Review of the Oberwerth Munchen and Freiburg camera bags


keithwee

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Aug 20, 2010
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I was recently given the opportunity from Drew & Barry to experience and review two camera bags from new and upcoming luxury camera bag artisan Oberwerth.

Disclaimer: I did not receive any form of payment for this review and was given the use of the Oberwerth Munchen for a period of 2 weeks as part of the review. I have used camera bags from Billingham, Wotancraft etc and am always for the lookout for a bag with superb construction and detailing.

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Brand background:

Oberwerth hails from Germany and focuses on fully hand-made high quality camera bags with a non-negotiable stand on quality and perfection. Drew and Barry is the only local authorized distributor. There are currently only two camera bag models Oberwerth produces, a testament to the brand’s focuses on focusing only on the best designs.

What makes Oberwerth unique?

1. All Oberwerth bags are entirely handmade from the 1st to the last thread using a combination of Cordura (a waterproof, oil, dirt resistant & tear-proof material) and full vegetable grain cow-hide which develops a rich patina when it ages.

To my knowledge, only my bags from Goyard can boast of this with detailing being hand-painted & in comparison a basic Goyard tote will cost you SGD$2000 onwards.

2. Oberwerth bags also come equipped with an anti-theft mechanism which consists of a unique combination of Cordura, Leather and Plastic woven into the strap, making it impossible to cut through the strap.

3. Its quick release clasp mechanism for the front buckles, which is in itself a joy to use with its attention to functionality and craftsmanship. Without further ado, let the photos do the talking!
 

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The Oberwerth Freiburg (RRP SGD780)

The compact sibling perfectly thought out down to the finest detail such as being lightweight while boasting a number of storage possibilities.

The Freiburg fits a Leica M or Fuji X body well with space for 1 or 2 more lenses. There is also space for a tablet and important documents. The bag comes with a air-cushioned removable insert to protect what’s most valuable.

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The Freiburg

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the beauty of hand-stitched bags. Every thread is in line and perfect.

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The invisible anti-theft device is placed in the shoulder strap.

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all possible weak areas are reinforced


The Freiburg measures 26.5 x 20 x 10.5 cm across externally; 23 x 17 x 7 cm internally and weights only 650g for the comfort and functionality it can provide.
 

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continuing with the Feriburg,

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highest quality vegetable grain cow-hide. I've experienced bags from ONA and this beats the quality of ONA. This leather used is similar to the quality one will find in quality fashion houses such as Prada etc.

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removable inserts made with high quality reinforced stitching. Top layer comes with 2 velcros to 'lock' the insert tightly if needed. Note the Freiburg is basically weather , dust, tear and dust resistant.

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removing the insert gives you a perfectly usable sling bag.

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simply the best accompaniment to your beloved camera.
 

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The Oberwerth Munchen (RRP SGD950)

The Munchen is the larger companion, with numerous additional storage compartments for your equipment whether is it a laptop or tablet independent of the camera.

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The removable insert is specially designed with a closable top to allow storage of gear outside the bag, good for those who swop bags frequently

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The invisible anti-theft device is placed in the shoulder strap.

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Unparalleled stitching from a 100% handmade bag

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More than enough space even for a full sized full frame DSLR like the D810.

The Munchen measures 36 x 25 x 14 cm across externally; 32 x 22 x 9 cm internally and weights only 1.215 kg for the comfort and functionality it can provide.
 

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Review conclusions

Materials:

The leather used is supple and luxurious, and wonderful to touch. Definitely not the cheap faux-leather variants the market is flooded with nowadays.

Construction:

Perfectly aligned stitching which is thoroughly consistent and tight. So far the only camera bag brand that maintains this standard.
Wonderful reinforcement of weak points done for both models.

Usage:

Oberwerth camera bags are water proof, oil & dirt resistant plus tear proof. Honestly its just not bullet proof.

The anti theft mechanism built into the shoulder strap adds assurance to the user.

Comfort is a given when carrying either bags.

In all, Oberwerth camera bags aren’t cheap but as with how life goes: If one pays peanuts, one only gets monkeys.

Investing in a Oberwerth camera bag is for an owner who sees his camera bag as a statement piece and a item of quality craftsmanship built to last not just years, but in fact decades.

Like bags from ONA, Billingham etc , Oberwerth bags are designed to not scream “I’m a camera bag!” but rather designed to for the one who pays attention to details and the owner who prides privacy.

The 100% fully hand made Oberwerth bags are built with thought spent on what is important to all photographers – functionality, durability, protection of your equipment and of course, presentation.

If interested, one can contact Drew & Barry. Currently there is a 10% discount for the 1st round of early adopters after which the bags will be sold at RRP.

First come first served and of course, while stocks last.
 

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phwah.... all i see is the M9-P hermes and M240 with green leather?
 

;) got nice car must have pretty models ma.

high quality bags of course then go with a top tier model too.
 

;) got nice car must have pretty models ma.

high quality bags of course then go with a top tier model too.

I concur... :bsmilie: