Hi! I’ve been considering a camera bag from the current collection in stores and I love the size and weight for travel. I am really concerned that the top zipper area already shows signs of falling inward. The zipper at top is collapsing inward if that makes sense. I’ve seen a handful of them from different locations and they all seem to be doing this. Does anyone have a similar bag or issue with a similar zipper area? Worried it won’t look great after some use. Also, seems harder to get in and out of the bag compared to a flap bag? Would like it for weekly use/travel/etc. since it is light and cross body. LOVE the CC logo on it but worried about the structure at top collapsing. Any tips or opinions based on what you own would be so helpful! Thank you!
Chanel Camera Bag opinion on structure?
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Hi! I’ve been considering a camera bag from the current collection in stores and I love the size and weight for travel. I am really concerned that the top zipper area already shows signs of falling inward. The zipper at top is collapsing inward if that makes sense. I’ve seen a handful of them from different locations and they all seem to be doing this. Does anyone have a similar bag or issue with a similar zipper area? Worried it won’t look great after some use. Also, seems harder to get in and out of the bag compared to a flap bag? Would like it for weekly use/travel/etc. since it is light and cross body. LOVE the CC logo on it but worried about the structure at top collapsing. Any tips or opinions based on what you own would be so helpful! Thank you!
Can’t speak to the zipper, but did you try it on at the store and liked how it sat?
I was with a friend that tried this on, but she passed on it because the bag leans a little awkwardly when used crossbody, due to where the straps come out on the back of the bag. It’s not quite like the classic flap bags where the chain comes out at the top more.
I was with a friend that tried this on, but she passed on it because the bag leans a little awkwardly when used crossbody, due to where the straps come out on the back of the bag. It’s not quite like the classic flap bags where the chain comes out at the top more.
Thanks for the input! I did try it on in store and loved how it sat cross body on me, it was perfect. Maybe different heights/ shapes. I’m 5’4 and curvy.
The leather on the bag is lambskin but the zipper of course has the zipper material around it. I do find it pretty annoying to zip and unzip in general bc it gets caught at the corners where it is folding inward. I love the size too and can be worn both shoulder and crossbody.
I have been waiting many a season for the perfect chanel camera bag—
Some have been wrong size, color or style and it’s been hard at times to turn down some of the bags, my advice is to follow your gut...if the zipper issue bothers you now, I doubt it will be less annoying with time. Maybe try a few more stores to see if this is a universal issue with this style.
Some have been wrong size, color or style and it’s been hard at times to turn down some of the bags, my advice is to follow your gut...if the zipper issue bothers you now, I doubt it will be less annoying with time. Maybe try a few more stores to see if this is a universal issue with this style.
I love camera bags. I have the reissue camera bag for 2007 and the top does collapse in as the leather gets softer. You can put rings on the inside to stop the strap coming all the way through. Some of the newer camera bags are two separate straps to prevent this but then you can’t wear it crossbody. I still love mine and it’s one of my most practical bags. Super easy to get in and out vs a flap bag and you can fit so much because of the open room.
Thank you for your advice and opinions. I do love the camera bag. Wish it was easier to unzip and get in. And love the CC logo on this particular bag. Would you mind sharing a photo of your zipper area for your camera bag? Thank you!
this might not be the best picture. But you can get the idea. Now this is a soft aged leather so it’s know to be more flexible. I think a caviar or more structured leather would keep its shape more. I think it adds to the charm but this bag can probably use a spa day as well granted it’s over 10yrs old.
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Wow what a beautiful bag. Still so relevant and cute even after a decade. Love it.
I wouldn’t worry about it if you otherwise love the bag.i have two Chanel camera bags that I’ve had for more years than I want to admit, but here’s one that has held up the test of time. It may be a bit smaller, narrower than yours, no zipper trouble.
Hello, I owned a Chanel camera bag in a VERY similar style that I recently sold, it had exactly the problems you're describing and is a big part of the reason I sold. Also, I found the chain strap really annoying, it wouldn't stay put and the leather bit (that was supposed to be on top of the shoulder to keep the bag comfortable to wear) always moved around.
https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/leather-surgeons-results-process-experience.1012129/
You can see pictures of my bag here, and I think you'll be able to tell that the bag is quite warped and the shape has definitly changed-- and that's when it's fully stuffed. When I wear it normally without the full stuffing, the zipper bit completely caves in and the top of the bag is pulled completely flat by the way the chain is (sorry, can't find pictures!). I'm a big lover of camera bags personally but I definitely would say I wouldn't recommend this one if you don't like the way that looks.
https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/leather-surgeons-results-process-experience.1012129/
You can see pictures of my bag here, and I think you'll be able to tell that the bag is quite warped and the shape has definitly changed-- and that's when it's fully stuffed. When I wear it normally without the full stuffing, the zipper bit completely caves in and the top of the bag is pulled completely flat by the way the chain is (sorry, can't find pictures!). I'm a big lover of camera bags personally but I definitely would say I wouldn't recommend this one if you don't like the way that looks.
Thank you! Bought her in the late 90’s, one of my all time favorites. It was back in the days when they had bags on sale and there was another one in silver metallic that I wish I would have purchased, but decided too late!
The issues you mentioned are due to the placement of the grommets and chains. This makes it inevitable for the zipper area to cave in and the top of the bag to eventually lose structure with regular use. The chain, which is just one continuous piece, goes through 4 grommets. So If you use the bag as a single chain/cross body, the top part of the bag will get pinched by the chain part resting on the leather, causing the zipper area to collapse inward, like you said. I have seen this very often on the older Reissue camera bags. This problem would be resolved if there where 2 separate pieces of leather chains instead of a continuous piece, but then you won't be able to use the bag as a cross body. If you want to use the bag above as a singe chain/cross body without the top to caving in, you can use stoppers (like key rings, anything large enough to not slip through the grommets) and attach them to the chain by the 2 grommets resting against your body when you use the bag as a single chain (be careful not to damage the leather). These stoppers will prevent the chains to from sliding through and "squeezing" the top part of the bag, causing it to fall inward/lose shape.
I find that the 4-grommets-1-continuous-chain style works better on bags where the top is already flat/not structured, like the Just Mademoiselle
I find that the 4-grommets-1-continuous-chain style works better on bags where the top is already flat/not structured, like the Just Mademoiselle