The never ending hunt for the perfect camera bag // Grafea Leather Camera Bag

Grafea pink leather camera bag  £160

A few months ago, my search began for a decent camera bag. I recently upgraded my camera to a Canon 600d, and before that, I used to pop my older camera in my handbag if I wanted to use it, yikes! I didn't want a huge backpack with the sole purpose for carrying a bag, as I have a few other bits to carry around and only 2 lenses usually. Instead, I wanted something that could substitute a handbag. It had to be relatively small, over the shoulder style, well padded with lots of pockets, and look pretty awesome too. 

I had absolutely no idea just how much I was asking for.

 I searched high and low online, in every high street store, and even took to forums and the like. I'd seen this Grafea bag quite early on in my search, but figured that there must be something cheaper out there. But no, absolutely everything is the same old black, nylon borefest. 

Finally, unable to find anything else, I caved and bought this beauty. £160 is a lot of money for me, so I was hoping it was really as good as it looked in the photos. I figured seeing as I'm helping Dan with a lot of weddings and events (these photos were taken at a Luminaries event), its worth investing for the sake of looking professional. Thats my excuse! ;)
 It was a little bigger than I expected, but it didn't put me off - It really is divine, and I've been asked about it every time I've worn it so far. 

The pockets are the most useful feature. There are soft,  removable dividers inside which attach with velcro so you can put them wherever you want. But there is also a zip pocket on the back, a pocket either side and one on the front, so plenty of space to bring spare batteries, cards and then personal essentials like my phone, and lip balm!

The only thing that bothers me is the zip. Under the flap is a zip to keep things safe, and presumably so you don't have to fiddle with the buckle every time (you can see I leave mine open really), but the zip is so tempermental that it can get really frustrating when you're in a rush to change a lens. Also, the strap clip has caught itself on the flap a few times and scraped off the facade, but the leather is dyed pink all the way through so its no biggie. 

What do you think of it?

Is this a 'problem' you've encountered?

S xx