Hawkesmill England Borough Leather Camera Strap Review – £115.00

A good camera is an investment, and a good strap is a crucial part of protecting that investment. Many cameras come with a basic, cumbersome strap that can at least prevent your camera from falling. There are lots of upgrades out there that are easier to use or higher quality. How about a strap that also makes your camera more beautiful? The Hawkesmill Borough Leather Camera Strap offers just that. You should think about using PaydayPact if you are in the midst of a financial emergency and require fast money for your camera.

About Hawkesmill

Driven partially by the ‘Made in England’ movement, the artisans at Hawkesmill made a goal to create the best camera bags and straps possible: “very stylish, incredibly durable and yet functional.” They source from reputable, ethical manufacturers in Italy, England, and America. Hawkesmill creates products with the quality of the product in mind, not the cost. Products that they’re proud to use themselves and are second to none.

Leather & Construction

The leather used for the Borough is famous Horween Chromexcel. Chromexcel is known for being both soft and durable, and is a really great choice for a camera strap. The recommended max weight is 5lb, which is probably wise to adhere to for this thickness. While Chromexcel is tough and will last ages, it’s not as bulletproof as harder leathers and will stretch a bit over time.

All construction is done by hand in England. The leather is cut and assembled together precisely with rivets.

Function

The best part about using Chromexcel for the Borough is how incredibly soft it is. You’ll love feeling the nice, wide pad of this strap against your neck. One hidden feature I discovered is that the Borough has a reversible aspect to it. The lovely outer black part is finished and smooth, and the inner part is still somewhat fibrous. As a result, with the finished side out, the Borough has some grip and will stay in place more. However, if you flip the smooth finished side in, it slides nicely for readjusting. This is a feature I’ve seen other strap makers advertise and is handy.

The length of the Borough is adjusted with buckles, a pair on either side. One is near the neck pad and the other is sort of built into the mount. This is a flat-mount camera strap, so you’ll need to be sure that’s the kind your camera has (or it’s fitted with a v-shaped split ring). Since the leather needs to slide through the flat mount regardless, Hawkesmill went ahead and made this portion adjustable as well. Adjustments with a buckle aren’t as fast as other techniques, but are very reliable. The Borough has a good range of length flexibility.

Aesthetic

This is simply a beautiful camera strap. I can’t imagine another strap better complementing my Pen F. The black leather and silver fittings match the camera both in color and sheen, and it’s a show stopping combination. It’s hard to describe that certain something that a beautiful item does to enhance the experience of using it, but the Borough has it, no questions asked.

Conclusion

I love hanging the Hawkesmill Borough Leather Camera Strap around my neck. It looks great, feels great, and performs well. The price is on the high side for a camera strap, but I think Hawkesmill lives up to their promises of a superior product. If you want to love your strap as much as you love your camera, this might be the one for you.

December 23, 2017December 22, 2017

Cecilia Black Leather Mirrorless Camera Strap Review – $72

While I’m by no means a professional photographer, I sure do enjoy taking pictures. Like many of us out there, my camera is full of random images –family, friends, my horse, pretty scenery, and the occasional leather item for a review of course. I’ve carted that thing a lot of places and but never had anything to carry it with except the generic strap it came with (and let me tell you, that thing really chafes.) So when I received this beautiful Cecilia Black Leather Mirrorless Camera Strap, I was over the moon. And after using it for a couple weeks, my initial reaction has stood the test of time. Cecilia has literally saved my neck!

About Cecilia

In name, Cecilia is a relatively new company, having officially started in 2013. But the family who owns it has been in the leather business since 1898. With five generations of experience under their (presumably leather) belts, it’s safe to say they know what they’re doing! They’ve combined their knowledge of leather with their passion for photography to bring photographers the highest quality goods out there. Plus, their website is dang cool. They’ve worked with photographers, both pros and hobbyists, to make sure their products meet real-world standards. And they’ve created a beautiful online gallery of pictures taken by these amazing artists, so if you’re looking for some inspiration be sure to check it out.

