Replacement Strap for Burke & James 8x10 View Camera

[skuuterboy]

I've just purchased an 8x10 Burke & James View Camera and the leather strap is missing. The stap lugs are in place although I don't see an easy way to change them out without messing up the red bellows. I am looking for suggestions on where to find a replacement/alternative strap for this camera. It is big and heavy enough to need one. thanks.

[Jonathan Barlow]

A sturdy leather dog collar of the appropriate width and length would make a good view camera handle.

[Jac@stafford.net]

I've just purchased an 8x10 Burke & James View Camera and the leather strap is missing. The stap lugs are in place although I don't see an easy way to change them out without messing up the red bellows.

You can probably replace the handle fasteners using small T-nuts (http://www.butlerfasteners.co.uk/images/nuts/tnuts_big.jpg) and the appropriate screws. The T-Nut goes between the bellows and top, with prongs pointing into the wood top. (No wood there - use T-nuts with locator holes.) To do this, remove the fastener covers at each end of the strap, and drill out the original fasteners. The rest should be clear. This is exactly what I did to restore a Deardorff 8x10 that had little clearance there.

For a leather handle, surf the 'bay for restoration trunk handle. I had another supplier that I will continue to look for. A good old leather belt or collar as Jonathan mentioned, or your original will also work.

[Keith Pitman]

Rockler sells some leather handles: http://www.rockler.com/search/go?w=Leather%20handle&asug=&sli_uuid=&sli_sid=


If that doesn't work, a craftsperson who makes belts could probably make one for you. Check at Tandy Leather if you have one nearby.

[Greg]

Found my replacement leather handle.... a leather belt for sale at a Tag sale for just $1.00. Was easy to cut to size and fit.

[Jac@stafford.net]

Rockler sells some leather handles: http://www.rockler.com/search/go?w=Leather%20handle&asug=&sli_uuid=&sli_sid=

Rockler! That was buried in my bookmarks. A very cool place to shop. Thanks for that.

[skuuterboy]

Thanks for the excellent suggestions. This helps a great deal.

[dsphotog]

You might also like... www.brettunsvillage.com
The website is extensive. You want to look at replacement trunk, luggage, suitcase, or typewriter handles, like TH-15, or TH-16.

[DrTang]

I use some speaker wire I route back and forth between the lugs 6 or 8 times

It's what I had on hand at the time and since it works...never saw need to change it

[Robert Brazile]

You might also like... www.brettunsvillage.com
The website is extensive. You want to look at replacement trunk, luggage, suitcase, or typewriter handles, like TH-15, or TH-16.

This is what I used on my 2D. Very happy with the results.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7487/15123224024_d782e3c25f_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/p3otBN)
New handle (https://flic.kr/p/p3otBN) by Robert Brazile (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rbrazile/), on Flickr

Robert

[Mrportr8]

I'm a little late to the party here but I can help in the future. Besides photography my other hobbies include woodworking and leatherwork. I can make a handle for most anything, but it won't be $1 and I don't make bellows. Any kind of carry strap, handle, box, etc. I can do it.

[David Karp]

This is what I used on my 2D. Very happy with the results.

Robert,

Did you screw the brackets directly into the wood with brass wood screws? Or did you do what Jac described above?

[Robert Brazile]

David -- neither, exactly: I replaced the existing split rivets with very small brass nuts and bolts, sourced from McMaster-Carr, as I recall. Now easily reversible.

Robert

[David Karp]

Thanks Robert!