What strap should I actually get for my new M10? I finally saved up enough for an M10 after eyeing them for years and it just arrived today so I am super pumped but I am totally stuck on the strap situation. I've been looking at the Peak Design stuff because everyone says the anchors are so convenient for switching between a neck strap and a wrist strap but then I see people on Reddit saying you shouldn't use plastic connectors on a Leica because they scratch the body or just look out of place on a classic rangefinder.
I also looked at those silk rope straps like the Artisan & Artist ones but they are like $160 which seems kinda crazy for a piece of string... or maybe they are actually that much better? I'm mostly doing street photography around Chicago and I want something that doesn't scream 'expensive camera' but is also comfortable for walking around all day. Budget is around $80 to $100 tops because the camera itself already broke the bank lol. I'm worried about the leather being too stiff or the rope being too long since I'm not that tall.
Should I go with a classic leather lug strap or are the rope ones really the way to go for comfort?...
Jumping in here because I went through a bunch of these when I lived in the city. I spent way too much time obsessing over the perfect setup for my rangefinder. Honestly, the rope straps feel great once they soften up, but the length is always a gamble. I ended up trying a few different styles because I hated how the standard thin ones dug into my neck after four hours of walking.
Congrats on the M10! I've been super happy with mine and totally get the stress of picking a strap that wont ruin that finish. Before I suggest the absolute best fit, are you planning to wear it cross-body or just around your neck? Chicago street shooting means you'll be moving a lot so the hang height really matters for comfort. ngl, the scratch thing is a legit worry. I avoid those plastic clips because the rubbing is a real reliability concern for me long-term. I prefer a simple leather lug setup because it’s basically fail-proof. I’ve been using a braided leather option and it's the most satisfied I've been. It’s flexible right out of the box and doesn't scream expensive camera at all. TL;DR: Get a braided leather strap with integrated bumpers. It's low-profile for street work and protects the lugs from scratches. I'd look at the Barton 1972 Braided Leather Camera Strap or the Gordy's Camera Straps Leather Neck Strap with O-ring Protectors. Both are well under your $100 limit and super secure.
Seconded!
I went through this exact same crisis when I got my first M. tbh I started with the Peak Design Slide Lite Black because the quick connects seemed like a no-brainer. After a month though, those plastic anchors started leaving little buff marks on the finish of my top plate. It killed me. Switching to a Street Strap Silk Rope 42-inch was the best move. It is way more comfortable for a full day of shooting in the city. The silk just slides across your neck without that friction you get from leather. Since you are worried about height, definitely look for a shorter length like that 42-inch. Some leather options like the Tap and Dye Legacy Leather 40-inch are great but the break-in period is a pain... the rope is soft right out of the box. Just make sure you have those leather protective flaps by the rings so you dont scratch the lugs.