Peak Design Micro Clutch Camera Strap
Introduction
Peak Design’s reputation for producing practical and high-quality photographic accessories was once again confirmed when their Micro Clutch camera strap was launched on Kickstarter and reached its goal target within an hour.
Peak Design has introduced a new product that caters to photographers who use small mirrorless cameras with a smaller grip. For those who have larger DSLRs and camera systems, the original Peak Design Clutch is recommended, which has been available for many years.
Peak Design is advertising their product with the tagline “Never drop your mirrorless camera again”. While this statement may be accurate, it’s difficult to imagine that any photographer would shoot with a mirrorless camera without a strap. We’ve seldom observed a photographer holding a camera without a strap, and those who do are taking unnecessary risks. The new clutch strap is an excellent option for these individuals.
We were fortunate enough to receive the Micro Clutch – I Plate version from Peak Design for review purposes, at no cost. However, we want to make it clear that all opinions expressed in this review are entirely our own, and we have not received any compensation from Peak Design for our review. We opted for the I Plate version rather than the L Plate version. Even though the L Plate version is compatible with our Sony A7Riii camera, it cannot be used in conjunction with our fixed Atoll lens rotating collar (the Atoll could be removed to use the Micro Clutch if required, however, we prefer to leave this as a permanent fixture). To put the Micro Clutch to the test, we will be using it on a 1956 Zeiss Contaflex IV film camera that lacks a handgrip and our backup Sony A7Rii camera body.
We use the Peak Design Slide and Slide Lite camera straps for our daily photography requirements. Our preferred lens for the majority of our work is the Sony 24-105mm f/4, which is a bit heavier and better suited for these straps. When we switch to our smaller and lighter prime lenses for street night photography, we occasionally use the Peak Design Cuff wrist strap instead of the original full-size Clutch.
So, would we use the Peak Design Micro Clutch?
Read on…
Above: Peak Design Micro Clutch (I Plate version ) – boxed
The Product
The Peak Design Micro Clutch offers two versions: the L Plate and the I Plate. The L Plate is suitable for mirrorless cameras with a sufficient hand grip, like those from Sony, Canon, and Nikon. Meanwhile, the I Plate is perfect for cameras without a hand grip such as some models from Leica and Fuji, or those that only have a small handgrip (see diagram to the right). Having said that, the I Plate version worked well on our Sony A7Rii camera which does have a pronounced hand grip (see images below).
The Micro Clutch camera strap uses a Hypalon* strap with a CNC-machined recycled aluminium base plate. The base plate has a slot that allows the plate to be moved to allow access to the camera battery compartment. When we first saw the Micro Clutch, we were curious how this would work, however, although this issue has been solved, it still will take longer to change a battery compared to using any of their other straps.
To change the battery they have ingeniously included a hidden integrated tool that loosens the screw that connects the Micro Clutch to the bottom of the camera. This is very handy as it will mean you don’t have to waste more time hunting for a tool in your camera bag. The Micro Clutch will then slide along the groove until it reaches the large circular void. The whole bottom section of the Micro Clutch will now flip out of the way, giving you access to the battery compartment (see animation below).
The hand strap is customizable and fits comfortably around your hand. It is attached to the base plate with a pivot point that rotates and connects to the camera’s top through a split ring. This is where you would typically attach a camera strap or Peak Design Anchor Links.
On the base plate, there is a connection point where you can attach an Anchor Link. This will enable you to attach both the Micro Clutch and your regular camera strap at the same time.
To use the device with a tripod, simply attach the magnetic Arca Swiss tripod plate to the base plate using the longer screw provided. This will make it compatible with any Arca Swiss tripod head.
* Hypalon is a chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE) synthetic rubber (CSM) noted for its resistance to chemicals, temperature extremes, and ultraviolet light
Above: Access to the camera battery compartment.
The image above was taken from the Peak Design Kickstarter page
Above: Side view of the Micro Clutch attached to a Zeiss Contaflex IV film camera (1956) with a 50mm f1.8 lens. This is a great combination as the camera has no hand grip at all
Above: The Micro Clutch attached to the bottom of the Zeiss Contaflex IV camera
Above: Although we were sent the I plate version of the Micro Clutch, it still works well on our Sony A7Rii. Attached is a Samyang AF 35mm f1.8 FE lens
Above: A rear view of the Micro Clutch I plate version attached to our Sony A7Rii.
