Leather Caemra Bags

Hi,

So, I have a meeting next week with a Bag designer and Manufacturer in London To talk about designing a leather DSLR Camera bag. Hopefully, if all goes well I will have a brand of camera bags to sell online.

what i would like to know is what is the most you guys have/are prepared to spend on a really good quality hand made camera bag made of genuine leather?

also if you could you write down here a list of features you think should be included in the bag, I would be glad to speak to designer about it.

I probably would not even consider purchase of a leather bag unless some very careful precautions were incorporated to protect the equipment from moisture. I could envision a leather bag getting wet in a rain storm and leather as such retains moisture for a long period of time as it naturally dries. There is one thing that can kill a DSLR in a very short period of time - moisture. Not necessarily direct impingment, evn high levels of humidity can kill equipment.

Look at the better made vinyl bags and you will find that most have some means of protection. My Lowepro backpack for instance has a temporary cover that can be deployed that protects the camera bag.

That is a very good point John, Thanks for bringing it to my attention. It will certainly be discussed at the meeting.

Related to moisture, mold grows on leather and is Not A Good Thing around cameras and lenses.

I don't see what would be the pros of buying leather camera bag, apart from, it would probably make a nice fashion item...Why would anybody want to pay extra for leather, when it gives absolutely no benefits regarding practicality and protection in this particular case? It would probably last ages though, but only because I wouldn't dare to take it out with me, or at least not with my gear in it, and it would spent most of the time at home anyway. It would be interesting to learn what reasons pushed you towards this idea.

I'd have to agree, I believe leather bags are a thing of the past with all the newer fabrics now used. I have two types, fabric which are my main bags, and a hard case for when I travel by plane. Good luck with your new design adventure.

Some excellent points raised by you guys, Thanks for the input. Much appreciated.

Well, I know some photographers who would like to have their bags look less like a camera bag and a bit more like stylish fashion item that looks good as well as protects their gear not just from the elements ''leather apparently is not very good at that.''

Leather as you know lasts a very long time and as it ages looks even better so I think in the long run it would prove to be a more cost effective choice than other fabric based bags? However, that will not matter if the moisture or mold issues can't be solved.

If the moisture and mold is somehow no longer an issue would you guys change your mind? or would you still have the outlook still be the same in regards to using leather for camera bags? Perhaps canvas would be a better choice?

Cost might also be an issue. The "saddle bag" for instance at http://www.skytoptradi​ng.com/skpuca.html, although not for cameras is $875. Granted, based on the description it is hand made in Colorado (USA) and likely of very high quality. Good bags that don't look like camera bags can be had for $200 or less.

The manufacturer i have been in contact with also create their bags by hand so, yeah, Price could be an issue.

BTW, That is one beautiful and quality bag.

ps, sorry for posting this in the wrong sections and thank for moving to the right place.

Another company that makes some excellent leather products, including a "gadget bag" $245 to $308) is at http://www.saddlebackl​eather.com/Gadget-Bag.

I have one of their wallets which is quite nice.

Pros & cons of the Saddleback camera bags...see http://www.dpreview.co​m/forums/post/51372384

i love my ONA Brixton in leather. probably the most i would pay for a camera bag. i carry around a couple of zip lock bags and those really thin clear plastic trash bag in all my camera bags. so, maybe if you can incorporate some extra protection like the lowpro backpacks?

John from PA wrote in post #16121732
Another company that makes some excellent leather products, including a "gadget bag" $245 to $308) is at http://www.saddlebackl​eather.com/Gadget-Bag.

I have one of their wallets which is quite nice.

Pros & cons of the Saddleback camera bags...see http://www.dpreview.co​m/forums/post/51372384

That looks like a quality bag but the shape isn't really photographer friendly, is it?

mondayshift wrote in post #16121768
i love my ONA Brixton in leather. probably the most i would pay for a camera bag. i carry around a couple of zip lock bags and those really thin clear plastic trash bag in all my camera bags. so, maybe if you can incorporate some extra protection like the lowpro backpacks?

Do you have any ideas or suggestions what kind of protection? I will continue to see if those moisture and mold issue can be fixed somehow? I could incorporate some kind of externally attached rain cover on the bag which should take care of the water/rain issue .

Perhaps having an inside canvas lining could reduce if not eliminate the moisture and mold problem?

i honestly am not that concerned about rain/moisture on the leather bag. i just won't use it if i'm expecting bad weather or if it does get wet i would just let it dry before using it again.

what i was thinking is something that would match or go along with the look of the leather bag in case someone does get caught in wet weather. how or what can be used or implemented i have no idea.

Interesting to know that not everyone is concerned about moisture and rain.

I will take that onboard, Thanks budd!

I think another couple of issues you might have are:

1. Weight: a leather bag will be heavier than the same design bag in most modern fabrics. I doubt that most people would be willing to accept more weight in exchange for cosmetic appearance.

2. Interior: How will you make the interior user-friendly? You will have to line it with some kind of velcro-compatible material to allow people to install dividers to suit their equipment configurations. That would have to be sewn to the leather and would add more weight and might also compromise the cosmetic appearance of the exterior.

3. A leather bag may be more difficult to keep clean than the modern fabrics of other bags. People put their bags down on the ground and leather will scuff and stain from dirt, etc unless you spend extra to have the leather oil or wax impegnated. Even that treatment might still allow scuffing and staining.

Just some things to consider. Good luck with your project!