Barton 1972 Leather Straps - A User Review


Thedraperyfalls

New Member
Oct 19, 2009
572
1
0
Singapore
8369207211_4b677116c2_c.jpg


I have never once used the original straps that came with the cameras I own.
I dislike their shamelessly emblazoned brand logos that scream ‘come steal my expensive camera’ to any would-be thieves.
Also, I find fault with their often clunky design and pedestrian workmanship.
Most of all, I shudder at the thought of having the same strap as every other tourist on the boardwalk.
Since I am already spending so much on the camera, it makes sense for me to invest a little in a well-made strap that is both durable and stylish.
If you are anything like me, read on for my hands-on review of the Barton 1972 leather-straps.

The Barton 1972 leather straps are made in Hong Kong and I was first introduced to them through Steve Huff who was using the braided strap for his M9P.
I was instantly intrigued as they looked absolutely fantastic and were priced very reasonably.
When I got wind that they were available in locally, I got my grubby hands on the Braided Style in a rustic russet brown, the Sensuality in smokey camel and the Braidy wrist-strap in olive green.
______________________


Materials: 8/10

I will start with the Braided Style and the Braidy wrist-strap since they are essentially the same thing but in different configurations.
They are made using 100% leather and are surprisingly soft despite being slightly thicker due to the braiding.
Both straps are extremely supple and feels great to the touch. These are definitely genuine leather and none of those cheap, faux-leather variants.

8370272736_a333a199e4_c.jpg


The Sensuality, which is of a more conventional styling, also uses 100% leather.
The strap’s deep, orangey brown is beautiful to behold and feels very luxurious and substantial.
The underside is made of a rougher textured leather helps with the grip, which I found to be very useful.

8370271896_90e178b1dd_c.jpg


Hardware-wise, all three straps use simple split-rings to attach to the camera.
There is nothing to fault but nothing to write home about either.
______________________


Construction: 8/10

When I evaluate a product’s construction, I always look out for a few main things.
Firstly, the quality and consistency of the stitching and seams.
Next, if there are any breakable parts and the presence of stray threads or loose ends.
And finally I would also look out for added considerations such as using higher quality thread such as nylon or polyester and if the stress points are identified and reinforced.

Overall, the Barton straps are well-constructed with neat and even stitching.
The stress-point on the tip of the strap is reinforced with a repeated zigzag stitching pattern.
There are no stray threads or loose ends and no breakable parts. The braiding on the braided straps is tight and consistent.

8370272106_1934d72cdd_c.jpg


To really improve their quality, they might consider investing in higher quality thread instead of the cotton ones that is currently in use.
Cotton threads are prone to rotting in moisture and have considerably lower friction compared the nylon or polyester variants.
 

Usage: 9/10

It must be said that these straps are very comfortable to use.
The braided straps are slightly springy and would stretch out with a heavier load.
The stretching is very minimal and more prominent with a heavier camera such as a DSLR.
Strangely, that slight stretching and bounciness has the added benefit of lessening the load on my shoulders.
It must be noted that the braided style strap is a shoulder strap, enabling you to cross-sling it.
I would love to see them making some shorter braided style neck straps.

The braided wrist-strap really comes into its own when paired with the relatively hefty M6.
I usually avoid using wrist-straps as I find that they limit my maneuverability in handling the camera.
They are either so short that it prevents me from gripping the camera properly or too long that it just gets in the way.

Also, I tend to feel the wrist strap cutting into my bare skin after prolonged usage, especially with thinner designs such as the Gordy’s strap.
However, the Braidy wrist-strap has none of those issues as it is just the right length for my hands.
Its stretchy nature coupled with the larger surface area of the strap makes for a very pleasant and comfortable user-experience.

8370272862_8b9f6c250f_c.jpg


Initially, I was afraid that the braided straps would stretch out permanently so I measured them when they were new to do a comparison.
After a month of constant usage, the braided straps have surprisingly maintained their original length.

The Sensuality is similarly comfortable and easy to use. It has a neck-pad that helps to cushion the load.
As it is very soft and flexible, so it hardly ever gets in the way of my shooting.
Sometimes, thicker straps can be quite cumbersome as they flop around awkwardly due to its rigidity.
Thankfully, the Sensuality is very manageable and shooting with it has proven to be breeze.

