26/03/2026 5:01 pm
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So I finally pulled the trigger on a black M11 after shooting with an M10 for years and man the weight difference with the aluminum top plate is really something else but I'm runnin into a weird issue where my old trusty Artisan and Artist silk cord is just too thin for the way this body sits on my hip. I've always been a strap guy but now that the M11 is my daily driver for an upcoming trip to Kyoto next month I'm getting worried about the finish because I've heard the black paint can be a bit finicky with metal rings.
I'm looking for something that's high-quality leather but actually has those little protector flaps so I don't get those half-moon scratches around the lugs within the first week. Budget is probably capped at 200 bucks since the camera already emptied my bank account lol. I was looking at Rock n Roll straps or maybe something from Vi Vante but I've heard mixed things about how they soften up over time. Does anyone have a specific brand they swear by that doesn't feel like a stiff belt? I need something that molds to the shoulder pretty fast since I don't have much time to break it in before I leave...
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12
26/03/2026 5:25 pm
Like someone mentioned, that finish is definitely sensitive, so your concern about the metal rings is spot on. Honestly, I have to disagree with the Rock n Roll suggestion tho... those designs are pretty thick and can be quite cumbersome if you are trying to stay low profile in Kyoto. They also tend to stay stiff for a while which isnt ideal for your timeline. You might want to consider Black Label Bag Classic Leather Camera Strap with Lug Protectors as a more practical alternative. It usually runs about 110 dollars, so it fits your budget. The calfskin they use is incredibly soft and molds to your shoulder immediately. One thing to watch out for... make sure you check the lug flaps every morning. Sometimes they shift during use and expose the paint to the metal ring. Just a small warning if you want to keep that M11 looking mint.
11
26/03/2026 5:35 pm
Like someone mentioned, that black finish is definitely sensitive compared to the old brass. In my experience, you want leather that's already been tumbled so it doesn't fight your shoulder. I've used Tap and Dye Legacy Camera Strap Horween Leather for years because the lug flaps are actually functional.
- Stick to 5/8 inch width for balance
- Horween leather molds much faster The ONA The Lima Camera Strap Full Grain Leather is also soft out of the box.
3
23/04/2026 9:26 am
Can confirm
1
26/03/2026 5:01 pm
Man, huge congrats on picking up the M11!! That weight difference is absolutely wild right? The first time I felt that aluminum top plate compared to my old brass M bodies it felt like a total featherweight... performs like a beast tho lol. For a trip to Kyoto you 100% need something that wont dig into your shoulder after walking 10 miles a day. I'd go with the Clever Supply Co. Minimalist Camera Strap Horween Chromexcel for sure. It's seriously amazing because that Horween leather is basically butter and molds to your body almost instantly. No stiff break-in period at all!! Plus it comes with those integrated leather protectors so your lugs stay pristine. It's way under your 200 buck budget too which leaves more cash for sake and ramen!! Youre gonna have the best time in Japan with that setup.
1
26/03/2026 6:35 pm
Same setup here, love it
