Camera strap attachment - Why no spring clips?

Question

I've been searching for a new camera strap as I've grown my collection (oops).

I now have a selection of different formats and sizes of camera:

• Canon 6D mkII (main shooter)
• Lubitel 166B (120 medium format TLR)
• Canon Sure Shot Zoom XL (35mm compact)
• Bronica ETRSI (120 medium format SLR)
• Fuji Instax

I am hoping to find a strap that I can use interchangeably with all of these cameras and in my searching I have found that most detachable solutions appear to have a detachable module system like the Peak Design options, where the loopy bit goes on the camera and the disc slides into the strap holder:

My question is... Why aren't there many (or any) main manufacturers producing straps with spring clips instead? For reference, when I say "spring clip" I mean something like this (for reference, the image here is a pet leash...):

It seems that something like this - Could also be a smaller clip for use-ability - should work just as well as the Peak Design? It may even be better aesthetically as you wouldn't have the little toggles still connected to the camera when you detach it, if you were to display the camera for example?

Are there any downsides to a strap connector like this? Are there any manufacturers producing straps like this?

Answer 1

The main downside to metal clips or rings are that they scratch the camera around the connection point. This used to be no big deal for most folks. For those that it was, there were little leather pads attached to the ends of some straps to protect the camera from the metal hardware.

Some such straps came with metal clips rather than 3/8" loop ends.

In the present era, it seems that everyone is obsessed with their electronic devices being cosmetically flawless. Most people put protective covers on our phone screens, camera screens, phone backs and sides, etc. So metal hardware at the end of straps that would come into contact with the camera have fallen out of vogue.

But there are still more than a few "boutique" strap makers that offer such straps. Just do a google search for "vintage camera strap" (also select "Images" to easier see what the different results look like) and many of them will have metal clip ends on them.

Then there is Op/Tech, who has a near endless number of connector styles that are modular so they work with all of their strap, sling, and harness styles. The ends tend to be very affordable as well, usually around $8/set for most types. So you can buy the strap you want, then mix/match various ends until you find what works for you without breaking the bank.

Answer 2

OP/TECH USA produce many different straps and connectors, which can be combined together to produce many different strap variations. I was recently considering something similar to what you're asking about... I thought of using their Adapt-Its together with their Swivel Hook Connectors, and combine that with an Envy Strap I already have. I wanted the strap connectors on the camera to be as "low profile" as possible, to make it easier to get in and out of a tight camera bag.

What put me personally off though is the fear that the swivel hooks could easily mar/scratch the camera body – a camera I'm unsure I'll keep over the longer term, and so I want to keep it in good condition, to maximise resale potential.