Smallish camera bag

[Bingley]

Another shout-out for the Domke 5Xb. I got an olive one a while ago, and it's perfect for a one or two bodies, an extra lens, and film.

 

[sockeyed]

Sockeyed, I think, with the utmost respect, you are deluding yourself if you think that doesn't look like a camera bag.

Well, Bill, I think that the Crumpler looks a lot less like a camera bag than the Lowepro in the post two above this one. Your average camera bag (Lowe-pro, Tamrac, etc) is black and technical-looking and has lots of pockets and handles and webbing and logos on it. But yes, I concede that the Crumpler does look somewhat like a camera bag, and if folks want something that doesn't, they could use a diaper bag or a cheap backpack.

 

[Johann Espiritu]

Domke F-802 or F-803. They're small, enough for just what you describe (plus a little extra) and the best part: they don't look like camera bags at all! The main compartment opens with a clip and not velcro - so you don't get that annoying noise.

 

[dcsang]

Hmm.. I know everyone keeps yammering on about the F-5xb but I always thought the "one long compartment" in front was too.. well.. "big"- you can put a ton of stuff in there and then you're fumbling and bumbling about to find what you need. Kind of like a woman's purse

That said, I have opted for the Domke f-803 satchel. (just like Johann above me described)
I've tried to find another bag that comes close but I haven't yet.

It holds 2 M bodies, my 4 lenses, some film, and wallet, cell phone and keys all in a bag the same size as the f-5xb but, in my opinion, offers more utility and doesn't have the word "Domke" across the front

Cheers,
Dave

 

[back alley]

i prefer the f6 if i want to carry a full kit. it is way easier to put gear into and to take gear out of than the satchel type.
the 5xb works great with 2 small dividers in it.

 

[dcsang]

i prefer the f6 if i want to carry a full kit. it is way easier to put gear into and to take gear out of than the satchel type.
the 5xb works great with 2 small dividers in it.

Not necessarily.

The flap of the satchel folds easily over the back of the bag thereby allowing complete unfettered (UNFETTERED I SAYS !!!) access to the gear within.

When closed, the f6 still looks like a camera bag.
When closed, the f-803 looks like a lovely man purse... honest ....


Dave

 

[back alley]

dave, i have the 8-0something, the big one, and i use it as a briefcase for work. it carries all kinds of stuff in it, including a grd plus whatever film camera (today, it was the zi with cv 35/1.4 lens).
but as just a camera bag i find it clumsy.

the f6 does look like a camera bag, granted, but i find it so easy to use. and let's face it...when a camera is around your neck it's pretty clear the bag at your side is a camera bag.

 

[dcsang]

Joe,
what you have (as do I) is the f-802.
I use it for the same thing you do - briefcase for work - fits the laptop perfectly plus other crap.

I also have the f-803 which is a LOT smaller and less bulky and/or clumsy. So while they're from the same "family" the f-802 and f-803 are worlds apart when it comes to "smallish camera bag" status.

Plus.. don't forget.. UNFETTERED ACCESS !!!

Cheers,
Dave

 

[back alley]

i had that smaller one also and sold it. it seemed the wrong size for everything.

 

[back alley]

Plus.. don't forget.. UNFETTERED ACCESS...

and for the life of me i have no idea why you keep talking about greek cheese!

 

[dcsang]

That's the one I intend on taking with me on vacation - like I said, perfect size for two M bodies and lenses and some film to carry with.

I guess if you're trying to carry all the stuff you have then maybe it's too small.. or the "wrong size"

Cheers,
Dave

 

[back alley]

i never carry everything i have, i rarely carry a full kit even.
that smaller satchel just seemed very 'wrong' for me. but then the f6, which is very different from the satchel type, is so very 'right' for me. different strokes...

where ya going for holidays?

 

[dcsang]

The plan is, as long as I can "afford" it.. to go and visit a good friend of mine, her husband, and her newborn, down in Australia.

She lives in Perth but I believe I'll meet them in Sydney or Brisbane first and do the touristy stuff and then onto Perth.

I may try to hit another country on my swing back to Canada; maybe Singapore or Cambodia or Laos..

Dave

P.S. I just enjoy saying "UNFETTERED ACCESS" .. has a nice innuendo to it

 

[Steve Bellayr]

There's absolutely scads of bags at the local thrifts that with some modification can work. You can buy Domke inserts from B&H. If nothing else how about old laptop bags? Some are padded. It is best to have a bag that has a zipper so as elucidated in a previous thread an unsolicitated party does not reach into the bag. If not zippered at least four clips: two in front and one on either side. Just remember there is not such thing a a perfect bag.

 

[tmfabian]

I just got me one of these http://tenba.com/ps-963-22-messenger-small.aspx
with the camera insert...not too shabby.

 

[Tarzak]

The plan is, as long as I can "afford" it.. to go and visit a good friend of mine, her husband, and her newborn, down in Australia.

She lives in Perth but I believe I'll meet them in Sydney or Brisbane first and do the touristy stuff and then onto Perth.

I may try to hit another country on my swing back to Canada; maybe Singapore or Cambodia or Laos..

Dave

Dave,

If you're going to be in Sydney, send me an email and I can give you some local advice, tourist or otherwise. Perhaps meet for coffee depending on your (and my) schedule.

Cheers.

 

[morphomir]

Hey morphomir

I do NOT recommending spending the big loonies and getting an expensive bag; they attract attention because they look so bloody wonderful. I had a hot looking Fogg bag and I had people stopping me to ask me about my bag when I was supposedly in "stealth mode"; I sold it off to some young dude who didn't seem to mind the notion of the extra attention Get a waterproof Domke fx5a or Crumpler 4M. dollar bag for your stated purposes: very good value and you won't attract much attention because of your "murse"

Good call, Thomas. But I have read that even the Domke bag has huge lettering advertising itself. I suppose I can cut that off, though.

I have even thought, as someone mentioned, to purchase a nice laptop bag. I've been looking for one for quite some time, but have had no luck. Currently, I use a messenger bag with some padding at the bottom, but this cannot cut it. The Leica *needs* its own bag. Again, it was too much for me to continue lugging it around like this.

Thanks for all the feedback and thoughts.

 

[kennethcooke]

Camera Bag for an M

Camera Bag for an M

Hi all -

I was wondering what camera bag you would recommend for an M7 and maybe two lenses. I ask because most of the bags I see either sold on here or on sites, tend to be rather large. I don't need anything that big since I don't have a ton of gear. I would like something that I can carry around comfortably while walking the street. Any suggestions? Maybe even Best Buy??

Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

I have recently bought an M6tti and my Leica dealer recommended Neoprene Small Front Case made by Leica for M cameras. I have been looking for a bag like this for a long time. It is simple, waterproof and affords some abrasion protection. I relies on the cameras own strap and at £35.00 GBP the price is fine. I would heartily recommend it to anyone

 

[back alley]

I have recently bought an M6tti and my Leica dealer recommended Neoprene Small Front Case made by Leica for M cameras. I have been looking for a bag like this for a long time. It is simple, waterproof and affords some abrasion protection. I relies on the cameras own strap and at £35.00 GBP the price is fine. I would heartily recommend it to anyone

except that it says LEICA on the front!

as to a laptop bag...do we want the bad guys to think you we have a laptop in there?

you can cut the domke label off their bags.

 

[dcsang]

Dave,

If you're going to be in Sydney, send me an email and I can give you some local advice, tourist or otherwise. Perhaps meet for coffee depending on your (and my) schedule.

Cheers.

Thanks Mark.. will do.

My plan has me getting there sometime b/w late October/early November.

Cheers and Thank you !!
Dave