Since I got my Olympus OM-D earlier in January I've been looking everywhere for a nice camera strap that would match the design of the camera. I wanted something simple and traditional. However, I couldn't find anything that caught my eye and those that did I could not justify the cost.
So I decided to make my own... at a cost of under $25.00 for 2 straps. One for my OM-D and a matching one for my OM-1. I thought I would share my DIY strap.
Materials:
- 72" x 5/8" leather hide strip (split in 2 for 2 straps). Purchased on amazon but you might be able to find some locally for cheaper
- 1x suede padding (optional)
- 2x D rings
- 2x Snap hooks
- 2x Chicago screws
drill, scisscors, ruler, pencil/pen
1) I started with the padding first, At first I was going to sew the 2 ends together but i was too lazy and i had some leftover velcro adhesive lying around so I cut them in half, folded my suede pad and bob's your uncle. the good thing is that it's easily removable from the strap and it's quite comfortable around the neck
2) Link the D rings with the snap hooks, I used a plier to pry open the d ring and then closed it off. These hooks were less than $2.00 for a pack of 2 at home depot and can support up to 6.6lbs each.
3) Measure and mark off my drill points to where the holes will be drilled for the chicago screws. I wanted to make sure I had plenty of room and stayed away from the edge of the leather. looking back I could've probably drill them closer together for a smaller loop for the D-ring.
4) Drill. Make sure your drill bits are big enough (mine wasn't and i had to switch bits 3-4 times because I didn't want to make a bigger hole than I needed). and also make sure to put something underneath so the drill won't go through your table.
5) loop the d-ring/snap hook between your drilled holes and screw in your chicago screws, snap on your neck/shoulder pad and you're all done!
Here is what it looks like on my olympus =) Overall I'm quite happy with it. It's secured and holds the weight of the camera very well. the padding adds a little something to the strap. The only thing is that my chicago screws were about 1/4" too long but I can easily swap it out next time I'm at home depot.
it hangs perfectly around my neck to just below my chest and it's also a good height hanging over my shoulder.
The whole thing took my an hour to do. 30mins of which was me watching hockey and waiting for the battery for me drill to be charged.
Any comments and questions are welcomed
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