Oberwerth M Bag – Worth the Price-tag?

Wherever you’re from, you’ll have probably heard the old adage “variety is the spice of life”.

While this is true in many ways, when it comes to photography gear, I’ve always found that simple things, executed perfectly, can often supersede the gadgets and gizmos that keep us wanting the latest and greatest. I’ve often been described as “simple”, and while the nuances of the sentiment might be lost on me, I have always assumed that my peers have been referring to my taste for the uncomplicated. 

In my days as a property photographer, I was forced to drag all kinds of greeblies on my travels. I was a photographic pack mule, toiling daily to haul specialist kit in and out of my car to use on the one job a day that required it. Since leaving a life of professional photography behind me, my main focus has been on surrounding myself with the sort of equipment that stays firmly out of my way. No fluff, no faff, no fumbling through menus for functions and features. Just me, a camera, and a story to tell.

This is why for the past few weeks, I’ve been pleased to spend some time with the much coveted Oberwerth M Bag. I had a rough start with it, but I’ve quickly decided that I enjoy using it a great deal (or at least as much enjoyment as one can get from a bag).

Firstly, the “M” from which it derives its name is well placed to highlight its Leica-ness. Unadorned, elegant, and minimalist; these things do very little to inspire the technophiles among you, but where it does shine, it does so effortlessly.

The leather is genuinely gorgeous. It’s almost velvety to the touch with a premium feel evocative of honest quality. Although the term is overused, the scuffs and scrapes it wears develop into a handsome patina, breaking up the monotonous palette of my black version.  

Taking the bag out to shoot some street was interesting; I figured the rigid frame would be an unwelcome encumbrance, but it actually made it remarkably easy to swap between bodies. You won’t fit much more than two small cameras and primes inside, but for an everyday carry case, the space is ample. My M240 and SP500 sit perfectly in the striking red interior and despite some sparse padding, they seem relatively secure. The M Bag made it remarkably easy to bring out my gear at a moments notice, augmenting my experience compared to the frumpy, non-descript messenger bag I’m usually donning on my photographic excursions.

Its familiar form factor makes it easy to draw comparisons between Oberwerth and our favourite former fishing bag maker. I’ve always loved the rustic leather straps of a classic Billingham but the Practical Loxx® fasteners of the Oberwerth make for a seamless experience. They’re easy to open and you’re met with a tidy click when sealing your kit away; a rewarding snap and some peace of mind.

Even in the face of its strengths, the Oberwerth M Bag isn’t without its disadvantages. The shoulder strap is downright frustrating at times. The extendable portion creates a looping area of confusion as the two parallel segments often separate and tangle. This can be irritating when attempting to manoeuvre it but when you do learn to drive the thing, it will bend to your will.

The hardware components scratch surprisingly easily which I hadn’t considered possible in such a premium item. I’m aware that these complaints seem to be the misgivings of an dorky perfectionist, but when a bag costs more than a plane ticket to Dubai, I’m sure you’ll forgive my high expectations.

Given more time, I’m sure I would grow to find joy in its small foibles and even revel in it’s luxury, but Oberwerth is not for everyone. They’re stylish, suave, and sexy satchels that, if you can splash the cash, are a bold statement in any circle that values prestige.

There are definitely camera bags that provide more features and demand that you part with less of your children’s dance lesson fund, but if you have a taste for the finer things, and your kids have cheap hobbies, you’ll get on just fine with an Oberwerth M Bag.

If you enjoyed my flowery ramblings, then please say “Hello” over on my Instagram @spectacle_imagery. Stay to look at some of my work too if the mood takes you…

More on the Oberwerth website here

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