Every Fab' camera strap begins its journey long before it reaches our workshop. It starts with the people who transform a raw hide into a material designed to last for decades. Their work often goes unseen, yet it has a greater impact on the final product than almost anything else.
In 2026, I completely redesigned our leather camera strap lineup with one goal in mind: finding a leather that would make our camera straps even better. I was looking for something thinner, more supple, more compact, and just as durable as the leather we've been using.
I discovered the incredible work being done by Tannerie des Ruisseaux in Quebec, Canada. Their full-grain leather immediately stood out. After months of prototyping and real-world testing, I made the decision to redesign our entire leather camera strap lineup around it.
Leather tanning is one of the world's oldest crafts, but it has become increasingly rare in North America. Over the past several decades, many Canadian tanneries have disappeared due to increasing international competition, rising production costs, and the globalization of leather manufacturing.
Founded in 1969, Tannerie des Ruisseaux has spent more than five decades transforming hides into premium leather while preserving an expertise that has become rare. Today, the company describes itself as Canada's last industrial tannery, continuing to tan leather locally in Quebec while preserving a craft that has almost disappeared.
In 2025, a new generation of owners took over the company with a clear mission: preserve this unique expertise, build the next generation of skilled workers, and ensure that decades of knowledge continue to live on.
That vision immediately resonated with me.
I've always believed that craftsmanship deserves to be preserved, not replaced. As a leatherworker myself, I know how much knowledge, patience, and passion go into creating something that's truly built to last.
The leather from Tannerie des Ruisseaux offered exactly what I had been searching for. It's noticeably softer and more supple from day one, allowing me to create straps that are lighter, more compact, and immediately comfortable without sacrificing durability.
Unlike thicker and stiffer leathers that require a long break-in period, this leather feels comfortable from the very first use while still offering the strength photographers expect from a handcrafted leather camera strap.
Working with Tannerie des Ruisseaux wasn't just about improving the camera straps. It was also about supporting local craftsmanship and sourcing materials as close to home. Whenever possible, I choose Canadian suppliers who share my commitment to quality. As an example, the premium rope used in our rope camera straps is manufactured in Ontario.
Since 2016, every Fab' camera strap has been handcrafted one at a time in Montreal. Using exceptional materials allows me to create products I'm truly proud of while helping preserve the rare skills and expertise behind them.
Because exceptional products always begin with exceptional materials.
Fabrice
Owner / artisan
