The classic Rock n Roll leather link strap is one of my all-time favourites. I love it because of the spring it puts in the camera and for its comfort over the shoulder. Its one drawback was bulk. The classic design is best-suited to heftier cameras, such as the Leica SL2 or the full-frame Panasonics. For smaller cameras, even including the M rangefinder, it overwhelm the appearance.
Now there’s a narrower alternative, the Rock n Roll Slim, that is sure to please owners of rangefinders and the smaller compacts in the Leica range, such as the V-Lux, CL, TL and D-Lux. I’ve even been using one on the smaller Panasonic, the S5 and I feel it suits the camera better than the wider version, especially when a lightweight lens is mounted.
The Slim, which comes in black or cigar brown leather, is 18mm wide, 3.5mm narrower than the standard Rock N Roll link strap. As a result, it loses a fifth of the weight and, overall, is 30% less bulky than the original. The strap comes in two lengths, 100 and 125cm and is fitted with traditional split rings, suitable for all cameras with ring lugs, including the Leica M, Leica Q, Sony, Nikon, Fuji, Olympus, Panasonic and most other mirrorless and DSLR cameras.
Price of the Slim strap, in either colour, is €115 (plus 19% VAT when supplied to European customers). Add €10 if you want the longer, 125cm version.
I don’t understand the impractical appeal for a non-adjustable strap. It might work great when wearing a t-shirt but it’ll strangle you when wearing a winter coat. Does anyone have this issue? It’s a great business angle since two different length straps would be necessary. I just don’t get it.
I really hate adjustable straps of the type supplied by most camera manufacturers. I much prefer the neatness of hack by fixed length. Although I have long (up to 130cm) and standard (100cm) I cannot remember the last time I was promoted to change to the longer version. I suppose, like everything, it all boils down to a question of choice. And it’s good we do have that choice.
I agree and I find the non adjustable strap much easier to store in my camera bag. I also like the silk cord straps on my smaller cameras because I can wrap them around my wrist instead of using a wrist strap. I have never like the adjustable straps as I find them too bulky. I am happy we have choices to suit all tastes.
I’ve got one on each of my cameras, though they are the older, full-width versions. The short one on my Rolleicord III, and a long one on everything from my Leica M rangefinders to an Olympus OM-1.
These are, by far, the most comfortable straps I’ve ever used.
I love my link straps – they make my cameras like the SL2 feel lighter. The smaller version will be a welcome option for smaller cameras.