So, What is NEW VINTAGE? Vol.26 "People don't know about it yet, that's why it's a good target" Tamrac camera bag.

What is the New Vintage anyway?

In the 1990s, the term "vintage" was used to describe vintage clothing that did not meet the definition of "antique," but still had value, as opposed to "antique" clothing that was 100 years old. Nowadays, there is a movement to find new value in "new vintage," even in old clothes from the 1980s onward, which used to be called "regular" vintage clothes. In this project, four vintage clothing stores with different styles propose new ways to enjoy vintage clothing. Each of them will talk about the charm of vintage clothing with their own sense of style.

The stores have been changed and restarted since the last issue. The 26th edition features a new addition, Yuta Hara of WED STORE.

Text_Tommy
Edit_Yosuke Ishii

Yuta Hara / WED STORE Owner
Vol.26_Tamlac Camera Bag

-What does new vintage mean to you?

I think many people of our generation would say that the best thing about vintage clothing is that you can get something that no one else has. In that sense, the very act of searching for items that are categorized as "new vintage" and have gaps between them is fun. For example, going to the U.S. to buy and looking for items that already have a certain value is like work. Instead, I think that "discovering new things based on your own criteria of value" is what New Vintage is all about. Well, I can't guarantee that it will have value as vintage and remain in the world of secondhand clothing in the future... (laughs)

-What is the new vintage item that Mr. Hara is going to introduce to us this time?

Tamrac is a brand established in California, U.S.A. in 1977. At first, I thought it was a Japanese brand from the sound of the name, but it turned out to be a normal American brand (laughs). The brand is still around today, and its main products are functional camera bags for taking your camera outdoors.

Clockwise from top left: Tamrac camera bag for reference / Tamrac camera bag for reference / Tamrac camera bag for reference / Tamrac camera bag for reference / Tamrac camera bag for reference(All Wedstore)

-Honestly, this is the first time I've heard of it, but is it famous in your circles?

In my case, I discovered them when I was shopping in the U.S., and have been buying them from time to time because I was attracted by their color scheme, which is a bit like that of THE NORTH FACE, and they seem to be famous among camera enthusiasts. I've been buying these bags from time to time because I'm attracted to the color scheme that looks a bit like THE NORTH FACE, which seems to be well-known among camera enthusiasts.

-Mr. Hara is famous for his love of fishing, do you take it with you when you go fishing?

That's right. One of the reasons I started collecting them in the first place was to use them as a sample source for my own fishing bags. I love the gear-like feel of these bags, with pockets on the back of the flap and all the necessary functions condensed into a single package. Of course, not all Tamurak products are good, but I like products that have the smells and atmosphere of the time. I recommend the "5400" model, which combines elements of both outdoor activities and fishing, and has an excellent balance of design. In addition to the abundance of pockets in this size, it is very functional with padding on the inside to protect the camera and lens, and the color scheme is somewhat reminiscent of the shell jackets of the time, don't you think?　The logo embroidery is also a bit classical.

Left → Right Tamrac camera bag for reference / Tamrac camera bag for reference(Both Wedstore)

-It has a 90's outdoorsy feel to it. This is a good choice for town use! By the way, the model name is a number.

I guess officially they should be called model numbers, but basically they are assigned 4-digit and 3-digit numbers, with 3-digit numbers being produced in the U.S. and 4-digit numbers being produced in China. I prefer the 4-digit number because the American production is for professional use. In terms of time, it seems to have been released from the end of the 90s to the first half of 2000, and the shoulder bag "System 3" is from the same time period. I am glad that it is a good size and fits a lure box well. I also personally recommend attaching a camera strap to the lure box.

Tamrac Camera Bag Reference Products(Wedstore)

Tamrac Camera Bag Reference Products(Wedstore)

-I see. So you have items other than these bags?

In terms of bags, there are backpacks as well as shoulders. This is a series called "Adventure," a model with the numbers "8," "9," and "10" in the model name. The details do not seem to have changed that much, but if the bag is a little older, the handles may be made of suede. However, it has excellent storage capacity, so a tackle box can easily fit in it, and it is very easy to use.

Tamrac Camera Bag Reference Products(Wedstore)

-By the way, is it possible to find it in Japan?

The current model is available, but the list price is quite expensive and the design is very modern, so it may be difficult to enjoy the atmosphere of those days. If you are looking for a used model, you can try to find a camera shop that used to stock parallel imports at the time, but in many cases, they seem to be charging aggressive prices because they know the list price at the time. Even in the U.S. mainland, they are completely in the same boat, and are not taken seriously at all in the fashion market. ...... (smiles). So, there is a possibility that you can find them unexpectedly at recycle stores even in Japan.

-It is also possible to get them from people who own them privately.

You could ask an old man who has a relative with a camera hobby (laughs). The outdoor clothing genre has been dug up pretty well, but camera bags are still a no-name in the vintage clothing industry (laugh). However, there are a lot of variations, and some of them are not even listed in the catalogs of the time, so it is worth digging and is simply interesting. Considering the rate of encounter, it is difficult to call them good regulars, but I think it is a good idea to pay attention to them while there is no one who dares to look for them.

Yuta Hara / WED STORE Owner
He is the owner of "WED STORE," a secret base-like store in Shimokitazawa that sells vintage clothing and also irregularly releases original clothing "Yuan" and "Connett," gaining a large number of enthusiastic fans. He is also well acquainted with Mr. Ito of Ito Shoten, who has appeared in this Series before, and is famous for his love of fishing, which is reflected in his own product creation.
Official site:www.wed-wear.com
Instagram:@wed_store / @y___u___a___n