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02-22-2017, 10:44 AM   #1
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Pentax banjo strap

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Just spotted this beauty on eBay:
Vintage Pentax Banjo Strap | eBay

02-22-2017, 01:20 PM   #2
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Umm, why is this a thing that exists?
02-22-2017, 01:27 PM   #3
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QuoteOriginally posted by lithedreamer Quote
Umm, why is this a thing that exists?
It's not for a banjo
02-22-2017, 02:27 PM - 1 Like   #4
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I'm not totally sure of the etymology of "banjo strap" as it relates to cameras for sure; in fact, I wholly unfamiliar with it until now, but my guess is that it goes back to the '70s and '80s when cameras were sold with skinny little straps that could become uncomfortable over extended periods of time. Wider straps like the one in the eBay listing resemble the straps used on guitars and banjos and became popular on cameras, especially ones with heavier lenses, because they distribute the weight a little better and are thus more comfortable.

Back in the mid '80s when I got my first 35mm SLR, a Minolta X-570, it came with a skinny strap, which I never used on the camera since I also got an accessory kit that included a wide strap.

02-22-2017, 03:39 PM   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by lithedreamer Quote
Umm, why is this a thing that exists?
Have you never heard the United Pentax Banjo Orchestra ? Look them up on YouTube :-)
02-22-2017, 04:04 PM   #6
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Back in the early 70s when I first got into photography wide straps like that were all the rage. Often with very colorful patterns on them. Look up "Hippie camera strap" on eBay. Apparently they are still in fashion in some circles.
02-22-2017, 04:24 PM - 1 Like   #7
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Yes I still use the "banjo strap" colorful camera straps for my film cameras. By the way, they also work on a banjo since its the same endpiece that clips the the banjo rim or camera lugs. Big in the 60s and 70s. Mine date from the middle 60s and have held up fine.

02-22-2017, 04:40 PM   #8
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What kind of strap does this qualify as?

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02-22-2017, 05:31 PM   #9
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Ha, I didn't realize that wide camera straps are also called "banjo straps". I just assumed that Pentax might have been involved in different markets back in the day. This eBay seller must be wondering why one of their items has gotten so many views in just a few hours.
02-23-2017, 06:08 AM   #10
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when I do use a strap with my banjo it is a hippie strap and it is from the 70's

I bought my wife a very nice hippie strap for her binoculars...hasn't scared the birds
though a pair of whitetails apparently thought it quite garish
02-23-2017, 06:18 PM   #11
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A Pentax banjo strap used by Jerry Garcia - now that would be something !
02-27-2017, 03:38 AM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by igowerf Quote
Pentax banjo strap
I knew there was a reason why I stuck to the original thin LX straps on all my cameras... I'm not remotely musical.
03-02-2017, 06:17 PM   #13
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The Couch Guitar Strap folks make really nice camera straps.

I have one on my K01 that is made of recycled Volkswagen seat fabric, and the one on my K1 is white with a red stripe similar to Pentax stuff in the 90s...

They also use a K1000 as one of their models...

Guitar Straps | Camera Straps | Cool Wallets | Couch Guitar Straps

-Eric
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