used a neck strap in years. Too easy to catch things with it. Handstrap only.

[SBCmetroguy]

Handstrap would be nice, but once I start carrying a second body to me I won't be able to use strictly a handstrap.

[SBCmetroguy]

Pending on size, I do sometimes carry my camera with my arm through the strap and it's a perfect fit for me to lift it up to my eye and shoot. It's the POTN strap. I'll get a pic of myself tonight doing it.

Please do, and post it here! I'd love to see it. Thanks.

[cowpix]

I have a problem with the strap over the shoulder deal as well, even with the POTN strap. Actually, I hate straps period. Never tried a handstrap, might have to give it a whirl.

[JohnJ80]

This will solve the problem - Upstrap

http://www.upstrap.com

All I use now, works great exactly as you describe. Will NOT come off your shoulder.

J

[_aravena]

Ok, here are the pics. They were quick. This one looks odd, but I wanted to show the strap. I normally hold my camera normal.
http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/8348/img8627sg6.jpg

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/6845/img8628vn0.jpg

http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/3079/img8631pa4.jpg

It hangs right on my side perfectly when just walking. Or I'll let it hang just how I'm holding it.

[superdiver]

What I do if I think I am going to be carrying my camera for along time is use my shoulder straps. I have a set like that make for Binoculars. It goes over both shoulders and holds it by my chest and it doesnt flop all around...

[nutsnbolts]

I'm 5'7 and the neckstrap so far it fit just right when I put it over my head and slip my arm through it (like wearing a bag). I do have to make the neck strap longer (extend it) and it's at it's max.

[_aravena]

^Ditto. So we're perfect height for it. Well, I'm 5'8 almost 5'9. So give or take a few inches int hat area.

[vdao1972]

I second JohnJ80 in the recommendation for the Upstraps. I have never had a camera come off my shoulder with an Upstraps attached.

[bildeb0rg]

The cheap solution is nappy (bobby?) pins, or a shirt with lapels (army surplus). Some 'tog vests I've seen have loops on the shoulders for this too.

[nwa2]

I have carried SLRs' all over the world for 20 years, always used the strap that came with the camera and never dropped one yet.

If I am in a city I will have my arm and head through the strap, and oftem also hold onto the camera by the lens while walking. Sometimes also carry it under my coat like this if I am feeling very vulnerable.

If you don't like the strap that came with the camera, there are plenty of low cost alternatives.

[_aravena]

^Ditto. Minus the 20yrs part. I just got the POTN strap because, well, it's for POTN. But I've used my old film with the kit strap and my Rebel with it's. All's been fine. I guess if you're a larger person then maybe. I love how mine fits though.

[René Damkot]

All I have for a strap is the one that came with my Rebel XT, which is pretty thin and it doesn't like to stay on my shoulder.

Actually, I think it's way too wide.

I still use the one I got with my Eos 1n. It's a canon strap, plain (black) nylon with gray suede leather (or something like that). It's about an inch wide.
I find that, because it's less wide, it tends to stay on my shoulder *a lot* beter. Edit: I think it's this one (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/213218-REG/Canon_2890A002_Wide_Lens_Strap.html). Also is a lot less 'flashey': I don't like to be a walking Canon Advert ;)

Domke (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/16174-REG/Domke_740_6BK_1_Web_Camera_Strap.html) also makes straps thin with some kind of anti-slip. Probabely my next choice if this one ever wears out. (highly unlikely)

(In case you do want to advertise: There's also a Canon branded version (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/87473-REG/Canon_6256A001_Professional_Strap_1_Green_.html).)