Holdfast MoneyMaker Solo Review

As a wedding photographer, I’ve come to understand the importance of a great camera strap. From the comfort, to build, to durability, to yes, even aesthetics, I wanted to find a camera strap that would allow me to carry two cameras simultaneously while not causing back or shoulder pain.

It’s tougher than you’d think to find that holy grail, and when I came across the original Holdfast MoneyMaker, I knew I’d found my camera strap. So much so, that I purchased two! (Yes, they’re that good.)

However, I don’t just photograph weddings. And, while I always use two cameras for weddings and engagements, when I’m traveling or photographing my family, I prefer to be a little lighter on gear.

While the dual-camera MoneyMaker works with just one camera, I wanted something that was a singular strap for a host of reasons…

Enter the Holdfast MoneyMaker Solo. When it arrived on the scene, I was thrilled!

After using this in my travels to Hong Kong, Myanmar, and just documenting life in general around my hometown, I can safely say this solo strap is just as amazing as its dual strap sibling.

From sun up to well after sundown, this strap provides comfort and peace of mind that my camera is safe when attached.

Read more to find out all about my experience and thoughts!

Holdfast MoneyMaker Solo Specs

 

• Single camera, cross-body iteration of Holdfast’s more notable, two-camera sling option, which is the original MoneyMaker.
• Made with the same materials and hardware, and remixed into a perfect blend of form and function for a solo camera experience.
• Shoulder pad is designed to handle the load, especially of heavier camera setups.
• Stabilizer is included to keep the shoulder pad in place.
• Front D ring allows the use of the Sightseer Cell Pouches or other items, such as sunglasses
• Sizing options are Small, Medium, and Large
• Small: Fits up to 5’7″ (170 cm) and below
• Medium: Fits between 5’8″-6’2″ (173-188 cm)
• Large: Fits 6’3″ (191 cm) and above

Build & Appearance

For me, I immediately think of quality and class when I look at the Holdfast line of gear. Whether you’re a fan of leather or vegan options, Holdfast has something for you, and I love the aesthetics and thought they put into their items.

The craftsmanship is second to none, and after having used their products for nearly six years, I’ve grown accustomed to the comforting thought that these products will last a lifetime.

Like a fine wine or a beautiful artisanal piece, these straps age beautifully, and each one is unique.

They patina beautifully if you opt for the leather strap, and I can’t tell you how many times people stop and ask about them. They really are show stoppers, and I’ve yet to have one give out – which is saying something, considering I go quite hard with my gear!

Created in the USA with high-grade leather, it looks and feels like a product that has been given the utmost attention and care, which is something I strive to provide to my clients as well in their images.

Designed to be in line with the dual-camera sibling MoneyMaker, the MoneyMaker Solo has all the same hardware, down to the Holdfast 1/4-20″ screw with a rubber washer to mount your camera to the secure rig without a scratch.

Adding to the peace of mind, the MoneyMaker Solo also has an additional safety clasp to attach with a small key ring on the side of the camera, allowing you two points of connection.

We invest so much into our cameras, and it’s reassuring that Holdfast sees this and creates a multiple point of security style strap.

Along with the multiple points of connection, the Holdfast MoneyMaker Solo strap takes convenience one step further: a belt anchor. Use this nifty little piece to hold your camera back until it’s time to shoot, keeping the camera from swinging freely and potentially knocking into something by accident.

I don’t personally use belts, but this even worked with a belt loop to a degree. I would like to lean into this more.

Ease of Use

As with all Holdfast gear, the MoneyMaker Solo strap is flawless in functionality. I love the comfort and “plug and play” rugged style of the strap. After using the Holdfast MoneyMaker, it felt like an extension of that experience to lean into the Solo.

If there was one thing that was disappointing, it was that the stabilizer strap for the shoulder pad did not fit for me. I tried both a small and a medium strap, as I’m 5’8″ and 175 lbs, and fall right between the size line.

The stabilizer straps were the same length on both Solos, and they weren’t long enough to fit around me comfortably.

I think it would be prudent for Holdfast to offer a different length of stabilizer strap to accommodate for those with larger chest circumference, or at least have an option to extend the length somehow. Otherwise, this strap is absolutely fantastic.

Throughout my travels in Asia, I never once felt fatigued. The camera strap never caused issues and was extremely comfortable both in lighter clothing as well as while wearing a jacket.

The Holdfast MoneyMaker Solo is a strap you can use in all situations with ease.

Value for Money

As with any high-quality product, the price tag reflects the craftsmanship and dedication to detail. While the point of entry is obviously lower than the dual MoneyMaker, the MoneyMaker Solo strap is still one of the higher-priced solo straps on the market, at around $175.

However, I’m a huge proponent of investing in something once, and it being amazing from start to finish, versus buying sub-par items multiple times due to breakage or discomfort.

I personally believe the Holdfast MoneyMaker Solo is more than worth its investment, and the strap I’ll grab any time I’m using a single camera setup.

Holdfast MoneyMaker Solo Review | Conclusion

I love trying new gear, and I love testing things out in real-life situations. When it comes to camera straps, though, that’s one place I never find anything better than the Holdfast lineup.

They repeatedly provide such incredible gear, and I love that they offer not only leather options now, but also vegan. If you’re looking for a stylish strap for either a dual or solo camera setup, look no further than Holdfast!

Likes

• Lightweight
• Comfortable
• Security-minded
• Stylish
• Based off my favorite dual camera strap, the Holdfast MoneyMaker

Dislikes

• Stabilizer strap is not long enough to accommodate larger chests