Hand strap awkward in use

I recently bought a Peak Design Clutch, because I wanted to try out a hand strap. I often go without a longer strap, and was using a wrist strap as a safety strap. My question relates to hand straps generally, but I wanted to give some background in case that matters . . .

When I tighten the strap across the back of my hand, I find that I can't comfortably operate the thumb or shutter/dial controls. I need to loosen the strap in order to easily access the controls on the back of the camera with my thumb, or the shutter/dial on the front.

Now, the point of a hand strap, I presumed, was so that you could hold the camera without needing to grip it with your fingers - helping with both safety and fatigue. Loosening the strap enough to be able to comfortably use the camera means that I can't let go of the camera safely (or, more accurately, with full confidence).

Am I missing something? Is there some way to position the strap to avoid this issue, or is it a fundamental ergonomic problem? I should note that I have a 6D, and my hands are bigger than average (but by no means comparable with dinner plates).

Nope, you gotta loosen it.

I have mine loose enough to reach controls comfortably, and I simply hook my fingers enough so they catch the hand grip area when "relaxed". I don't let go entirely, but it doesn't bother me to hold it this way for any length of time.

I have had a Camdapter strap on a few of my cameras, and have always had to loosen it up a bit to reach everything comfortably. Way better than having an annoying neck strap though.

The ergonomics of the side of a camera aren't right for most people to have it pressed right up against their palm. Having a handstrap tight pulls the camera into the palm demonstrating this issue.

I've got genuine Canon handstraps on both of my cameras (simply because they were in stock at time of purchase, I haven't even tried any others for comfort) and I leave them a little loose too, just as you do for the Peak Designs one.

Thanks for your comments, even if they only confirm what I was afraid of . . .

I guess I'll give the hand strap some more time, and see if I get used to it.

My handstraps are still tight enough that if I let go of the camera, regardless of the angle of my hand, it'll stay in my hand with all buttons in reach. Won't drop as far as a wrist strap would let it drop. Can be removed/detached from me faster and easier than a wrist strap, neck strap or body(blackrapid style) strap. It's this level of security & flexibility I wanted when I got it. That's the niche it fills for me. I've got peak-design quickrelease clasps on my camera, larger lenses, and neck/other straps for situations where I prefer the niches they fill. Always leave the handstrap attached, though.

Since I purchased my Crumpler hand strap (The Noose) I stopped using ALL neck straps... they just seem so awkward now.

I just ordered the Peak Designs Clutch, itll be here tomorrow. I also am considering the Slide as well. My Op Tech just isnt cutting the mustard for me.