Why would anyone replace the
original Leica camera strap that is supplied with the camera? After all, it is a Leica strap, even says
Leica on it. I was wondering about the
same thing; that is until I discovered the EDDYCAM strap from Germany.
This thing exudes
quality. Not that the Leica strap is
bad, but the EDDYCAM strap is in an
entirely different league. The EDDYCAM
is the first and only ergonomic elk-skin camera strap. It was developed by Edlef Wienen, an avid
photographer and industry insider with decades of experience and a genuine
passion for aesthetics and nature. Created for people that expect the best
quality, functionality and comfort from their camera strap. The ergonomic
design, use of Scandinavian elk-skin leather and painstaking production in a
small German factory make EDDYCAM particularly comfortable yet extremely
durable – and therefore simply unique.
The raw elk hides are first preserved in salt or by drying, and stored at low temperatures
This is where the initial quality control and sorting takes place.
the EDDYCAM straps are mostly made by hand
Elk-skin is a high quality
natural product and is not only one of the thickest leathers in the world, but
also one of the finest. Production of
the elk-skin straps doesn’t start with the actual manufacturing in Germany, but
much earlier – somewhere in the Scandinavian boreal forest. This is the home of
the elk whose leather is responsible for EDDYCAM’s high quality. The elk-skin
is tanned and dyed in a small Finnish tannery before being sent to the workshop
in Bavaria for further processing. This is where the cutting, bonding and
stitching takes place and components are attached – all very carefully, as you
would expect from an exclusive natural product, and mostly by hand. The soft
and skin-friendly surface, ergonomic strap shape, infinitely adjustable length
and pure natural rubber padding attached with solvent-free adhesive ensure that
EDDYCAM doesn’t pull or pinch your neck or shoulder – even after hours of wear.
Above all, EDDYCAM’s extreme
durability is down to solid artisanal workmanship and the robustness of the
elk-skin and other product components. From webbing quintuple-stitched with
special thread (4700 N tensile strength), to non-breakable stainless steel
length adjustment clips or sturdy polypropylene connecting elements – only
consistently high quality in every part of the camera strap can guarantee its
supreme durability. This makes it almost indestructible, even put to the
toughest use in the harshest climates – and we guarantee that for five years.
The Leica strap has been
retired and the EDDYCAM now is doing its duty on my Leica M8. Fastening it to the camera turned out to be a
bit tedious, but that was well worth it.
I don’t think I have ever used a camera strap that is as comfortable to
wear as the EDDYCAM.
For more information on the
EDDYCAM strap go to: www.eddycam.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For high quality camera bags and accessories worthy of Leica equipment, go to
How can a simple leather strap be worth almost 150 dollars?
ReplyDeleteA while ago I might have agreed with you. However, once I received the EDDYCAM and once I saw how it is made, and all that goes into its production, I came to the conclusion that it is well worth it. This strap is something one almost has to experience. I have never seen anything like it, and there are a lot of really well made straps on the market.
ReplyDeleteLooks like an overpriced item just to accommodate Leica owners with too much money.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry, but you obviously have not had a chance to hold this strap in your hands. Go to the EDDYCAM website and look at the video on how it is made. That will change your mind. As for Leica owners having too much money - that is a typical worn out non-argument. I know pro photographers that spend as much ot more on their non-Leica camera equipment. From my days in retail, I can point to many beginning photographers that scraped together their last nickel to get a Leica. Not too much money there.
Delete