How to fit a Nikon camera strap properly

Fitting a strap to a Nikon DSLR or mirrorless camera needs to be done with care - you don't want the strap to come undone and send your expensive camera body and lens crashing to the ground.

We've seen some frightening strap installations, like this one that was just waiting to slip at a crucial moment. But getting the strap fitted properly isn't actually that hard. Here's how to do it right.

1 Set up the strap

First, make sure the fittings are arranged correctly on the strap. The buckle needs to go on first, facing the outside, followed by the plastic collar. Push both of them a few centimetres onto the strap to give yourself some room for manoeuvre.

2 Fit from the outside

Slide the free end of the strap into the camera's strap mount or lug from the outside. Pull a few centimetres of strap through so you have something to work with.

3 Pass through the collar

Take the free end and pass it through the plastic collar. Pull through about five centimetres (2in) of strap. Push the collar down so it's about 2.5cm (1in) above the mounting point on the camera.

4 Buckle from the top

This is the unintuitive bit. Loosen the main part of the strap where it goes through the buckle so you can also pass the free end through that buckle. But don't introduce it from the bottom, as you would think - slide it into the top part of the buckle as shown.

5 Hide the strap end

Loop the strap around and push it out of the bottom of the buckle. This makes the strap end turn sharply, adding friction and making the installation more secure. The strap end will be underneath the buckle and on the inside of the strap where it's out of the way.

6 Adjust and tighten

You can now adjust the buckle to get the strap length the way you want it, then pull the strap tight. Repeat the process on the other end of the strap - making sure you don't twist it - and you have a neat, secure strap installation for your Nikon camera.

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