Oberwerth Introduces Hugh Brownstone Street Bag
German camera bag manufacturer Oberwerth has collaborated with American photographer and educator Hugh Brownstone to develop the Street Bag, a leather shoulder bag designed for street photography and everyday photographic equipment. The project took approximately two years to complete and combines the carrying capacity of a small backpack with the accessibility of a shoulder or sling bag.
Brownstone, who is also a cofounder of Helium Design Lab, contributed to the development of the bag based on his experience photographing in urban environments. The design was developed around his use of Leica cameras, including M and Q models, as well as the larger Leica SL3 system. However, its internal organization can accommodate other camera systems with comparable dimensions.
The Street Bag uses a two-level storage arrangement intended to separate frequently accessed cameras from additional equipment. The upper compartment can accommodate up to two camera bodies with lenses attached, while a magnetic flap provides access without requiring the entire bag to be opened. A secondary zippered closure adds another layer of protection when the equipment is being transported.
Below the main compartment, a separate front section provides storage for additional lenses, a flash, a viewfinder or other accessories. This compartment is accessed through a weather-resistant zipper and can be opened while the bag remains on the photographer’s shoulder. Consequently, lenses can be changed without placing the bag on the ground, although the practical convenience of this arrangement depends on the equipment being carried.
The internal layout incorporates adjustable padded dividers, allowing the storage space to be adapted to different combinations of cameras and lenses. The upper section measures approximately 27.5 × 15 × 15 centimeters, while the lower section measures 27.5 × 15 × 10 centimeters. A separate compartment can accommodate an 11-inch iPad Pro, extending the bag’s use beyond photographic equipment.
The exterior is made from black cowhide leather that undergoes a double-tanning process and receives a vegetable-based finish. According to Oberwerth, the leather is intended to develop a patina through regular use. The interior, meanwhile, features a yellow lining inspired by New York City’s taxis, referencing the city associated with Brownstone’s street photography. The color was suggested by his wife, photographer Claudia Brownstone.
Additional details include a removable padded shoulder strap, a luggage pass-through for attaching the bag to a suitcase and protective feet that keep the leather base slightly elevated when the bag is placed on the ground. These features are intended to accommodate both urban photography and travel.
The Street Bag measures 30 × 29 × 20 centimeters externally, with internal dimensions of approximately 28 × 25 × 15 centimeters. Its total capacity is 10 liters, while its empty weight is 1.5 kilograms. Although the bag is designed to carry multiple cameras and lenses, its leather construction contributes to a relatively high weight compared with similarly sized bags made from synthetic materials.
The Oberwerth Street Bag — Hugh Brownstone was available a US retail price of $1,699. It is distributed through Oberwerth, Leica retailers and selected photographic equipment stores, including B&H Photo Video. The initial production batch sold out, while Oberwerth has indicated that another limited batch is expected in mid-November.
