Camera Straps
How to Choose a Camera Strap
Finding the right camera strap is more personal than you might think. The strap you choose affects how you carry your camera, how quickly you can shoot, and how your kit feels at the end of a long day. At Henry and Wilde we make two distinct styles — leather and rope — and each suits a different kind of photographer.
Leather Camera Straps
Leather straps are built to last a lifetime and get better with every use. Full-grain vegetable tanned leather develops a rich patina over time — a record of every shoot, every trip and every roll of film. If you're the kind of photographer who values craftsmanship and wants a strap that tells a story, leather is for you.
Leather is a great choice if you:
- Shoot with a classic film or rangefinder camera and want a strap that matches the aesthetic
- Want something minimal and refined for street or travel photography
- Love the idea of your gear ageing beautifully with use
Our leather straps — the Vincent and the Gibson — are handcrafted from full-grain vegetable tanned leather sourced from the Conceria Walpier tannery in Tuscany, Italy.
Rope Camera Straps
Rope straps have a more relaxed, casual feel — lightweight, tactile and comfortable for all-day wear. They're a popular choice with photographers who want something a little different from a factory nylon strap, without sacrificing comfort or durability.
Rope is a great choice if you:
- Shoot all day and want something lightweight and comfortable around your neck
- Prefer a more casual, lifestyle aesthetic
- Shoot with a mirrorless camera and want a strap that feels modern and understated
- perfect for travel cameras that fit in your jacket pocket or shoulder bag
Our rope straps — the Audrey and the Standard — are handcrafted in Western Australia and designed to be as functional as they are good looking.
Still not sure?
Think about the camera you shoot with and where you shoot most. A classic film camera with a slim leather Vincent strap is a timeless combination. A modern mirrorless with an Audrey rope strap is effortlessly contemporary. Either way, a Henry and Wilde strap is made to last and enhance your photography journey.
If you have any questions at all, get in touch — we're happy to help you find the right strap for your kit.
SIZING
Before you place your order do a quick check to find the best strap length which suits your shooting style. Hang a measuring tape around your neck as you would a camera and see where it would sit. Straps are measured from the end of one split ring to the end of the other split ring.
The STANDARD and AUDREY rope straps are available in four lengths 75cm (29in), 95cm (37in), 110cm (43in ) and 125cm (49in).
The GIBSON leather straps are available in four lengths 75cm (29in), 95cm (37in), 110cm (43in) and 125cm (49in).
The VINCENT leather strap is available in two lengths 75cm (29.5in ), 95cm ( 37.4in ).
The shorty length is 75cm ( 29.5in ) measured from split ring to split ring. Your camera will rest mid chest. Our most popular sizes for wearing around the neck are 95cm and 110cm. For cross body use, 110cm or 125cm will be the most comfortable and functional lengths with the 125cm perfect when wearing a bulky jacket.
Watch Lucy Lumen below.
FITTING SPLIT RING STRAPS
We have provided two round leather protectors which are placed over the camera lugs prior to fitting the split rings. They help minimise contact between the split rings and the camera body. Lug placement on cameras varies between models so you can decide when fitting the strap if they are required.
Position one end of the strap adjacent to the lug on your camera with the rope below the lug and the logo facing toward the camera. This will position the logo side of the strap in the correct position when in use.
Pry open the split ring only wide enough so it fits over the camera lug. This can be done with either your thumb nail or a small flat blade screw driver. ( We find using your thumb nail is the easiest option but take no responsibility if you break a nail or scratch your nail polish. Also pushing the opened split ring though the lug is easier than pulling the ring through the lug ).
Be careful not to open the split ring too much as it may not return to it's original closed position.
After the first side is attached remove any twists in the strap and attach the second split ring.
CLEANING
Rope Straps... Wipe down rope with a damp cotton cloth or microfibre cloth. Do not immerse the leather ends in water to clean. If the leather ends do get wet dry in the shade.
Leather Straps ...if you get caught in the rain dry your leather in a shaded environment and let the air do the work. Do not rush the drying process using excessive heat. Once dry you can apply a leather balm to help recondition the leather.
The Australian made rope we use is designed to be soft to touch, colour fast, UV stable, washable and has a breaking strain measured in the hundreds of kilograms.
PACKAGING
We care and we know you do. Our shipping packaging is made from FSC certified paper and recycled paper, it's 100% reyclable and compostable. Even the tape will break down when composted.
