Ledereign specializes in premium full-grain leather accessories, especially focusing on camera straps. We have already explored why our leather has the most pristine texture and quality that money can buy, but our quest for perfection doesn’t end there.
As a shutterbug out on recce, scouting picturesque locations, we identify your need to be able to trust your camera strap to hold your camera safely and firmly. The cameras attach to a strap via snap shackles, at first, it’s just a visibly simple hook, but there is a lot more to it.
At Ledereign, we only use 316 stainless-steel snap shackles. What’s 316 you may ask? It’s some of the highest grade stainless steel one can get their hands on. It’s known for high strength, corrosion resistance, and high nickel and chromium concentration. It also contains 2% molybdenum which gives it extra protection from acids, alkalis, and chloride.
If all that is too technical then let us tell you that 316 stainless-steel snap shackles are also known as marine grade stainless steel. As the name suggests, it’s commonly used in marine and nautical applications which is susceptible to heavy corrosion and damage due to constant saltwater contact. You can get an idea of how safe and reliable the snap shackles you’re trusting your camera equipment with.A guarantee from Ledereign!.
304 vs 316 stainless steel – what’s the difference?
All this chatter about stainless steel might have made you curious about the different types of stainless steel available. At large, you’ll find that grade 304 stainless steel is almost as frequently mentioned as grade 316. Then one may ask what’s the difference and more importantly – which is better?
304 is used as widely as 316. Although they look more or less the same to laymen’s eyes, their composition differs quite a bit. 316 contains more nickel and molybdenum than 304 but a bit less chromium.
316 – 16% Chromium, 10% Nickel and 2% Molybdenum
304 – 18% Chromium, 8% Nickel
What that translates into is better chemical resistance for 316 in comparison to 304. It resists acids, and chlorides (like salt) better. Of course, these properties make 316 a more expensive alloy than 304 but in return, you get a more versatile and reliable material.
In terms of application –
Grade 316 Stainless-Steel is used in marine parts, outdoor electrical enclosures, stainless steel baskets, medical-surgical instruments, pharmaceutical equipment, and chemical equipment. As a shutterbug, you’ll be exploring various geographical regions from salty beaches to humid jungles and freezing mountains, 316’s versatility, and chemical resistance make it a better choice.
On the other hand, grade 304 is used in auto moldings and trim, wheel covers, storage tanks, electrical enclosures, kitchen equipment, and appliances – applications that require constant wear and tear. 304’s higher tensile strength (90 KSI vs 84 KSI) comes in handy here.
Conclusion
304 good but 316 better! Jokes aside, 316’s versatility and strength make it more reliable in the long term for photographers who might take their camera equipment around the world and the last thing one needs to worry about is the snap-shackles giving up on you. While it’s a small thing, its benefits silently help you have a trouble-free experience. In a way, these snap-shackles are like an unsung hero