Black Label Bags vs. Artisan & Artist: Quality

[kanzlr]

hi,

I am considering the Evans Walker bag by Artisan & Artist, but did notice that the Black Label "Mark II" variant is not only cheaper, but offers improved zips. With shipping and duties the Black Label will be a bit more expensive, but then it does indeed seem to be improved.

My question: Does any of you have seen both bags in person and can tell me if the Black Label quality (material, fit and finish) is on par with Artisan & Artist? If it is, I prefer the former. I don't really care for the price difference, as they are in the same region anyways.

thanks a lot in advance!

 

[kshapero]

I have seen both.
A&A - slightly better build quality
Black Label - better water resistant

 

[kanzlr]

thanks! So maybe I just get the A&A as it is available locally, slightly cheaper and I don't really need the weather resistance that much.

 

[Jasper Street]

I just received my Evans Walker today from Japan. I'd been looking into them online for a long time, but in person they're even better than they look. The design of the bag, the materials, the craftsmanship are all excellent. I think it's perfect for a small rangefinder kit.

 

[kshapero]

I just received my Evans Walker today from Japan. I'd been looking into them online for a long time, but in person they're even better than they look. The design of the bag, the materials, the craftsmanship are all excellent. I think it's perfect for a small rangefinder kit.

agree agree😀

 

[PrintLabGuy]

I had the A&A Evans Walker for over 3 years and recently purchased the Black Label Bag version. The original designer that made 'em for A&A left and formed his own company, Black Label Bag. He basically took the original designs and improved upon them. When you compare the two, the BLB has lil rubber feet on the bottom, leather trimmed accents, weather resistant zippers, cell phone case, black interior padded section, and a ballistic nylon skin on the back instead of canvas. Mine also came with a Black Label Bad microfiber cloth, mini Sharpie pen, and black on black leather tag. Between the two, I prefer the Black Label Bag version.

 

[Richard G]

Whichever one, it is the perfect size for an RF set up. I can even squeeze an M5 in. I either have an M+50 in the centre, M+35 at one end and the 90 Elmarit at the other, or instead of the M+35, a 25 ZM and 25 ZM finder. The side pocket fits cable release, hoods, caps, film and light meter. Amazing package.

 

[Macmook]

Just ordered

Just ordered

I just ordered the Black Label Evans Walker II bag. A&A and Black Label have EXACTLY the same descriptive language on their respective versions.

I would have thought A&A would be a tad peeved about that!

Looks like a great bag for the Fuji X100.

 

[russelljtdyer]

What's the Difference?

What's the Difference?

Looking at the photographs of these bags on their web site and their prices, I don't see why they are worth double their Domke equivalents. As far as I can see, the Domke F-5XB holds the same amount of equipment and is also made of canvas--in fact, it seems to have more pockets. The 'Evans Walker' does have a nicer looking interior--but that may be because of the high contrasting difference of the red interior against the black exterior. It also has more side wall cushions, but that may be overkill and therefore waste interior space.

So, I'm wondering what is the difference to justify paying about double the price for an Artisan & Artist bag instead of buying a Domke. Actually, since I already have the Domke, I'm especially wondering if it would be worth it to buy an A&A bag to replace a Domke. Is it just that they have nicer material and are better made? Are their some other factors I can't perceive in the photos?

 

[jsrockit]

So, I'm wondering what is the difference to justify paying about double the price for an Artisan & Artist bag instead of buying a Domke. Actually, since I already have the Domke, I'm especially wondering if it would be worth it to buy an A&A bag to replace a Domke. Is it just that they have nicer material and are better made? Are their some other factors I can't perceive in the photos?

Don't underestimate the role aesthetics play in a decision.

 

[Frank Petronio]

It's more than "just a purse"!

http://www.sheknows.com/beauty-and-style/articles/804052/sex-and-the-city-handbags

Seriously I need to get into the business of sewing small scraps of materials into camera bags and then marketing them with terse, vague descriptions and tightly cropped photos so customers have no idea of what they are purchasing, other than their being 3x more expensive than the common equivalent.

 

[Shade]

I have seen the A n A, despite being well built, I really don't click to their designs. And sorry I have no comparison with black label, I have never even heard of it until you mentioned it. But it does sound cooler though haha..