A couple of you asked me to update when my bag would be back from repairs with Leather Surgeons to see the results. To begin, I found this style of camera bag I loved, couldn't find the same one anywhere else, so I ended up purchasing it for $850 (what I consider to be a low price, since the condition was not great), and thought it would be the perfect experiment time with Leather Surgeons. (If anyone is wondering, this was the camera case from the 2015 Paris-Salzberg collection that retailed for $3500, diagonal stitching.) 
Although I did purchase my bag preloved, I had the authenticity card, and since the bag is relatively new (from 2015), I believe Chanel would have taken it in for spa as well. I chose to take the LS route because it takes less time and I get to communicate with whoever is refurbishing the bag myself. I did not bother inquiring at Chanel.
Although I did purchase my bag preloved, I had the authenticity card, and since the bag is relatively new (from 2015), I believe Chanel would have taken it in for spa as well. I chose to take the LS route because it takes less time and I get to communicate with whoever is refurbishing the bag myself. I did not bother inquiring at Chanel.
PROCESS
I sent pictures to their email, stressed that I did not want the entire bag to be re-painted since it would change the leather. You will be able to see below from the 'before' photos, corners have been worn through completely, the piping has rubbing, logo and strap have darkened significantly, there are big scratches. I was quoted $345, here's the very helpful and descriptive email I got back:
I also inquired about shortening the strap (which I did not end up doing, but was quoted that it would cost an additional $20, bringing my total up to $365). In our back and forth emails, he also advised "shaping would not be included and I actually wouldn't recommend it for this bag. This design just doesn't reshape all that well so we wouldn't be able to make as much of an improvement as I'd like" and stressed that shaping was "invasive".
I sent pictures to their email, stressed that I did not want the entire bag to be re-painted since it would change the leather. You will be able to see below from the 'before' photos, corners have been worn through completely, the piping has rubbing, logo and strap have darkened significantly, there are big scratches. I was quoted $345, here's the very helpful and descriptive email I got back:
I also inquired about shortening the strap (which I did not end up doing, but was quoted that it would cost an additional $20, bringing my total up to $365). In our back and forth emails, he also advised "shaping would not be included and I actually wouldn't recommend it for this bag. This design just doesn't reshape all that well so we wouldn't be able to make as much of an improvement as I'd like" and stressed that shaping was "invasive".
Once I was ready they provided me with a link, in which I filled out my information, got a free shipping label, and sent off my package. Here's a basic timeline:
- 5/05 I sent my first email, took my time in replying. They replied once every business day.
- 5/17 I said I was ready, they sent me a link for shipment, I shipped off my bag.
- 5/21 They emailed me to confirm they had the bag, safe and sound, logged into their system.
- 6/01 The bag was ready to be shipped, I received and paid the invoice.
- 6/04 Today, I received the bag in the mail; quicker than the quoted 3-4 week time frame.
RESULTS
Here's how the bag came, well wrapped with a free authenticity certificate.
I couldn't upload all the full quality pics because of limits on TPF, but feel free to contact me and I'll give you a link where you can view them all in detail!
Comparison: Left is AFTER, Right is BEFORE.
I tried to take the pictures of the bag in the same spot with the same lighting for consistency, but there's still shade differences (which are from the lighting), and I don't know if it's just me, but my bag doesn't look as glossy as before, which a lot of people say is the case after a bag has been redyed. I've just reached out to LS to ask if they redyed the whole thing despite us discussing against it, but I've yet to receive a reply but definitely will update.
OVERALL EXPERIENCE
Overall, I'd recommend Leather Surgeons because I found this to be positive experience. I'm happy with the price I paid for this bag ($850 + $345 = $1,195 for a Chanel camera bag in total for this condition doesn't seem bad to me; even the vintage ones in poor condition are at this price and I just really liked the look of this one). I think LS did an amazing job with the corners, which I was the most concerned about, as well as the leather logo in the front. The strap also looks amazing. As far as hardware goes, I am not sure at all if there was any change even though the initial response did say there would be handpolishing, but it looks great to me. I found a darkened area on the piping that I freaked about initially, then I realized it was just glue residue. With a bit of soft rubbing with my fingers, it disappeared. There was a HUGE scratch on the base that I was very concerned about but they made it almost disappear.
Still do not know if my entire bag was repainted since I'm no expert, but if anyone has more experience and can tell from the pictures, please share with me! I will follow up once LS replies.
As always, sorry for my lengthy posts, I have trouble cutting it down
Hope this helps anybody looking to refurbish their bags or are looking for pre-loved bags that need a lot of touching up. I know for sure I'll be keeping my eyes open for more low-priced bags that may need refurbishing in the future! It's so lovely to be able to give a bag a new "chance".
If anyone has any good/bad experiences, please do share with the rest of us!
Here's how the bag came, well wrapped with a free authenticity certificate.
I couldn't upload all the full quality pics because of limits on TPF, but feel free to contact me and I'll give you a link where you can view them all in detail!
Comparison: Left is AFTER, Right is BEFORE.
I tried to take the pictures of the bag in the same spot with the same lighting for consistency, but there's still shade differences (which are from the lighting), and I don't know if it's just me, but my bag doesn't look as glossy as before, which a lot of people say is the case after a bag has been redyed. I've just reached out to LS to ask if they redyed the whole thing despite us discussing against it, but I've yet to receive a reply but definitely will update.
OVERALL EXPERIENCE
Overall, I'd recommend Leather Surgeons because I found this to be positive experience. I'm happy with the price I paid for this bag ($850 + $345 = $1,195 for a Chanel camera bag in total for this condition doesn't seem bad to me; even the vintage ones in poor condition are at this price and I just really liked the look of this one). I think LS did an amazing job with the corners, which I was the most concerned about, as well as the leather logo in the front. The strap also looks amazing. As far as hardware goes, I am not sure at all if there was any change even though the initial response did say there would be handpolishing, but it looks great to me. I found a darkened area on the piping that I freaked about initially, then I realized it was just glue residue. With a bit of soft rubbing with my fingers, it disappeared. There was a HUGE scratch on the base that I was very concerned about but they made it almost disappear.
Still do not know if my entire bag was repainted since I'm no expert, but if anyone has more experience and can tell from the pictures, please share with me! I will follow up once LS replies.
As always, sorry for my lengthy posts, I have trouble cutting it down
Hope this helps anybody looking to refurbish their bags or are looking for pre-loved bags that need a lot of touching up. I know for sure I'll be keeping my eyes open for more low-priced bags that may need refurbishing in the future! It's so lovely to be able to give a bag a new "chance".
If anyone has any good/bad experiences, please do share with the rest of us!
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I was expecting the price tag to be much more, considering the “before” photos, holy moly! Thanks for sharing! 
Even more pleased with my experience now.