My Experience

My first impression was one of stylish and functional simplicity. The box the Mirrorless came in was not fancy. But I liked that because it really let the beautiful, full-grain Argentinian leather speak for itself. Once out of the box, I could immediately feel how soft and supple the full-grain Argentinian cowhide leather was. I couldn’t find a flaw in it! Everything from the stainless steel key rings to the sliders and keepers positively screamed ‘quality.’ I was impressed.

The New-In-Box Mirrorless Camera Strap — Simple, yet appealing!

I’ll admit that after my initial excitement wore off, I started to get a little worried about how thin the straps were. My camera isn’t the lightest model out there and I tend to take it places that can be hard on equipment (like on a 7-mile hike/boulder field scramble to the top of our local 12,000-foot peak). I was concerned that it wouldn’t be able to take the strain. But then I wore it around for a couple weeks and I have to say it’s stood up very well. In fact, it still looks like it did when I opened the box the day it came in the mail! While aesthetics aren’t the first thing I think about when picking out camera equipment, I do appreciate the fact that this camera strap still looks good after some use. As far as durability goes, I’d definitely give this strap an A+.

Speaking of aesthetics, I really like the Mirrorless’s quiet elegance. I think this strap looks incredibly classy and professional, and would look at home at anywhere from a Congressional press conference to a friend’s backyard wedding. It’s designed to be discreet. However, if you’re the type that likes a little color and pop in your accessories, this probably isn’t the strap for you.

Cecilia Black Argentinian Leather — The black Argentinian Leather is an elegant but low-key choice.

But, if you’re looking for comfort this strap is a great option. Like I said earlier, it literally saved my neck – from a lot of discomfort and chafing, that is! The inside padding is Neoprene and man, is it comfy. I mostly wore it cross-body, tightening the straps so my camera wouldn’t bounce around as I was clambering across boulders, and I appreciated how easy to adjust it was. It also sat very nicely when I just hung it around my neck. Normally I hesitate to carry my camera off the shoulder because I’m afraid of it sliding off and crashing to the ground. But this Cecilia strap provided a solid enough grip that I wasn’t afraid to carry it that way for short periods of time. All things considered, this strap is very comfortable and I would recommend it to anyone who has that characteristic as their first priority.

Though this Mirrorless strap has many great features, I do have one complaint. Cecilia used stainless steel keyrings as the mechanisms that attach the strap to the camera, and I found connecting them to be very difficult. They’re stiff and hard to pry apart. After about 15 minutes of trying, I did finally succeed in getting an opening large enough to push through my camera’s eyelets. But the steel was still so tight that it actually left a groove in the edges of the eyelets as I twisted it on. On the flip side, once the strap was attached, I wasn’t at all concerned about it coming off my camera. But attaching it was tough, and I didn’t like how it left marks on my camera in the process.

Conclusion

Though I really struggled with the steel rings that attach the strap to the camera, the rest of its construction is great. It’s comfortable, it’s classy, it’s incredibly well made, and it’s able to take a beating. Personally, I think that the Cecilia Black Leather Mirrorless Camera Strap is a great combination of style and function. Its versatility makes it easy to take anywhere, from vacation to a paid photo shoot. In addition, its durability makes it a great value for the price. If you’re looking for a comfortable, sturdy, and discreet camera strap, this is a great one to consider.

March 4, 2016April 25, 2024

74Street Bags Multicamera Photographer Leather Harness Review – $269

One of my favorite things about working with the leather industry is that I get to see firsthand how different companies create and design products with a similar function. Leather photography accessories have been a staple of any young or seasoned photographer for a while now, and 74Street Bags has contributed to the offering with an excellent piece, the Multicamera Photographer Leather Harness.

About

Mircea & Daciana Bule are the powerhouse couple behind 74Street Bags. Mircea is a licensed fashion designer and he has been handcrafting with leather for more than 20 years. He is referred to as the brain of design and handwork and Daciana, a manager by profession and a fashion design student, is “the brains of the business along with being Mircea’s apprentice in learning more and more everyday about the vast skills needed for handcrafting leather.” This Romanian duo designs and creates some unique bags – which seem to be very popular through their Etsy storefront, which shows a 5 star rating and healthy sales. This second time around we are reviewing the Multicamera Photographer Leather Harness from 74Street Bags.

