Photography equipment is not cheap. As photographers, we’re often investing thousands of dollars into metal tubes filled with planes of glass, and quickly justifying it to our friends and families. So what happens when a disconnected fashion brand such as Louis Vuitton markets to photographers, and announces a $3,500 basic camera bag?
Introducing the Louis Vuitton N58027
It’s got zippers, it’s got a checkerboard pattern, and it’s got handles. Oh, your bag only has a front and side panel to store your gear, well this one has a front, side AND back! And with a incredibly small form factor (15.4” x 8.7” x 9.4”), you'll have plenty of space to store a camera, lens, flash and still have about enough space for a single AA battery. So it should be no surprise that this little bag marketed for men would cost the nice affordable price of $3,500. If that is not enough, they're also offering a similarly patterned wallet and belt for $470 a piece. So you can be the true fashionista on your next fashion photo shoot.
In all seriousness, this is problematic for our industry. I know I have tens of thousands of dollars invested into camera bodies, lenses and lights. But outside of that, I live a life unlike that of most photographers - a life of modesty. I'm already frustrated that I'm paying $250+ for a decent camera bag that is nothing more than a backpack that has been gutted and filled with foam inserts. So where does Louis Vuitton get the idea that anyone would want to pay that ten fold? Louis Vuitton, if you’re listening...stay out of my industry. I'll photograph your bags, and I'll collect your checks for my invoices, but I have no desire to also become your customer.
If you're looking to spend $3,500 purely to drive me crazy, you can do so here.
Its obvious youre not the right client for them! Possibly their marketing department has made some mistakes since they are reaching a demographic which will not be their client.
Meh, you'll be able to get a knock off on the street for $20 soon. Put your Kiev in it.
Im a bit more practical I guess so seeing a bag like this that would hold a quarter of the equipment I need is insufficient. Also I would much rather put my money towards new gear over a $3,500 bag with a label slapped on it. I could make something like this myself for under $100, or even hire someone to make one to my tastes for $200.
I do see where 'fashionista's in the industry would want a bag like this but I just think its silly.
How many do you think Sal Cincotta owns (or has ordered)? My money's on at least 2.
Zach needs to stay at Wal Mart with his Wal Mart mentality and class.
Is the editor aware of the fact that there are many many people who make $3500 a day ?
There are plenty of prospective buyers for :
$4000 women handbags
$1000 high heels
$30,000 weddings gowns
$100,000 wrist watches
$400,000 sports cars
$8 mio apartments
I will pay an extra $250 to NOT have to use one.
lol at this post and at a lot of the comments.
a "working photographer (28k)" wouldn't buy this bag, neither would many of them have a anything from Louis Vuitton.
this product is for people who can afford and do shop at Louis Vuitton, and someone like myself who can afford to shop at this store would by this camera bag.
It is not aimed at the M/GWAC, not aimed at the majority of the photography industry.
It aimed at wealthy people who are photo enthusiest.
Just because the author can't afford luxury items it's 'delusional'? Give me a break you (poor) cry baby.
Forget the price...That is simply the ugliest camera bag I have ever laid eyes on.
When did most of the commenters on Fstoppers become a group of trolls that can not understand satire?
OK so I was thinking about this bag today and my fantasy set up for it.
So here is what I would put in the LV.
Leica M - $6950
Leica Monochrome- $7950
50mm f0.095 $10,995
35mm f1.4 $5150
24mm f1.4 $7550
90mm f2.0 $3995
$42,590 total
FYI: Louis Vuitton bags are NOT made of leather. They're made of plastic in all actuality. Well...not their ENTIRE line, but MOST of the stuff you see people carrying....the brown bag with the LV logos all over it.....those are PLASTIC. Anyway.....hard to imagine this has illicited such a conversation. I mean, to each his own. Yeah, I'm certainly not buying one and I imagine for the average photographer (pro or hobbyist)....it's an absurd idea as well. Who cares though.? Some guy or gal out there is going to be stankin' rich enough to not give a damn and buy it. So what? This could be someone who is a DAMN good photographer/pro....or.....just some random fashionable hobbyist person who likes the bag and it fits their lifestyle. Again....who cares??! Is it silly...? I guess....to most of us yeah. But a lot of "luxury" stuff can be. Can't blame LV for hustlin' even harder. And if the person who can afford it and wants it actually gets one and carries their gear around in it.....how the hell will that bother me in the least??!!