The Strapateers at work
This is the page for all our customers to send their pictures and stories to-
The Strapateer got this message about a very special Nikon SP
Hi Matthew, I LOVE the straps!
Since you are a fan of Life Mag, I'll give you a quick rundown on this camera and the confirmation.
First, I purchased it because I had quite frankly never seen one with this much brassing internally. Something kept shouting that somebody had to run a TON of film through it. As I reviewed the name etched on the back, "R. Peterson #8", someone mentioned that they bet it belonged to Bob Peterson with Life Magazine. I then found this article: People person: Photographer Bob Peterson’s lens has seen it all | UW Magazine — University of Washington Magazine
I reached out to the writer and inquired if he could confirm that this was the camera Bob seemed to love to use. He said he was about 99% certain it was, but couldn't say 100%. Fair enough. Not to mention a great start.
Next, I found a gallery with Bob's work for sale in California. I sent them pictures of the camera and asked if they happened to have any family contacts. Several months passed by. Then, I get an email from his daughter Liz. She said that it was indeed her dad's camera and that she was in tears seeing it.
Then I found a guy that had bid on the camera years ago when it was at auction. He said he bowed out when the bidding hit $7500. However, and this part I hate, the camera at that time also included a box of negatives and contact sheets. He said without a doubt he could verify that the Norman Mailer cover of Life was shot with it because it was on the contact sheets. He also thought one of the shots of JFK was as well but couldn't recall.
So, there you go. History, with confirmation. Oh how I wish the box of negatives and the contact sheets were with it! That would have been even better.
I've kept all of the above correspondence and put in a lovely SP box in my darkroom. Thought you'd enjoy the story.
Pics attached of the camera :)
Thanks again,
Tony
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And this message from Yu in Japan -
The strap I ordered arrived safely at my home in Japan today. It looks great on my beloved Leica M2.
I like it so much that I want to place another order.
Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Yu
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And from Josh on location in Scotland -
Your Strapateers are perfect for my cameras! Very best, Josh George
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Dear Mr. Whiteman
Good day
I received my Type A today!
The new stamp enhances the classic look of The Strapateer and every time I see it I feel a kind of connection with the country that I lived as a kid.
Here’s a picture with my Leica M4.
Can’t wait to go out in the streets with it!
Thank you very kindly for the quick service
and very best wishes.
Masanori
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Hi Matthew,
I am in Kenya, the strap has been absolutely great. I have used it in hiking, school construction and documentary work, the safari, and within the rural areas. The strap has held up well.
Feedback: I believe that the strap is extremely versatile for its ability to change lengths seamlessly, be able to be wrapped around your hand and serve as a strong wrist strap, and being able to unclip/clip it quickly on one’s torso. This is all the more needed when shooting with the Leica M system. The leather quality also seems very nice.
Attached are a few photos of myself on assignment with the strap.
Thank you again,
Ryan Kossarian