> I keep seeing people rave about the Artisan & Artist leather ones but honestly they look a bit too thin for my liking? Man, i feel you on that wait time. I was on a list for months before my X100VI finally showed up. Honestly that stock strap is basically a piece of plastic trash... why Fuji ships it with such a premium body is beyond me. Its like they expect everyone to just replace it immediately. In my experience, youre 100% right about those thin straps digging in. I’ve tried many over the years and if you're doing 20k steps a day in Tokyo, your neck is gonna be screaming by lunchtime if the strap doesnt have some substance. I actually went through a phase where I bought every boutique strap out there, and what I learned is that high-quality pull-up leather is the gold standard for that drape you want. If you want something that hits that sweet spot of feeling premium but not being a thick brick, check out the ONA The Lima Leather Camera Strap Antique Cognac. It’s made of Italian leather and it’s padded just enough to save your neck without looking bulky. It has this soft suede-like lining that doesnt slip around but also doesnt scratch your skin when its hot out and youre sweating through Shinjuku. The best part is it usually breaks in within a few days, not months. You dont want to be fighting stiff leather while trying to get a quick street shot. Just make sure you check if it comes with the little leather scratch protectors so the metal rings dont chew up your silver top plate. I've seen way too many people ruin their new cameras because they skipped those little circles. Trust me, it’s a lifesaver for keeping that resale value and aesthetic.

Saw this earlier and it took me back to my first trip to Shinjuku with a brand new Fuji... I learned the hard way that premium often just means stiff. Ive tried dozens of setups over the years and found that most high end leather straps are actually overkill for a camera this light. Youre paying for branding rather than actual utility.

• In my experience, Horween Chromexcel is the king for street photography. Its got a high oil content which means it drapes instantly. No awkward breaking in period where the strap sticks out like a wire.
• Hardware is where most people cheap out. I always look for heavy duty split rings. If the leather is too thin at the attachment point, itll stretch and fail eventually.
• For a budget friendly but professional option, Ive been using the Gordy’s Camera Straps Leather Neck Strap with O-ring for years. Its basically a piece of latigo leather and some waxed cord. It looks rugged, costs maybe 50 bucks, and literally cannot break. If you want that high end Tokyo aesthetic without the 150 dollar price tag, look at Black Label Bag Classic Leather Camera Strap. Its basically the same quality as Artisan and Artist but usually cheaper because it doesnt have the same hype. I used one on my X-Pro3 for a month long trek and it felt like butter by day three. Ngl, the best money saving tip is to avoid anything marketed specifically as luxury. Just find a good craftsman who uses quality hides. You want that 12mm width... anything wider feels too bulky on the X100VI, and anything thinner starts to bite after 15k steps. Stick to simple lug protectors so the metal doesnt scratch that silver finish while you’re walking.

Honestly ive been down this rabbit hole so many times and spent a fortune on high end straps that just ended up sitting in a drawer! For a trip like Tokyo you really want something that feels like it isnt even there. Thin leather usually works best for these light bodies. Years of street shooting taught me that comfort usually comes from simplicity rather than thickness... my neck still remembers those heavy straps lol. My favorite setup lately is actually way cheaper than youd think. Just look for any of the leather cord or thin neck straps from a brand like Gordys. They are fantastic for these smaller Fuji bodies and honestly wont break the bank at all! Their leather breaks in so fast and just gets better with age without being stiff like some of those boutique options that cost way more. Seriously dont overthink the price tag because sometimes the simpler stuff is way more functional when youre doing 20k steps. These minimalist straps look amazing on the silver bodies especially! You get that classic rangefinder look without all the unnecessary bulk.

Commenting to find later