Hi everybody! My Crown Graphic 4 x 5 is missing its leather handle. Does anyone know where I can get a replacement? Maybe made of nylon?

Replacement straps are frequently offered on that big auction site, E B.

Also I've seen them offered by Pacific Rim Camera. Just look around.

I've looked around the Internet but have so far only found those big, loose long straps. The original Crown Graphic strap is snug up against the camera. That's what I'm looking for but can't seem to find...

Over the years I have seen the following suggestions for replacing a strap:

A used one from eBay which may or may not be in good shape

Having a local leather worker make a replacement

Using a 1" nylon dog collar

Nylon from a marine supply store cut and sewn to fit

Hope this will give you some guidance

At my local fabric store I found 1"-wide woven nylon strapping, in black and also in red (would match my grey/red bellows Century!), also plastic buckles. It's a fairly easy DIY project to fashion a suitable strap with these materials. Rather than try to sew the nylon, I simply "welded" it to itself, using a 25 watt soldering iron. Cost of materials couldn't have exceeded a couple of bucks (it's been a while since I bought them).

On this board I've also seen at least one link to a source for replica leather straps, if that's your preference. Sorry I don't have the links; you might try the search feature and see what comes up.

http://www.mpex.com/browse.cfm/4,6673.html

Midwest Photo http://www.mpex.com/index.htm - bags, cases, straps/ misc accessories. (if the first link doen not work)

Sierra,
I get 1" nylon strap and sew my own. I loop it around so it is double thick at the top and trippled only at the bottom. This makes for a very comfortable strap without any bump at the top against the back of your hand. I first figure out exactly how much strap and where to cut it (doesn't really have to be perfect), and then I wind it around they way I wan tit, then pin it and test for comfort, and how tight or loose I want it, maybe re-pin and then stitch top and bottom and in two other places. I use regular polyester sewing thread and this makes for an incredibly strong lasting and comfortable strap. I like to have the original leather straps on my best original cameras, but the ones I use the most get the nylon. If you have the removable lower clip this makes for setting up on a tripod a bit easier, but I have never had a problem getting my cameras on the support, and I have medium small hands and like a tight strap.
Lately I have been using 1" nylon web strap from the local West Marine store, but I've had a little bit better strap from a sailmaker shop in the past.
Have fun

us a second flash as a replacement
thats what i did-but mine came with a dog collar, not the strap.

Hi,
I just found a great strap replacement that looks almost factory. A local discount store has hundreds of men's black leather belts for sale - 2/$3.00. I bought one of the smaller belts with a small buckle. I just put it on my 4x5 Speed Graphic & it fit perfectly. I just followed how one of my other straps was attached. Now to go up & get another belt for my 2x3 Century. I think I'll get a few extra belts for any future camera buys.
>>> Jim

Jim,
Does this store have a name? It may be part of a regional or national chain. If so, some of of us could possibly find one, too.
Thanks,
Tom

Tom,

The store's name is Marc's. The belts are made in the USA. I just put one on my 2x3 Century. It fit fine. The strap brackets are all the same size. It looks a bit large on the small camera but that's the way they made them. The belt I bought has 2 loops sown in next to the buckle. I cut one out so I could use it at the other bracket - the one opposite where the buckle is. The length of the strap is about 18".

Last summer I was thinking of trying this with a belt but didn't want to spend $15 - $30 at a regular store. Some of the belts at Marc's had a retail price sticker of $30. These didn't have a retail price on them.

I could buy some belts for you & ship them at cost.

>>> Jim