Camera bags: shoulder or backpack?

peter_n said:
The F-2 carried a Nikon F3+MD4 system with three lenses for years with no problems. I took it on a long trip to Fiji last year and carried two Leica MPs and three lenses all day for many days in extreme heat and humidity. No issues there either. The F-2 in particular is an incredibly usable bag as others have also said.
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I agree. The one accessory that I find really useful is the hand strap. I think they also have a waist strap that might help if you load the bag to the point of being heavy.
 
Backpacks are a PITA to work out of. They don't make sense for a small kit.

My advice is get the smallest bag you can comfortably work out of.
Camera bags are just like fishing tackle boxes, and purses I am told.
If bigger than required they invariably fill up with junk you don't really need.

The Domke F-6 you mentioned is a very good choice in a compact shoulder bag.
A "system" bag, it can be tailored to your needs by purchasing the appropriate inserts.

Chris
 
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I use a Lowepro Slingshot AW 100 or an AW 200.

AW 100 carries EOS 40D plus two lenses AND Leica M6 two/ three lenses and film
AW 200 carries Hasselblad Kit plus Leica and one lens OR 'blad and FUJI GW690II and Leica OR EOS, Blad and Leica.

I really like these bags, they are very well made and good/quick to use.

The AW100 is really small for the kt that i can fit in it The AW200 is very versatile and allows me amlost any combination of kit I choose.
 
I worked as a nature stock photographer for years, and tried very hard to like a backpack, but everytime I had to deal with a soaking wet back after getting something out of the pack early in the morning on dewy ground or in the rain I cursed the damn backpack. Too hard to work out of.
 
My Lowepro backpack is only used as a storage bag for film, extra body and 300 2.8 if I go on a Photo Excellent Adventure. For everyday street use, I've got a 20-year old Tenba 995 shoulder bag that is outstanding.
I recommend shoulder bags over back packs every time.
 
I def prefer shoulder bags as well. I highly recommend the Tenba Messenger Bag. I took this on a trip to Europe for 6 weeks with a laptop, SLR, Contax G2, various lenses, and other small items. Never felt too heavy and it gives you easy access to everything without having to remove from shoulder.

Boisty
 
boisty said:
I def prefer shoulder bags as well. I highly recommend the Tenba Messenger Bag. I took this on a trip to Europe for 6 weeks with a laptop, SLR, Contax G2, various lenses, and other small items. Never felt too heavy and it gives you easy access to everything without having to remove from shoulder.

Boisty
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I've looked at this bag myself, is the small one large enough for a reasonable amount of gear?
 
Marko

you did not mention the size of your Nikon film kit, RF or SLR and number and size of lenses. I have the F6 and it will hold, with the insert that came with it, A RF or SLR/DSLR with a lens attached and quite a few lenses and light meter. I say quite a few lenses meaning primes that are doubled up on top of each other easily 6 with room for the meter in the last, fourth, compartment. More than enough room for any RF kit, film and accessories. I use it for my D700 also and put the camera with 20-40 Tamron lens hood reversed in the end of the bag and use only one of the four padded compartments to hold my 70-300 VR with lens hood reversed. As someone else has mentioned you can further customize the F6 by buying different inserts. I have used this bag for travel by air and car and find it very comfortable to use. If I need to take my 300/2.8 I am forced to use a backpack. For everyday use with normal kit it is very a versatile shoulder bag. I love the carrying strap as it is very slip resistant.

Bob
 
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