In search of a suitable companion for the compact Fujifilm X-E5, I wanted a narrow leather strap that would underscore the camera's classic style while being solidly crafted. Whether the Bronkey Berlin #102 meets this claim in everyday use and how it compares on the analog Olympus OM-2 is shown in this hands-on report.
History of Bronkey
Behind the name Bronkey is a workshop founded in Barcelona in 2016. The idea arose directly from photographic practice, as the founders were looking for accessories that meet functional requirements while also matching the aesthetic ideals of classic photography. Instead of relying on industrial mass production, they chose traditional manufacturing locally in Spain.
The full-grain leather used is sourced from a Spanish tannery whose roots date back to 1829. This tannery has worked with vegetable tanning methods for generations, giving the material special strength and a natural feel. Each strap is cut, stamped, dyed, and finished with oils and waxes according to traditional craftsmanship. The workshop's goal is to create accessories for photographers that develop their own patina over the years through use and gain in appeal.
The Camera Strap
On the Bronkey website, there are various leather straps to choose from. In principle, you can choose between the Tokyo, Berlin, and Roma models. They differ in design. The Roma model is stitched, the Berlin model is riveted, and the Tokyo model is connected with a cord. Additionally, you can choose between different leather colors and lengths.
I chose the Berlin model in brown leather with a length of 95 cm. The strap is delivered in a small box and is additionally stored in a storage pouch. You probably won't use this pouch again because you won't want to remove the strap from your camera—spoiler alert.
When you take the Bronkey Berlin #102 out of the packaging for the first time, the original firmness of the leather immediately stands out. The material initially feels relatively stiff, and the inside also feels a bit rough at first. If you expect supple, soft-washed leather, you'll be surprised at first. However, this characteristic is normal for genuine, vegetable-tanned full-grain leather and simply requires a little patience.
With every use in the field and every hour of wearing, the structure noticeably changes. Body heat, natural movement, and touch make the strap softer, smoother, and more flexible. After a few extended walks, it sits much more comfortably around the neck or over the shoulder. If you value accessories that only find their final form through use, you'll appreciate this process.
The Berlin #102 features a slim profile. It is deliberately kept narrow, which gives cameras like the Fujifilm X-E5 or an analog rangefinder a very tidy and discreet appearance. The strap adds little bulk and can be wrapped around the body compactly when transporting it in a camera bag without taking up half the space.
However, this design sets clear limits on wearing comfort that you should consider before purchasing. A compact mirrorless camera with a small prime lens is completely comfortable to carry for many hours. The situation is very similar with the analog Olympus OM-2, which, as a slim SLR with a small Zuiko lens, harmonizes excellently with the narrow strap.
If, on the other hand, you hang a heavy digital SLR with a massive telephoto lens on this strap, the weight will inevitably press into your neck due to the lack of a wide contact surface. This cut is simply not designed for heavy equipment.
In terms of branding, Bronkey is pleasantly restrained, even though minimalism could go one step further. The strap features the brand logo twice as a subtle blind embossing on the outside. On the inside, there is also a small gold lettering that lies invisibly against the body when worn.
Although these markings are clean and unobtrusive, I personally would have preferred to do without one of the two outer embossings. A completely brand-free appearance would further emphasize the puristic character, as products made from natural leather can speak for themselves. Nevertheless, the design does not seem disturbing or intrusive.
The delivery includes two small leather protectors that are slipped between the camera body and the attachment rings. They are intended to prevent the metal of the rings from rubbing against the body and leaving unsightly scratches.
For the lugs of the Fujifilm X-E5, however, these round leather discs are a bit too thick. Threading the split rings therefore requires a lot of dexterity, patience, and strong fingernails to get everything in place. Once you overcome this hurdle during the first assembly, the clear advantage of this snug fit becomes apparent. The protectors sit completely firmly and no longer twist in everyday use.
A small visual detail, however, leaves room for improvement. The included round split rings are in a bright, shiny silver. On a classic leather strap with vintage character, these rings seem almost a bit too modern and sober.
An option with darker rings, a matte surface, or a warm brass tone would round off the overall picture more harmoniously. If this bothers you, you can easily replace the rings with suitable alternatives from accessory retailers, as long as you choose the right size.
The length of the strap is designed for wearing around the neck or diagonally over the shoulder, so the camera rests at about hip height or just above. This allows for quick lifting to eye level and ensures freedom of movement while walking.
The strap can also be easily converted into a hand strap. This naturally gives you much more flexibility with the camera. Thanks to its slim profile, it wraps well around the wrist and doesn't interfere with shooting.
For some photographers, however, an additional, shorter length option would be a sensible addition to the range. If you like to carry the camera stably at chest height while hiking or on reportage so that it swings less when bending forward, you will miss such a variant. A shorter version would usefully expand the portfolio for certain preferences.
The Bronkey Berlin #102 proves in everyday use that a reduced design is often exactly the right thing for photographic practice. For friends of compact cameras like the Fujifilm X-E5 or classic analog bodies like the Olympus OM-2, the strap offers a successful combination of honest craftsmanship and unobtrusive aesthetics.
If you are willing to give the leather some time to break in during the first few days, you will get a reliable companion that becomes softer with every outing and stylishly complements your camera.
Buy
If you are looking for an honest, well-crafted carrying strap and prefer compact cameras, the Bronkey Berlin #102 is a reliable option. The strap requires a short break-in period at the beginning, but rewards you with a timeless look and a material that gains character with every use. It complements compact bodies like the Fujifilm X-Series or classic analog cameras with a simple, durable tool for everyday photography.