Construction

The Multicamera Photographer Leather Harness is hand constructed with full grain leather and metal pins and D-rings. The leather has been sourced with imperfections and marks that make each piece unique. This specific leather has a nice matte finish that looks good with anything, but also provides plenty of support for two heavy cameras.

The entire harness is hand-stitched by the couple, and after long inspections I could not find any crooked, missed, or compromised stitches. It is obvious that 74Street Bags takes much time and care in each product construction. The harness is also built using two pieces of leather, stitched together to make an even stronger, more dependable accessory for your expensive photography gear. Overall the harness’ construction is top-quality, and I would expect nothing less because it carries around thousands of dollars worth of cameras.

Function

74Street Bags has done a good job at combining style, quality, and function in one leather product. The harness is extremely easy to use, as you just swing it on, attach your photoshoot camera, and begin your shoot. This specific harness was designed for carrying two cameras, one on each side of the body. The metal pins are easy to adjust for body size, and the metal sliders flow freely on the leather shoulder straps. This makes for a smooth and efficient shooting motion that every photographer can appreciate. While the camera clip on system also functions well and will continue to do so for a while. Don’t let the thinness of the small clips make you nervous. Daciana has assured me that the clips are designed to support more than 80kg (176+ lbs)…which is way beyond the normal load that any photographer will connect to these straps.

Aesthetic

74Street Bags creates products that appeal to people on several different levels. The attractive, easily scuffed leather and metal hardware combine to make a piece that will not only be a solid addition to your photo accessories, but also a conversation piece when worn. The patina has already started to change a little, and it will definitely get better with age. Many people have flocked to the 74Street Bags’ Etsy store because their products have a story, are extremely well built, and guaranteed to last a lifetime, and it is easy to understand why after using the Multicamera Photographer Leather Harness.

Verdict

I have thoroughly enjoyed using the Multicamera Photographer Leather Harness from 74Street Bags. The harness will make an excellent addition to any photographer’s collection and will work well for many years to come. Priced at $269.00, the harness is an investment that I believe photographers should make.

December 15, 2015December 19, 2017

Holdfast Gear Small Roamographer Review – $525

Photography has a special place in my heart. I have always been interested, I have invested thousands of dollars into high-quality camera gear, and I actively attempt to get better everyday. But, when I first purchased my camera, I entirely forgot about a strap to hold it and a bag to safely and beautifully secure it. Thankfully I have the opportunity to review the Holdfast Small Roamographer Bison Camera Bag. This luxury, vintage inspired camera bag is quite stunning, and having seen other beautiful and well-built products from Holdfast, I am beyond excited to have received this camera bag.

ABOUT HOLD FAST GEAR

Matthew Swaggart founded Holdfast Gear in 2011 with three values in mind: taste, logic, and faith. As a photographer who has traveled the world, Matt understood the burden of carrying around pounds of equipment for hours or days at a time.

With an appreciation for the design aesthetics of the past and the need for functional equipment that would hold up even under the most austere conditions, he founded Hold Fast Gear. His company offers a growing line of products designed to suit the needs of the on-the-go photographer.

Today, Matt keeps his notebooks close with ideas for new products, and plans to launch at least 10 new products within the next year. He takes pride in the ethical production of all of his products in the USA while providing sustainable jobs to the Oklahoma economy.

CONSTRUCTION

The Small Roamographer bag is handcrafted with American bison leather, with two large belted straps and a post to secure it. The small bag comes with a hefty shearling-lined strap for over the shoulder carry, with an extra lobster claw clasp to fasten a camera or extra gear. There are also double handles for hand carry. There are two large external pockets on the outside of the bag, marked with the HoldFast logo. The bottom of the bag supports itself with metal studs to keep the bag stable and clean.

The bag is lined with blue and white striped fabric, with 2 interior sleeve pockets. The removable red foam insert has 4 exterior pockets, 1 interior document sleeve, 1 exterior padded iPad pocket, 2 removable dividers and 1 removable dual lens sleeve. The insert is customizable to whatever configuration works best for you and your gear.

