As someone that carried my camera around with the factory shoulder strap for years, I am intimately familiar with just how bad they are from a comfort, safety, and aesthetic standpoint. I’m sure you are too!
No matter how expensive the camera is, camera manufacturers just aren’t that dialed in to providing a strap that’s actually comfortable. The thin padding (if it can be called that) provides no cushion as your camera bounces around while you walk, and it certainly isn’t the most secure method of carrying around your expensive new gear. What’s more, the straps included with cameras are just plain ugly.
It is for these reasons that I upgraded to a new strap system, and believe me when I say, you should too!
Comfort
When I used to carry my camera around all day with the single shoulder strap that came in the box, I grumbled about the shoulder, neck, and back pain that resulted. It was difficult, to say the least, to shoot in comfort for very long, and once the fatigue and pain set it, shooting was no longer fun. It was just a grind to get through it!
That’s certainly not the case when you carry your cameras with Holdfast’s Money Maker. The difference is night and day - like a compact car and a hypercar. The Money Maker is made of high-quality materials, with several models sporting soft, supple leather that will conform to your body and fit like a glove. With dual straps, the weight of the load you’re carrying will be distributed evenly, giving you a much more comfortable fit that will allow you to shoot all day long. If you need to shoot light and fast, the Money Maker has removable shoulder pads. But even with the pads removed, the Money Maker still feels like a million bucks!
Safety
A single shoulder strap is about the worst means of connecting your camera to your body there is. It can easily fall off your shoulder. I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve caught a shoulder strap on something as I walk by. Even worse, some photographers have had the unfortunate experience of having their shoulder straps cut by thieves, who snatch up the camera and take off with it.
A dual strap system addresses these safety issues. There’s no flimsy materials to wear out or fall victim to a thief’s hands. Camera restraint systems that are made of leather are strong and durable, and systems that have safety straps that are anchored with D rings ensure your cameras stay attached to you safely and securely. Dual strap systems also allow you to carry two cameras with ease, and shoot with peace of mind knowing that your precious gear safe and sound all day long!
Aesthetics
Factory-made shoulder straps emblazoned with the camera manufacturer’s name on them just aren’t fashionable, no matter which way you cut it. What’s more, having the type of camera you carry advertised on your shoulder is just asking for someone to take notice and try to procure your camera for themselves.
Upgrading to an aftermarket strap doesn’t just improve the comfort level and safety of your gear - it also gives you an opportunity to buy a system that looks good now and will look good for years to come. Get a strap made of leather that is tanned and treated for an impeccable look. If you’re adventurous, you can even get straps made of genuine Python skin! And for those of you that prefer nylon straps, you can get those too. Regardless of the material, systems like the Money Maker look good, are highly secure, and is extremely comfortable too. What’s not to love about that?