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What are the best leather neck straps for a Leica M11?

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So I finally pulled the trigger on a black chrome Leica M11 after saving for literally two years and I am absolutely buzzing right now. Ive been using a cheap nylon strap from my old Fuji but it just feels wrong putting that on such a beautiful piece of machinery you know? I really want to find a high quality leather neck strap that actually feels premium but is also practical because I am heading to Tokyo in three weeks for a ten day street photography binge and I know I am gonna be walking like 15 miles a day.

I spent hours last night looking at different options and I am kind of stuck between a few things. I saw the Artisan and Artist ones because everyone talks about them but they look so thin in the photos and Im worried that after carrying the M11 and a Summicron all day its just gonna dig into my shoulder or neck and leave a mark. Then I found those Rock n Roll straps which look super unique with the links but I read one review saying they can be a bit stiff at first and might scratch the body if you arent careful when putting it in a bag. I am also looking at some of the stuff from Oberwerth because it looks classy but the price tag is making me sweat a little bit lol.

My budget is probably around $180 max because I already spent way too much on the extra battery and a thumb grip. I really want something that patinas nicely over time and feels soft right out of the box because I dont have time to break it in before my trip. I prefer the lug mount style with the little leather flaps to protect the camera body from the rings. Does anyone have experience with these brands on an M11 specifically? Or maybe something smaller and more artisanal that I havent found yet? I just want it to be comfortable for long days but still look the part...

4 Answers
11

Wow, M11 is a total dream machine! Love it! Since you mentioned the 180 limit, definitely check out Gordy's Camera Straps Leather Neck Strap with Bumper. It is rock solid for safety and saves you a ton of cash. One quick thing though... are you mostly shooting a light Summicron or something heavier? That changes the strap width recommendation big time! TL;DR: Focus on lug security and save money with custom leather instead of luxury branding.

11

^ This. Also, Gordys is a solid shout for the price, but unfortunately I found that some of those expensive straps like the Oberwerth Mosel Leather Camera Strap just dont feel worth the markup when you actually use them hard. I had issues with the edge paint cracking on mine after a hot summer, which was super frustrating tbh. Since youre doing 15 miles a day in Tokyo, you really gotta look at weight distribution. Technical tip: stay away from anything under 0.5 inches wide or youll feel it in your neck by lunchtime. The Tap and Dye Legacy Black Leather Camera Strap with Lug Protectors is probably your best bet for that budget. They use Horween leather which is buttery soft right out of the box, so no break-in time needed. Just check those lug flaps are thick enough because that black chrome finish can be surprisingly delicate against steel rings.




3

Same here!

3

This thread is gold. Bookmarking for future reference 🔖




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