mdwsta4
Matty Westside
For the past few years I've been using a Domke 5XA bag. It was as small of a bag I could find that would hold a body like the XP1, M9, etc with an extra lens or two. The canvas is thick, the strap was comfortable, and the bag is very durable. I didn't like how loud the velcro was, nor did I like the zippers (which I simply covered with tape).
Lately I've been carrying around two camera bodies with the bag and while they fit, it was a tight squeeze. Figured it was time to upgrade to something just a little larger. I felt the Retrospective 5 and Billingham Hadley were just too large for what I was looking for. I don't carry an iPad or anything like that with me; just wanted something large enough to carry two bodies and that's it.
I stumbled upon Ona's website and the Bowery seemed to be a perfect fit. The bag was just larger than what I'd been using, but still smaller than the competition. While all reviews I read said it was perfect for one body plus one extra lens, I was sure I could fit more in. The waxed canvas also sold me!
Received the bag in earlier this week and first impressions are top notch. The waxed canvas feels great, the brass components feel sturdy and like they will last. Branding is minimal and the bag is very unassuming. Don't think many people would look at it and think camera bag! For the price, I'd say this bag is a steal!
Here's what I'm able to put in the bag:
M2 w/ 50 or 35 lens
x100s
few rolls of film
spare batteries
Lee Seven5 filter system
Room for more
Top view. The main compartment fits both bodies without any problem. Using a padded insert from another bag, I was able to create another pocket where I keep spare batteries and film
The pockets on front are perfect for holding any of my filters
There is no branding on the outside of the bag and minimal branding inside the bag. The two side flaps help protect the interior against rain
The bag is quite attractive when closed. It is also unassuming as a camera bag. Looking forward to seeing how the waxed canvas wears over time
What my day-to-day carry consists of.
if you're looking for a new bag, I highly recommend giving the Ona Bowery a look. Compared to what else is on the market, the build quality, looks, and price is spot on with this thing! Definitely two thumbs up from me.
Lately I've been carrying around two camera bodies with the bag and while they fit, it was a tight squeeze. Figured it was time to upgrade to something just a little larger. I felt the Retrospective 5 and Billingham Hadley were just too large for what I was looking for. I don't carry an iPad or anything like that with me; just wanted something large enough to carry two bodies and that's it.
I stumbled upon Ona's website and the Bowery seemed to be a perfect fit. The bag was just larger than what I'd been using, but still smaller than the competition. While all reviews I read said it was perfect for one body plus one extra lens, I was sure I could fit more in. The waxed canvas also sold me!
Received the bag in earlier this week and first impressions are top notch. The waxed canvas feels great, the brass components feel sturdy and like they will last. Branding is minimal and the bag is very unassuming. Don't think many people would look at it and think camera bag! For the price, I'd say this bag is a steal!
Here's what I'm able to put in the bag:
M2 w/ 50 or 35 lens
x100s
few rolls of film
spare batteries
Lee Seven5 filter system
Room for more
Top view. The main compartment fits both bodies without any problem. Using a padded insert from another bag, I was able to create another pocket where I keep spare batteries and film
The pockets on front are perfect for holding any of my filters
There is no branding on the outside of the bag and minimal branding inside the bag. The two side flaps help protect the interior against rain
The bag is quite attractive when closed. It is also unassuming as a camera bag. Looking forward to seeing how the waxed canvas wears over time
What my day-to-day carry consists of.
if you're looking for a new bag, I highly recommend giving the Ona Bowery a look. Compared to what else is on the market, the build quality, looks, and price is spot on with this thing! Definitely two thumbs up from me.
back alley
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I have two of them...love them!
Tony Whitney
Well-known
Looks like a great bag! I like working from a small bag like that and rarely carry batteries of lenses around - I just take what I need for what I'm doing. A couple of great cameras too, which reflects my own choice much of the time. Excellent images too!...cheers.. Tony W
back alley
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Godfrey
somewhat colored
I had one on order, but B&H seemed to never get them in stock.
I've been meaning to order from Ona Bags directly... thanks for the reminder.
(Now that I have Yet Another Camera, I need Yet Another Bag... sigh.)
G
I've been meaning to order from Ona Bags directly... thanks for the reminder.
(Now that I have Yet Another Camera, I need Yet Another Bag... sigh.)
G
mdwsta4
Matty Westside
Oddly enough, I originally ordered from Adorama (always have bad customer care experience with B&H and dislike ordering from them), but got notified the next day they were out of stock and didn't know when they'd receive more. Decided to order from B&H instead. Got it a few days later.
vdonovan
Vince Donovan
We just started carrying these and they are indeed quality bags that look great. Hard to keep in stock, though!
stompyq
Well-known
Is there a difference compared to a Domke or a thinktank?
