How to Wear the Dual Leather Camera Strap for the First Time: Tutorial

You’ve just received your double-strap leather bag. You open it. Inside, you’ll find a system of crisscrossing straps that looks like a topology exercise. Don’t panicit takes just 60 seconds to put it on correctly.

A practical tutorial on how to wear the double shoulder strap for the first time: sides, buckles, correct sequence, length adjustment, and how to open and close it with one hand. A step-by-step guide with references to the full video tutorial on the GenuineStrap channel.

"The moment you realize that 'right is right' is the moment the double strap feels natural." New customer

Anatomy of the double shoulder strap

A GenuineStrap double shoulder strap consists of: two main straps that run from the shoulders to the opposite hip (left-right crossed), two leather sliders that allow vertical movement of the camera, two 1/4-inch screws for attaching cameras, and a central adjustment strap on the back.

The important distinction: there is a left side and a right side. It is not 100% symmetrical: one strap has the main adjustment, the other is simpler.

The 4 steps to wearing it correctly

1. Identify the adjustment side

Open the package and lay the shoulder strap flat on the table. Look for the strap with the length-adjustment buckle: it’s the “wider” one near the shoulder. This side goes over your right shoulder if you’re right-handed, or your left shoulder if you’re left-handed.

2. Open the center clasp

On the back, there is a connecting strap with a steel clasp. Open it: the shoulder strap separates into two straps. This makes it much easier to put on and prevents you from having to “pull it over your head.”

3. Slip your arms in like a jacket

Put on the shoulder strap as if it were a sleeveless vest: right arm in the right strap, left arm in the left. The straps run diagonally, crossing over your back.

4. Close the center clasp and adjust

Close the central buckle on the back. You’ll hear a click: the safety lock is engaged. Adjust the length using the buckle on your right shoulder. The cameras should hang at hip level, slightly below your navel.

Common mistakes when using it for the first time

Perfect 3-point adjustment

When the shoulder strap is properly adjusted:

• The cameras hang at your hips. Not below your navel (too low), not above your ribs (too high). Hip height is optimal.
• The center clasp sits high on your back. Between your shoulder blades, at the level of your trapezius muscles. If it slides down, the straps sag forward.
• You don’t feel any pressure on your neck. All the pressure is on your shoulders. If you feel pressure on your neck, the strap is too tight or the shoulder straps are misaligned.

Models to use for this tutorial

Correct position based on body type

The 'standard' adjustment of the double shoulder strap works for most body types, but a few tweaks make it significantly more comfortable to use.

Slender builds (under 70 kg): tighten the straps by 35 cm compared to the medium setting. The camera should hang at the height of your upper hips, not below. Longer straps may slip forward if they’re too long.

Athletic/robust builds (over 90 kg): medium or slightly longer setting. Check that the center buckle stays high on your back, between your shoulder blades. If it slides down, shorten the inner adjustment strap.

Women with larger busts: Some female photographers find it more comfortable to position the straps at a slightly wider angle across the shoulders. Adjusting the center buckle downward allows for this wider angle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear it over a jacket?

Yes. Lengthen the straps by 1015 cm compared to the basic setup. The double GenuineStrap has up to 145 cm of adjustment, more than enough for heavy technical jackets.

Can I use it with a white shirt?

Yes, the high-quality vegetable-tanned leather won’t leave marks on your shirt when dry. If you sweat a lot, the version with white padding is preferable: the inner fabric protects your shirt from direct contact with the leather.

In summary

Once you’ve worn it for the first time, the double shoulder strap becomes second nature: after 510 uses, you won’t even think about it. The central clasp, the adjustment, and sliding the sliders are all actions you’ll master in just a few days.

If you have any doubts about using it for the first time, contact us: we’ll respond directly with specific advice for your model and body type.