The most remarkable part of the bag’s construction is its hinged, Gladstone-style opening. This means that the bag stays open as wide as possible so you can grab your gear and swap out lenses with ease. This is really an amazing feature for on-the-go photographers.

FUNCTION & AESTHETIC

As I said, this bag works extremely well for photographers who are on-the-go. Its customizable insert, wide-mouth opening, and lobster-claw straps are all details that have obviously been thought through by people with experience hauling camera gear.

The only real issue I’ve experienced with this bag is that there are a LOT of straps. To get in the bag you have to undo two heel-bar straps as well as the post latch. I’ve found myself leaving the two straps undone for most of the day if I need to get in and out often. The body straps can be secured to the back of the bag, leaving only the post latch, so that helps. This isn’t a huge issue, as the straps do keep my camera gear very safe and secure, but if you are strap-adverse, you may want to consider this.

The Roamographer comes in two sizes – Small and Large. My small Roamographer bag is 14.5″ L x 9″ H x 8″ D, on the exterior, and the insert takes up 12″ L x 7″ H x 6.5″ D. The smaller bag is recommended for mirrorless and rangefinder gear. I easily fit my Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II, two lenses, my Go-Pro, a small tripod, and more. The larger bag measures 18″ L x 14″ H x 10″ D, and is recommended for DSLR gear. We will have a featured review of the large Roamographer coming soon.

This bag comes in two body colors, black and brown, both with light brown straps. The bison leather gives it a beautiful and unique texture that’s offset with the lighter colored straps.

CONCLUSION

This is a bag that gets noticed. There’s a reason the Roamographer is making a splash in photography circles – it’s unique, it’s extremely functional, and it’s constructed impeccably. The Holdfast Small Roamographer Bison Camera Bag will keep your camera (and many more after it) safe and secure, while looking incredible. The price tag is steep, but remember that this is an extremely well built bag with a number of features that you will find invaluable.

September 29, 2015December 19, 2017

HoldFast Gear Money Maker Luxury Leather Multi Camera Strap Review – $215.00/$400.00

I moonlight as a photographer and have shot everything from portraits and weddings to sporting events. I prefer full-frame DSLR cameras and the accompanying glass that goes with them for all my shoots. However, carrying that much equipment can make you feel like you’re carrying Sisyphus’ rock at the end of a long photography session.

When I was offered the chance to review Hold Fast Gear’s Money Maker Luxury Leather Multi-Camera Strap, I took it without hesitation. The company claims it will allow you to carry up to 3 cameras comfortably for long periods of time. While I couldn’t justify the purchase of a third camera to my boss (read “wife”) for this review, I have plenty of glass to give it a thorough test.

ABOUT HOLD FAST GEAR

CONSTRUCTION

We’ll be looking at two versions of the strap today, both similar in function, but different in form:

American Bison Leather (Mahogany): The genuine bison leather on this strap came from Colorado. Measurements average 35.8 mm across and 5 mm thick. Half of the thickness is due to the cream glove leather lining on the inside of the strap. There are four black D-rings on the front of the strap designed for carrying accessories. The two large buckles on the back allow for adjustment of the shoulder opening, having 9 adjustment holes spaced 25 mm apart. Dark grey punch-through rivets hold everything together including the leather securing the D-rings, the buckle straps, the cross piece, and the camera sliders.

The camera sliders are constructed of a massive D-ring, an equally massive, nickel-plated swivel, a fold-over leather strap secured by 4 rivets, and ¼” screw mount to attach to the tripod mount on your camera. As if that wasn’t enough, they also added a safety catch made of nylon and a plastic swivel that mounts to the lug on the left side of your camera.

Overall weight comes in at 1 pound, 14 ounces (840 grams), making it a little heavier than the bridle leather strap.

Tan Bridle Leather: We mention here only the differences between the straps. This strap measures 33.5 mm across (-2.3 mm) with a thickness of 3.2 mm (-1.8 mm). Of note, this strap is not lined with the cream glove leather. The hardware is all nickel-plated rather than black, including the rivets.