8370272264_977e8a03be_c.jpg


The Sensuality employs a weaving attachment method.
Again, I was fearful that it might not hold but it turns out that the heavier the load, or the harder you tug on it – the tighter those weaves become.
In other words, the attachment method is completely secure in addition to looking really exotic.

8370272400_1a893d3099_c.jpg



______________________

Conclusion: 8.5/10

My verdict is that these straps are definitely worth buying.

The Barton straps are already making a very convincing argument for my money.
However, there are always minor things to improve upon such as refining the stitching and seams to near perfection, using higher quality thread and perhaps using sturdier split-rings.
If these adjustments could be implemented without affecting the prices, they would tremendously value-add to the straps.

As they stand, they are very capable straps that are both well-designed and well-made.
It is not often that you find handsome-looking straps that are both durable and affordable.
I would realistically rank them several rungs above the myriad of leather straps from Korea and China, and perhaps just one rung down from the premium offerings from A&A and Luigi.
I genuinely appreciate the overcompensating quality of these high-end brands, but I find myself unwilling to shell out that much money for a 5% increase in quality.
I would far rather invest in a something that is a third of the price that offers 95% of the said quality and durability.
For the price, the Barton straps just make complete sense to me.

If you are looking for a stylish leather strap to complement your camera that would not break the bank, the Barton straps are worth several looks.
Their offerings are quite diverse, so I believe that you might just find something that would suit your style perfectly.
 

Last edited:
Errz said:
Nice, i like the black Braidy . any local shop selling? or cheaper to get online?

Can't find in eBay. Haha
 

Thoth said:
D braided yin yang gamma strap is poisonous. Haha. Wondering how much is it. Definitely flashier than my black A&A.

Yeah I agree! The Yin Yang styles are quite refreshing in design indeed. Go see at the resellers!
 

Thanks guys for the kind words and Ed for the feature!
Hopefully my little review is of help to anyone in the market for straps!

______________________

Added some extra close-ups of the straps after one-month of constant usage:

8375334810_eaa9777259_c.jpg

Here you can see the grain and the stitching of the Braided Style.

8375336886_2ee309d973_c.jpg

Neat and even stitching on the braided wrist-strap too.
 

Last edited:
Just saw this thread today and went and plonk my money on a braided wrist strap and the Sensuality Camel color neck strap. It's really beautiful and in everywhere felt like a very high quality product. Thumbs up!

Happy customer :)
 

Just saw this thread today and went and plonk my money on a braided wrist strap and the Sensuality Camel color neck strap. It's really beautiful and in everywhere felt like a very high quality product. Thumbs up!

Happy customer :)

alan photo? think i'll go plonk $$ this coming monday :bsmilie:
 

Was at Good Goods at Millenia Walk Parco today and saw the beautiful barton straps there. No choice like it so much bought a Yin Yang alpha braided strap. Absolutely love the leather and the quality of the making. It has a lot of leather! Come back then read this nice review. Barton straps very high quality for a reasonable price. Nice unique design too. Very happy with my purchase! :)
 

Sigma Omega said:
Was at Good Goods at Millenia Walk Parco today and saw the beautiful barton straps there. No choice like it so much bought a Yin Yang alpha braided strap. Absolutely love the leather and the quality of the making. It has a lot of leather! Come back then read this nice review. Barton straps very high quality for a reasonable price. Nice unique design too. Very happy with my purchase! :)

Was at Alan photo today. Saw d yin yang gamma strap. No one bother to serve me. Too bad. Walk away. Haha. It's a nice strap I must say.
 

Was at Alan photo today. Saw d yin yang gamma strap. No one bother to serve me. Too bad. Walk away. Haha. It's a nice strap I must say.

You can try Good Goods. Nice friendly chap called David who served me over there. That guy is an expert in film cameras!
 

Sigma Omega said:
You can try Good Goods. Nice friendly chap called David who served me over there. That guy is an expert in film cameras!

Noted. Thanks.
 

Errz said:
wah u fast. :bsmilie:

Yeah. This review post is poisonous. Looking for a secondary strap anyway. Looks good to compliment my A&A.
 

Thoth said:
Yeah. This review post is poisonous. Looking for a secondary strap anyway. Looks good to compliment my A&A.

Can get one in anticipation of your Leica M too! ;)