Only when I began preparing to review my Ansco Super Memar camera for 35mmc did I notice that the camera lacks “lugs” for attaching neck straps. I could carry it in a belly bag or belt pouch, but I really wanted to hang it around my neck for easy access.
One solution I’ve seen is to screw an appropriately sized bolt into the camera’s tripod mount and firmly tie a cord around it. But that leaves the camera hanging precariously upside down. (I could also buy a genuine Super-Memar case online… but was in a hurry to test the camera.)
And then, an idea! I own a dozen vintage cameras whose leather ready-cases might be big enough to hold the Super Memar. And most ready-case bases came with their own strap lugs. So why not see if one of them might work?
As it turned out, only one did: the case for my Yashica Lynx-14. It’s the only camera in my collection with a tripod mount centered on its base plate (like the Super Memar’s). The Lynx-14 ready-case is also just slightly larger than the Super Memar… making them an almost perfect fit.
So I screwed the camera into the Lynx-14’s ready-case base (as shown in the above photo), attached a neck strap, and headed out to burn some film for the upcoming review.
NOTE: While the fit was completely functional, it wasn’t perfect. The tripod bolt built into the Lynx-14 case is thick, and when the Ansco camera is in the case and they’re placed on a shelf, they topple over. So this little trick is better for carrying than displaying.
But if you ever face the same dilemma, this tip might help!
–Dave Powell is a Westford, Mass., writer and avid amateur photographer.
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Ralph Turner on If Your Vintage Camera Lacks Strap Lugs, Try This!
Comment posted: 27/12/2023
Comment posted: 27/12/2023
François Laverdure on If Your Vintage Camera Lacks Strap Lugs, Try This!
Comment posted: 27/12/2023
I got some leather working tools from AliExpress (a 5mm x 4 stitching awl, a 5mm x 2 stitching awl for doing curves, some waxed leather thread and leather sewing needles), an old leather purse from Goodwill, some picture hanging triangle loops from the hardware store and some brass plated paper fasteners (the type that you put in the sheet's holes and bend the tabs backwards) from Staples. I used an old tripod screw to hold the camera so that it doesn't fall to the ground.
You will need to make the base part a bit bigger as the stitching and bending of the leather will take more place than you think (I put half a pencil more on all sides).
Happy crafting.
Comment posted: 27/12/2023