REVIEW | Clever Supply Co. Anchor Camera Strap
2022 Update: You can now use code “SCHULTZ” at checkout to get 10% off your Clever Supply Co. purchase! Use the link here: https://cleversupply.co/discount/SCHULTZ
Traditional camera straps have been a total pain. You know the ones I’m talking about - those ridiculous straps with the weird stubby ends that come in the box with your brand new camera and take a full hour to attach? Yep, I love ‘em, too.
In recent years, innovative companies like Peak Design have solved the problem of convenience by building an intuitive hardware ecosystem that allows for simple on-and-off camera strap usage. As much as a I love Peak Design straps, though, as a wedding photographer, I often find myself in situations where I want a strap that is just as simple to use, but looks a little “dressier.”
Enter Clever Supply Co., a literal answer to prayer. In the summer of 2019, I found a new Kickstarter campaign for the Anchor Strap, a brilliant camera carry option created by Todd Balsley. He is the one-man-workshop behind this project, hand making each of these straps in his Louisville workshop. He managed to create an innovative and beautiful solution to the exact problem I was facing.
The Anchor Strap starts with a beautiful piece of Horween Chromexcel leather, finished with brass buckles on either end. The strap is paired with “anchor” links that are finished with brass grommets, and attach to your camera via Kevlar loops. These Kevlar loops can hold up to 300lbs., which means you can even use this strap on a Pentax 67. The strap connects to these links via the buckles, so it’s a quick, one-handed motion to take the strap on or off. A “Clever Supply Co.” stamp on the back of the neck of the strap polishes things off.
The end result is a camera strap that perfect blanches form and function. The quality of leather makes for a strap that is easy on the eyes, while the Anchor Links made with Kevlar loops make for an easy, rock-solid carry.
To add to the versatility of this strap, you can order additional Anchor Links and use this between multiple cameras. Currently, I have Anchor Links on my Canon EOS R (pictured above in these photos), my Canon A1, and my Olympus OM-1. It allows me to use this one strap between three cameras with ease, so it’s almost like I have three camera straps. Not quite, but it sure feels like it.
At 6"‘3”, I found the 40” version of this strap to fit just right. When hung around my neck, it falls squarely in the middle of my torso. When slung around my shoulder, it hangs close to my body, easily accessible to pull up and take a quick photo. These straps can be made anywhere from 34” long all the way to 54” long, depending on your height.
I think Clever Supply Co. hit a sweet spot between form and function with the Anchor Strap. It offers all the ease of use I want in a camera strap, while still looking beautiful enough for any occasion. This strap floats seamlessly between weddings, commercial work, and everyday use, and it has found a permanent spot in my camera bag. If you want to learn more or pick one up for yourself, check ‘em out below!