Above: The Micro Clutch with the Arca-Swiss tripod plate attached. You will need to use the longer screw provided to attach the plate
Above: The magnetic hidden tool for tightening/loosening the screw can be accessed by first pressing the tool inwards. A section will then pop out and you can then remove it completely.
Pro & Cons
At first glance, it appears that Peak Design has struck gold with its latest product. The sheer number of pledges received on Kickstarter in just a few days is a testament to its popularity. However, it should be noted that the Micro Clutch may not be suitable for everyone. Despite this, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, and even the drawbacks may not pose an issue for most photographers.
Pros +
- Clean and sleek design
- Premium Quality
- Adjustable
- Low profile (not bulky)
- Compact
- Attachment point for Peak Design Anchor
- Includes Arca-Swiss tripod plate
- Lifetime Warranty
Cons –
- Can’t be used if you have an L-bracket or Atoll attached to the base of your camera (unless they are removed)
- We can’t see many benefits of using the Micro Clutch instead of the Cuff wrist strap besides giving you a better grip on the camera
- Time-consuming to remove the plate to insert a battery
- The magnetic tool for loosening/tightening the screw can be a little awkward to use (in our opinion)
- Expensive
Pricing & Shipping
The Peak Design Micro Clutch can be ordered by clicking the banner below. Shipping will commence in July 2023. At the time of writing, the prices are –
Peak Design Micro Clutch Hand Strap – USD$64.95
US Customers – Free Standard Delivery in the US for all orders over USD$99.00, however, taxes may apply. As this item is under USD$99.00 there will be a shipping cost but we are unable to find this information on their website.
Australian Customers – you can find AUD prices by clicking the banner below and then selecting AUD currency in the top left corner of the screen above the PD logo. Prices exclude taxes and shipping. As there is a global warehouse in Sydney the shipping price will be calculated at domestic rates.
Worldwide Customers – For shipping costs worldwide check out the rates here
To purchase the Peak Design Micro Clutch, click on the banner below.
HELP SUPPORT US
Peak Design rarely offers discounts on its products so if you find this review helpful, please click on the links above if you want to purchase. It costs you nothing extra to purchase the item using these links, but will help support us so we can continue writing these reviews.
Thanks so much for your support!
The Final Word
Once more, Peak Design has created an exceptional product designed to cater to a specific group of photographers who use cameras with minimal or no hand grip. The Micro Clutch is destined to be popular with street photographers, although individuals who already have a comfortable hand grip on their camera may wonder if it offers any definitive advantages over the Peak Design Cuff wrist strap.
For those that have a limited hand grip on their cameras and no attachments to the base of their camera bodies such as L-brackets, we recommend the Micro Clutch as a product that should be considered.
In all honesty, the Micro Clutch may appeal to photographers, but we have discovered that using any of the hand straps – Micro Clutch, Clutch, and Cuff – can be challenging for those who frequently switch lenses. In such cases, we suggest opting for the Peak Design Slide or Leash straps, which enable you to have free hands for lens changes. However, if you are a street photographer who prefers using a specific prime lens, then these products can be an ideal fit for you.
Will we be using the Micro Clutch in our photography? The answer is a simple “no”. Mainly because we already use the Silence Corner Atoll on our camera’s base. Similar to an L-bracket, the Atoll is always attached to our camera’s base and although it can be removed to accommodate the Micro Clutch, this isn’t a feasible solution for us while out on the field as Travel Photographers. However, we do plan to use the Micro Clutch on our Zeiss Contaflex IV film camera which lacks a hand grip and is difficult to hold.
If you have any comments or questions about this product then we’d love to hear from you.
RATING: RECOMMENDED
If you're interested in reading any other Peak Design reviews click on the links below. To read our other equipment or software reviews click here.
Click the banner below to see what deals may be available for this and other photographic related products.
Please Note: We may receive commissions when you click links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews or recommendations. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice.
