Fab’ Launches a Gorgeous New Handmade Leather Camera Strap

Fab’ are one of Canada’s top camera strap manufacturers. They have a wide range of leather and rope camera straps and harnesses, and everything is made by hand in Montreal. They’ve built up an extremely good reputation for making the highest-quality straps, yet they refuse to rest on their laurels.

Owner Fabrice Lallemand Tremblay has been working hard this year to source the best leather possible, determined to keep upping his game and make even better products. He told me recently he’s discovered a new Quebec-based tannery that is supplying him with an even softer leather. “My goal was to improve the overall user experience without compromising durability. The new full-grain leather allowed me to create straps that are lighter, more supple, more compact, and comfortable from day one. Finding a leather like this from one of the few remaining tanneries in Canada made the decision even more meaningful.”

As a result of the new leather, a new product has been created—the F5. It’s rather unique, in that the section of the strap that sits on your neck is wider than the section that connects to the camera—and it’s cut out of one piece of leather. It’s far more comfortable to have a wide section sitting on your neck, but it’s also desirable to have a strap that looks good paired with your camera. This new design is perfect. I’ve had the chance to test the strap at some all-day events I was photographing, and have to say, they really are, well, fab! The leather is lovely and soft, and has a nice matte finish. The strap comes in brown or black. The black finish ties in perfectly with my Leica M10—like it was made for it—and the brown version maintains a sophisticated vintage vibe paired with my old M3 film camera.

• Colors: brown or black
• Lengths: 28, 39, and 47 inches
• Custom sizes and custom engraving available
• Price: CDN$99.99 (approx. US$71.00)

I’ve always believed that if you have a nice camera you cherish, particularly a vintage camera, there’s nothing like a beautifully crafted leather strap for it. Leather beats synthetic every time, and ages gracefully. The new leather strap range from Fab’ is worth checking out. You can get details, and buy directly, from fabhandcrafted.com.