Stephen G
Well-known
Got mine @ Adorama as well.
The look is nice, clean lines.. low key.
Doesn't scream camera bag the way Domke does to even the vaguely initiated.
Material is a nice waxed canvas type material on the outside. Inside is very well padded.
Nice divider so can fit body/lens combo plus second body&battery easily. Has front pockets to hold your caps, extra card and keys.
I like the minimal use of velcro, which I hate in bags.
The look is nice, clean lines.. low key.
Doesn't scream camera bag the way Domke does to even the vaguely initiated.
Material is a nice waxed canvas type material on the outside. Inside is very well padded.
Nice divider so can fit body/lens combo plus second body&battery easily. Has front pockets to hold your caps, extra card and keys.
I like the minimal use of velcro, which I hate in bags.
Chriscrawfordphoto
Real Men Shoot Film.
Where are they made?
back alley
IMAGES
dominican republic i think.
back alley
IMAGES
it's the same size as the domke 5xb but no zippers and an open top…much easier to put gear and get gear in/out of it.
as well made as the think tanks and a different shape than anything think tank in this size.
jimmyca1219
Member
very nice bag.
I have it with my Leica M8 and X100 or xpro1
I have it with my Leica M8 and X100 or xpro1
Addy101
Well-known
Got the leather one, love it. Just one downside, it won't fit my Sony A900 
But it is great with mirrorless (RF or other).
But it is great with mirrorless (RF or other).
willie_901
Veteran
I also just stated to use the brown leather version. It's a great bag. The leather is a bit heavier carry than I'm used to… but I like the look.
I ordered directly from Ona and the bag came in three days with free shipping.
I could see getting a canvas one too… maybe I will.
Anyway, I'm selling all my other bags and don't have any desire to think about bags now.
I ordered directly from Ona and the bag came in three days with free shipping.
I could see getting a canvas one too… maybe I will.
Anyway, I'm selling all my other bags and don't have any desire to think about bags now.
kuvvy
Well-known
I've got one in the black canvas and it's a good looking bag. Doesn't look out of place as a smart man bag. It is a very simple design, just a main compartment and one divider. For the price I think Ona could've included another divider. The outer pockets are small and will only hold small items. Would be nice if the they were a bit more roomy and with some kind of fastening. Overall, the bag is nice and better than the Domke F5xb. It's quick bag to get in and out of. The quality of the canvas is superb and even nice to the touch. The strap is similar to a car seat belt, smooth and slippy and doesn't stay on the shoulder too well. Worn across the chest though it's fine and the strap allows you to slide it around the body easily.
I have a TT retro 5 too for when I need that bit more room but the Ona is a well made, comfortable bag and suits a small outfit well.
For those in the UK who might fancy one, I got mine from fotosense in Bolton, Lancashire. They also had other models in the Ona range too.
Paul
I have a TT retro 5 too for when I need that bit more room but the Ona is a well made, comfortable bag and suits a small outfit well.
For those in the UK who might fancy one, I got mine from fotosense in Bolton, Lancashire. They also had other models in the Ona range too.
Paul
back alley
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paul…how would you compare the bowery with the bbbe bag?
it's a toss up for me with the bbbe winning as an everyday bag as it also easily carries my ipad mini along with camera gear.
i tend to use the ona as a camera bag only.
it's a toss up for me with the bbbe winning as an everyday bag as it also easily carries my ipad mini along with camera gear.
i tend to use the ona as a camera bag only.
kuvvy
Well-known
I have to agree with you Joe, the BBBe will hold that bit more than the Ona and probably is a better bet as an everyday bag. It's a larger, slimmer bag with more secure pockets. I don't have an ipad mini so wouldn't know about fitting one in the Ona. The Bowery is more of a one camera bag plus room for bits like keys etc for me.
Paul
Paul
kuvvy
Well-known
Hi Joe,
You mentioned carrying you iPad mini in your bbbe bag. Do you think with the New iPad Air being a little bit smaller and a little bit slimmer it too would fit in the bbbe bag ?. I'm hopping so.
Bob, the current BBBe should be no problem for the ipad, even the ipad 3. The bag was redesigned to fit the ipad better after it was found it wouldn't fit easily, especially with a case fitted. I would think the Ipad Air would fit even better. Check with Steven before ordering. He's a friendly guy.
Paul
back alley
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Hi Joe,
You mentioned carrying you iPad mini in your bbbe bag. Do you think with the New iPad Air being a little bit smaller and a little bit slimmer it too would fit in the bbbe bag ?. I'm hopping so.
it's supposed to hold a regular ipad also.
i only have the mini now as i gave my original ipad away to a friend.