Camera bags are among the most important photography accessories a photographer can have. While there are many brands to choose from, Filson is one of the few that is sought after in rare occasions, including some of the most senior photographers around the world. In a new event, the company is now drawing attention on eBay to camera bags it is no longer producing. And if you remember their classics, then know that they’re still worth something.
One of Filson’s camera bags, called the Magnum photographer backpack, is drawing attention on eBay and resale marketplaces. The model is a collaboration between Filson and famed Magnum Photos’ photographers, Steve McCurry and David Alan Harvey. The camera bags are designed to withstand challenging conditions, and the designs are created to meet the rugged demands of documentary and field photography.
The camera bag is a premium model that features YKK zippers and is designed to carry a DSLR, several lenses, flashes, and up to a 17-inch laptop. In addition to durability, the reason the Filson x Magnum backpacks command a high resale value is that they are rare. The collaboration appeared around 2014, and it was sold in a limited edition. Considering how Filson gear is typically made to last a lifetime, these items were bound to only get better with age.
Filson gear is known for its build and heritage appeal. Combined with Magnum Photos’ iconic reputation in documentary photography, this camera bag carries symbolic weight for enthusiasts and professionals alike. In fact, in our review of the Filson Game Bag, we liked the bag and how it functioned for people. In our review, we said:
“The Filson Game Bag is kind of tough to get your hands on, as I believe it’s been discontinued. It’s a beautiful bag that can truly have the moniker of being American-made and designed. It will look sloppy, and sometimes the absolute best thing about having a bag is that you have a camera bag that doesn’t look like there is camera gear inside.”
On pages like Reddit, the camera bag is considered a holy grail. In one thread on r/filson, a messenger bag was being sold for 300 euros (about $350) a few months ago. However, in 3 months’ time, the price has skyrocketed further, which further proves that good camera bags are the need of the time.
This further solidifies so much of what we keep saying in our camera bag reviews: people want canvas, leather, and long-term durability.