Which leather straps are recommended for the Leica Q series cameras?

Question

What leather straps are you guys actually using for the Q series that wont fall apart after two weeks? I just picked up the Q3 after years of using the original Q and the Q2 and man, the out of the box strap is just getting worse with every generation. Its like stiff plastic. I spent way too much on a bespoke Horween leather strap from this boutique shop in Brooklyn last week and the finish is already peeling off where it hits the lugs... its driving me crazy because I have a trip to Tokyo coming up in ten days and I dont want to be stuck with the neck-chafing stock strap or something that feels like it is gonna drop my camera on the pavement. I usually do about 10 miles of walking a day when I am out shooting street so it needs to be soft but sturdy. I am looking for something in the $100 to $150 range that actually ages well and maybe has those little leather flaps to protect the body from the metal rings. Tired of these premium brands that are all marketing and no actual quality. Are the ONA or Artisan and Artist ones actually worth the hype or is there some small maker I am missing?

DustinHes · Accepted Answer

I've tried a ton of these over the years and honestly, safety is the only thing that matters when you're dangling a Q3. In my experience, those super thin boutique straps are just asking for trouble because they use fashion-grade leather instead of actual utility stuff. For your Tokyo trip, I'd look at Rock n Roll Straps M-Leica Classic Leather Strap. They're incredibly sturdy and the lug protection is built-in properly so no metal-on-body contact. Another solid choice is the Barton 1972 The Braided Leather Strap. The braiding actually adds a bit of shock absorption which is a lifesaver for those 10-mile street walks. Quick tip tho: check your split rings every morning. I've seen them get slightly deformed after a long day of snagging on a jacket. If you need more specs, the Leica User Forum has a legendary strap guide thread that's basically the bible for Q owners.

PacketPhantomX · Answer

> Tired of these premium brands that are all marketing and no actual quality. I totally get the frustration. I almost dropped my Q2 in Kyoto because a cheap bespoke strap split at the stitch line. Scared me to death. I would suggest the Artisan and Artist ACAM-280 Leather Strap because the leather is super supple but thick enough to trust. Just make sure to double check the ring attachments every morning before you head out... Tokyo streets are crowded and people bump into you a lot.

DeltaDrift · Answer

Like someone mentioned, those boutique straps look nice but I'm always paranoid about the leather actually holding up. I'm fairly new to this and honestly safety is my main thing. I disagree that you need to spend a ton to get quality tho. I've found some of the cheaper utility brands are way more reliable than the $150 ones that are all marketing.

Wotancraft Paratrooper Camera Strap is basically bombproof. It's got that rugged look and feels way more secure than the thin fashion ones.

Gordy’s Camera Straps Leather Neck Strap with Lug Protectors is my go-to for value. It's simple latigo leather, very tough, and the lug protectors actually work. I think the ONA The Lima Camera Strap is okay but you're definitely paying for the branding. If you're doing 10 miles a day in Tokyo, you just want something that wont snap or chafe. Gordys takes a minute to break in but once it does it's perfect. Better to save the cash for more ramen while you're there imo.