The Peak Designs Camera Leash

For more information click here.

Since I started my daily Covid 19 stay-cation photo jaunts, I have become much more aware of the importance of the camera neck strap. I've gone to carrying a single camera and lens, and because my morning walks are now approaching the 4-mile-per-day point, the comfort provided by the humble camera strap has become a major consideration.

Like many things in our consumer oriented market, what we buy is a conscious reflection of who we are, or who we want to be. The last thing I wanted to be was a "poser" ready to by the any hip thing that came along. My thinking was that any item I purchased and subsequently used must perform the assigned task better or more efficiently than its predecessor. 

When I carried a much larger DSLR, I employed wide, comfortable straps to better distribute the weight. Now that I live a leaner photographic lifestyle, these overly-wide straps were like the bell-bottomed jeans I abandoned long ago. Something leaner, and meaner, was needed for my 21st Century persona.

I tried a number of synthetic straps, and found that those made by Peak Designs were especially suitable for my use. First, they come in two widths: 1.5"  (Slide) and 1" (Leash), which I'll deploy with my heavy DSLRs and my lighter Fuji cameras, respectively. Cutting to the chase, the most salient features are the quick length adjustment, the quick detach Anchors, and the reversible rubber gripping surface that can be deployed by simply twisting the strap.

Attaching the strap to your camera may require the use of a "D"  split ring, or in the case of the Peak Design straps, an elongated "O" ring. This narrower design is better suited for the small-diameter reinforced chords, clearly shown by this photo. Unfortunately, these chords are too thick to pass through the camera eyelets, so you still have to struggle a bit to thread the tiny split ring through the eyelet.

One other feature is the quick detach mounting on the strap. The small red disk snaps into a special recess in the ends of the strap for a very secure attaching point. The retaining disks are designed for both easy removal, and secure attachment, and take only one or two tries to completely master. Convenience and safety. What a concept.


A most useful feature is the multi-layered construction of the chord. As the instructions clearly state, they are safe and serviceable until the yellow inner core is exposed, a reminder that the chord is starting to seriously wear. Spares are readily available, and come those teensy split rings to better match the smaller size of the chord. 

One interesting option is the available of extra anchor links which allow the user to adapt one's existing camera straps to utilize the Peak Design anchors.

One final point is the one-handed length adjustment. While carrying a heavier X-Pro 1 body, I decided to shift my carry from around the an across-the-body off shoulder carry. I was able to accomplish the adjustment with a simple, tug-and-extend movement that took less time than it takes to read about it.

Peak Designs also sells Anchors to adapt existing camera straps to use the quick-detach Anchors. A spiffy video has been created for your entertainment, and I guarantee it's a well-spent 2.5 minutes.




Attaching Without Split Rings: I wish I had seen this earlier. You can bypass the hassle of  installing the split rings by following these simple instructions. Of course, if the holes in the strap lugs are a little tight, the rings might be the better way to go. Dental Floss. Who knew?



I really like the Peak Design approach to the good ol' camera strap. The yellow "wear indicator" cable core really sold me. The quick detach Anchors and the rapid adjustment feature are the frosting on the cake.

Job Bob says "Check It Out."