I just picked up a black M11 and need a high-quality leather strap to match its aesthetic. I am looking for something premium that is soft on the neck for long days of shooting but also includes lug protectors to prevent scratches. Should I go with a classic neck strap or a wrist loop? Any specific brand recommendations?
sooo i would suggest going with a neck strap for the Leica M11 cuz wrist loops are actually pretty tiring for long days. unfortunately, ive had issues with some big brands being way too stiff and uncomfortable right out of the box.
Seconding the recommendation above! Those thin cords are literally a nightmare for ur neck. Adding my two cents cuz I found some high-value picks that look premium but cost way less. Im still learning about leather grain specs, but these felt amazing:
Honestly, metal lugs will totally scratch your finish if they arent shielded, so integrated protectors are a safety must. I went with a neck strap and am super happy with my Oberwerth High-End Leather Camera Strap because it protects the body perfectly. It is super soft for long walks and looks premium tho!!
tl;dr: Go for a wide neck strap with integrated leather flaps to protect the body and save your neck from strain. Yo! Had a moment to think about this more and honestly, my biggest warning is to AVOID those super thin cord-style leather straps. They look highkey amazing for photos, but they LITERALLY dig into your skin after an hour. The M11 is heavier than it looks! I learned that lesson the hard way when I first started out with the system. I suggest looking at brands like Rock n Roll or even Oberwerth for that premium vibe. You want a strap thats at least an inch wide to distribute the weight better. Also, make sure the lug protectors are actually part of the strap design so they dont slide around and let the rings scratch the finish. Neck straps are way better than wrist loops for long days cuz they let you actually use your hands when youre not shooting. Anyway, thats my two cents. gl!
Been using this for years, no complaints