Story time: i went thru this exact spiral last year w/ my M + 35 and a Q. I’m super safety-first and honestly got kinda disappointed… thin leather looked great but the edge bite was real, and one leather strap’s stitching started looking sketchy after a rainy week (maybe bad luck, idk).

What I ended up comparing in real use:
- Option A (wide “seatbelt” webbing): Artisan & Artist ACAM-102 Camera Strap — comfy for long walks, slides on a jacket, hardware felt solid.
- Option B (climbing cord): COOPH Rope Strap — light + lowkey, but it can swing more if you’re moving fast.
- Half-case: Arte di Mano Half Case for Leica M10 — beautiful + better grip, but yeah… adds bulk and makes quick battery/SD access a little more annoying.

Lesson learned: comfort is nice, but strap hardware/stitching is the thing that keeps me up at night lol. cheers

For your situation, I’d go wider fabric over thin leather, honestly. Over the years I’ve tried many straps on my M + 35 and the Q, and thin leather looks classy but it’ll dig in once you’ve walked a couple miles… and it can feel a bit “Leica-ish” from a distance. A simple black/olive sling like Peak Design Slide Lite Camera Strap spreads weight way better, stays put, and doesnt scream $$$.

For half-cases, I’m picky too. On my M, Arte di Mano Leather Half Case for Leica M10 gave me the best grip without turning it into a brick (access is usually fine, but check the exact cutout for your body). On the Q/Q2, Leica Leather Protector for Leica Q2 is lowkey and actually helps handling. I skip bulky baseplates… street shooting is already enough stuff, you know. gl!

Quick question tho, are you planning to carry both the M and the Q at the same time or just one at a time? It makes a big difference for how much padding you actually need. Honestly, Ive been so happy since I stopped overthinking it and just stuck with a few reliable brands. My setup works well and I havent had any neck pain in months.

• Go with Luigi Crescenzi for a half-case, you really cant go wrong with their stuff.
• For straps, basically anything from Crumpler is gonna be super comfy and low-key.
• If you want something a bit more premium but still subtle, look at Oberwerth gear. Those brands have been solid for me and dont look like steal me signs when I'm out shooting street.

For your situation, I’d do a plain black seatbelt-style strap + a slim half-case. I’ve been super satisfied with ARTISAN & ARTIST ACAM-301N Black Camera Strap (about $90-120) on my M… comfy, doesn’t dig, and it’s lowkey, not “Leica chic.” For cases, TP Original Leica Q2 Genuine Leather Half Case is thin and the battery/SD cutout is actually usable (double-check your Q gen). Add small split rings if ur strap scuffs lugs. cheers

> I walk a lot and shoot street… secure… doesn’t scream “expensive camera”… half-cases… don’t block the battery/SD door

i feel u, same rabbit hole lol. Had a moment to think… Option A: cheap + comfy = OP/TECH USA Super Classic Strap Black (wide neoprene, super lowkey, like $20-30, zero neck bite). Option B: nicer but still stealth = Domke Gripper Strap 1.5 Inch Black (rubber threads keep it from sliding, not “Leica fancy”). Option C: wrist + short sling = Leica Carrying Strap 14312 style is cool but tbh I’d rather go generic.

For cases, honestly check YouTube for “battery door access” tests before buying. Also resources: DPReview Leica forums + FredMiranda buy/sell (used straps/cases are a steal). good luck, cheers

Saw this earlier and had to chime in because I have been in this exact same rabbit hole for years. Swear there is a drawer in my office full of leather straps that look beautiful but just kill my neck after two hours in the city. Its such a struggle finding that balance between secure and stealthy. Honestly, what finally worked for me was going a bit more DIY and low-tech. I started using the Hyperion Camera Strap Handmade Acrylic Cord and it is a total game changer. It is basically climbing rope style but way cheaper than the boutique brands. Because its round, it doesnt bite like flat leather edges do. Plus, you can order it in a drab grey or black so it looks like nothing special to a passerby. As for the case, most boutique ones just feel too thick. In my experience, the Kaza Deluxe Leather Half Case for Leica M10 is the sweet spot. It has a proper opening for the battery and SD card so you arent constantly unscrewing stuff. If you are feeling brave, I have even bought a cheap MegaGear Ever Ready Leather Half Case and used a hobby knife to widen the access holes. Sounds crazy but it works and you dont feel bad about ruining a three hundred dollar piece of leather.