Holdfast Gear is well known for making some of the finest camera straps and bags on the market today.
Their flagship strap - the MoneyMaker - certainly fits the bill for being a fine piece of photography equipment.
So, is the MoneyMaker right for you? In this detailed review, learn about the build quality, comfort, and functionality of this dual camera strap system.
Holdfast Gear MoneyMaker Leathers
Let me start by saying that not all leathers are made alike. Holdfast only uses the finest leathers available for the MoneyMaker, and it shows.
You can choose from a variety of materials, including Water Buffalo (shown above), American Bison, and Bridle Leather (shown below).
Regardless of which option you choose, it’ll be full-grain leather that displays the unique life that the animal lived.
That means scars, cuts from barbed wire, brands, insect bites, and other unique markings will appear on the strap.
And since no two hides are alike, that means that every MoneyMaker is a truly one-of-a-kind piece. How cool is that?
You can see by looking at the images of the MoneyMaker that the leather isn’t just a beautiful component, but one that will give you long-lasting durability too. That’s just what you want in a camera strap!
Holdfast Gear MoneyMaker Options
While I personally prefer my Bridle Leather MoneyMaker, there are non-leather options if you prefer.
That includes genuine python skin, cotton canvas, and hand-tooled and hand-painted leather options as well.
The MoneyMaker comes in a variety of setups too, including small, medium, and large standard MoneyMakers as well as “Skinny” versions (like the one shown above), which have removable shoulder pads and thinner straps.
Additionally, you can add the option to carry a third camera on the front of the MoneyMaker, and if you have a lot of gear to carry, you can add a bag like the Holdfast Roamographer and carry it on the back of the harness.
Holdfast has a variety of pouches that attach to the D-rings on the MoneyMaker as well. You can carry extra lenses or your cell phone on the MoneyMaker where they’re easily accessible, yet out of your way as you work.
That makes the MoneyMaker much more than a camera strap. Instead, it’s a complete system that allows you to carry a ton of gear and do so comfortably.
Holdfast Gear MoneyMaker Hardware
Speaking of durability, the hardware on the MoneyMaker is made of stainless steel, so you don’t have to worry about rusting or degradation with use.
In fact, between the leather and stainless steel components, you’ll likely find that your MoneyMaker far outlasts any of your other photography gear.
The metal components include anchored D-rings for attaching extra gear (like a third camera to the front of the MoneyMaker or a compatible Holdfast bag to the back, as mentioned earlier), specially modified sailboat clips that attach the camera anchor to the strap, and, of course, a variety of buckles that give you the ability to customize the fit of the MoneyMaker.
In addition to the top-notch performance of these stainless steel components, I think you have to agree that the combination of the metal and leather looks like a million bucks!
Holdfast Gear MoneyMaker Comfort & Fit
One of the best attributes of a leather camera strap like the MoneyMaker is that the leather forms and adapts to your body as time goes by.
That means that even though the MoneyMaker is supremely comfortable right out of the box, as time goes by, it will literally conform to your body for a glove-like fit.
The thick leather straps that go over your shoulders have a soft underlining, and the large width of the straps help distribute the weight of the load you’re carrying over a larger surface area.
And since it’s a harness, the MoneyMaker divides that weight equally over your shoulders so you experience less neck, shoulder, and back fatigue.
Even when you raise one camera to your eye - meaning the other side of the harness has a greater load - the harness stays perfectly in place on your shoulders. Again, this eliminates undue fatigue on your body for a more comfortable carrying experience.
Even on long days shooting, you’ll find - as I did - that having a strap that fits perfectly and is so well designed can make all the difference in how you feel.
Holdfast Gear MoneyMaker Functionality
For my money, there’s not another camera strap on the market that offers the same kind of functionality as the Holdfast MoneyMaker.
In a two-camera setup, you can have both rigs right by your side with two different lenses mounted to them. With fewer lens changes to worry about, you’ll also have fewer missed shots.
Aiding in that improved workflow is the fact that you can raise either camera to your eye quickly and easily - and without detaching it from the MoneyMaker.
In one swift motion you can grab the camera, position it relative to your eye, and take the shot. It takes just moments.
In a three-camera setup, that functionality extends even further because you can carry another camera with another focal length lens right on your chest.
As mentioned above, the MoneyMaker is capable of carrying Holdfast bags, too. No longer do you need to set your bag down while you shoot - just carry it right on your back!
And when it comes time to remove your gear from the MoneyMaker, the big, beefy sailboat clips that attach your cameras to the strap are a breeze to operate.
Just pull the tab and the clip opens, allowing you to remove the camera. One swift motion reattaches the clip as well, so if you need to swap cameras mid-shoot, it can be done with the height of efficiency. See what I mean in the video above by Holdfast.
Final Thoughts - Holdfast Gear MoneyMaker Review
I think the MoneyMaker is probably best suited for wedding photography because it looks absolutely stunning and allows you to carry a ton of gear.
That being said, I shoot landscapes, and I’ve found the MoneyMaker to be right at home at the beach, at the mountains, and at various points in between.
I’ve had my MoneyMaker for several years now, and it has been a great addition to my kit.
If you’re looking for a strap that’s comfortable, functional, highly durable, and looks great, the Holdfast Gear MoneyMaker is for you.
Of course, if you only need to carry one camera, you might give the Holdfast MoneyMaker Solo single camera sling strap a look. You can learn all about it in our detailed review.