Overall weight comes in at a lighter 1 pound, 9 ounces (700 grams), and beside the bridle leather being naturally a bit stiff when it is new, those are the major differences in construction of the two straps.

FUNCTION

Because the overall design of the straps is nearly identical, I spent the majority of my time testing the functionality on the American bison strap.

My first chance to give the strap a real test was at a wedding reception photoshoot. I attached my primary camera – a Canon 5D Mark III with battery grip and various lenses, and my secondary camera – a Canon EOS Rebel T3i with 50 mm prime lens. The weight was significant, and would be a good test of the strap.

I had no problems sliding the camera into position for any type of shot I wanted to take. Carrying the cameras around for over 2 hours, I barely noticed the weight of the cameras. The strap is that comfortable. While initially concerned that the free-hanging cameras would bang against my leg or the surrounding environment, it was easy to adjust their position and prevent this from happening. If you’re someone who uses telephoto lenses of 200mm or more, you’ll want to be a little more careful in cramped environments.

The other issue I encountered was minor: getting the split ring on the lug of my camera and mounting the screw to the camera. It took some finesse with my large hands to get the split ring on the lug. Now that it’s there, I may never take it off.

I occasionally do shots low to the ground and found it easier to remove the camera from the strap. This took a little time if you’re someone who finds themselves doing this often.

Overall, I was very impressed with the ease of use and comfort of this strap, and found it very useful for the run-and-gun type of shooting that defined this wedding reception.

AESTHETIC

Matt uses a chromium salt tanning process to give the bison leather its softness and texture, and then a vegetable-based re-tan to bring back the form of the leather. The cream leather padding on the underside of the strap adds to the comfort and the beauty of the strap.

The bridle leather strap is an English bridle that is vegetable-tanned, drum dyed, and stuffed full of waxes and grease to make it weather proof. While initially stiff, it has the advantage of molding to the user after repeated use.

The hardware on both is beautiful and heavy duty at the same time. Large buckles and D-rings give these straps a flare that will make them get noticed. While the functions remain the same, the strap you choose is purely a matter of looks and what you prefer.

THE FINAL WORD

At the price point of $215 for the tan bridle leather strap and $400 for the American bison mahogany strap, the Money Maker Luxury Leather Multi-Camera Strap is a great investment. Like all quality leather products, it isn’t inexpensive; it is an investment. Having not known about this product before I was asked to review it, I didn’t know what I was missing. I’ll be able to save my shoulders years of wear and look good while doing it.

As of this final writing, I also had the opportunity to use this strap at an 8-hour wedding shoot on September 19th, 2015. With my 5D Mark III, battery grip, 70-200mm lens, and attached speedlight, I had some serious weight riding on my shoulders. In addition, I had my second camera, a Canon T3i with 50mmm lense as my backup, riding on the other strap. At the end of the day, my shoulders felt great – the strap performed that well. Now if only Matt could invent something to make my feet a little less tired.

If you want a camera support system designed and built by a seasoned photographer that is attractive and functional, Hold Fast Gear has got it right. With twelve models, there is plenty to choose from when trying to satisfy your sense of adventure.

April 14, 2015December 19, 2017

2CentsLeatherShop Custom Leather Camera Strap Review – $46.90

The stock strap on my trusty Nikon was becoming a pain. The nylon edges were starting to fray, causing a very uncomfortable rash on the back of my neck. The adjustable buckles were nearly impossible to adjust to on the fly as well. Looking for a better option to carry my camera, I tried out the 2centsleathershop custom leather camera strap with great results.

ABOUT 2CENTSLEATHERSHOP

2centsleathershop is an Etsy store operated by Marijana Cuzela and her partner. Located in the heart of Europe, Marijana started the brand after the collapse of the leather industry in Slovenia. Taking the skills learned, 2centsleathershop is passionate about crafting high quality handmade leather goods ranging from wallets to iPad portfolios. 2centsleathershop is also willing to work with customers to further personalize the products offered.