Build a cheap, durable leather belt camera strap

I love cameras. I love leather (take that however you wish). And, while I don’t love camera straps, I kinda dig this DIY leather belt strap from green-liver and photo enthusiast Tyler Lloyd. (We assume he devised the idea one night as he was twirling his mustache by a crackling fireplace and sharpening his straight razor on a leather strop.)

The project itself is rather simple, requiring minimal tools and materials. So, let’s take a look at what eating raw vegetables will lead a man to build.

The Materials

• An old, leather belt (he used on from a very fit 36″ waist) – As Tyler advises, if you don’t have one on hand, pick one up at a thrift shop, although, since Fifty Shades of Grey, I’ve heard they are increasingly rare to come by.
• Copper wire – From the looks of it, I would advise picking up something used for house wiring. This can be sourced from scrap yards, hardware/home improvement stores, or from your neighbor’s house while they’re on summer vacation (perfect timing, I know).
• Iron-on fabric patches (optional) – These are what your grandmother used to patch the holes in the knees of your jeans as a child. Pick them up in the sewing section of your favorite chain store or local craft supply shop.

The Tools

• A box cutter, utility knife, or that very sharp object you found under your spouse’s pillow.
• Leather punches, an ice pick, or a drill with appropriately-sized bits should work for making new holes.
• Wire cutter and stripper, although I’ve found that removing the insulation from a wire can be done with the above-mentioned knives.
• Needle-nosed pliers (or, really, anything that allows you to bend the copper wire).
• Iron (optional…for the patches).

The Basic Process

1. Trim and shape the belt

2. Add fabric patches to the ends (optional)

3.  Punch holes into the ends of the leather

4.  Strip your wire and attach the strap to your camera

5.  Enjoy your new strap with increased personal satisfaction

Now, one downside I automatically see with this is the inability to easily remove the strap from the camera.  On the other hand, a definite positive is that your camera will not become easily detached.

[Leather Belt Camera Strap]